Our Team

“I enjoy using technology to simplify processes, create better experiences and ultimately help our team and nonprofit partners make a greater impact in the community.”

Diana Alas serves as the Grants Compliance and Systems Coordinator at the Naples Children Foundation (NCF), where she manages and optimizes technology systems, primarily Salesforce, to strengthen internal processes, improve data integrity and enhance the experience of internal Grants Department staff and NCF Beneficiary partners and applicants. She also supports the administration and ongoing functionality of the Collier CARES app, a community resource platform connecting individuals and families across Collier County with essential services and support programs.

A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in digital arts & sciences, Diana brings expertise in software development, systems management, UI/UX design and creative technologies. Her experience also includes software engineering internships with Bank of America and GE Aviation. She is passionate about using technology and user-centered design to create efficient systems and meaningful community impact.

“I love bringing our mission to life through storytelling. Every child, family and nonprofit partner has a story worth sharing.”

Madison (Maddie) Blasco joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2021 and serves as Community Engagement & Marketing Manager, leading marketing and communications efforts that bring the Foundation’s mission and impact to life. She develops strategic campaigns and compelling content that translate program data, community needs and beneficiary stories into meaningful narratives for donors, partners and the broader community. Working collaboratively with NCF’s Grants and Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) teams, Maddie helps elevate nonprofit partners and Strategic Initiatives while showcasing the impact made possible through the Festival.

With a history of working with children, Maddie brings a personal understanding of the importance of connecting families with critical resources. She also helped launch the Collier CARES app and now oversees the platform at the Foundation level. Maddie holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University.

“Knowing that my work helps support a brighter future for local children makes what I do truly meaningful.”

Yudith Borrego joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2021 and serves as Accounting Specialist after advancing within the organization. She supports NCF’s financial and operational functions, helping ensure accuracy, efficiency, and accountability across key processes.

Yudith, originally from Cuba, brings a diversified background in purchasing, human resources, and accounting, providing a well-rounded experience base and broader perspective to her work. Known for her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and collaborative approach; she works closely with colleagues, vendors, and partners to advance timely and accurately transactional detail. Her dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence helps strengthen the accuracy of the financial reporting the community relies upon. This transparency contributes to the lasting impact in the lives of children and families in the community through its strong financial stewardship.

“The most rewarding part of working at NCF is knowing our efforts make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.”

Sandra Calad joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2017 and now serves as Controller. In her role, Sandra supports the Foundation’s financial operations, reporting and management practices which contribute to strong and transparent financial stewardship that ensures NCF’s ability to fulfill its mission to serve the children of Collier County.

She brings a strong background in business administration, accounting and operations with a degree in business administration from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia and a degree in business administration and international marketing from Fachhochschule Münster in Germany.

Before joining NCF, Sandra gained extensive experience in business management and community-focused operations, including accounting and volunteer coordination across multiple industries. A dedicated and innovative professional, Sandra is recognized for her ethical approach, strong sense of responsibility and commitment to lifelong learning.

“What I enjoy most about working at NCF is being part of a team that brings together passion, purpose and collaboration to create meaningful impact in the lives of children and families throughout our community.”

Camila Castañeda joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2026 and serves as Accounting & Systems Coordinator. In this role, she maintains fund accounting activities and optimizes operational systems and data management. Camila’s efforts contribute significantly to the accuracy and transparency of financial reporting which garners confidence and continued support from our donors.

Camila brings a diverse professional background in administration, operations and systems management focused on creating efficiency and strengthening organizational effectiveness. She graduated summa cum laude from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Originally from Colombia, Camila is bilingual in English and Spanish and values opportunities to support diverse communities and contribute to work that creates brighter futures for children and families.

“I love being part of the Naples Winter Wine Festival and bringing people together to create an experience that ultimately makes a difference for children and families in our community.”

Aaron Chapman joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2022 and serves as Auction Relations Coordinator, supporting the planning and execution of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF). In his role, Aaron serves as a liaison to participating Chefs, Vintners, Featured Sommeliers and Donors, coordinating participation, event materials and Festival logistics. He also oversees wine inventory and supports auction operations, volunteer coordination and guest transportation to help create a seamless Festival experience.

Aaron brings a background in marketing, event planning and community engagement, along with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northern Kentucky University, where he graduated Cum Laude. Through his work with NWWF, Aaron is proud to build meaningful relationships and help advance NCF’s mission of supporting children and families in Collier County.

