Sarah and Dan DeSnyder

Dr. Sarah M. DeSnyder is a highly respected professor of Breast Surgical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Sarah serves as the Patient Safety and Quality Officer and the Safety Section Chief for the Department of Breast Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson. In these roles, she creates standardized care pathways and education programs that ensure exceptional outcomes. Her work is driven by a belief in patient-centered care and informed decision making. Sarah is a busy mom of two and brings a comparable level of data-driven engagement to her children’s development.

Dan DeSnyder is the Chief Financial Officer of SOLX, a solar panel manufacturer based in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Dan started his career as an Intelligence Officer in the Clinton Administration advising on US energy policy and has since run oil rigs for Shell in the deepwater and onshore US, advised energy companies as an investment banker, and partnered with the US Department of Energy to finance $3 billion dollars of renewable energy systems for low-income American homeowners. He is an advocate for thoughtful policy in the energy space, a mentor and coach in his professional and personal communities, and a devoted husband and father.

Sarah and Dan are honored to Co-Chair this year’s Building Blocks Luncheon, in support of Collaborative for Children’s work to ensure that all children—regardless of background—have access to high-quality early learning experiences that prepare them for lifelong success. They are passionate advocates for early childhood education, equity, and opportunity—values that deeply align with the mission of Collaborative for Children. As parents and professionals, they believe that every child deserves a strong start in life, and they are proud to support programs that empower families and build brighter futures for the next generation. Through their professional work, community engagement, and family life, the DeSnyders embody the spirit of service and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Kaitlin and Charlie Yardley

Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley is a Certified Financial Planner and Partner at Schaeffer Financial LLC, a Washington, DC-based financial planning company.  She has 20 years of experience as a Financial Planner, and her focus is helping clients make smart financial decisions by offering ethical, affordable financial planning advice.  She is a devoted volunteer, dedicating her time to local community organizations and mentoring young professionals entering the field of financial planning.

Charlie Yardley is the Chief Financial Officer of Alchemy Technology Group, LLC, a next-generation technology services company headquartered in Houston.  He has over 20 years of experience in Corporate Finance across the Technology and Global Energy sectors, including international roles in Singapore, South Africa, and Kazakhstan.  He is currently serving in his third year as a board director for Collaborative for Children.

Kaitlin and Charlie have three school-age daughters.  Like many parents, they’ve witnessed the impact that high-quality early childhood education has had on their children and are passionate about helping bridge opportunity gaps in Houston. Kaitlin and Charlie Yardley are excited to co-chair the 2025 Building Blocks Luncheon, bringing their shared passion for community, education, and opportunity to this meaningful event.