Our Team

Jennifer Patterson

Chief Executive Officer

Jen is a business owner, entrepreneur, back-of-the-pack runner and self-proclaimed problem fixer.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Dayton and a Master of Social Work degree from University of Cincinnati, Jen began building a career as a clinical social worker in the foster care system working with at-risk teens. Shortly after her children were born, Jen realized she wanted more flexibility in her life and less time spent on the road, so she started a side hustle that has grown into her own investment and real estate holdings company that she continues to run alongside her husband.

In between their other projects, Jen and her husband devote a great deal of their time to running their medical mission foundation Operation Walk International and bringing much needed orthopaedic care to developing and underserved countries, most recently Guatemala and Columbia.

Since meeting Fellow Flowers founder Mel Charbonneau at a Disney Princess expo in 2013, Jen always felt somehow, some way she would play a bigger role in the flower movement. Little did she know what was in store for her. At the end of 2019, Jen joined Mel  as co-owner of Fellow Flowers, fulfilling what had only seemed like a crazy dream that she dared to speak out loud.

Jen lives in Lima, Ohio, with her husband Jim. They are empty nesters living with two bernedoodle “puppies” and spending as much time as possible visiting their son, two daughters and son-in-law. 

Katie Vaughn

Creative Director

Katie is a writer, editor, artist and creative who loves sharing stories about women, families, art and travel.

After earning undergraduate degrees in journalism and art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree in journalism from Stanford University, Katie embarked on a career that would lead to working as a magazine editor, writing two travel books, launching her own digital magazine and freelancing for a variety of publications. 

Katie first connected with Fellow Flowers when she interviewed Mel for a magazine story, and the two became friends and served together on the board of Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin. Katie’s first flower was Dreamer, her go-to is Joy and she strives toward Fierce.

At Fellow Flowers, Katie loves all types of creating and connection, from collaborating with members of the team and community to designing products to writing stories and sharing on social media. 

Katie lives in the Madison area with her husband, daughter, son and golden retriever. She loves art, running, hiking, dance parties, reading and as much travel as she can fit into her calendar. 

Barbara Berko

FFCrew Director

[Bio coming] 

Walisa Dickson

Holiday Challenge Leader

Walisa is a vibrant force of inspiration, known for her unwavering energy and heartfelt commitment to empowering others. Based in Strongsville, Ohio, she is a single mom to two amazing kids, a proud grandmother, and a passionate advocate for finding strength through movement and community. Walisa first connected with Fellow Flowers through the Believe flower, which remains her main go-to. Representing strength, confidence and the courage to keep going, the Turquoise flower perfectly embodies her journey.

As a proud member of the FFCrew since 2013, Walisa has been leading the Fellow Flowers Holiday Challenge for the last three years, encouraging and inspiring others to embrace their goals.

An avid runner and fitness enthusiast, Walisa has tackled countless races and believes in the power of tough challenges to reveal inner strength. She cherishes moments of connection, whether crossing finish lines herself or cheering others on to achieve their goals. Outside of running, you’ll find her exploring trails, lifting weights, or embracing her love for all things Michigan Wolverines and Wonder Woman.

Through her connection with Fellow Flowers, Walisa strives to inspire others to live boldly, move joyfully and celebrate every milestone, big or small. Whether organizing events like the Fellow Flowers Holiday Challenge or simply sharing a kind word, she embodies the spirit of the Turquoise flower — believing in herself and others, and lifting everyone along the way.

Mel Charbonneau

Founder 

Mel is an entrepreneur, writer, runner, mother and coach who creates spaces for women to own their stories.

After graduating from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s in public relations, Mel enjoyed working for various organizations where she focused on building authentic brands, telling impactful stories and fostering community. She then earned her master’s in communications from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, often studying in the evenings after putting her daughters to bed and working her full-time job during the day. Before making the jump to entrepreneurship in 2012, Mel was the director of communications and marketing for a world-renowned neuroscience research center located at the UW–Madison.

Since launching Fellow Flowers more than a decade ago, Mel’s creativity and imagination have been woven into countless designs, quotes, programs, experiences and unforgettable moments. Her words have impacted the lives of thousands of women, all with her simple invitation and reminder to women that they are stories worth telling.

Mel is now the chief marketing and communications officer at Madison College. She lives in McFarland, Wisconsin, with her husband and three daughters. 

Collaborators + Contributors

We also rely on a collective of women who help bring projects to life, including Angie Krey, Kim Anderson, Cami Jacobs, Tracy Behm, Amy Pigott and Steena Cirves. 

Thank you, ladies. We are grateful for the ways you share your gifts with us!