Meet theTeam

Our culture is built on the foundation of support and compassion, inspired by the life of our sweet Nika. We believe in creating a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels like family. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of families navigating the challenging path of pediatric cancer. We laugh, cry, and stand together, always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear.

Caring deeply for our community drives everything we do. We will embrace the power of collaboration, partnering with amazing organizations and leading universities, all to offer the very best support services and working towards a cure. We’re united by our commitment to these incredible children and their families. Here at NWCF, every small act adds up to big changes, and every heart is dedicated to the fight against pediatric cancer.

Executive Director & Co-Founder – Kerri Smith, CCMA

Kerri is Nika’s aunt and adored her sweet little niece.  Kerri has over 30 years of customer service experience ranging from professional food service, gourmet catering, restaurant management, and tourism, to then transitioning to being a professionally trained lead esthetician.  Going beyond esthetics, she later became a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) in order to help others through her work in the medical field. Kerri will drive everyday operations of the organization as she brings extensive customer and professional clientele experience, along with the caring and compassion to advance NWCF to help children and their families.

Member, Board of Directors – Andrew Heater

Andrew is a Vice President (VP) of Risk and Compliance, a former Chief Administrative Officer, a Senior VP, and Director in various corporate settings for multiple companies.  Andrew is a seasoned professional within corporate leadership/management and has been involved and chaired nonprofit organizations in the past. With his corporate experience, and as a Veteran, Andrew will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience of 25 years to guide NWCF from a private sector and governmental perspective.

Member, Board of Directors & Co-Founder – Travis Smith, Ed.D.

Travis is a civilian Federal Agent, Military Officer, a former Medical Service Corps Officer (U.S. Army Reserve Component), and a decorated Combat Veteran. As Nika’s uncle, Travis is passionate towards assisting families battling cancer, and will help NWCF with his 23 years of networking through vast academic, governmental, medical, military, and veteran communities.       

Member, Board of Directors – Philippe Vasquez, MPAS-C

Philippe is an Aeromedical Physician’s Assistant (U.S. Army Reserve Component), a civilian Physician Assistant specializing in pain management, a Clinical Assistant Professor, and a decorated Combat Veteran.  He has over 25 years of military and medical experience, and will greatly aid NWCF in liaising with medical organizations, research facilities, and universities.