“I love bringing the Naples Winter Wine Festival to life and creating an extraordinary experience for our guests, knowing that the event ultimately helps make a difference in the lives of children in our community.”

Caprice Del Vecchio joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2020 and now serves as Events Manager, where she plays a key role in the planning and execution of events. With a background in hospitality and event management, Caprice brings a strong understanding of event operations, guest experience and vendor and partner relations. In her role, she works closely with the Naples Winter Wine Festival team to bring the Festival to life, helping create an event that supports NCF’s mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children in our community. Caprice holds a Bachelor of Science in Resort and Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Management from Florida Gulf Coast University.

“I love working with our beneficiaries because I know the impact the right support can have on children and families, which makes supporting their work especially meaningful to me.”

Dani Henderson joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2025 and serves as Grants Manager, supporting the Foundation’s grantmaking and partnerships with local nonprofit organizations. She works closely with funded partners and the Grants Committee throughout the grant cycle, supporting the application, review and quarterly reporting processes to promote accountability and strong stewardship of NCF funds. Dani builds relationships with community partners, encourages collaboration and helps ensure NCF’s grantmaking is responsive to the needs of vulnerable children and families throughout Collier County.

She serves as a resource to nonprofit partners as they navigate NCF’s grant requirements, while gaining a deeper understanding of their work, challenges and evolving community needs. Dani holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Warren Wilson College.

“What I love most about NCF is bringing people together and helping them see the incredible difference their generosity makes—not only in a child’s life today, but in the lasting network of care we’ve built together to support children for generations to come.”

Maria brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including over a decade as NCF’s Chief Executive Officer, with a focus on building community partnerships and developing lasting solutions to the challenges facing vulnerable children. Her work is grounded in listening, building trust and bringing people together around a shared purpose. Through meaningful partnerships and thoughtful stewardship, she helps ensure that NCF’s mission continues to inspire investment in children’s education, healthcare and well-being.

“What I enjoy most about NCF is having the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and dedicated people every day. It is incredibly rewarding to be surrounded by individuals who share a genuine commitment to our mission and to know that the work we do together is helping create brighter futures for children in our community.”

Lisa Juliano serves as Senior Vice President, Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production for the Naples Children Foundation (NCF), overseeing the strategic planning, management and execution of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) and the Foundation’s signature events. She leads Festival operations, event production, auctions, sponsorships, hospitality and partner relationships, bringing together vintners, chefs, donors, sponsors and community partners in support of NCF’s mission.

Lisa joined NCF in 2010 and has advanced through several leadership roles, bringing extensive experience in event production, hospitality and relationship management to her work. Her leadership helps translate the generosity and commitment surrounding NWWF into experiences that engage supporters and advance NCF’s work on behalf of children in Collier County.

Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Indiana University Bloomington.

“I value the opportunity to help turn a powerful mission into thoughtful action that creates lasting opportunities for children in our community.”

Kathleen Lant joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2026 and serves as Chief of Staff and Head of People Operations. Working with executive leadership and the Board, she turns strategic priorities into disciplined execution. Kathleen leads cross-functional initiatives and complex projects, strengthens operational systems and accountability, and aligns people, resources, timelines, and decisions with organizational goals. She also leads people operations, including talent strategy, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and workplace culture.

Kathleen brings 25 years of leadership experience in operations, human resources, organizational development, change management, and project leadership across nonprofit, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and technology organizations. Known for connecting big-picture strategy with practical execution, she creates structure, builds alignment and keeps critical work moving forward. Her leadership helps NCF operate effectively and sustainably in support of children and families throughout Collier County. Kathleen is a credentialed executive coach.

“Ultimately, this work is about far more than financial management; I am incredibly proud of the standards of excellence my team brings to our work every day. Strong financial stewardship lives behind the scenes but its impact reaches far beyond numbers. For our team, that connection to the mission is what makes our work meaningful.”

Joan joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive financial and nonprofit expertise including 10 years as a not-for-profit auditor in public accounting and was a Florida CPA for nearly 30 years. A strategic thinker blending creativity with analytical methodology, Joan leads all aspects of NCF’s financial management including accounting, budgeting, internal control development, compliance, reporting and risk management, while overseeing information technology, human resources administration, and facilities management.

