W H O W E A R E
Koko VanDernoot
Koko VanDernoot is a 9th grade student, actor, athlete, philanthropist and filmmaker in the greater Boston area. She secured her first co-star role in the Fall of 2019 on AMCs NOS4A2. Koko cares deeply about making a difference in the world, both in film as well as in life. She is a founding member of The B Fund, a non-profit that provides financial support to families caring for critically ill children. In 2018, Koko received the Youth Everyday Young Hero award from Youth Service America. In March of 2020, as the world was brought to a stand-still by COVID-19, Koko decided to explore her feelings of confusion and isolation by creating something meaningful and inspirational. Her documentary, Why I Give, examines why people choose to make a difference in the lives of those in needs. Born out of a time of loss, loneliness and boredom, Koko shares a story that will inspire others to go out and make positive changes in this world.
Kathleen VanDernoot
Kathleen VanDernoot is a documentary film producer and philanthropist with a passion for sharing stories and shining a light on communities in need of support. In 2012 she founded The B Fund, a non-profit organization that provides resources and financial support to families caring for critically ill children.
Prior to that, she started her career as a middle school teacher, and then worked at Pearson Education for 15 years. She held various roles in Pearson’s Higher Education Group and then moved into a Pan-Pearson role where she oversaw corporate partnerships, employee volunteerism and community outreach for the Pearson Foundation’s US programs.
In March of 2020, as COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill, Kathleen and her daughter Koko founded PigTail Productions, a production company committed to sharing stories worth telling. Why I Give, their first documentary, follows Koko as she examines why people choose to make a difference in the lives and communities of those in need.
Kathleen grew up in Tampa, Florida and attended The University of Tampa where she graduated with a BA in History and BS in Education. Kathleen also serves on the Board of Overseer’s at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Board of Overseers at MSPCA – Angell.
Kathleen currently lives in Boston with her husband, their two children and two pugs.