We are a 501(c)3 Charity
MMFKIDS.ORG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GOVERNING BOARD
All board members are non-paid volunteers, keeping admin cost low, and allowing more of your donation dollars to go to the families we serve. Every board member commits their personal time and resources to the bottom line mission of MMFKids. It requires a sharp mind and soft heart to strictly focus on the
needs of our medically fragile children and their families.
GOVERNING BOARD
All board members are non-paid volunteers, keeping admin cost low, and allowing more of your donation dollars to go to the families we serve. Every board member commits their personal time and resources to the bottom line mission of MMFKids. It requires a sharp mind
and soft heart to strictly focus on the needs of our medically fragile children and their families.
GOVERNING BOARD
All board members are non-paid volunteers, keeping admin cost low, and allowing more of your donation dollars to go to the families we serve. Every board member commits their personal time and resources to the bottom line mission of MMFKids. It requires a sharp mind and soft heart to strictly focus on the needs of our medically fragile children
and their families.
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBERS
Many of the board members currently serving helped transition Maryssa's medical journey to the organization we are today. We are forever grateful for the love, sacrifice and commitment they've demonstrated to our families whose lives have been forever changed because of their generosity.
MITCHELL RIVAS, M.S.
& MINDY RIVAS
Mitchell and Malinda "Mindy" Rivas are Maryssa's parents. They are the Founders of Maryssa's Mission Foundation. Mitchell serves as
the MMF President and Mindy serves
as the MMF Executive Director and Board Secretary.
MITCHELL RIVAS, M.S.
& MINDY RIVAS
Mitchell and Malinda "Mindy" Rivas are Maryssa's parents. They are the Founders of Maryssa's Mission Foundation. Mitchell serves as the MMF President and Mindy serves as the MMF Executive Director
and Board Secretary.
They are committed to "Being the blessing they prayed to receive®" throughout Maryssa's Journey. Mitchell earned his Masters
Degree in Business with a focus on
Organizational Leadership and Development in
August 2016 from Union Institute &
University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
MITCHELL RIVAS, M.S.
& MINDY RIVAS
Mitchell and Malinda "Mindy" Rivas are Maryssa's parents. They are the Founders of Maryssa's Mission Foundation. Mitchell serves as the MMF President and Mindy serves as the MMF Executive Director
and Board Secretary.
They are committed to "Being the blessing they prayed to receive®" throughout Maryssa's Journey. Mitchell earned his Masters Degree in Business with a focus on
Organizational Leadership and Development in August 2016 from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mitchell and Mindy have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of four children including Maryssa. Mitchell is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and is currently employed as a Combined Federal Campaign Loaned Executive with The United States Postal Service.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mitchell and Mindy have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children including Maryssa. Mitchell is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and is currently employed with The United States Postal Service.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mitchell and Mindy have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children including Maryssa. Mitchell is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and is currently employed as a Combined Federal Campaign Loaned Executive with The United States Postal Service.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This diverse and talented board of directors are the leaders committed to impacting and
positively changing the lives of the medically fragile community we serve.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This diverse and talented board of directors are the leaders committed to impacting and positively changing
the lives of the medically fragile community we serve.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This diverse and talented board of directors are the leaders committed to impacting and positively changing the lives of the medically fragile community we serve.
HARRY BROWNFIELD JR.
Board Chair
Harry Brownfield serves as the Chairman of the Board at the Maryssa's Mission Foundation. He and his wife Mary have played a life changing role in the Rivas family. Their support for Maryssa was instrumental in her life as well as in the foundation moving forward. His career position is an Executive Vice President in the Employee Benefits Division at The Fedeli Group. He has been with The Fedeli Group since 1983 and his focus has always been on nurturing and maintaining sustained relationships with clients. Harry spends a significant amount of time with their strategic partners-- the health carriers. Information on industry trends and periodic meetings with carrier management allows him direct access to decision makers at the carrier level, which leads to more effective client consulting.
