Meet Our Team!
Elle Miller
Founder & CEO
Elle is an avid surfer and surf instructor from Ventura. She has been teaching surf for the past 12 years alongside professional surfer, personal inspiration, and Ventura local Mary Osborne. She has also worked closely with the nonprofit organization A Walk On Water (AWOW), where she learned how to manage their social media platforms and had the privilege of participating in one of their highly successful surf therapy events. Through difficult times in her life, she has been fortunate to have surfing as an outlet. For Elle, surfing has become a way to heal from loss, build confidence, and most importantly grow in her faith. Now, Elle feels called to share that passion with foster youth and has been doing so with More Than Conquerors for 5 years.
Jennifer Miller
Secretary & Board Member
Jennifer Miller brings a heart for service to More Than Conquerors Foundation. As an attorney for 24 years with a practice focused on protecting the youth in our community, Jennifer is inspired by the spirit and possibilities that positive experiences can have in a child’s life.
With three children of her own, Jennifer has watched them grow up in the surf community and witnessed first-hand the impact that the ocean can play in a child’s life. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys travel, boating and playing with her Labradors on the beach.
Claire Stanton
Product Donations & Marketing Director
Claire Stanton is a passionate surfer born and raised in the local surf community of Ventura, CA. Claire offers an expertise in marketing and product donations to the MTCSurf Team. She has worked alongside Elle Miller for over 9 years providing surf lessons, and never fails to bring an irresistible joy and laughter to every surf event. Inspired by her Uncle John Villela, one of the founders of Revolution Board Co., Claire grew up surfing as a competitive short boarder and long boarder with organizations such as the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS), National Scholastic Surf Association (NSSA), and Western Surf Association (WSA). She has considered the ocean her second home for as long as she can remember, and is passionate about sharing the joy she has found through surfing and faith with foster youth.
John Villela
Board Member and Lead Surf Instructor
John Villela is a talented and well respected surfer who grew up in Newbury Park, CA. He fell in love with surfing at a young age and eventually opened a successful surf shop called Revolution Board Co. which he operated for 17 years. John is drawn to the grounding effect that surfing can have in one’s life, because when you’re surfing in the ocean you only have space to think about one thing; the next wave. John’s faith inspires him to give back wherever he can, and More Than Conquerors Surf provides a space in which he can combine two of his passions; surfing and helping others in need. In this case, it is sharing the thrill of surfing with foster youth.
Desiree Smithson
Ventura Surf Event Lead
Born into the foster care system, Desiree spent her formative years in Huntington Beach under the care of loving foster parents who introduced her to the world of surfing. It was there that her passion for riding waves took root; becoming her sanctuary she was empowered to confront her fears, stayed focused, and find solace amidst life's challenges.
Today, her love for surfing remains as vibrant as ever, fueling her dedication to teaching the sport in her local community. Alongside a reputable non-profit organization, she assists individuals on their healing journey from various traumas, fostering personal growth and relational well-being.
Her faith has deepened through her connection with the sea, guiding her to fulfill a childhood dream of aiding those who, like me, have experienced adversity. Desiree aspires to reassure children in similar circumstances that they are cherished, valued, and destined for a purpose uniquely theirs. In sharing her story, she aims to spread hope and encouragement, empowering others to overcome obstacles and embrace their inherent worth.
Gaia Hinds
San Diego Surf Event Lead
Gaia is an oceaning loving UCSD alumni from Malibu, CA. Whether she was surfing, playing water polo, scuba diving, or lifeguarding, Gaia has spent her entire life in the water. With a bachelor's degree in marine biology and over 3 years working as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor, Gaia brings expertise for educating youth on the importance of the ocean. As a part of the More Than Conquerors community, Gaia is able to share her passion for mentoring and uplifting youth in her favorite marine playground. She loves showing individuals how the art of surfing can help foster youth find their confidence and independence, while still having fun.