Matt Justis

Co-Founder, President

Matt has spent nearly two decades in the financial services industry as a financial advisor for Edward Jones.  Prior to that, Matt worked in law enforcement for several years.  Throughout his career, Matt has honed his skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and empathetic listening.  Matt is driven to find a better way to treat kids with cancer and believes that The Zain Justis Foundation and similar organizations are key to raising awareness.  Zain’s memory will continue to live in the hearts of those that knew him and through those impacted by the work of The Zain Justis Foundation. We are Better Because of Him .

Brenda Benson

Board Member

Brenda is mom to Amy Justis and mother-in-law to Zain Justis. She worked in the medical field for many years and is currently an educator who believes that we should never stop learning and growing. Brenda strongly believes that we are all connected and giving love and support to those we can is our deepest and richest calling in life.  Zain lives on through those who knew him and loved him; being a part of the Zain Justis Foundation is an honor and privilege. She is excited to be a part of this journey and represent him in any way she can so that others can be Better Because of Him too.  

Linnea Justis

Co-Founder, Vice President

Linnea has worked with animals her entire life in different capacities. Her passion for animal advocacy led her to serve at a non-profit Humane/Animal Rescue as a trainer, fundraiser, event coordinator and PR person over the last 13 years. She currently works at a Veterinary Clinic/Hospital. Her love for animals has often led to family jokes that she like animals more than people, which stems from how unconditionally loving and vulnerable animals are. Just as animals need people to advocate for them, children fighting cancer need advocates too- they are just as unconditionally loving and vulnerable.  Her hope is that The Zain Justis Foundation can be a strong advocate for children, promoting options for better treatments and education in honor of her son Zain. Our goal is that everyone can live a cancer-free life that is Better Because of Him.

Jennifer Phillips

Board Member

Jennifer is a mom to 5 amazing children and believes that it takes a village to support a child through all of their stages of growth to become an impactful, productive adult.  The Justis' family became part of her family's village through a special friendship between her middle son Jacob and Barrett Justis (Zain's younger brother) Bear became her 6th kid. Professionally, Jennifer is an Event Planner with over 20 years experience in hospitality.  She loves curating experiences for people and is honored to be able to share her talents with others in her village.

Amy Justis

Board Member

Amy had the privilege of knowing Zain as a best friend, a boyfriend, and finally as a husband. She is currently pursuing her degree of Bachelors in Science in Nursing and hopes to work in a Pediatric Oncology unit helping kids like Zain and igniting the hope and positivity that he once brought to the unit as a patient. She is excited to incorporate the foundation into her career as she'll be on the frontline working with children and families who are struggling with not only Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma but other cancers as well.

Tom Stitchfield

Board Member

Tom has lived in Washougal, Washington for the last 12 years. He has worked at Discovery Dental and has been friends with Matt, Linnea and family since 2014. As a family friend he watched Zain grow up from a young boy to a man. He always enjoyed their short exchanges and the smile and light that Zain Brough with him everywhere he went. Tom is passionate about showing love for others and for supporting those in need. He is grateful to be helping with this great cause to honor Zain's memory and to be a helping hand in assisting other young people in his same situation get the care that they need to carry on. 

Amy Justis Weir

Board Member

Amy is blessed to be Zain’s aunt forever and is honored to serve on the Board for his foundation. As a pediatric occupational therapist since 1994, Amy strives to help improve the lives of children & their families during times of illness, injury, and chronic disability. She hopes to bring this same passion to her work with The Zain Justis Foundation as it also works to improve the lives of patients and families battling Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Caroline Weir

Board Member

Caroline had the immense honor of growing up with Zain as his cousin. Being only 10 months apart in age, their cousin shenanigans were constantly occurring, ranging from hot tub nights at Nana and Papas as kids to Dutch Bros runs as newly-turned “adults”.  Caroline is currently attending the University of Minnesota in pursuance of her Bachelor’s degree. She is beyond thankful to be a part of The Zain Justis Foundation that honors the most gentle, strong soul.