OUR STORY
From one need, to a broader mission, to the next
Malcolm's Heart Inc. is a community-centered organization dedicated to supporting older adults and their caregivers through direct services, outreach, emergency assistance and programs that respond to evolving community needs.
Supporting. Helping. Embracing.
Our Mission
We help ease the burden caused by Alzheimer's and other dementias — and today, the wider needs of older adults across our community.
Integrity
We do what we say, and we account for every gift.
Compasion
We meet people in their hardest season with kindness.
Service
We show up — weekly, personally, without red tape.
01
Where We Started
We began with families living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias — hurting families, tired caregivers and patients who deserved dignity through every stage. Our purpose was to support, help and embrace them, improving quality of life through awareness and respite care assistance.
That work is still at the heart of everything we do: a phone call answered, a caregiver given a few hours to breathe, a visit that reminds someone they are not forgotten.
02
How We Grew
Families kept telling us about needs that went far beyond memory care: empty cupboards, missed medications, no ride to an appointment, no help after an emergency.
So the mission widened.
Emergency relief for older adults in crisis
Weekly feedings and food box delivery to senior residences
Community outreach and resource events
Essential items for daily living — hygiene, socks, health monitors
03
Where We're Going
Older adults are the fastest-growing group facing housing insecurity. Fixed incomes meet rising rents, a caregiver passes away, a lease ends — and a lifetime of stability disappears in weeks.
Our next chapter focuses on keeping seniors housed and safe: rental and utility emergency assistance, navigation help with housing programs, and partnerships that place older adults in stable homes before a crisis becomes homelessness.
In Honor of Malcolm Joseph Phillips, Sr.
Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend to everyone he met
Malcolm's Heart Inc. was established in honor of Malcolm J. Phillips Sr. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease changed his family's life, and the challenges they faced were foreign to everyone. Although the disease hit him hard, he fought it with the Semper Fi spirit he lived by.
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Whenever asked how he was doing, he would smile and say, “Everything is going to be alright, baby! How are you doing?” His heart was to make sure EVERYONE was taken care of. His spirit lives on as Malcolm's Heart, Inc. helps families challenged as his family was.
Board Members
A volunteer board of neighbors, caregivers and professionals guiding this work.
Kristy Heisser
President and Founder
Kristy J. Heisser is an executive leader, entrepreneur, licensed California Real Estate Broker, and nonprofit founder with over 20 years of experience in real estate, business strategy, and community leadership. As the owner of Heisser & Associates and founder of Malcolm's Heart, Inc., she is passionate about empowering families, supporting seniors, and creating lasting community impact through servant leadership and innovation.
Kristina Heisser
Vice President
Compassionate bilingual mental health professional and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with expertise in clinical care, counseling, case management, and community outreach. Experienced in evidence-based therapies, trauma-informed care, and family support, with a strong commitment to improving mental health outcomes through advocacy, collaboration, and culturally responsive care.
Lasisi Azeez
Treasurer
Lasisi Azeez is an experienced CPA, ACA, licensed real estate broker, and executive leader with over 35 years of expertise in finance, auditing, asset and risk management, housing development, and compliance. Currently serves as CEO of Empathy Home Care Solutions, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and community impact while delivering sustainable financial and organizational leadership.
Leslie Vargas
Secretary
​Leslie is a dynamic higher education professional and community engagement leader with over 20 years of experience driving strategic communications, leadership, and nonprofit impact. As Founder and CEO of WNL Consulting, she empowers organizations through innovative outreach, advocacy, and partnership-building.
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Cita Harice
Chaplain
Cita Harice (Godz girlx) is a dedicated disability insurance and claims professional with 10 years of experience administering state disability programs, workers' compensation claims, and customer support. Skilled in policy compliance, claims processing, and cross-functional coordination, with a strong commitment to client advocacy, empathy, and delivering accurate, efficient service while mentoring team members.
Daniel Anjorin
Public Affairs Officer
Daniel is a digital marketing strategist, AI strategist, website designer, and entrepreneur with over five years of experience in web design, SEO, paid advertising, and AI-powered marketing automation. As the founder of StarRise Marketing and co-owner of Creative F.E.E.L Lab, he helps businesses grow through high-converting websites, lead generation, and innovative, data-driven marketing solutions.
Marie Thermidor
Community Engagement Specialist
Senior advancement and community engagement leader with 20+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant development, and strategic partnerships. Proven success securing major gifts, exceeding fundraising goals, and advancing mission-driven initiatives through collaborative leadership, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused philanthropy across higher education and nonprofit organizations.
Latoya Johnson
Fundraising Chair
LaToya Johnsonis an accomplished accounting professional with a BBA and MBA in Accounting, bringing expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational excellence. Passionate about promoting accuracy, accountability, and sound financial decision-making. Dedicated community volunteer with over 10 years of experience serving and supporting individuals of all ages.
Sha'a Sanders
Regional Rep
Sha'a Sanders is a compassionate healthcare professional with a background as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Experienced in delivering high-quality patient care in clinical and home settings, with specialized expertise supporting individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia through personalized, empathetic, and professional care.
Kennedy Heisser
Aging Population Specialist
Kennedy is a Case Manager at Felton Institute, supporting adults ages 55 and older by connecting them with resources that promote independence and well-being. She holds a BA in Gerontology from San Diego State University and is passionate about healthy aging and equitable access to care.
Why This Work Matters
6TH
Alzheimer's disease was the 6th leading cause of death in the United States in 2024.
Source: CDC/NCHS Data Brief 548
7.4M
An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2026.
Source: PMC Journal Article
$409B
Health and long-term care costs for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are projected to reach $409 billion in 2026 and could approach $1 trillion by 2050 — excluding the value of unpaid caregiving.
Source: Alzheimer's Association