Meet the team
Plastic
Surgeons:
Joseph
F. Mazza, Jr., M.D. "Joe"
Age: 43
Ft. Myers, Florida
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in private practice at Mazza Plastic
Surgery
Number of missions previously attended: 3
What is your motivation in attending a Rainbow Mission?
Missions
are the highest of highs. I can concentrate completely on the kids.
Manuel
Pena, MD "Manny"
Age: 42
Naples, Fl
Number of previous missions: 1
The pay and helping the kids is more fun than riding in the
Mardi Gras parade.
Anesthesiologist:
Joseph
Nicotra, MD "Joe"
Age: 39
Cape Coral,
Florida
Anesthesiologist. Anesthesia & Pain Consultants of Southwest Florida.
Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center, Fort Myers, Florida.
Number of missions
previously attended: First Mission
"After spending 10 years in medicine, getting caught up in the economics
and politics involved in private practice, I want to be able to perform
something completely from the heart. For once I want the motivation for
my services to be solely for the benefit of the patient without regard
for insurances, authorizations, or reimbursements. I've wanted to do this
for many years and, for one reason or another, have never been able to.
When I was approached by another member of the mission I didn't hesitate."
Anesthetists:
Candice
Riley,CRNA "Candy"
Age: 46
Ft. Myers, FL
Nurse
Anesthetist with Mazza Plastic Surgery
Number of missions previously attended: 0
I've heard a lot about mission trips from others and would like to participate.
Robert
Cleary, CRNA "Bob"
Ft.
Myers, FL certified registered nurse anesthetist, currently employed
by Anesthesia and Pain Consultants of Southwest Florida
This
is my first mission and is something that I have always wanted to do.
Nurses
/ ORT:
Katherine
W. Brink, RN "Kathy"
Age: 42
North
Fort Myers, Florida
Certified Surgical Technician, Lee Memorial Health System and Mazza Plastic
Surgery
Position on the team: Certified Surgical Technician and Medical Supply
Coordinator Number of missions previously attended: 2
It
is rewarding to help the children. As a parent, I can not imagine the
courage these parents must have to trust us with their children.
Suzanne
Smith, RN,
Age: 29 (honestly)
Arnprior, Canada
Second Mission
Traveling OR nurse
I was lucky enough to go last year and will continue as long as Rainbow will have me. I actually go for a selfish reason. I may give of my time and skill but I get so much more back.
Ann
Johnson, ORT,
Certified Operating Room Technician
Lee Memorial Hospital and Mazza Plastic Surgery
Linda
Clark, RN
Age: 52 and holding
Naples, FL
Full time RN for Dr. Manny Pena and La Peel Spa; Flex Pool Staff for Naples
Community Hospital for endoscopy, pre-op, PACU, and special procedures.
Number of missions: First
PACU:
Cynthia
Abraham, RN,
Age: 45
Ft. Myers, FL
Recovery Room Nurse Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center
Second Mission
I came on board at the last minute last year and the friendship made it so much fun. We work hard together and we play hard together.
Kathleen
P. Schrage "Kath or Kathy"
Age: 45
Ft.
Myers, FL
EMT
/ Administrative Secretary for Mazza Plastic Surgery Position on the team:
Lay volunteer assisting in the recovery room
Number of missions previously attended: 0
I
have been a part of the team for the last three years from behind the
scenes getting them ready. I now have the opportunity to donate my time
on the actual mission. To be a real team member helping where I am needed
and taking care of the children - this would be a very rewarding experience.
Psychologist:
Catherine
Chapman, Ph.D.
Age:48
Houston, TX
psychotherapist, Odyssey To Wholeness
Number of missions previously attended:0
I'm
excited to go on the mission with my sister, Suellen Ruggles. I choose
to be a source of healing for those who are coming out of surgery and
for those doing the surgery.
Lay
Volunteers:
Claudia
Scott
Age: 49
Marion, Iowa
International Customer Order Administrator - Rockwell International. I
push paper, solve problems and talk to people all day long!
Number of missions previously attended:
When
I saw the web site the first day it spoke to me. Following the virtual
mission each day made me wish I could be a part of such a wonderful project,
and make a difference in so many people's lives.
Ruben
Antonio
30 years
old,
Miami Fl.
Clinical Sales Representative, Translator,
First mission.
Looking at them makes me realize how lucky we really are. I could have been one of those children, I was raised in the Dominican Republic and my parents came to the US when I was seven years old. Fortunately I have lived a good life, I have a beautiful family and a wonderful child. Take Care.
Coordinator:
Sue Ellen
Ruggles
Age: 45
Sugar Land, Tx
Program Director - Operation Rainbow
Previous Missions: 10 +
The kids. It's always about the kids.