Compassionate, Dedicated, Professional
Why we do what we do
Curpri Sanders helped countless donors to give their final gifts of life and healing to others.
Then one day, she found herself in need of a donor hero.
You never know who you might help.
Some of us join Gift of Life because we've personally seen how one organ, eye and tissue donor can help others. We may be recipients ourselves, or someone very close to us has received the gift of life. Some of us have loved ones who gave those gifts of life, sight and mobility, which inspired us to help others through our work.
Others have seen the good that comes from these amazing gifts through our daily work and, when put in a position to make that decision, we chose to donate.
Who We Are
Staff Spotlights
Each edition of LifeLINES includes a feature article on a Gift of Life staff member. Scroll through to meet some of our outstanding employees.
Staff Spotlight: Dain Mendoza lives the mission that saved his mother’s life
“At least once a week, I walk these hallways and I can’t believe I get to work here,” Dain Mendoza said. “Even on those hard days, you think about someone who is going to get more time with their mom, dad or child because of our donors. That’s so powerful, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Staff Spotlight: Leslie Casperson is saving lives Up North
“I get emotional about my work because I love helping people,” Leslie Casperson said. “I’m honored to work for Gift of Life Michigan and I can’t imagine doing it any other place than with the champions of donation in northern Michigan.”
Staff Spotlight: As a donation educator, Taneisha Carswell knows when to talk and when to listen
“This isn’t just a job or career for me,” Taniesha Carswell said. “It’s a passion. There’s no other job I could love this much, knowing that every day we’re saving lives through education, getting people to put that heart on their ID.”
Staff Spotlight: Cindy Zarate takes care of donors in the days, hours and minutes before they give their final gifts
“I love taking care of people,” Cindy Zarate said. “When I was 7, my aunt walked into my grandma’s house wearing a white nurse’s hat, white shoes and uniform. She looked just like an angel and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”
Staff Spotlight: Michigan donors contribute to groundbreaking research
“Every time we place an organ for research, there is a chance that we make a breakthrough or accomplish something never done before,” Nick Olden said. “To be a part of that, and to help make that happen, is incredibly important.”
Staff Spotlight: For a decade, Stephanie Sommer has been the face of Gift of Life for MEs and funeral homes
“Complex collaboration with ME offices is crucial for both donation and death investigations to happen,” Stephanie Sommer said. “Coordinating the time-sensitive donation process with their important work, including autopsies, can be a challenge. But it happens, even in the most intense scenarios. They have their own important work to do, and we all serve families, so working closely with Gift of Life’s partners is key. The results are incredibly rewarding.”
Staff Spotlight: Todd Hart is responsible for organs on their journey to transplant
“It’s exhilarating and cool to find out you have to get that precious cargo to Illinois or Maine. You fly in and see the beautiful skyline and know you’re there for a purpose – to help at least one person receive a gift,” Todd Hart said. “And as soon as you’re there, you walk into the OR, hand it to the nurse for verification and that organ is transplanted within minutes. It’s all timed perfectly, and it’s a seamless transition. This job is so rewarding.”
Staff Spotlight: Tragedies and legacies
“Nothing motivates me more than knowing my work impacts so many other lives,” said Autumn Harris. As a talented social worker, she knows exactly what families need and when they need it.
Staff Spotlight: Leader in the Lab
“Knowing that someone’s entire life trajectory could be altered by our work makes this job special,” Nilam Patel said. “Seeing the donation process unfold because of the dedication, expertise, and cooperation of so many people makes my job extra special.”