Harry is currently a Registered Health Underwriter. He attended both the University of South Carolina and Cleveland State University. An active community volunteer, Harry is on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland and the Mercy Foundation of Lorain County. He also enjoys teaching at his church.
HARRY BROWNFIELD JR.
Board Chair
Harry Brownfield serves as the Chairman of the Board at the Maryssa's Mission Foundation. He and his wife Mary have played a life changing role in the Rivas family. Their support for Maryssa was instrumental in her life as well as in the foundation moving forward. His career position is an Executive Vice President in the Employee Benefits Division at The Fedeli Group. He has been with The Fedeli Group since 1983 and his focus has always been on nurturing and maintaining sustained relationships with clients. Harry spends a significant amount of time with their strategic partners-- the health carriers. Information on industry trends and periodic meetings with carrier management allows him direct access to decision makers at the carrier level, which leads to more effective client consulting.
Harry is currently a Registered Health Underwriter. He attended both the University of South Carolina and Cleveland State University. An active community volunteer, Harry is on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland and the Mercy Foundation of Lorain County. He also enjoys teaching at his church.
HARRY BROWNFIELD JR.
Board Chair
Harry Brownfield serves as the Chairman of the Board at the Maryssa's Mission Foundation. He and his wife Mary have played a life changing role in the Rivas family. Their support for Maryssa was instrumental in her life as well as in the foundation moving forward. His career position is an Executive Vice President in the Employee Benefits Division at The Fedeli Group. He has been with The Fedeli Group since 1983 and his focus has always been on nurturing and maintaining sustained relationships with clients. Harry spends a significant amount of time with their strategic partners-- the health carriers. Information on industry trends and periodic meetings with carrier management allows him direct access to decision makers at the carrier level, which leads to more effective client consulting.
Harry is currently a Registered Health Underwriter. He attended both the University of South Carolina and Cleveland State University. An active community volunteer, Harry is on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland and the Mercy Foundation of Lorain County. He also enjoys teaching at his church.
TRACEY LIGHT, M.A.
Treasurer
Tracey Ann (Sissy) Light is the Treasurer of The Maryssa’s Mission Foundation. She is the proud aunt of all the Rivas children. Aunt Sissy was honored to share her middle name with Miss Maryssa. Maryssa and Aunt Sissy both admired the color pink, thus coining Maryssa as “her twin.” Tracey, her husband John, and son Dominic reside near Chicago, IL, where John recently retired as a Staff Sergeant in The United States Marine Corps. The geographical barrier did not stop John and Tracey from supporting the Rivas family during the ongoing challenges that came with raising a medically fragile child. Tracey managed the donated funds for Maryssa’s medical and travel expenses from the time she was born, until the time she went home to be with the Lord in November 2015. They frequently visited Cleveland and Cincinnati during many of Maryssa’s hospital stays.
Tracey holds a Masters Degree from Ashford University in Organizational Management with a Human Resources focus. She is currently an Assistant Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union in Gurnee, IL.
TRACEY LIGHT, M.A.
Treasurer
Tracey Ann (Sissy) Light is the Treasurer of The Maryssa’s Mission Foundation. She is the proud aunt of all the Rivas children. Aunt Sissy was honored to share her middle name with Miss Maryssa. Maryssa and Aunt Sissy both admired the color pink, thus coining Maryssa as “her twin.” Tracey, her husband John, and son Dominic reside near Chicago, IL, where John recently retired as a Staff Sergeant in The United States Marine Corps. The geographical barrier did not stop John and Tracey from supporting the Rivas family during the ongoing challenges that came with raising a medically fragile child. Tracey managed the donated funds for Maryssa’s medical and travel expenses from the time she was born, until the time she went home to be with the Lord in November 2015. They frequently visited Cleveland and Cincinnati during many of Maryssa’s hospital stays.
Tracey holds a Masters Degree from Ashford University in Organizational Management with a Human Resources focus. She is currently an Assistant Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union in Gurnee, IL.
TRACEY LIGHT, M.A.
