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.

Krystin joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in July 2019 as the Community Outreach Education and Prevention Manager. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Arizona State University and taught fourth grade in the Mesa Public School District for five years.

She was employed by the Food Drive Department at St. Mary’s Food Bank for a year before transitioning to the Arizona Burn Foundation. She is passionate about youth education, especially when it comes to keeping children safe.

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.

Erika joined the Arizona Burn Foundation as of September 2021. As a burn survivor of 24 years, she has been heavily involved in supporting burn survivors for over 11 years and has developed a strong passion for strengthening and making an impact within the burn survivor community.

Graduating from the University of Arizona in 2015, Erika obtained her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Development. Shortly after she pursued and earned her Master of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University in 2017.

For the past 6 years Erika has been a part of working within the non-profit realm and she is excited to be a part of an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of burn survivors within her home state, Arizona.

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.

Catherine joined the Arizona Burn Foundation in September 2019 . She received her master’s degree in English from Northern Arizona University. She has experience in engaging philanthropists through cultivation, and stewardship, as well as special events. When Catherine is not in the office, she cherishes time with her family, friends and being outdoors with her  dogs.

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