Meet our team
Staff & Leadership
At the Valinhos Foundation, our team brings deep experience, shared purpose, and a strong commitment to improving mental health outcomes for Indiana’s youth and families. Grounded in collaboration and driven by impact, our staff and leadership work together to advance innovative, community-informed solutions that create lasting change.
Julie Veldman Harris
Executive Director
Julie Veldman Harris has been the Executive Director of the Valinhos Foundation since 2021. Before joining the foundation, Julie was a partner at Barnes & Thornburg, where she practiced corporate healthcare law. She holds an undergraduate degree in social work from Indiana University and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Julie and her husband Mike have three children. Julie is a member of the Mindful Philanthropy Board, the Notre Dame Law Advisory Board, and the Oaklawn Board (a certified community behavioral health center in Northern Indiana). She is also an active volunteer and board member for charitable organizations in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, including the Co-President of the Childhood League.
Erica Woebse
Associate Director
Erica Woebse joined the Valinhos Foundation in 2024. Prior to her work with the foundation, Erica developed a mastery of the Indiana healthcare landscape and reimbursement models as a corporate and regulatory healthcare partner at Barnes & Thornburg. Erica also spent a year working as a teacher in a bilingual secondary school in Málaga, Spain. Erica holds a B.A. from Tulane University and a law degree from William & Mary Law School. Erica lives in Indianapolis with her husband and three young sons. On the weekends, you can find them riding bikes on the Monon or trying out a new (and kid-friendly) restaurant. Erica serves as a board member for the American Heart Association.
Marci Leach
Executive Assistant
Marci has been the Executive Assistant since 2024, bringing with her a strong background in administration. Prior to joining the Valinhos Foundation, she served as a Legal Administrative Assistant at Barnes & Thornburg, where she supported a wide range of legal practices and developed a deep understanding of the legal field. Marci resides with her dog, Rena, and cherishes time with her three adult children, their spouses, and her six grandchildren.
Anita & Thomas Veldman
Founders
Anita and Tom Veldman lead the Valinhos Foundation with a shared commitment to improving mental health and community well-being across Indiana.
Tom serves as President of the Foundation, following a 32-year career as Chairman and Co-CEO of Tire Rack, the nation’s largest online distributor of tires, wheels, and performance accessories. He holds degrees from Indiana University (B.S., M.B.A.) and Notre Dame Law School (J.D.) and began his career in law, including a federal clerkship and partnership in a Dallas firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
Anita earned bachelor’s degrees in nursing and education from Indiana University and worked as an emergency room nurse before later serving as Director of Human Resources at Tire Rack for 20 years.
Married for 48 years, Anita and Tom are proud parents of four and grandparents to nine. Their leadership at the Valinhos Foundation is shaped by deep Indiana roots and a long-standing commitment to family and community.