Austin Smiles Staff

Renée Hanson Malone
Executive Director

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Ellise Perry
Programs & Communications Director

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Juanita Rocha
Global Public Health Coordinator

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Austin Smiles - Communications Director - Renee Hanson-Malone Photo
Renée Hanson Malone
Executive Director

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.

Austin Smiles - Communications Director - Ellise Perry Photo

Ellise Perry
Programs & Communications Director

Ellise Perry is a 2018 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She studied and got her BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Pathology. During her college career, Ellise found Austin Smiles while searching for a cleft centered organization to get involved within Austin. She, having been born with a cleft lip and palate herself, fell in love with Austin Smiles, attending events like Camp Amigo and the Spring Picnic for local kids.

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 Perry is a 2018 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She studied and got her BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Pathology. During her college career, Ellise found Austin Smiles while searching for a cleft centered organization to get involved within Austin. She, having been born with a cleft lip and palate herself, fell in love with Austin Smiles, attending events like Camp Amigo and the Spring Picnic for local kids.

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!

austin-smiles-intern-juanita-rocha photo
Juanita Lizbeth Rocha
UTHealth School of Public Health – Austin
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.

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

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Aresly Perez
Global Public Health Intern

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austin-smiles-staff-erika-wey-acuna photo

Chris Trevino
Business Admin Work Study

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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!

Austin Smiles - Medical Coordinator - Allison Janos - photo

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!

austin-smiles-staff-erika-wey-acuna photo

Aresly Perez
Global Public Health Intern

Aresly Perez is one of our previous Global Public Health Interns

Advika Rajesh is one of our Global Public Health Interns

austin-smiles-staff-erika-wey-acuna photo

Chris Trevino

Business Admin Work Study

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!

Austin Smiles Interns – Spring 2024

Jeremiah J. Alderete 
University of Texas at Austin

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Maddie Kelley
Houston Community College

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Ana Matilde Sainz
The University of Texas at Austin

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Alejandro Rivas
Concordia University

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austin-smiles-intern - Miriam D. photo

Jeremiah J. Alderete 
University of Texas at Austin

Major: Public Health
Favorite Quote: “The essence of global health equity is the idea that something so precious as health might be viewed as a right” – Paul Farmer
Bio: I am excited to be working with Austin Smiles this semester. It has been my lifelong dream to work for a nonprofit that helps children in developing countries reach their full potential. I am blessed to be able to be part of an organization whose work lasts a lifetime.

 

Major: Public Health
Favorite Quote: “The essence of global health equity is the idea that something so precious as health might be viewed as a right” – Paul Farmer
Bio: I am excited to be working with Austin Smiles this semester. It has been my lifelong dream to work for a nonprofit that helps children in developing countries reach their full potential. I am blessed to be able to be part of an organization whose work lasts a lifetime.
austin-smiles-intern - Naomi S. photo
Maddie Kelley
Houston Community College

Major: Health 

I wanted to be a Global Public Health intern at Austin Smiles to give back to my community and the medical field. I would like to volunteer my time to help the organization with all the tasks they have to keep up with. I want to go to medical school and I believe being an intern at Austin Smiles will be a great learning experience and help me in the future with school and giving back to those in need.

Major: Health & Medical Sciences

Favorite Quote: Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you – Walt Whitman

I wanted to be a Global Public Health intern at Austin Smiles to give back to my community and the medical field. I would like to volunteer my time to help the organization with all the tasks they have to keep up with. I want to go to medical school and I believe being an intern at Austin Smiles will be a great learning experience and help me in the future with school and giving back to those in need.

