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.

Allison Janos
Medical Coordinator

Allison Janos joined Austin Smiles as Medical Coordinator following a recent trip with the team to Guatemala, where she developed a love for the organization, and everyone involved. A graduate of Villanova University, she has nursing experience in Critical Care, Cardiac Cath Lab, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Her favorite thing about Austin Smiles is how passionate the staff and volunteers are, and to see first-hand the profound impact this organization can have on the children and families who receive care.

In her spare time, Allison enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and a Boston Terrier named Emma. She loves live music, exploring the outdoors, adventure, and traveling. She believes in exploring every opportunity you are presented in life and is excited to be a part of this amazing crew!

In her spare time, Allison enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and a Boston Terrier named Emma. She loves live music, exploring the outdoors, adventure, and traveling. She believes in exploring every opportunity you are presented in life and is excited to be a part of this amazing crew!

Karissa Tagle is one of our Global Public Health Interns

Karissa Tagle is one of our Global Public Health Interns

Henry Liu
Global Public Health Intern

Henry Liu
Global Public Health Intern

Major: Spanish and Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising

Favorite Quote: “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.”

–Roald Dahl

 At St. Edwards, we aspire to celebrate everyone and Austin Smiles shares those values as well. Therefore, I’m excited to be a part of the Austin Smiles team this fall as I hope that we can help more children and their families and bring a positive impact to these communities. 

Major: Spanish and Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising

Favorite Quote: “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.”

–Roald Dahl

 At St. Edwards, we aspire to celebrate everyone and Austin Smiles shares those values as well. Therefore, I’m excited to be a part of the Austin Smiles team this fall as I hope that we can help more children and their families and bring a positive impact to these communities. 

Major: Public Health with a minor in Business Administration

Favorite Quote: “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”― Marilyn Monroe

I am so excited to intern for Austin Smiles this upcoming semester! The idea of providing surgical care to children in Texas and in Latin America is something that I would love to be a part of. Can’t wait to build a healthy, smiling community with my coworkers!

Major: Public Health

As a current public health undergraduate student with a strong passion for medicine andadvocating for equal access and affordability to health care, I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s mission of providing sustainable surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at The University of Texas, with a concentration in Social Behavioral Sciences. Through my coursework, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of Public Health principles. This academic foundation has fueled my enthusiasm for addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to high quality healthcare services.

Major: Public Health

As a current public health undergraduate student with a strong passion for medicine and advocating for equal access and affordability to health care, I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s mission of providing sustainable surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at The University of Texas, with a concentration in Social Behavioral Sciences. Through my coursework, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of Public Health principles. This academic foundation has fueled my enthusiasm for addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to high quality healthcare services.

Major: Masters in Advertising

Being diagnosed with Anemia and receiving lifesaving treatments at a young age, I was given the opportunity to tell my story. My passion to help others gain the confidence to tell their story is made possible at Austin Smiles

Major: Masters in Advertising

Being diagnosed with Anemia and receiving lifesaving treatments at a young age, I was given the opportunity to tell my story. My passion to help others gain the confidence to tell their story is made possible at Austin Smiles

Major: Masters of Public Health

Favorite Quote: “Intentional days build a life on purpose.” – Adrienne Enns

This is a quote I like to strive for in life because it can be so easy to go through routines. I believe this resonates with Austin Smiles because this organization must work every day with intention regardless of what position you hold to ensure you are purposefully helping these children, families, and communities. I value Austin Smiles’ mission, and it is so inspiring to see all the individuals that make this organization possible work with passion and intention. I hope to add value to this team of intention, so we can bring a ton more smiles on purpose!

Major: Masters of Public Health

Favorite Quote: “Intentional days build a life on purpose.” – Adrienne Enns

This is a quote I like to strive for in life because it can be so easy to go through routines. I believe this resonates with Austin Smiles because this organization must work every day with intention regardless of what position you hold to ensure you are purposefully helping these children, families, and communities. I value Austin Smiles’ mission, and it is so inspiring to see all the individuals that make this organization possible work with passion and intention. I hope to add value to this team of intention, so we can bring a ton more smiles on purpose!

Major: Biochemistry with a certificate in Pre Health Professions for Science Majors

Favorite Quote: There is only one way to learn…It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey.

— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

I joined Austin Smiles this semester to further its amazing mission. I admire the fact that Austin Smiles focuses on sustainable care, emphasizing patient-centric care during and after the surgery. Along with that, the impactful community built around this mission is very heart-warming to see and something I’m excited to be part of!