About

Our mission is to provide unwavering support and resources to families of children and adults affected by congenital heart defects (CHD) and childhood onset heart disease in Utah and the Intermountain West. Through community connections, advocacy, and education, we empower families to navigate the challenges of CHD with hope and strength.

heart
IHH members group image.
Pictures of children with CHD
IHH walk
CHD

Intermountain Healing Hearts began in 2007 when twelve families of children with congenital heart defects met at Primary Children's Medical Center. Recognizing the value of having support from other people going through similar experiences, these families began the process of creating a non-profit organization to benefit those touched by Congenital Heart Defects.

The first year was full of social gatherings and all the legalities involved with forming the organization, but over the years IHH has evolved to be so much more. It has become a very special community of friendships forged at some of the most difficult times in people's lives. In the IHH Facebook Group members can ask questions, share victories, and talk about struggles in a safe and loving environment. Members can also put faces with names by attending the IHH activities throughout the year. Nothing brings hope like watching a group of kids run and play and not being able to pick out who has a special heart and who is heart healthy.

IHH is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. It is in no way affiliated with Intermountain Health Care or any other medical organization. The Executive Board includes some of the first families to start IHH. They ensure continuity in the group and share their wisdom and experience over the years of running the group.

The Governing Board serve two year terms and consists of the Executive Board nominated positions of President and Vice President of Finance, and the elected positions of Vice President of Member Services, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Marketing, Adult Liaison, and Angel Liaison. They oversee the operations of the group and also appoint a Community Liaison, Medical Adviser, and Event Committees to help with activities.

Each member of both boards personally understands the issues that face members as each have had a loved one of their own diagnosed with a CHD(s).

Board Members

Governing Board

board member
Alex Howard
President
alex@ihhearts.org
CJ Dever
Vice President of Finance
cj@ihhearts.org
board member
Ashlee Rasmussen
Vice President of Communications
ashlee@ihhearts.org
Jessica Christensen
Vice President of Public Relations
jessica@ihhearts.org
Aubrey Scharman
Vice President of Marketing
aubrey@ihhearts.org
board member
McKenzie Mott
Angel Liaison
mckenzie@ihhearts.org
Mimi McDonald
Adult Liaison
mimi@ihhearts.org

Executive Members

board member
Melissa Andrew
Executive Director
melissa@ihhearts.org
board member
Christina Davis
Executive Director
christina@ihhearts.org
Stephanie Ellinger
Executive Director
stephanie@ihhearts.org
Mike Patton
Executive Director
mike@ihhearts.org