Creating Smiles, Improving Lives

Renée Hanson Malone has 15 years of management, resource development, and communications experience, raising millions of dollars and community support for underserved populations in Austin, TX. Her greatest strengths are donor development, communications, corporate giving, special events, grant writing, program development, and public relations.

Renée received her M.A. in Latin American Studies and was employed as a Lecturer by the Latin American Studies and Spanish Departments at the University of Kansas. Much of her work in Austin has been dedicated to strengthening and diversifying funding sources in order to expand services to underserved populations.

Before joining Austin Smiles, Renée served as the Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. Before that, she was the Director of Development for the Austin Child Guidance Center, the Grants Development Specialist at Easter Seals Central Texas and the Education Program Director/Grant Writer for Manos de Cristo.

She currently serves as the Board President of LOLA-Local Opera Local Artists. In addition, she is a current Board member for Vela and serves on the Non-Profit Advisory Council forI Live Here I Give Here. Renée was a member of Impact Austin from 2015-2017. She volunteered as the international matching grants coordinator for the Rotary Club of Austin Downtown and is a past board member of Austin Cops for Charities.

Making a difference in the world and inspiring others to support humanity is her life’s work. She has always admired Austin Smiles’ work in the community. She is honored to join the team and be a part of our life-changing work for so many children in need.

Renée Hanson Malone has 15 years of management, resource development, and communications experience, raising millions of dollars and community support for underserved populations in Austin, TX. Her greatest strengths are donor development, communications, corporate giving, special events, grant writing, program development, and public relations.

Renée received her M.A. in Latin American Studies and was employed as a Lecturer by the Latin American Studies and Spanish Departments at the University of Kansas. Much of her work in Austin has been dedicated to strengthening and diversifying funding sources in order to expand services to underserved populations.

Before joining Austin Smiles, Renée served as the Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. Before that, she was the Director of Development for the Austin Child Guidance Center, the Grants Development Specialist at Easter Seals Central Texas and the Education Program Director/Grant Writer for Manos de Cristo.

She currently serves as the Board President of LOLA-Local Opera Local Artists. In addition, she is a current Board member for Vela and serves on the Non-Profit Advisory Council for I Live Here I Give Here. Renée was a member of Impact Austin from 2015-2017. She volunteered as the international matching grants coordinator for the Rotary Club of Austin Downtown and is a past board member of Austin Cops for Charities.

Making a difference in the world and inspiring others to support humanity is her life’s work. She has always admired Austin Smiles’ work in the community. She is honored to join the team and be a part of our life-changing work for so many children in need.

Ellise currently owns a family and child photography business in Austin, known as Ellise Nicole Photography LLC. She has been on a mission to El Salvador and Guatemala and loves being able to capture the smiles, tears, and love between patients, their families and Austin Smiles volunteers with her camera.

Ellise has a passion for photography, working with children, and volunteering. She is interested in communications, social media marketing, non-profit management, and bettering the lives of children born just like her!

Ellise currently owns a family and child photography business in Austin, known as Ellise Nicole Photography LLC. She has been on a mission to El Salvador and Guatemala and loves being able to capture the smiles, tears, and love between patients, their families and Austin Smiles volunteers with her camera.

Ellise has a passion for photography, working with children, and volunteering. She is interested in communications, social media marketing, non-profit management, and bettering the lives of children born just like her!

Juanita Rocha is a 2021 graduate of Texas A&M University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Biomedical Science. During her undergraduate career she took part in the first-generation student peer mentorship program where she guided and encouraged fellow first-generation students to achieve academic and personal goals, take advantage of campus resources, and develop community and a sense of belonging. Upon graduation she attended The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public where she obtained her master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Health Disparities. As part of her practicum experience, she worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to aid in the 2022 Monkeypox Response team where she assisted in providing guidance to states for the evaluation of possible cases of monkeypox, recommendations for clinical diagnosis, patient isolation, sanitation methods, and creating resources for afflicted and underrepresented communities.

