Our Team

Madison Hughes

President

Hi, I’m Madison, and I currently serve as President of the Board of Directors for The Brady Effect. I oversee our Board to ensure we are working towards our mission, and you may often see me at many of our future events. In addition to this role, I work as a technical manager, where I oversee the routine analysis group for a life science CDMO.

I grew up in Hartland, Michigan, where I was actively involved in sports and dance, spending my time playing soccer and competitively dancing at my family’s studio. My passion for soccer led me to Youngstown State University (YSU), where I played soccer while earning my degree in Forensic Science. YSU will always hold a special place in my heart as it’s where I met Brady, and when his impact in my life began.

After graduating, I moved back to Michigan and started my career in the life sciences industry in Ann Arbor. During Brady’s last semester at YSU in 2021, we began our long-distance relationship, which eventually led him to join me in Michigan. Soon after, we decided to settle down and buy a home in Petersburg. Brady showed me the immense value of the work he was doing with children on the spectrum. I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact he made and how much he truly enjoyed his work.

The greatest thing Brady taught me was how important we are, not only to others but also to ourselves. I still enjoy playing soccer with friends, I love traveling, and I prefer to spend my free time with friends and family making as many memories as possible.

Continuing Brady’s legacy through The Brady Effect is a true honor, and I am excited about the difference we are working to make.

Vice President

Thomas Phillips

Hello, I'm Thomas and I currently serve as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for The Brady Effect. I assist the President with their duties and will be responsible for recruiting and onboarding new members.  In addition to my role within the Brady Effect I work as a Structural Engineer.

I grew up in Kenton Ohio where I got to know Brady at a very young age.  I was heavily involved in sports and extracurricular activities in my youth, and focused on basketball and football once I got into high school.  My love for basketball and passion for engineering led me to Ohio Northern University where I played basketball while obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating I moved to Cincinnati where I now reside with my Fiance.  

Brady was one of my best friends and someone I always stayed in contact with.  Our conversations were typically about a new personal achievement, "inspirational" texts to push ourselves to get better, or just shooting the breeze.  Brady always lived life to its fullest potential and left a resounding impact on everyone he met.  Tomorrow is never guaranteed and Brady was a perfect example of someone who always makes the most of today.  He's always inspired me to better myself physically and emotionally and drove me to be a better person. 

Continuing to honor Brady through The Brady Effect is a great privilege of mine and I'm excited to see the impact we can have.  

Kaley Kaylor

Treasurer

I’m Kaley Kaylor, a full-time family and wedding photographer, capturing life’s most precious moments with heart and soul. I’m based in my hometown, where my husband and I met in school, and I’m a proud mom to two lively boys. We’re raising our family out in the country, and I find so much inspiration in the simplicity and beauty of everyday life.

Outside of photography, I’m deeply committed to honoring the legacy of my late brother, Brady as the Treasurer of this board. What I admired most about him was his drive to better himself and the people around him—through physical activity and his dedication to furthering his education with a master’s in counseling. His passion for mental health and helping others truly showed how much he cared. Although his life was tragically cut short, my family and I are determined to continue his mission of helping others. We’ve started a foundation in his honor, and through our work, we hope not only to keep his legacy alive but also to save someone else’s life, so others don’t have to endure the heartache we’ve experienced over the past year.

Secretary

Cassie Van Horn

With over 27 years of experience as a registered nurse, I have dedicated my career to caring for others through school nursing and public health. My passion for nursing goes beyond clinical care—I find true fulfillment in educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals. Since the 2016 school year, I have been a Health Professions Instructor at Millstream Career Center, preparing the next generation of healthcare workers. Through my work, I had the pleasure of meeting my teaching partner, Laura Rettig, who is not only a valued colleague and friend but also Brady’s mom.

Family, faith, and service are the cornerstones of my life. My husband, Chad, and I are blessed with two amazing sons, Kyle and Seth Van Horn. Both graduated from Van Buren High School, with Kyle now working as a Civil Engineer (a proud ONU alumnus) and Seth pursuing a degree in Information Systems at BGSU. Deeply rooted in my Christian faith, I am an active member of Gateway EPC, and I strive to use my God-given gifts to serve others in all that I do.

I am also passionate about community initiatives that save lives. Being a part of The Brady Effect is incredibly important to me—I support this endeavor wholeheartedly. One of my first jobs was as a lifeguard, which gave me firsthand experience of the dangers water can pose. I know that Brady would be proud to be part of an effort that saves the vulnerable from water-related tragedies. Additionally, as a school nurse and health professions educator, I have been directly involved with the lives of people with autism, further fueling my commitment to impactful, compassionate care.

I am excited about the mission of the Brady Effect and the positive change it will bring to all the communities.

General Board Member

Seth Conover

Hi, I’m Seth, and I am honored to serve as a General Board Member for The Brady Effect. I work alongside our Board of Directors and Officers to advance the organization’s mission, contributing through committee work and special projects.

In addition to my role with The Brady Effect, I work as an Engineer for ODOT, overseeing construction projects in the Lima, Ohio area. I’m also fortunate to be back in my hometown of Kenton, Ohio, where I coach baseball at Kenton High School.

Brady was my best friend since high school. Over the past 12 years, we’ve taken countless trips, played endless rounds of golf, and created so many other incredible memories. Through it all, Brady taught me how to find joy in even the smallest moments—and, more importantly, how to help others find that same joy.

It is the greatest privilege to be part of this incredible team, and I’m honored to carry forward the mission of The Brady Effect in his memory.