Meet the Team

Joy Bush, Executive Director

Joy (She/Her) joined the Gilda’s Club team in February 2016 as our Development Director, was appointed to Interim Executive Director in October 2017 and Executive Director in February 2018.  She handles day to day operations as well as managing our amazing staff at Gilda’s Club.  She has over 20 years experience as an executive retail buyer, as well as 4 years experience running a small non-profit.  She decided to leave the corporate world behind after losing her husband in 2014 and her mom in 2015, both to cancer, and find a career where she could have a better work/life balance as well as give back to others. Joy understands in an extremely personal way the impact of a cancer diagnosis and the critical mission for patients and their loved ones.  Her knowledge of how crucial support is to families impacted by cancer is what drives her to bring awareness to Gilda’s Club’s free programs and services to make sure no one faces cancer alone.

Joy lives in Eldridge with her husband, Brian, daughter Bella, as well as their dog Molly and cat Twitch.  Together they are also parents to four adult children; Kelsi, Trevor, Vanessa, and Sydney.

You can e-mail her at joy@gildasclubqc.org

Kelsey Allen, Program Director

Kelsey (She/Her) joined the Gilda’s Club team full-time in September of 2020. Kelsey earned her master’s degree in social work with a focus in End of Life Care from the University of Iowa in May 2016. Kelsey originally joined Gilda’s Club as an intern during the 2015-2016 school year and then went on to serve her time with a local Hospice agency helping patients/families navigate the end of life journey. Although she loved the work she did in hospice, she felt called back to the cancer support community where she connected with many individuals, families and community partners. Kelsey has over 13+ years of social work experience ranging from end of life care, child welfare and working with older adults.

Kelsey lives in Bettendorf with her husband Bret and together they have two energetic boys, Bentley and Karson and two boxers, Tyson and Harley. When Kelsey isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and crafting.

You can e-mail her at Kelsey@gildasclubqc.org

Lexi Bull, Development and Event Manager

Lexi (She/Her) joined the Gilda’s Club team in March of 2023. Lexi is a Quad City native who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Event Planning in May of 2022 from Western Illinois University. While earning her degree she interned at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Upon graduating she began working at Christian Care, a nonprofit homeless service provider where she managed all Marketing and Events. Lexi has a passion for helping others and that is why she enjoys working in the nonprofit sector.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her high school sweetheart, Alec. Lexi has a green thumb and enjoys all things plants! She also enjoys spending time with her pets, thrift shopping,  cooking, and working on home projects.

You can email her at lexi@gildasclubqc.org.

Kelly Craft, Program Manager
Kelly (She/Her) joined the Gilda’s Club team in June 2018. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from University of Iowa in 2012 and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from DePaul University in 2014. She first joined the Gilda’s Club family while interning at Gilda’s Club Chicago in 2012-2013. After five years in Chicago, she decided to move back to the Quad Cities to be close to her family. She is excited to work with Gilda’s Club’s amazing volunteers who give their time to help those impacted by cancer. Kelly also facilitates support groups, teaches chair yoga classes, and works full-time at our UnityPoint Health – Trinity Moline Clubhouse.

Kelly lives in Davenport with her husband Joe, daughter Shawn, and Great Dane/Black Lab mix Anya.

You can e-mail her at kcraft@gildasclubqc.org.

Vicente Solis, Program Manager

Vicente (He/Him) joined the Gilda’s Club team in May 2022 as a Program Manager working primarily with children, teens, and families. Vicente earned his B.A. in Psychology and Theatre in 2016 and completed his Master of Social Work Degree in 2020 from St. Ambrose University. Vicente started his social work experience observing an after-school program called Safer Foundation: Impact while completing his psych degree. During his Master courses, Vicente interned for a year at a Substance Abuse and Addiction Outpatient facility for teens and adults as well as a year at an Inpatient treatment facility serving at-risk youth between the ages of 12-21. Vicente served at-risk youth in his last position for 2.5 years.

In his free time, Vicente likes anything music related whether it be dancing, singing, playing the guitar or piano. Vicente grew up playing sports and continues to play soccer and volleyball after work as well as coaching volleyball at a club and high school level. When Vicente isn’t working or coaching, Vicente hangs out with his cats, Luna, Tigre, and Rae, or plays video games. Vicente is very excited about his opportunity to work with such an amazing staff as well as the amazing group of people he will encounter during his time at Gilda’s Club!

You can e-mail him at vicente@gildasclubqc.org.

Pam Tone, Officer Manager
Pam (She/Her) began her service to Gilda’s as a volunteer in 1997 and joined the Gilda’s Club team in July 2002. Pam is often the first voice you hear when calling Gilda’s Club. Pam makes sure the office runs smoothly and helps in whatever way she can, whether it is a staff, member, donor or volunteer request. Pam enjoys serving and helping others, getting to know members and donors and being that listening ear when someone just needs to talk, a gift she learned from her mother who died of cancer in 2015.

When not working she enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her 4 grandchildren. Pam lives in Hampton with her husband Ryan.

You can e-mail her at pam@gildasclubqc.org.

Kayla Arkebauer, Social Work Intern
Kayla (She/Her) joined Gilda’s Club as an intern, for the second time, in August 2022 and will conclude her internship at the beginning of May 2023. She is currently getting her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University in Iowa. Kayla hopes to focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and feels passionate about helping communities through policy and judicial changes. Gilda’s Club has given Kayla the opportunity to see a side of social work by helping oncology patients, families, and caretakers through many lenses. She’s thankful for the opportunity to return to Gilda’s to be able to connect with members and hear their stories while researching and learning what else can be done to help this wonderful Gilda’s Club community.

In her spare time, she enjoys thrifting for treasures, gardening, and spending time with her husband, fur babies, family and friends.