Juanita believes that Public Health is not linear, it encompasses an array of diverse fields and individuals that have health and well-being as an end goal. Working with Austin Smiles has allowed her practice and see that statement come to life. Coming from Brownsville, Texas, a low-income border town, and personally experiencing some of the effects that the lack of financial support, cultural competency, and access to resources brings, she hopes to use her past experiences and education to positively influence the great work Austin Smiles does locally and internationally.

Seeing how the Austin Smiles Global Public Health Internship created such an impact for her personally the Fall of 2021, she hopes to inspire and guide interns to pursue their educational and career goals. From being an intern to a full-time staff member in 2023 she has been able to assist in the growth of the internship program and provide a space for education internationally during our missions for university students from host countries.

As a first-generation Latina, her goal is to contribute to communities that encounter health disparities beyond their control and serve as a bridge to mend the gap that equity has created.

David Aguilar first became involved with the organization as an intern in the fall of 2022 while completing his undergraduate degree in healthcare administration. Inspired by the mission and the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of Austin Smiles, David eagerly embraced his role within the team.

David holds a degree in healthcare administration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field. His favorite aspect of working with Austin Smiles is the opportunity to apply his skills in volunteer management, recruitment, and healthcare administration, alongside his previous medical clinical experience, to make a meaningful impact in Latin American countries.

In his spare time, David is working towards his Cicerone certification and competes in powerlifting. He is also passionate about LATINX rights and inclusion, believing firmly in uplifting others and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. David is excited to be a part of this incredible organization and to contribute to its mission.

David Aguilar first became involved with the organization as an intern in the fall of 2022 while completing his undergraduate degree in healthcare administration. Inspired by the mission and the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of Austin Smiles, David eagerly embraced his role within the team.

David holds a degree in healthcare administration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field. His favorite aspect of working with Austin Smiles is the opportunity to apply his skills in volunteer management, recruitment, and healthcare administration, alongside his previous medical clinical experience, to make a meaningful impact in Latin American countries.

In his spare time, David is working towards his Cicerone certification and competes in powerlifting. He is also passionate about LATINX rights and inclusion, believing firmly in uplifting others and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. David is excited to be a part of this incredible organization and to contribute to its mission.

Dr. Fernando Henrique Almas de Carvalho is an esteemed Oral and Maxillofacial and Craniofacial Surgeon specializing in cleft lip and palate surgery, facial trauma, and facial reconstructive procedures. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including MD, DDS, FICS, FACS, MPH, and PhD, and has made significant contributions to the field through his work with underserved populations worldwide. Dr. Carvalho has been involved in numerous humanitarian missions with international organizations like Mercy Ships, Operation International, Austin Smiles, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and Global Smile Foundation, providing critical surgical care and training to healthcare professionals in developing countries.

Dr. Carvalho’s commitment to surgical education and global health is evident through his involvement in international summits and workshops aimed at improving surgical care in resource-limited settings. He has also been a pioneer in the use of augmented reality in cleft surgery, enhancing training and patient safety. His work is widely published in leading journals, and he has been recognized by the United States Consul General in Ecuador for his efforts in strengthening international relations through medical missions.

In addition to his medical and dental degrees, Dr. Carvalho has obtained certifications and fellowships in craniofacial surgery, comprehensive cleft surgery, advanced facial trauma surgery, and pediatric life support. He has held key roles as the Surgical Director for the Global Smile Foundation, Project HARAR, and Operation International, significantly contributing to the development of comprehensive cleft care programs. Dr. Carvalho’s extensive background in humanitarian missions includes serving as a consultant surgeon with organizations like Mercy Ships, Operation International, and Austin Smiles in various countries, including Senegal, Ghana, Bhutan, El Salvador, Bolivia, and Uganda. In these roles, he has performed complex surgeries, conducted grand rounds, and provided educational lectures and demonstrations in cleft lip/palate surgery, facial trauma, and reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Carvalho has also contributed academically, serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and staff surgeon at various medical institutions in Brazil. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, he has received several prestigious awards, including the “Prêmio Saúde” from the President of Brazil and accolades from the United States Consulate in Guayaquil. He is an active member of several professional societies and has played a pivotal role in organizing international cleft care workshops, furthering education and surgical standards in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Carvalho’s commitment to surgical education and global health is evident through his involvement in international summits and workshops aimed at improving surgical care in resource-limited settings. He has also been a pioneer in the use of augmented reality in cleft surgery, enhancing training and patient safety. His work is widely published in leading journals, and he has been recognized by the United States Consul General in Ecuador for his efforts in strengthening international relations through medical missions.

