Our Board
The Sparkle Strong Foundation is led by a team of advocates, educators, and caregivers who’ve each spent years in service-oriented work, and we bring that same energy, heart, and fight to CHD families. From social justice to school leadership, military life to medical parenting, every voice at this table brings something fierce, thoughtful, and real. We’re not here to just talk about change, we’re here to build it, one heartbeat, one family, one sparkling step at a time.
Jessica Ma’ilo, M. Ed.
Founder + President
Jessica created Sparkle Strong Foundation to stand in the gap for families navigating the chaos of congenital heart defects especially those who don’t speak “medical,” don’t have a partner at their side or don’t see themselves reflected in traditional support systems. A former teacher, single mom and foster parent to a medically complex heart warrior, Jessica brings fierce advocacy, boundless creativity and hard-earned wisdom to everything Sparkle Strong does. Her deep understanding of life inside the CICU, equal parts heartbreak and hope, drives the Foundation’s focus on practical support, emotional validation and real joy in impossible places. When she’s not building resources or dreaming up new programs, Jessica spends her days remembering her sweet Jewels, plans magical vacations for families and continues believing that one mom with fire in her chest can change the world—or at the very least, light it up a little.
Keri Spinks-Bates, Ed. D.
Vice President
Keri Spinks-Bates is a veteran educator and current high school principal with nearly 20 years of experience serving Oklahoma students and families. She brings strategic leadership and a deep commitment to equity and advocacy to the Sparkle Strong board. Her connection to the mission is personal—when Jessica needed support for her child, Keri showed up without hesitation. That moment solidified her dedication to families navigating complex medical journeys. In addition to her educational expertise, Keri brings heart, humor, and a lifelong love of Disney—believing that joy, magic, and human connection are vital parts of healing and hope.
Melanie Kelley, Ed. D.
Secretary
Melanie Kelley is a strategic and mission-driven educational leader with nearly a decade of experience supporting diverse students, educators and families across K–12 systems. With expertise in instructional design, educator coaching and inclusive school climate initiatives, she is deeply committed to equity-centered, trauma-informed approaches that foster student success and community connection. Currently serving as a Coordinator in the Office of a Pedagogy of Hope at Gonzaga University, she also leads with heart in her local community as a Girl Scout Troop Leader with the Eastern Washington Northern Idaho Girl Scout Council and as the Social Media Coordinator for the Finch Elementary PTO. As a Sparkle Strong board member, she is honored to champion families impacted by CHD by amplifying hope, dignity and belonging for every child and caregiver.
Tracy Poolaw Ma’ilo, MSW
Treasurer
Tracy Poolaw Ma’ilo is a lifelong helper, advocate, and behind-the-scenes powerhouse, both in her professional life and as “GamGam” to her fiercely loved grandbabies. Her career has spanned youth services, tribal programs and elder care, including her most recent role with the Advantage Program supporting low-income seniors. She’s worked with organizations like the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Delaware Nation Vocational Rehabilitation and Aging Services, always bringing resourcefulness, empathy and a deep understanding of community needs. When Jewels entered the family, Tracy went all in earning her medical grandma badge by supporting heart clinic visits, learning meds and stepping in wherever needed. In retirement, she delivers flowers, loves a good festival and never misses a chance to say yes to grandkid phone time (and funnel cake). She is proud to continue Jewels’s legacy through Sparkle Strong.
Michelle Schneider
Board Member
Michelle Schneider is a dedicated mother, operations leader and passionate advocate for children and families affected by congenital heart disease. Inspired by her niece Jewels’s courageous battle and the legacy of her own mother, who also faced and lost her battle with heart failure, Michelle proudly serves on the board of the Sparkle Strong Foundation. She brings over a decade of experience in operational excellence, helping organizations grow while keeping people at the center. Michelle’s commitment to the foundation is deeply personal, and she channels her energy into raising awareness, supporting families and helping Sparkle Strong continue its vital mission of hope, education, and community.