Our team & board
Our team & board
Tu Nidito is led by a dedicated, diverse team and volunteer board of directors. Together, we help further our mission of creating a community of acceptance and understanding for those grieving a serious medical condition or death.
Our team
Liz McCusker
Executive Director
Amanda Marks, MSW
Program Director
Kristin Harrison
Assistant Program Director
Meghan Reinold
Director of Development
Rachael Blackketter
Education & Engagement Manager
Geramee Hensley
Development Manager
Amerika McDaniel
Program Specialist
Sophia Dunne
Support Specialist
Marisa Verdugo
Support Specialist
Anthony Cicchino, EdD
Group Coordinator
Karina Othon-Tapia
Group Coordinator
Our board
Our board supports the work of Tu Nidito and provides mission-based leadership, advocacy and strategic governance. Board members are elected annually and may serve three terms of three years each.
Executive committee
“It is wonderful to be able to give back to the community. Tu Nidito’s mission resonates with me and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Supriya Bakshi, President
New York Life
“I value the unique services Tu Nidito provides and am proud to be a part of this amazing organization.”
Eric Maneval, Treasurer
Beach Fleischman PC
“As a nurse, I often experience tragedy as part of my job. Tu Nidito helps me to be a part of the healing process after many of these tragedies.”
Melissa Ritchey, RN, 1st Vice President
Children’s Clinics
“Tu Nidito’s purpose is where my heart is.”
Angelica Weber, 2nd Vice President
BioGen
“I am honored to serve on the Tu Nidito Board of Directors so I can play a part in ensuring grieving children have the support and resources they so richly deserve during such difficult times.”
Robin Campos, PhD, Secretary
AZ Oncology
“Tu Nidito is a great organization with local impact and I look forward to bringing further exposure about Tu Nidito to my peers and company.”
Richard Thompson, Past President Board President
Caterpillar, Inc.
Board members
“I lost my father as a young adult and was fortunate to be a part of a community that helped me through my grief journey. Being a part of the Tu Nidito Board is a way that I can echo the kindness extended to me and assist the Tucson community, our families, and our children so that none of us grieve alone.”
Jenna Elmer
University of Arizona Human Resources College of Medicine
“I am the grown-up version of some of the kids that are helped by Tu Nidito. I’d like kids to be able to feel safe in their little nest so they don’t go through what I went through.”
Gabriela Cervantes
Snell & Wilmer
“I started volunteering at Tu Nidito when I was a senior in college. I had experienced many deaths when I was in high school. Then freshman year of college my father died in a car accident. I since got my doctorate in psychology and specialize in trauma and complicated grief. I hope my life experiences and profession can continue to impact those supported at Tu Nidito.”
Courtney Schuneman-Patel
Psy, D. PLLC
“I have been on and off the board since 2003 and the reason I keep coming back is the incredible mission and the impact Tu Nidito has on the lives of so many grieving children and families in our community.”
Charlie Bowles
Bowles Realty & Investments
“I started as a volunteer group facilitator at Tu Nidito and it changed my life in such a profound way. I am honored to provide my professional skills to the Board of Directors and make a difference at this level as well. I love Tu Nidito.”
Ernesto Duran
RBC Wealth Management
“My family has long supported Tu Nidito’s mission. As a Latina mother, I believe there is nothing more important than supporting our children and their emotional needs, especially when going through such a tremendous change that grief brings.”
Candace Carrillo
Si Charro / Stillwell House
“The importance of supporting children during times of grieving and loss cannot be overstated. Tu Nidito’s mission supports not only the children, but also their families and our community as a whole. I am honored to contribute to Tu Nidito and serve on its Board.”
Ed Moomjian, II
Moomjain Law Firm, PLLC
“My family faced the death of my uncle at a very young age, who had two young children, and I watched as my aunt and cousins went without genuine support during his illness and it still sets with me. I’m honored to be a part of Tu Nidito where families like my aunts/cousins get that support.”
Lesley Rehak, RN
Northwest Healthcare
“I’m humbled to be a part of Tu Nidito where the work matches real life and helps children, teens, young adults and caregivers find hope. It’s not easy to grieve. IT never leaves you no matter your age.”
Miguel Cruz
Tucson Federal Credit Union
Honorary Lifetime Members
Marianna Cacciatore • Jannie Cox • Richard DeBernardis • Brandt Hazen • Jim Murphy • Ginny Clements • Honoring Alice Belmonte • Honoring Ron MacBain