austin-smiles-intern - Reeya P. photo
Ana Matilde Sainz
University of Texas at Austin
Major: Biomedical Engineering
As a pre-dental student, my aspiration to become a Global Public Health Intern at Austin Smiles stems from a profound desire to broaden my perspective on healthcare beyond the dental realm. This opportunity uniquely combines my passion for dentistry with a holistic approach to public health, allowing me to witness firsthand the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being. I am driven by the prospect of making a tangible difference in underserved communities, providing essential dental care, and promoting preventive measures that can significantly impact individuals’ lives.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
As a pre-dental student, my aspiration to become a Global Public Health Intern at Austin Smiles stems from a profound desire to broaden my perspective on healthcare beyond the dental realm. This opportunity uniquely combines my passion for dentistry with a holistic approach to public health, allowing me to witness firsthand the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being. I am driven by the prospect of making a tangible difference in underserved communities, providing essential dental care, and promoting preventive measures that can significantly impact individuals’ lives.
austin-smiles-intern - David A. photo

Alejandro Rivas
Concordia University

Major: Global Public Health

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 am eager to be joining Austin Smiles as part of the internship team this spring. 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.

Major: Global Public Health

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 am eager to be joining Austin Smiles as part of the internship team this spring. 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.

Jordan Rochlitz
Texas State University

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Lauren Schrock
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University

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austin-smiles-intern - Georgia Q photo

Jordan Rochlitz
Texas State University

Major: Communication Disorders with a Minor in Spanish
Favorite Quote: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”.  – J.R.R Tolkien (Fellowship of the Ring)
I am so thrilled to be working with Austin Smiles this semester! I strive to be intentional with my time, and for me, this means investing in people, and working to impact the lives of others.  I’m excited to be a part of a team who shares my same heart for people and who seek to provide life changing care to children across Texas and Latin America.  As an aspiring Speech Language Pathologist, I hope to one day work with children who have had a cleft palate or a cleft lip, so I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team. 
Major: Communication Disorders with a Minor in Spanish
Favorite Quote: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”.  – J.R.R Tolkien (Fellowship of the Ring)
I am so thrilled to be working with Austin Smiles this semester! I strive to be intentional with my time, and for me, this means investing in people, and working to impact the lives of others.  I’m excited to be a part of a team who shares my same heart for people and who seek to provide life changing care to children across Texas and Latin America.  As an aspiring Speech Language Pathologist, I hope to one day work with children who have had a cleft palate or a cleft lip, so I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team. 
austin-smiles-intern - Sam M. photo

Lauren Schrock
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University

Major:
Master of Health Administration – Texas A&M University
B.A. in Health & Society, Pre-Dental – The University of Texas at Austin

Favorite Quote: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”
1 Peter 4:10

During my undergraduate years as a pre-dental student and a dedicated member of the Texas Trap and Skeet team, I found joy in volunteering with Austin Smiles, bringing smiles to children in communities. The impactful work of this organization left a lasting impression on me. As a healthcare leader and aspiring dentist, I am motivated to extend my commitment to this mission at Austin Smiles beyond my collegiate years.

Now, as I near completion of my master’s degree at Texas A&M, I am eager to re-engage with Austin Smiles. My goal is to contribute to the development of programs that advocate for dentistry, ensuring continued enhancement of the services and support Austin Smiles provides to the community. This journey reflects my dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need through healthcare and dentistry.

Major:
Master of Health Administration – Texas A&M University
B.A. in Health & Society, Pre-Dental – The University of Texas at Austin

Favorite Quote: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”
1 Peter 4:10

During my undergraduate years as a pre-dental student and a dedicated member of the Texas Trap and Skeet team, I found joy in volunteering with Austin Smiles, bringing smiles to children in communities. The impactful work of this organization left a lasting impression on me. As a healthcare leader and aspiring dentist, I am motivated to extend my commitment to this mission at Austin Smiles beyond my collegiate years.

Now, as I near completion of my master’s degree at Texas A&M, I am eager to re-engage with Austin Smiles. My goal is to contribute to the development of programs that advocate for dentistry, ensuring continued enhancement of the services and support Austin Smiles provides to the community. This journey reflects my dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need through healthcare and dentistry.

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!

Austin Smiles - local services banner photos
Austin Smiles - local services Camp Amigo photo

Our History

Since 1987 Austin Smiles has changed lives one smile at a time

Austin Smiles - local services spring picnic photo

Intern with Austin Smiles

Make a difference locally and globally

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Our Supporters

We are grateful for our philanthropic partners