The Core team is the small team of individuals behind The Sandbox.

Many people are surprised to know that we only have just one full-time employee. The other individuals are a freelance contractor and a part-time volunteer!

With the support of two committed groups of volunteers: The Sandbox Leadership Board and The Sandbox Go-Getters, we are able to serve our families at the level we do.

Mara Campolungo

Co-Founder and Executive Director

In her leadership role with The Sandbox, Mara combines more than 25 years of professional marketing experience with a passion for generating innovative ideas that alleviate degrees of suffering for families in critical situations. Before founding The Sandbox, Mara has been a sought-after marketing and management consultant, serving as a Partner for MC2 and The BarFly Group. She provided firms throughout several industries tools to increase their branding strength, develop clarity of message and increase their bottom lines. She also provided direction relating to strategic planning, leadership and product development. She’s the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including: 50 Most Influential Woman, Mecklenburg Times; Most Philanthropic Woman, Woman With Know-How; Godiva Chocolate Inspirational Woman Program, Godiva Chocolate.

Wendy Becker

Director of Operations

Wendy’s precise attention to detail and true appreciation for processes and order make her an ideal fit as the Director of Operations of The Sandbox. With her background in teaching, specifically serving students with disabilities and special needs, Wendy has helped to facilitate community-based educational programs to help her students excel throughout their educational careers. Her desire to advocate for her students seamlessly translates to her role where she works to secure and fulfill the unique needs of honorees of The Sandbox, as well as efficiently manage the day-to-day operations of the organization.