Marchelle L. Sellers, MBA

Executive Director

As a mother of a child who endured 14 surgeries in 13 years, I never realized the luxury of having top surgeons down the street that had all of the knowledge to do the best job for my son. I also never realized until I traveled to other countries, that mothers have no health insurance or options when they discover their child's life-saving surgery is something they will never be able to afford. What makes us so lucky to live in a country with everything we need to get help for our children, while others are so unfortunate. I work every day with a committed staff and Board to ensure that EVERY child and EVERY parent gets the surgery they need to live a long, healthy childhood. Medical care should not be optional or impossible.

Judy Dearth

Executive Assistant

I volunteered at Mending Kids for a year and each day I realized this is an organization I want to be associated with. I was blessed when I was hired as a full time employee. Every child deserves a chance at a healthy life. Unfortunately many children in developing countries go untreated forcing them go through life with a physical disability. Working for Mending Kids has given me the opportunity to witness children receiving corrective surgery that will transform his/her life not only physically, but the joy that he or she can rejoin their family and community with confidence. How lucky we are to live in the United States where medical care is available to everyone.

Cristina Farrut

Director of Social Services

I love working for Mending Kids International because we provide transformational surgeries to children from around the world, which otherwise will go untreated. Through God, we give our children an opportunity to live a normal and healthier life. It is a blessing for me to be a part of this amazing organization, in which, we not only changed the lives of children, but their entire family and their community. I believe that all children regardless of their background and financial situation should have access to medical and surgical care. There is nothing more beautiful for a mother, than to see their children healthy.

Shelley M. Holman

Director of Global & Community Outreach

God gave me a heart and spirit of compassion and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to utilize that gift on a daily basis to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide. As a cancer survivor, I know what it is to experience a serious illness and how it affects you, your family, finances, etc. I was lucky to be diagnosed and treated by exceptional doctors, and even more to have the financial ability through insurance for that treatment. It is heartbreaking that this is not available to EVERY person! I am honored to be a part of Mending Kids International to ensure a transformation in these children's lives as well as everyone connected with them. I have truly found my home.

Caren Niewisch

Director of Surgical Missions

I am humbled and privileged to be a part of an incredible journey that challenges me to serve in new ways to make a difference in the world for children and their families in need. Witnessing the small miracles that happen every day when ordinary people work together to do extraordinary things for other people, nurtures my spirit, inspires my soul and restores my faith in mankind. Seeing the light of hope in a mother's eyes where before there was none... is transformational for me and for them...there is no substitute for love and caring. Witnessing the ripple effect, the lasting impact of our work and partnerships on children, families, communities, countries, the world and ourselves. There are no coincidences...only Diosidencias...(God Incidents). I have been blessed to be a part of so many miracles and it is my absolute privilege, honor and duty to serve God the creator by sharing these experiences with others by giving them the opportunity to serve others less fortunate with love.

Karen Davis, RN, MSN, WOCN, PNP

Hometown Mission Clinical Coordinator

As a child, with Mexican migrant parents, grew a great need and passion to work with children in underserved areas. Through my mother's experience and stories about her childhood in Mexico grew a great awareness in myself about the great disparities in children. My passion has been to fill that gap. My nineteen years at a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner has been caring for children with varies acute and chronic diagnosis. Mending Kids International has not only provided life changing surgeries for children all over the world... but they have also healed my heart, soul, and my childhood.

Isabelle Fox

Surgical Mission Media Consultant

Until I came into the the Mending Kids family I had never connected with a philanthropic organization and a group of dedicated people as inspiring to me as the staff, doctors and volunteers that belong to this one. Traveling with amazing pediatric surgical teams across the world, relaying their stories and those of the children whose lives we save has made me understand the power of the written word, the power of a hug when language fails and given me lessons in courage I never imagined I would ever have to face.

Where do we go next?

Keever Rhodes

Social Services Consultant

Working with Mending Kids is the most fulfilling social work that I have ever practiced. We not only mend broken bodies, but ultimately impact the child's family, community, and contribute to the building of a global community.

Benjamin Barmaan

USC Graduate Student
Master Degree in Global Health
MKI Intern

I am a graduate student at USC, working to earn my Masters of Science in Global Medicine. Learning of the health disparities across the world, I hope to make a difference by bringing the power of medicine to children and hope to their families. The life-saving surgeries that Mending Kids provides to children inspires me to continue my career in healthcare where I can hopefully provide my services as a physician on future medical missions. I am thrilled to be a part of the Mending Kids family and proud to work by their side to accomplish their beautful mission.

Shirin Heydari

USC Graduate Student
Master Degree in Global Health
MKI Intern

As a graduate student in USC's Master of Science in Global Medicine program, I have learned the utmost importance of providing children with proper access to healthcare. I am proud to be a part of Mending Kids whose mission is to bridge the gap that exists by providing life-changing surgeries to children living in areas where access to care is difficult due to poverty and lack of infrastructure. It is my pleasure to be a part of an organization that works each day to make a difference in every life no matter how small.

Michael Forgerson

Internal Auditor

Stacie Roberts

Graphic Designer

Working for Mending Kids, I get to help make differences in the lives of children who may not have had a chance otherwise. As a mom, I am passionate about keeping kids healthy, and can't imagine my child not being able to enjoy his childhood because he was sick. Knowing what I do is helping kids get back to being healthy, active and smiling again, is something that makes my job incredibly rewarding.

David Sellers

Internet Technologies / Website Development

I feel blessed being afforded the opportunity to work for such an amazing children's charitable organization like Mending Kids. In 2011, I traveled with Mending Kids to Guatemala and saw first hand the incredible work Mending Kids does in concert with doctors from the U.S. and local pediatric surgical teams. I was so inspired through my experience, when I returned from Guatemala, I resigned from my web development job at a local travel agency, so I could seek out more rewarding work that benefits children and have the opportunity to also work directly with Mending Kids. I couldn't be happier to be working alongside such passionate, giving and talented individuals.