Board of Directors

Born and raised in El Dorado, Kansas, Nancy is a proud graduate of Kansas State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering, specializing in Engineering Management. She spent many years in management consulting within the travel, tourism, and distribution industries, gaining extensive experience in project management and process optimization.

Nancy and her husband, Denis—a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Optometrist—have three children: Henry, Aiden, and Mia. After nearly two decades of military life, their family settled back in Wichita in 2021. Following Mia’s birth and a Down syndrome diagnosis, Nancy became an active advocate for inclusive education and now works part-time as a teacher’s aide at Mia’s school. She finds great fulfillment in helping create welcoming learning environments for students with special needs. The Descarreaux family are active members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where they live out their faith through service and stewardship.

Natalie Hinkin was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication. After graduation, she worked as a graphic designer for St. Vincent de Paul in Andover before moving to Spain for foreign language studies. Upon returning to the United States, she met her husband, Steve, and together they are raising three children. In January 2026, they will celebrate thirteen years of marriage.

Their oldest child, Henry, was born with Potocki-Lupski Syndrome and profound autism. Natalie’s passion for inclusion in Catholic education began when she discovered that children with disabilities often lacked access to Catholic schools. Now in his fifth year at Magdalen Catholic School, Henry has made remarkable progress and is fully embraced by the Magdalen community. The Hinkin family has been active parishioners at Magdalen Catholic Church since 2015.

Rob is originally from London, England, and later moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he attended Wichita State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Mathematics and an MBA. While at Wichita State, he met his wife, Jessica, a Wichita native.

Rob serves as an Institutional Consulting Director, focusing on endowments and foundations, and co-chairs Morgan Stanley Graystone’s Endowment and Foundation practice group. He and Jessica have two children who attend Magdalen Catholic School. Rob has supported numerous faith-based foundations and universities through his work and is passionate about advancing education for all children.

Although his career often requires travel, Rob is deeply invested in Wichita’s future and is honored to serve as Treasurer for the FIRE Foundation of Wichita.

Anne Martens was born and raised in Kansas City and graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Following graduation, she served on college campuses with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Anne now lives in Wichita with her husband, Connor, and their three children.

As a young girl, Anne witnessed her parents—alongside other founding couples—initiate the original FIRE Foundation in the Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri Diocese, which allowed her to attend school with her older brother, Charlie, and other peers with special needs. The profound impact that FIRE had on her family and community inspires her passion for advocating for the inclusion of individuals with special needs in Catholic schools throughout Wichita.

Martha was born and raised in Wichita as part of a large family with ten siblings and 27 nieces and nephews. Growing up in such a dynamic household taught her the importance of patience, humor, and compassion—qualities that continue to guide her today.

Her perspective on life changed profoundly with the birth of her first child, Maureen, who was born with Down syndrome. Determined that Maureen would receive a Catholic education alongside her siblings, Martha became a strong advocate for inclusive education and has worked tirelessly to ensure that all children are valued and supported in their schools.

Through her service on various inclusion boards across Wichita, Martha discovered the FIRE Foundation’s mission to put each child first and equip schools to provide meaningful inclusion. She is proud to serve as a member of the FIRE Board and remains passionate about creating Catholic educational environments where every child belongs.

Leigh was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. A proud graduate of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Kapaun Mount Carmel High School, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Leigh’s passion for inclusive education began when she saw firsthand how two special friends enriched her daughter’s life and the wider school community. Inspired by that experience, she joined the Board of the FIRE Foundation to help more Catholic schools say “yes” to welcoming students with significant needs.

Leigh and her husband, Maged, are members of Blessed Sacrament Parish, where their three children attend school. She also serves as a classroom aide at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Outside of work, Leigh enjoys supporting her children’s sports and activities, baking, playing mahjong, and enjoying dinner out with her husband.

Karissa Dugan was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and currently devotes her time to running a busy household. She and her husband of 15 years, Mark, live just outside of Goddard with their seven children. The family attends St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where six of their children are enrolled in school.

Karissa’s connection to the FIRE Foundation of Wichita is deeply personal. Her daughter, Joyce, suffered a traumatic brain injury at age two, and while she faces ongoing challenges, Joyce now thrives at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton alongside her siblings and peers. Karissa considers her daughter’s Catholic education a tremendous blessing and is dedicated to supporting the FIRE Foundation so that other children and families can share in the same inclusive opportunities.