MEET OUR TEAM

At Smushy’s Squishies, our mission is fueled by a dedicated group of leaders, advisors, and advocates who share a common goal — bringing comfort and joy to children during their hospital stays. Our board members come from diverse backgrounds in law, education, communications, and community service. Each one brings unique expertise and a heartfelt commitment to ensuring every child we serve feels cared for, supported, and uplifted.Together, they guide our vision, strengthen our partnerships, and help us grow our impact so more children can experience the happiness a simple toy can bring.

LARISSA KARPELES

Founder & President

Larissa Karpeles is currently starting Seventh Grade at American Heritage in Delray Beach, Florida. She founded Smushy’s Squishies in 2023 and is dedicated to the continued growth and success of the organization. Larissa is an honor’s student and an active member of her Debate Team, Mock Trial Team and Science Research Team. She lives in Boca Raton with her parents, Robert & Rachel Karpeles, her brother Max and their family dog Marty McFly.

The Board of Members

Our Board of Directors combines expertise, passion, and community spirit to guide Smushy’s Squishies in bringing comfort and joy to children in hospitals.

RACHEL KARPELES

Co-Founder & Legal Advisor

Rachel Karpeles is an Academic Advisor at American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Florida. Rachel received her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, a Masters Degree from Florida Atlantic University and is currently a doctoral candidate at Lynn University. She is married to Robert Karpeles and the proud mother of Larissa & Max Karpeles. She lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

ROBERT KARPELES

Co-Founder & Legal Advisor

Robert is the Senior Director of Legal at Bandwidth, Inc. Prior to his time at Bandwidth he served as a Senior Counsel at Socure, Citrix and spent eight seasons as the Associate General Counsel of the Florida Panthers. Robert is a former writer/producer for World Wrestling Entertainment & Showtime Network. Robert is a graduate of the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University Law School. He lives in Boca Raton with his wife Rachel, his children Larissa & Max and their family dog Marty McFly.

RYAN NELSON

Policy & Advocacy Advisor

Ryan joined South Texas College of Law Houston in 2021, specializing in civil litigation and dispute resolution to protect the rights of marginalized workers, focusing on discrimination, harassment, wages, and workplace accommodations. His work has appeared in leading law reviews, and he has advised state agencies on employment law reforms. Nelson has provided legal commentary for major news outlets including Fox 26 Houston, USA Today, and the Texas Tribune.

Previously, he was a research fellow with the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, taught at several law schools, and practiced labor and employment law for nearly a decade, including in-house counsel work for a global financial services company. He earned his LL.M. from Harvard Law School, his J.D. from Cardozo School of Law, and his B.S.B.A. in economics from the University of Florida.

ADELYN BIEDENBACH

Communications & Public Relations Advisor

Adelyn has just completed her sixth season with the Florida Panthers overseeing FloridaPanthers.com, Florida Panthers native content, social media and mobile application. She also works as a PR contact for the club to assist with local media relationships, player interviews, press conferences, press releases, game notes, credentialing and media strategy and innovation. Adelyn strives to unify messaging and content storytelling across platforms for the Panthers including owned media channels and local and national media relationships. She has a bachelor’s degree from Point Park University in Journalism and a M.S. in New Media Management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. A Pittsburgh, PA native Adelyn has also spent time developing social media and Public Relations content strategy for the performing arts, higher education and volunteer organizations.

CHRISSY PARENTE

Corporate Partnerships & Events Advisor

Chrissy Parente just completed her 11th season on the communications staff for the Florida Panthers, where she is currently Director of Corporate Communications. Beginning as an intern and growing into her position today, Chrissy is responsible for communications strategy, press releases, media relationship building, pitching off-ice initiatives and more for the Panthers and Sunrise Sports and Entertainment entities with a special focus on Corporate Communications, Concerts and Events and Community/Foundation.

JONATHAN BLEVINS

Community Engagement Advisor

Jonathan Blevins is the founder of Blevins and Adams Law Group in Orlando. He is active in his community where he was a volunteer member of the Marion County Teen Court Program where he was honored as “Volunteer of the Year” for service to the program. He is a current member of the Orange County Bar Association and a former member of the George C. Young Inns of Court. For 8 years he was a volunteer coach for the Moot Court Program at Barry University School of Law. He lives with his wife in Orlando, Florida.