Treasurer
Tracey Ann (Sissy) Light is the Treasurer of The Maryssa’s Mission Foundation. She is the proud aunt of all the Rivas children. Aunt Sissy was honored to share her middle name with Miss Maryssa. Maryssa and Aunt Sissy both admired the color pink, thus coining Maryssa as “her twin.” Tracey, her husband John, and son Dominic reside near Chicago, IL, where John recently retired as a Staff Sergeant in The United States Marine Corps. The geographical barrier did not stop John and Tracey from supporting the Rivas family during the ongoing challenges that came with raising a medically fragile child. Tracey managed the donated funds for Maryssa’s medical and travel expenses from the time she was born, until the time she went home to be with the Lord in November 2015. They frequently visited Cleveland and Cincinnati during many of Maryssa’s hospital stays.
Tracey holds a Masters Degree from Ashford University in Organizational Management with a Human Resources focus. She is currently an Assistant Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union in Gurnee, IL.
MARY ELLEN SHRAMEK, MBA
Board Member
Mary Ellen Shramek joins the Board of The Maryssa's Mission Foundation as of August 2019. She came to know the Rivas through her cousin Mary Brownfield when she asked for prayers of support for Maryssa and the family throughout their journey. And more recently, as a volunteer at MMF functions. Admiring the dedication and work of the Rivas family to their vision as advocates of the medically fragile community, she is eager to contribute in a broader role in support of the Mission.
Mary Ellen’s career position is with RGP as a Finance and Accounting Consultant. Prior to joining RGP, she held a variety of Corporate Finance roles with increasing responsibilities and support to Executive Management. She has experience in Financial Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Systems Administration, and Business Analysis at PNC Financial Services and KeyCorp.
Mary Ellen attended Baldwin Wallace University and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with an Organizational Systems Management focus. As a Volunteer, she spent many years on the Board of the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation (LCAC) and recently, became a Mentor for the College Now of Great Cleveland program. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
MARY ELLEN SHRAMEK, MBA
Board Member
Mary Ellen Shramek joins the Board of The Maryssa's Mission Foundation as of August 2019. She came to know the Rivas through her cousin Mary Brownfield when she asked for prayers of support for Maryssa and the family throughout their journey. And more recently, as a volunteer at MMF functions. Admiring the dedication and work of the Rivas family to their vision as advocates of the medically fragile community, she is eager to contribute in a broader role in support of the Mission.
Mary Ellen’s career position is with RGP as a Finance and Accounting Consultant. Prior to joining RGP, she held a variety of Corporate Finance roles with increasing responsibilities and support to Executive Management. She has experience in Financial Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Systems Administration, and Business Analysis at PNC Financial Services and KeyCorp.
Mary Ellen attended Baldwin Wallace University and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with an Organizational Systems Management focus. As a Volunteer, she spent many years on the Board of the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation (LCAC) and recently, became a Mentor for the College Now of Great Cleveland program. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
DR. NELSON E. SOTO
Board Member Emeritus
Dr. Nelson E. Soto is a Board Member Emeritus and founding board member of Maryssa's Mission Foundation (MMF). During their frequent visits to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the Rivas family found refuge in the Soto's home. Additionally, Dr. Soto was vital to creating the blueprints and strategic business plan of the MMF. As a visionary and strategic leader, Dr. Soto also played a significant role in acquiring the seed funding needed to launch Maryssa's Mission.
Dr. Soto holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies from Indiana University. In his career role, he serves as the President of Albizu University in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is also a Higher Learning Commission, Institutional Action Committee (IAC) member and serves on the New Leadership Academy Advisory Board.
Dr. Soto is married to Dr. Ana Baratta, and they have two children. Their son Daniel, and daughter, Nicole.
DR. NELSON E. SOTO
Board Member Emeritus
Dr. Nelson E. Soto is a Board Member Emeritus and founding board member of Maryssa's Mission Foundation (MMF). During their frequent visits to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the Rivas family found refuge in the Soto's home. Additionally, Dr. Soto was vital to creating the blueprints and strategic business plan of the MMF. As a visionary and strategic leader, Dr. Soto also played a significant role in acquiring the seed funding needed to launch Maryssa's Mission.
