Children’s Heart Foundation is committed to making a difference in the lives of heart families through emotional, educational and financial support to inspire a higher quality of life for all.
Our Team
Melissa Cipriano has been a nonprofit leader in the Las Vegas community since 2006. Her career began with a local organization whose mission is to serve families who have children diagnosed with cancer. In 2019, Melissa began working for the Children's Heart Foundation as the Executive Director. Melissa genuinely has a passion for children and families in need, especially those who are impacted by a medical diagnosis. Her commitment to heart families goes beyond her role as the agency's leader. She is very involved with Camp Mend a Heart, and you can find her volunteering as a member of the Nevada Donor Network, Advisory Board. Melissa is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a 2011 graduate of the Leadership Las Vegas program.
Jill Sarcletti was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Class of 1990. After spending time in California, she settled in Las Vegas in 1998, where she has built both a family and a meaningful career in nonprofit work.
For 13 years, Jill devoted herself full-time to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, a role that deepened her empathy and fueled her passion for service. Upon reentering the workforce, she found her calling in the nonprofit sector. At the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Jill played a key role in growing the Light the Night Walk from $300,000 to over $700,000, demonstrating her talent for fundraising and community engagement.
Since 2019, Jill has been a vital part of the Children’s Heart Foundation, where she works tirelessly to raise awareness and critical funding for children in Nevada born with congenital heart defects. Her genuine compassion is evident in the strong, supportive relationships she builds with the families the Foundation serves.
One of Jill’s favorite experiences each year is Camp Mend a Heart, a weeklong program where children with heart conditions can simply be kids—free to laugh, play, and connect without the burdens of their medical challenges. For Jill, it’s a powerful reminder of why this work matters so deeply.
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Kassidy Bindues has been serving as the Family Services Manager at the Children’s Heart Foundation since 2024. While pursuing her degree in psychology, she discovered her passion for providing support for families navigating challenging circumstances. She is deeply rooted in the Las Vegas community as a third-generation resident, which inspires her drive to give back to those around her.
In her role, Kassidy loves coordinating programs that bring families together, including organizing opportunities for them to connect and share experiences. Kassidy is involved in family outreach efforts, ensuring that support and resources are accessible to all Nevada families affected by congenital heart conditions. She works to foster the foundation’s mission, to enhance the quality of life for those she serves and strengthen community ties.
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