Under Joan’s leadership, the Accounting and Finance Department’s high standards have strengthened NCF’s financial foundation. This commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility provides the stability and creditability that reinforces donor, Board, Trustee, and community confidence in the stewardship of resources entrusted to the organization. Through financial discipline and organizational strength, Joan and her team help provide the infrastructure that supports NCF’s ability to meet its mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children in Collier County.

Raised in family business in Nova Scotia, Canada; Joan possesses a work ethic second to none.  Born of an entrepreneurial father, and a fashion designer mother, she has a fully developed creative side.  She conducts herself with a very high level of integrity which was recognized throughout the organizations, boards and staff members with whom she has served over the years. 

Joan is thrilled to join this esteemed team of professionals supporting a mission which aligns so closely to her personal commitments and community involvement over the past couple decades.

“What I value most about working at NCF is knowing that the work I do has a lasting impact on children in our community.”

Danielle Lomanno joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2021 and serves as Auction Manager, leading the development and curation of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) live auction, cultivating donor relationships and overseeing patron logistics for Festival weekend. She works closely with donors, partners and NCF leadership to develop distinctive auction experiences, strengthen relationships and manage guest registration, attendance and communications to create a seamless Festival experience for patrons.

Danielle brings expertise in relationship management, logistics, business development and creative storytelling, with a background spanning nonprofit and private-sector roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in english with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in psychology, graduating summa cum laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Through her work with NWWF, Danielle is proud to connect generosity and unforgettable experiences with meaningful opportunities for children in the community.

“I’m proud to work at the Naples Children Foundation. Knowing that my work contributes to creating lasting change in the lives of the children we serve, makes what I do each day truly rewarding.”

Diane Piñeiro is an accomplished Executive Assistant with more than 25 years of experience supporting executives and organizations across nonprofit, legal, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Since joining the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2018, she has served as a trusted partner to the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing executive, administrative, logistical, and organizational support.

Diane brings exceptional organizational skills, discretion, attention to detail, and strong communication to her role. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she excels at anticipating needs, managing complex priorities, and fostering effective relationships. Diane is passionate about using her expertise and experience to support NCF’s leadership and advance its mission to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of children in the community.

“I enjoy being part of an organization that edifies our community, brims with creativity and transforms generosity into lasting change.”

Karla Rosas joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in 2025 and serves as Festival Support & Online Auction Coordinator, overseeing the planning, execution and fulfillment of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) Online Auction. With a unique background in the luxury auction industry, she brings specialized experience and creativity to her work, helping ensure each lot is thoughtfully curated and presented and the online bidding platform and app function smoothly.

Karla also provides direct support for the Lot Room, coordinating the presentation of Festival auction lots, as well as assisting with broader Festival team operations. Through her role, she contributes to the fundraising efforts that advance NCF’s mission.

“What I enjoy most is working with our incredible volunteers and seeing the generosity, enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the Festival. It is especially meaningful knowing that, together, our efforts help make a difference in the lives of children in our community.”

Lorena Vanoni joined the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) in November 2024 and serves as Festival Support and Volunteer Coordinator, supporting the volunteers and operational efforts that help bring the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) to life. She coordinates volunteer recruitment, communication, scheduling and engagement while supporting Festival planning and year-round projects.

Lorena brings extensive experience in team leadership, public relations and event coordination Throughout her career, she has organized special events and trade shows, led teams and built strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Her organizational and people-focused approach helps create a welcoming and rewarding volunteer experience while supporting the collective efforts that advance NCF’s mission to improve the lives of children in the community.

“What I love most about working at NCF is knowing that the work we do alongside our nonprofit partners can truly change the course of a child’s life—especially for those who need us most.”

Sarah Zaiser-Kelly serves as Senior Vice President of Grants & Community Impact at the Naples Children Foundation (NCF), where she leads the Foundation’s grantmaking process, shapes funding strategies and works closely with nonprofit and community partners to improve the well-being of children in Collier County. Sarah joined NCF in 2014 and advanced through several leadership roles within the Grants department before assuming her current position.

She brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience, including direct-service work managing after-school programs for children in Immokalee. Her understanding of both program delivery and philanthropy helps NCF identify community needs, strengthen nonprofit partners and bring organizations together to create lasting, systems-level change. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University.