Meet our team

The Faces of the Heroes Circle

Our global team works together to help heal pain and trauma for children around the world.

thumbnail_Kristen Cometto_2023

Kristen Cometto-Russ

Chief Executive Officer

Kristen Cometto-Russ currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Kids Kicking Cancer, appointed by the Board of Directors on January 1, 2025. Prior to her appointment, she served as Chief Strategy Officer, having joined the organization in August 2023 as Chief Development Officer. Ms. Cometto-Russ brings over 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, specializing in building robust infrastructure and leading strategic initiatives that foster long-term organizational sustainability.

Leadership Team

Martin Bluth
Martin Bluth, MD, PhD

Global Medical Director

View Profile ⟶
Cindy Cohen
Cindy Cohen, MS, CCLS

Global Program Director

View Profile ⟶
Richard Plowden
Richard Plowden

Chief Martial Artist

View Profile ⟶
Marc Cohen
Marc Cohen

Chief Financial Officer

View Profile ⟶

International Partners' Leadership

Michele Kaplan-Green
Michele Kaplan-Green

Heroes Circle Israel

View Profile ⟶
Jill Osborne
Jill Osborne

Heroes Circle Canada

View Profile ⟶
Giancarlo Bagnulo
Giancarlo Bagnulo

Heroes Circle Italy

View Profile ⟶
Moses Sebopa
Moses Sebopa

Heroes Circle South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia

View Profile ⟶
Amanda Mandie
Amanda Mandie, OAM

Heroes Circle Australia

View Profile ⟶
HC_Donate-Module_Collage

Help more children find

Power. Peace. Purpose.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic, we are committed to empowering one million children to reduce their pain and stress with the help of our evidence-based martial arts therapy.