Richard D. Hasz
President and CEO, Gift of Life Howie’s House
Richard (Rick) Hasz, Jr., MFS, CPTC, is president and CEO of Philadelphia-based Gift of Life Donor Program where he has been on staff since 1993. Mr. Hasz started at Gift of Life as a transplant coordinator before serving as the program’s vice president of clinical services for 22 years, assuming the role of president and CEO on January 4, 2022. In addition to his roles at Gift of Life, he is also the president of the Gift of Life Transplant Foundation, Gift of Life Institute and Gift of Life Howie’s House. He is supported by an expert team of professionals who are leaders in organ donation and transplantation best practices, setting global standards for compassionate and innovative care.
Mr. Hasz is a respected expert in the field, delivering lectures and education sessions for organizations and professional societies at home and abroad. He has participated in publishing hundreds of scientific papers and abstracts, led collaborations with leading medical centers and shared his knowledge and expertise with government and other national organizations.
Mr. Hasz holds membership in the North American Transplant Coordinators Organization, The American Society of Transplant Surgeons and The American Association of Tissue Banks. He is a member of the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Institutional Review Board. He served as a board member of Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services and has served on the Transplant Alliance’s Donor Management Leadership Council.
Mr. Hasz has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Forensic Science from George Washington University. He holds certifications as a certified procurement transplant coordinator (CPTC) and a certified transplant preservationist (CTP).
Talia Giordano, MSW, LCSW
Senior Director, Gift of Life Howie's House
Talia Giordano, LCSW, became Senior Director of Gift of Life Howie’s House in July 2026, where she oversees House operations, development efforts, and the Caregiver Lifeline Program. She works closely with staff, volunteers, contributors, hospital partners, and community supporters to help ensure Gift of Life Howie’s House remains a welcoming and supportive home away from home.
Ms. Giordano’s experience supporting transplant patients and caregivers began in 2008 during her work as a dialysis social worker. She joined the House leadership team in 2011overseeing the Caregiver Lifeline Program, directly supporting patients and families at the House and advancing caregiver support, patient and family education, webinars, and professional education for the transplant community nationally and internationally.
Ms. Giordano has contributed to publications and presented at national and international conferences on topics related to transplantation, caregiver support, family-centered care, and the psychosocial needs of patients and families. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Katherine Hamilton
Director, Development
Katherine brings more than a decade of nonprofit development experience to Gift of Life Howie’s House, with a focus on building meaningful partnerships that advance healthcare access and compassionate care. She is honored to support transplant families by leading fundraising initiatives that sustain the House’s vital programs.
Originally from Colorado, Katherine has called the Philadelphia area home for the past 13 years. She’s a proud mom to a teenage son and shares her home with two giant, lovable golden retrievers. A longtime advocate for patients and families navigating complex medical journeys, Katherine is passionate about ensuring every guest feels supported, welcomed, and at home. She especially loves connecting with House contributors and volunteers whose generosity helps make the House a home. Email Katherine.
Stephen Tornone
Associate Counsel
Steve is a native New Yorker who spent seven years in Washington, DC studying politics and law. While working nights in property management and at a microbrewery, Steve obtained his Juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and is admitted to the state bars of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He has served as Associate Counsel to Gift of Life Howie’s House since 2010 where he served as the owner’s representative during the construction process and continues to assist the organization in legal and regulatory matters. Steve is a hobbyist woodworker and can often be found in Gift of Life Howie’s House garage making sawdust. Email Steve.
Jaeson Howard
Director of House Operations
Jaeson is a Bucks County native with a passion for serving the transplant community. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications, a master’s in business administration, and years of experience in customer service. As the son of an organ transplant recipient, Jaeson is committed to advancing organ donation awareness, being a resource for patients and their families, and advocating for those who wait. Outside of the house, Jaeson loves to travel, enjoy the Philadelphia’s food scene, and take in a good movie. His passion for the cause and his commitment to exceptional customer service makes him a great resource to the House. Email Jaeson.