Dr. Soto holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies from Indiana University. In his career role, he serves as the President of Albizu University in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is also a Higher Learning Commission, Institutional Action Committee (IAC) member and serves on the New Leadership Academy Advisory Board.
Dr. Soto is married to Dr. Ana Baratta, and they have two children. Their son Daniel, and daughter, Nicole.
MARY ELLEN SHRAMEK, MBA
Board Member
Mary Ellen Shramek joins the Board of The Maryssa's Mission Foundation as of August 2019. She came to know the Rivas through her cousin Mary Brownfield when she asked for prayers of support for Maryssa and the family throughout their journey. And more recently, as a volunteer at MMF functions. Admiring the dedication and work of the Rivas family to their vision as advocates of the medically fragile community, she is eager to contribute in a broader role in support of the Mission.
Mary Ellen’s career position is with RGP as a Finance and Accounting Consultant. Prior to joining RGP, she held a variety of Corporate Finance roles with increasing responsibilities and support to Executive Management. She has experience in Financial Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Systems Administration, and Business Analysis at PNC Financial Services and KeyCorp.
Mary Ellen attended Baldwin Wallace University and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with an Organizational Systems Management focus. As a Volunteer, she spent many years on the Board of the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation (LCAC) and recently, became a Mentor for the College Now of Great Cleveland program. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
DR. NELSON E. SOTO
Board Member Emeritus
Dr. Nelson E. Soto is a Board Member Emeritus and founding board member of Maryssa's Mission Foundation (MMF). During their frequent visits to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the Rivas family found refuge in the Soto's home. Additionally, Dr. Soto was vital to creating the blueprints and strategic business plan of the MMF. As a visionary and strategic leader, Dr. Soto also played a significant role in acquiring the seed funding needed to launch Maryssa's Mission.
Dr. Soto holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies from Indiana University. In his career role, he serves as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at Union Institute & University. He is also a Higher Learning Commission, Institutional Action Committee (IAC) member and serves on the New Leadership Academy Advisory Board.
Dr. Soto is married to Dr. Ana Baratta, and they have two children. Their son Daniel, and daughter, Nicole.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEER STAFF
These individuals are the hands and feet of the operational side of ALL our "Missions".
Together we have reached over 4,000 members of the medically fragile community.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEER STAFF
These individuals are the hands and feet of the operational side of ALL our "Missions".
Together we have reached over 4,000 members of the medically fragile community.
MARY FRANCES BROWNFIELD
Development Director
Mary Frances aka "Granga" is Maryssa's grandma. She knows first hand the sacrifices that grandparents make to stay accessible and fill the needs of the parents tending to their medically fragile child. Her expertise in fundraising orchestrates key donors, sponsorships, and in-kind donation to ensure our donors feel as special as the families we serve. She plays an integral part of the fundraising events, making each one special and memorable.
MARY FRANCES BROWNFIELD
Development Director
Mary Frances aka "Granga" is Maryssa's grandma. She knows first hand the sacrifices that grandparents make to stay accessible and fill the needs of the parents tending to their medically fragile child. Her expertise in fundraising orchestrates key donors, sponsorships, and in-kind donation to ensure our donors feel as special as the families we serve. She plays an integral part of the fundraising events, making each one special and memorable.
MAKENZIE R. RIVAS
Jr. Volunteer Coordinator
MATEO H. RIVAS
Guest & Donor Relations
MALINAH A. RIVAS
Manager
MAKENZIE R. RIVAS
Volunteer Coordinator
MATEO H. RIVAS
Guest & Donor Relations
MALINAH A. RIVAS
Manager
MAKENZIE R. RIVAS
Jr. Volunteer Coordinator
MATEO H. RIVAS
Guest & Donor Relations