Founded in 1909 and led by the vision of Florence〝Ma〞Mead, Children's Health Foundation (formerly Rest Haven Preventorium for Children) began as a healthcare facility for children affected by tuberculosis. As medical advances changed the need for a preventorium, the organization evolved.
In 1953, proceeds from the sale of the facility created an endowment dedicated to helping children receive essential healthcare when other funding wasn’t available. Today, that mission continues across San Diego and Imperial Counties.
As children’s needs continue to evolve, so does our approach. We remain committed to identifying unmet health-related needs and filling critical gaps in care so more children receive the support they deserve.
The foundation behind the foundation.
Behind every grant, partnership, and program is a shared set of beliefs. Explore the principles that guide our work.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of children in San Diego and Imperial Counties by filling gaps in funding to ensure no child goes without essential care, supporting innovative programs, and empowering communities to build a healthier, brighter future for every child.
Explore our Vision
Experience is most valuable when it’s shared.
Our volunteer Board of Directors brings decades of leadership and expertise to help guide Children's Health Foundation. Meeting three times each year, the Board provides governance and strategic oversight while Executive Director Cass Kaminetz leads the Foundation's day-to-day operations, programs and annual grants.
Meet the volunteer leaders who help guide Children’s Health Foundation. The year shown indicates when each member joined the Board.
Cass Kaminetz
Executive Director
Christine Bryant Nelissen
Chair, Retired President & CEO
2007
Stephen O'Kane
Vice President, Community Health Consultant
2010
Mark Emch
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, Retired
2018
Alison F. Gildred
Secretary, Community Volunteer
2007
David N. Allsbrook III
Immediate Past President and Board Member
1993
Jenifer Barsell
Marketing and Communications Director
2026
Stuart Cohen, M.D.
Pediatrician
2024
Derek Danziger
President, Danziger Public Relations
2023
Randall Gorman
Commercial Real Estate Finance & Investment Advisor
2012
Scott Noya
Retired Real Estate Attorney
2012
Mary M. O’Connor, D.D.S.
Pediatric Dentist
2015
Karrin Ryan
Market Administration Manager
2012
George J. Stratigopoulos, D.D.S.
Dentist
2015
Harold Tuck
Retired Public Official
2003
Paul R. Wozniak, M.D.
Neonatologist
2009
Mac Peterson
Honorary Member
Acknowledgement
Children’s Health Foundation gratefully acknowledges the San Diego History Center for providing the historical photographs featured above from the Rest Haven Preventorium Collection, Booth Historical Photograph Archives.