Genevieve Moore
House Operations Team Lead
Genevieve was born and raised in Media, PA. She graduated from the Community College of Philadelphia with her Associates Degree of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. She then went on to graduate from Widener University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Towards the end of her time at Widener University, Genevieve began working at Gift of Life Howie’s House as an intern. She is both excited and honored to be a part of the Gift of Life Howie’s House and looks forward to continuing in helping transplant families. Also known as the “Queen of House Activities,” Genevieve is one of the most creative members of Gift of Life Howie’s House team and enjoys expressing herself through multiple forms of art. Email Genevieve.
Noemy Mejias Ortiz
Guest Services Liaison
Please join us in welcoming Noemy Mejias Ortiz to the House staff team! Noemy recently started as a Guest Services Liaison. She is a long-time resident of Philadelphia with a strong commitment to community involvement.
She gained her Associate Degree in Psychology from the Community College of Philadelphia and went on to earn her Bachelor in Psychology with a minor in Public Health from La salle University. She also gained experience in the healthcare hospitality industry working at the Ronald McDonald House where she supported the needs of patients and families who use their facility.
So far, she has greatly enjoyed interacting with guests and staff while acclimating to her new position. She looks forward to continuing to support transplant patients and their families as well as being a resource to the Gift of Life Howie’s House team.
In her free time, she enjoys sitting down with a good book, exploring the outdoors, and watching a good horror movie. We are excited to have her as our new Guest Services Liaison. Please join us in welcoming Noemy to our team!
Michelle Morrissey
Guest Service Liaison
Michelle was born and raised in Philadelphia and received a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University in 2022. Michelle began at Gift of Life Howie’s House in January of 2022 as a Guest Services Intern and said she knew she wanted to work for a non-profit organization and provide comfort and support for families going through a difficult time, so the House was a perfect fit. She was promoted to Guest Services Fellow in May of 2023 and says that being able to put a smile on someone’s face and brighten the mood of the guests is very rewarding. In her free time, Michelle loves to watch horror films and attend as many concerts as possible! Email Michelle.
Ashley Tran
Guest Service Liaison
Ashley was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Leadership. In August 2018, she joined Gift of Life Howie’s House as a Guest Services Intern to learn more about the hospitality industry and organ donation. She loved the mission so much that she extended her internship until May 2019 and became a registered donor. Fast forward to December 2021, she returned to Gift of Life Howie’s House as the Guest Services Fellow to pursue her passion for supporting transplant families. During her free time, Ashley enjoys baking, listening to music, and watching movies. Email Ashley.
Mia Moore
Social Worker
Mia was born and raised in West Chester, PA and has remained close to the area as she gained her undergraduate degree from Temple University and her master’s degree from West Chester University. While she originally started her career in the communications and development field, her passion for community work led her to pursue social work. This dedication to service makes her passionate about getting to know our guests and their individual needs throughout their transplant journey. Mia says she is excited to learn more about the transplant process and about each of our guests in this position. When she is not at work, Mia frequents local restaurants and loves to travel when she can. Email Mia.
Miranda Porter
Community Engagement Coordinator
Miranda was born and raised in Philadelphia, growing up in the Frankford and Kensington neighborhoods. She graduated Cum Laude from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. She then went on to obtain a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Chestnut Hill College. Her interest in nonprofit developed in undergrad when her scholarship opened the door to an internship at the Philadelphia Foundation. She has worked across diverse professional sectors from Nonprofit to Entertainment and the Regulatory Science industry. Miranda has a previous connection to Gift of Life as her father was a transplant recipient. Her experience as a transplant family member and her passion for philanthropy lead to her joining the team at Gift of Life Howie’s House. Outside of work, Miranda enjoys trying out new recipes, hosting events, and staying up-to-date on the latest films and tv shows. Email Miranda.
Abigail Wells
Communications Coordinator
Abby is originally from San Diego, California and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a degree in Communications from Saint Joseph’s University. She was fortunate enough to intern with Alex’s Lemonade Stand early on in her college career, which spurred her desire to work within the non-profit sector. Abby began working at Gift of Life Howie’s House as an intern in 2020 soon after graduation and accepted this position in 2021. Although she has no past connection to transplant, Abby has grown passionate about Gift of Life Howie’s House’s mission and is grateful for the opportunity to help support transplant families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, especially with hiking and riding her bike, and exploring her new home state of Pennsylvania as much as possible! Email Abby.