In addition to his medical and dental degrees, Dr. Carvalho has obtained certifications and fellowships in craniofacial surgery, comprehensive cleft surgery, advanced facial trauma surgery, and pediatric life support. He has held key roles as the Surgical Director for the Global Smile Foundation, Project HARAR, and Operation International, significantly contributing to the development of comprehensive cleft care programs. Dr. Carvalho’s extensive background in humanitarian missions includes serving as a consultant surgeon with organizations like Mercy Ships, Operation International, and Austin Smiles in various countries, including Senegal, Ghana, Bhutan, El Salvador, Bolivia, and Uganda. In these roles, he has performed complex surgeries, conducted grand rounds, and provided educational lectures and demonstrations in cleft lip/palate surgery, facial trauma, and reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Carvalho has also contributed academically, serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and staff surgeon at various medical institutions in Brazil. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, he has received several prestigious awards, including the “Prêmio Saúde” from the President of Brazil and accolades from the United States Consulate in Guayaquil. He is an active member of several professional societies and has played a pivotal role in organizing international cleft care workshops, furthering education and surgical standards in resource-limited settings.

Favorite quote: You won’t always have it all figured out before you begin – and that’s ok. You have to trust that you’ll figure it out as you go. – Amber Lyon

I strongly believe in the profound and enduring influence of their work in improving the lives of children and the communities they serve. Learning about the annual mission trips made by medical professionals and staff members to provide assistance to others has served as a source of inspiration for me. This has motivated me to actively pursue the opportunity to be involved in such mission trips in the future.

Favorite quote: You won’t always have it all figured out before you begin – and that’s ok. You have to trust that you’ll figure it out as you go. – Amber Lyon

I strongly believe in the profound and enduring influence of their work in improving the lives of children and the communities they serve. Learning about the annual mission trips made by medical professionals and staff members to provide assistance to others has served as a source of inspiration for me. This has motivated me to actively pursue the opportunity to be involved in such mission trips in the future.

I am super excited to be able to contribute to the mission here at Austin Smiles! The ability to transform the lives of children born with cleft lips and palates is so inspiring and influential. The message of giving back and supporting underserved communities is sure to be amplified during my time here. I am so thrilled to be able to leverage my skills and experience to contribute wholeheartedly to this noble cause!

Major: Allied Health

My desire to work at Austin Smiles stems from my passion to make an impact. I hope to make a lasting impression on both those that I work with and serve, as well as gain valuable experience and knowledge in this field. Austin Smiles’ selfless mission of helping others is a large part of what has drawn me to working here.

“I think that all things, in their way, reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.” -C.S. Lewis

Major: Master’s of Science in Social Work

I am very excited to join the Austin Smiles intern team this Fall. As a social work student, I am interested in learning how to provide necessary services, such as healthcare, in a manner that centers client’s comfort, joy, and empowerment. It is clear to me that Austin Smiles is a client-centered organization, and I am honored to join a team that promotes such inclusion at a local and global level. Additionally, I am excited to promote accessibility and inclusion with Austin Smiles by serving predominantly Spanish-speaking populations with my bilingual skills, as well as with cultural humility. There is so much to learn in the days ahead, and I cannot wait to see the healing and growth that we will foster through this internship!

