Rex has been a nonprofit leader for 19 years and CEO of Arizona Burn Foundation since 2019. During his career, he has been CEO of Chambers of Commerce in Northern California, where he developed community-wide strategies for growth and development. The desire to serve led him next to Arizona and the Dignity Health East Valley Foundation, where he created a dynamic stroke support program that was of great benefit to families in their time of need.

Most recently, Rex was with the Phoenix Symphony as a Senior Major Gift Officer, working to expand fundraising initiatives to serve the community outreach programs of the Symphony that impact education, health, and wellness. In his current role, Rex works with the Board, staff and community to expand the reach of the Arizona Burn Foundation, which allows us to better serve our mission and those that we impact.

Sabrina joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in July 2023 as a Programs Administrator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education and her Master of Science degree in Family and Human Development at Arizona State University. Prior to working at ABF, Sabrina served as a middle and high school special education teacher. She has a passion for helping others and giving back to her community. When she is not at work, Sabrina enjoys traveling with her husband, playing with her two Chihuahua mixes, and exploring the beautiful Arizona outdoors.

Christina joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in January 2023 as the Community Programs Coordinator. She received her Bachelor Degrees from Arizona State University in Digital Marketing, Management, and Business Sustainability and has an extensive background in communications, non-profit programs, and events. She has, since then, earned and maintained her Certified Scrum Master certification.

As the wife of a burn survivor, Christina is passionate about growing ABF awareness in the community so families know the resources available to them and so others know how they can help. Since her husband’s accident in late 2020, Christina has been involved in the burn community by speaking alongside her husband at fundraising, young adults, and couples events. When not at work, she enjoys cooking, weightlifting, and country two-step.

Ximena, a Burn Care Support Coordinator, has recently joined the Arizona Burn Foundation. As a Tucson native and graduate of Sunnyside High School, she has deep roots in the community. Ximena received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Arizona. Before joining the ABF team, she spent six years at Cope Community Services as a Program Coordinator for Tucson’s behavioral health population. Ximena has always had a passion for working with people during their most vulnerable times, and she is dedicated to helping others take the first step towards change. When not at work, Ximena enjoys hiking, thrifting, caring for her dogs, and spending time with her loved ones.

Nicole is a dedicated professional who recently joined the Arizona Burn Foundation (ABF) in July 2023. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in social work from Arizona State University.
Before becoming an integral part of ABF, Nicole gained valuable experience in various social work settings, including behavioral health services, domestic violence shelters, and the public school system. Through her work, she has demonstrated a genuine passion for forging meaningful connections with children and their families, helping them navigate life’s challenges and fostering a sense of empowerment along the journey.
Nicole’s commitment to the ABF community is unwavering, and she is eager to contribute to impactful changes and growth within the organization. Her proactive and empathetic approach is a valuable asset in supporting the mission and vision of ABF.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Nicole finds joy in exploring the world through travel, and she delights in culinary experiences, both cooking and baking. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments spent with loved ones, relishing the company of family and friends.
Nicole’s dedication to her work and her diverse range of interests make her a valuable addition to the ABF team, and she looks forward to making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.

At the start of her career, Bridget worked for the City of Phoenix Police Department, where she collaborated with detectives from multiple bureaus to assist crime victims in navigating the often cold criminal justice system. During this time, she was selected as the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Advocate of the Year and became a co-recipient of the Office of the Attorney General Distinguished Service Award.

Bridget continued her passion for serving the community during her 12 years with Dignity Healthcare. As a community educator for St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, she built community programs and partnerships to promote health and safety within the City of Phoenix and surrounding suburbs. Moving on from her role within the hospital foundation system, Bridget transitioned to a community non-profit. She served as the Sr. Director of Development for Make-A-Wish Arizona, Chapter. Over six years, she worked to raise funds for over 1200 wishes to come true for critically ill children, starting as the Individual Giving Director in April 2017 and subsequently being promoted to Director of Major Gifts. In 2022, Bridget became the Senior Director of Development, leading a fantastic development department team that focused on individual gifts from the annual fund, middle giving, and major gifts.

Bridget earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Northern Arizona University.

Melissa recently joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in September 2023 as a Philanthropy Specialist. She has earned the bulk of her experience through multiple roles at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, spending most of her tenure as the Membership Coordinator within the marketing department. While working at the Children’s Museum, she gained a deep appreciation for working with non-profits, and knew that would remain connected, whether it be through her career or volunteerism. Prior to joining the ABF team, she was the Membership & Communications Manager at the Arizona component of the American Institute of Architects, where she focused on member cultivation & retention, event coordination, and social media management. Melissa enjoys painting and exploring the outdoors with her 3-year-old daughter, and often daydreams about completing at least one screenplay within her lifetime.

Vanessa joined Arizona Burn Foundation in September 2023 as a Burn Care Support Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona. Before joining ABF, Vanessa worked as a Case Manager of behavioral health services and then as a Team Lead of the Integrated Behavioral Health Home Program with COPE Community Services. Vanessa is passionate about connecting survivors and their families to services during times of crisis, recovery, and beyond. She is also an advocate of increasing community access to preventative health and safety education. When not in the office, Vanessa enjoys traveling, attending concerts, hiking, reading, hanging out with her two cats, and spending time with her family.

Tess joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in June 2022 as the Events Administrator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Texas at El Paso, along with a Master of Arts in Human Services with a Specialization in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. Prior to ABF, Tess served in higher education as the Admissions Specialist and Coordinator of Alumni Relations for Wayland Baptist University’s Arizona Campus, along with various roles in nonprofit ministries. She is passionate about serving the community through joyful and genuine relationship development. When not in the office, Tess enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing beach volleyball, and taking surf trips.

Kelsey received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Kelsey spent the first 8 years of her career working with families experiencing homelessness at UMOM New Day Centers.

While pursuing her master’s degree, Kelsey worked with the City of Phoenix Housing Department as a caseworker for individuals and families living in public housing. From there, Kelsey transitioned to the Washington School District to help elementary children achieve emotional and educational success. Kelsey is passionate about working alongside individuals and families in accomplishing their goals.

Cristian joined us in October of 2022 as the Communications Specialist for our Development & Communications department. As a long-term member of our family as a camper, LIT, counselor and now Staff member. Cristian comes with a great background in website design, hosting, troubleshooting and online marketing. Having worked for large companies such as Endurance International Group (now known as Newfold Digital), GoDaddy and V Digital Services/Voice Media Group we are excited to have him on our team. He is looking forward to making a greater impact internally on our community. He is passionate about the burn community as well as the online world.

Theresa joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in August 2019 after graduating from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in May 2019 with a Bachelors in Business Management. She grew up volunteering with nonprofits in the East Valley and developed a passion for helping others. This led to her desire to enter the nonprofit sector upon finishing her degree. She loves improving the Foundation’s operations while supporting its mission: prevent, survive, and thrive