Inheritance of Hope Staff PDF print email


Connect with Deric!
Deric Milligan, Co-Founder, Executive Director

Deric graduated with a bachelors and a masters degree in music performance from Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, respectively.  Deric enjoyed a professional career as a band director and then as a professional trumpeter as a member of the West Point Band.  Deric's life was changed drastically in 2003 when his wife, Kristen, was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.  Apart from his time-consuming role as caregiver, he felt led to alter his professional aspirations.  Deric and Kristen founded Inheritance of Hope in 2007, and after completing an MBA (with distinction) from New York University's Stern School of Business, Deric became the Executive Director of Inheritance of Hope.  His passion is for serving and supporting families like his, families living with a parent battling a life-threatening illness.

Deric lives with his wife, Kristen, and his three children in North Carolina.
Connect with Lisa!
Lisa Duscio, Team IOH Coordinator

Lisa graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Materials and Logistics Management. She has worked in management for IBM, has owned and operated both a veterans / seniors home and a bed & breakfast, and is currently the Team Coordinator for Team Inheritance of Hope. Her heart is also wrapped up in her role as wife and mother. Since a life-threatening diagnosis in 2001, Lisa has had a passion for fitness and nutrition. She has participated in 2 sprint triathlons and 3 marathons, and she hopes to participate in many more; however, her duties with Team Inheritance of Hope often keep her on the sidelines, cheering on her team.  Lisa has a heart for each and every Team IOH runner, and she has a heart for the families, particularly the children, served by Inheritance of Hope.

Lisa lives with her husband, Tony, and her daughter in North Carolina.
Connect with Jill!
Jill Thompson, Legacy Retreat Coordinator

Jill graduated from Fairleigh Dickenson University with a bachelors of science and has worked as a Physical Therapy assistant.  She cherishes her role of wife, mother, and friend, and she aptly describes herself as a natural-born cheerleader.  Her spirit is full, her voice is loud, and her smile is contagious.  Her heart is tender for all those who struggle, and she is not one to sit by when she sees a need.  Jill's life has been touched by life-threatening illness through the experience of loved ones, and she has always been the first at the door to lend support and encouragement.  Her gifts, her talents, and her extraordinary heart have greatly blessed Inheritance of Hope and each family we have been honored to serve since Jill accepted the position of Legacy Retreat Coordinator.  A position that is a perfect fit for her.

Jill lives with her husband, Adam, and her two children in Georgia.
Connect with Aaron!
Aaron Hedges, Technology and Support Director

Aaron graduated from Carson-Newman College with a degree in math and Spanish and has served in various ministries from Kids Across America in Missouri, to missionary work with Pioneers in Bolivia, and finally to New York, where his hands have been in the development of Inheritance of Hope since its earliest days.  Aaron's focus is now on the technology of the Inheritance of Hope website, where he finds ways to better serve our families.  However, his role is not simply behind the scenes.  Aaron's heart for each of the families is seen through his selfless and sincere service during our Legacy Retreats.  The children LOVE him!  Aaron is pictured with his wife, Allison, who shares his heart for serving families.  In addition to his work with Inheritance of Hope, Aaron is also working to complete his Master of Divinity from Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.  Aaron's gifts and talents ensure success in whatever he feels led to pursue, but our prayer is to keep Aaron with Inheritance of Hope for many years to come!

Connect with Kristen!
Kristen Milligan, Co-founder

Kristen graduated from Davidson College with her bachelors degree and Florida State University with her masters.  She then enjoyed a career training guide dogs for visually impaired and deaf-blind clients.  Though she loved it, Kristen retired from this job when her children were born, as she wanted nothing more to be a mom.  This new role was threatened in 2003 when Kristen was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer when her youngest daughter was just seven months old.  While she and her family have battled this disease together, she and her husband co-founded Inheritance of Hope.  God has been both faithful and good, and Kristen has seen more joy than harm come from her illness.  This, more than anything else, is what she hopes to share with the families she is blessed to meet through Inheritance of Hope.

Kristen lives with her husband, Deric, and three children in North Carolina.