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Major: Master’s of Science in Social Work

I am very excited to join the Austin Smiles intern team this Fall. As a social work student, I am interested in learning how to provide necessary services, such as healthcare, in a manner that centers client’s comfort, joy, and empowerment. It is clear to me that Austin Smiles is a client-centered organization, and I am honored to join a team that promotes such inclusion at a local and global level. Additionally, I am excited to promote accessibility and inclusion with Austin Smiles by serving predominantly Spanish-speaking populations with my bilingual skills, as well as with cultural humility. There is so much to learn in the days ahead, and I cannot wait to see the healing and growth that we will foster through this internship!

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Major: Global Policy Studies and Public Health

I wanted to intern with Austin Smiles not only because of their fantastic work done locally and internationally but also because of the connection they have been able to create with children and their families. Being able to work alongside people who are just as passionate as I am, especially in caring for children, is exactly what I was looking for to further my public health expertise and learn more about how nonprofits benefit communities. I admire the work done by Austin Smiles and being able to contribute in any capacity will be a privilege to do so!

Major: Global Policy Studies and Public Health

I wanted to intern with Austin Smiles not only because of their fantastic work done locally and internationally but also because of the connection they have been able to create with children and their families. Being able to work alongside people who are just as passionate as I am, especially in caring for children, is exactly what I was looking for to further my public health expertise and learn more about how nonprofits benefit communities. I admire the work done by Austin Smiles and being able to contribute in any capacity will be a privilege to do so!

Major: Biology

I am so excited to spend my Summer with Austin Smiles because it is a great opportunity to do meaningful work and give back to the community. I have always been passionate about the medical field and I can’t wait to contribute any way I can. I want to be a part of an awesome team that works towards bettering the community and those around them!

“Be where your feet are. If you must look back, do so with grace. If you must look forward, do so with hope. But the greatest gift you can give yourself is to be present, right here, in this moment.” Scott M O’Neil

Major: Biology

I am so excited to spend my Summer with Austin Smiles because it is a great opportunity to do meaningful work and give back to the community. I have always been passionate about the medical field and I can’t wait to contribute any way I can. I want to be a part of an awesome team that works towards bettering the community and those around them!

“Be where your feet are. If you must look back, do so with grace. If you must look forward, do so with hope. But the greatest gift you can give yourself is to be present, right here, in this moment.” Scott M O’Neil

Major: Public Health

I’m so excited to be joining the Austin Smiles team as a global health intern! I’m very passionate about the work that they do locally, and the opportunities they provide across Latin America. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, a region that has long faced disparities in income and access to care, I witnessed first hand how the lack of oral care and education had on kids’ health and confidence. I admire Austin Smiles for being such a patient centered organization that is trying to bridge the gap to accessible healthcare that a lot of children and families suffer from. I’m thrilled to contribute to this mission and hope to inspire others to get involved too!

Major: Public Health

I’m so excited to be joining the Austin Smiles team as a global health intern! I’m very passionate about the work that they do locally, and the opportunities they provide across Latin America. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, a region that has long faced disparities in income and access to care, I witnessed first hand how the lack of oral care and education had on kids’ health and confidence. I admire Austin Smiles for being such a patient centered organization that is trying to bridge the gap to accessible healthcare that a lot of children and families suffer from. I’m thrilled to contribute to this mission and hope to inspire others to get involved too!

Major: Public Relations

I’m thrilled to join Austin Smiles this summer as a PR, Media, and Communications intern! As someone with a deep passion for social advocacy and expanding healthcare accessibility for demographics largely overlooked, Austin Smiles’ powerful mission spoke to me. In this position, I’m excited to illustrate this organization’s impactful work while amplifying their online voices to reach even more untouched communities. I am eager to join this welcoming community of people I will learn and grow from, and who share a genuine passion for empowering a mission that changes lives.

Major: Incoming 1st Year Dental Student

I joined Austin Smiles to explore the intersection of dentistry and public health, with a focus on expanding access to care. As a future dental professional, I’m committed to understanding how healthcare teams address community needs. Austin Smiles’ mission to serve diverse populations, particularly Hispanic communities, aligns with my dedication to cultural competence and health equity. This experience strengthened my resolve to contribute to meaningful change in healthcare delivery.