Who We Are

In addition to serving as president of the Lauren Elizabeth Foundation, Ashton is a dental hygienist and has been working for the same Las Vegas-based dental practice for 32 years. Jennifer and her husband Rod have homes in Las Vegas and Ely, Nevada. Jennifer loves spending time in the great outdoors, especially in the rural areas of Nevada. After the loss of her daughter Lauren Elizabeth in September 2018, Ashton was determined to keep Lauren’s memory and name alive. “Lauren’s struggles with depression, anxiety and subsequent addiction, did not define the person Lauren was”. She was brilliant, kind and was a passionate animal advocate. Forming this organization in her name is a way to honor Lauren and her passion to help all abused, neglected and overlooked animals. Lauren’s rescued service dog Ivy is a perfect example of how animal rescue and advocacy helps recipients on “both ends of the leash”.

“There is so much positive work to be done! We are Nevadans through and through and look forward to aiding all animals in our state in Lauren’s memory.”

Originally from Ogden, Utah, Rodney (Rod) Ashton moved to Las Vegas in 1988. Ashton has worked in the construction industry for most of his career, with a focus on roads and underground infrastructure. In 2012, he began work in the mining industry in northeastern Nevada.

Rod and Jennifer met in 2005, when Lauren Elizabeth was 11 years old, and married in 2007. Having history in his family of addiction and mental illness, Lauren’s triumphs and struggles were familiar to him. He is dedicated to honoring Lauren’s memory by keeping her name alive through animal rescue and advocacy

Jen and her husband Rod Ashton were married in 2007. They have a second home in Ely, Nevada and are avid outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy wide-open spaces and recreation in the rural areas of Nevada.

Jordan Ashton was born and raised in Las Vegas with a huge passion for the hospitality and events industry. After going to college in Denver for hospitality management and sports event and entertainment management and working with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International, he moved back to Las Vegas to start his career with MGM Resorts. For nearly a decade, Ashton has worked with Wynn Resorts in hotel and convention sales. He also loves spending time with friends and family whether brunching, traveling or cheering on the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jordan called his sister Lauren Elizabeth, or “Lala,” his best friend and confidant. “Lala was one of the strongest people I know. She loved all animals, not just those who were her own. We started the Lauren Elizabeth Foundation to further her passion and love for animals.”

Judy Harris was born in Long Beach, CA and moved with her family to Las Vegas in 1970. She resides in Las Vegas and Glenbrook, NV. Harris is a luxury real estate agent doing business throughout the state of Nevada. Harris is also a member of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus and is previous chair and originating board member of Cultural Alliance Nevada (CAN), a Nevada-wide arts advocacy non-profit.

Harris has three adult sons she is exceedingly proud of, two amazing daughters- in-law and five grandchildren. Judy was very close to and proud of her niece Lauren Elizabeth and is happy to be involved with the work of the Foundation and the mission to help animals throughout the state.

Samantha Rayburn, a fourth generation Nevadan, was born in Reno and raised in Las Vegas. She lived in Louisiana for four years, playing college soccer. After working in the casino and hospitality industry for eight years, she now works as Director, Partnership Management for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, Nathan, and their rescue puppy, Fleury, traveling and cheering on the Vegas Golden Knights.

Rayburn also serves on the board of Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada as the Marketing Committee Chairman. Lauren Elizabeth was her “younger cousin” growing up – not by blood, but by love.

After spending the past year and a half in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kreigh Warkentien has returned to Las Vegas, Nevada as an independent consultant for various companies in the sports marketing and events space. With Warkentien’s decade plus experience, including stops at UNLV, University of Washington, and most recently the Minnesota Timberwolves, her skillset spans many interpersonal and operational areas , such as fundraising, player and team relations, and event management. This past summer, Kreigh earned her Master’s degree from Georgetown University. Along with her two dogs, Lulu and Gigi, she is excited to be back in her hometown, continuing her professional expertise, being with family and friends, and supporting the community.

One lesson Lauren taught Kreigh was to lead with empathy and compassion. Her spirit and gift for caring for not just humans, but animals as well, was truly unmatched. Warkentien hopes to bring that same spirit to the Lauren Elizabeth Foundation.

Leah Cashman was born and raised in Las Vegas. She is a retired RN and Veterinary Nurse. In addition to the Lauren Elizabeth Foundation, Cashman sits on two other nonprofit boards including the Cashman Family Foundation and Family to Family Connection. Cashman has also been a competitive equestrian since high school. Leah considered Lauren Elizabeth her second daughter and Lauren’s love of animals and talent for music was truly an inspiration for Leah and her family.

Traci Cecchini was born in Tonopah, NV and moved to Las Vegas when she was nine years old. She has worked for Willow Springs Dental for the past 32 years where her work has included dental assisting, insurance coordinator and accounts manager and, for the past 23 years, office manager. Cecchini’s daughter is studying at Chamberlain University College of Nursing and her son is a private pilot. When not at work, Cecchini is usually hiking Red Rock or Mt. Charleston, or spending time with her friends, family and two dogs, a miniature dachshund named Dexter and a rescue named Daisy.

“Having watched Lauren grow up through the years, I witnessed her love for animals. I especially saw how important it was having Ivy by Laurens side when she needed her most. I am honored to be a part of something so special and to carry on Lala’s legacy helping people and animals to live longer and healthier lives.”

Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Studio Art from Boston College, Ali Cashman combined this intimate knowledge of art and the artist’s practice with an MA Degree of Distinction in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London. Cashman’s 12 years of experience – between combined schooling, internships and full-time employment – covers many sectors of the art world, including museums, galleries, auctions, nonprofits, art advisory, artist management, hospitality and foundations.

Her philanthropic contributions include being a trustee of the Cashman Family Foundation, the Koval Family Foundation, and now the Lauren Elizabeth Foundation. Also, in 2020, Cashman was a gala committee member for the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum Las Vegas, and in 2021, she was co-chair of the event. Further, she loves contributing and volunteering to projects led by the Tahoe Fund. Outside of Las Vegas and Nevada, she has also been involved with the Art Production Fund and Yamba Malawi. She is a member of YPONexGen, Vegas Young Professionals and the Vegas Chamber. Originally from Las Vegas, Ali currently lives and works in New York City.