Meet the Team.
“Congenital heart disease is often treatable—the real barrier is access. When we expand that access, we give more children the chance to live full, healthy lives—turning what could be a loss into a lifetime of possibility.”
Angela Hartley, BSN, RN, CNOR
DirectorAngela has over 35 years of experience in pediatric cardiac surgery working extensively in the operating rooms of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Boston Children’s Hospital. Her career has been defined by a commitment to excellence in caring for children with complex heart conditions, as well as a passion for global outreach. She has organized and participated in numerous international pediatric cardiac surgery missions. Through this work in underserved regions, she strives to help deliver care and also support education and collaboration that strengthens local healthcare systems.
With more than 30 years of clinical experience as a board-certified adult and pediatric perfusionist, Julie has vast experience in all aspects of perfusion. Julie has more than 20 years of leadership experience, focusing on team development, skill enhancement, and both personal and professional growth. Julie has actively participated in the organization and completion of numerous pediatric medical missions around the world. Julie is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion, a Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion, and a member of the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology.
Advisory Board Member
Julie Tinius Juliani, MHA CCP FPP
Dr. Starnes is a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon and Chair and Surgeon-in-Chief of Surgery at USC, as well as the founding Director of the USC Heart and Vascular Institute and Division Head at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He has led programs performing tens of thousands of life-saving heart, lung, and chest surgeries and is a recognized leader in congenital heart disease and innovative valve therapies. With over 200 publications and numerous national leadership roles, he is widely regarded as a pioneer in advancing cardiac care and surgical innovation.
Co-Medical Director
Vaughn A. Starnes, MD
Pierre Wong, MD
Co-Medical Director
Dr. Wong is an attending pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Keck/USC School of Medicine. His primary interests include transthoracic, transesophageal, and 3D/4D echocardiography. He has an extensive 20+ year experience with pediatric cardiac medical missions in multiple countries located in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Thanh Hoang Starnes
Advisory Board MemberThanh Hoang Starnes is the Chief Development Officer at Keck Medicine of USC, where she leads a comprehensive philanthropy strategy to advance innovative patient care, groundbreaking research, and the education of medical students and the next generation of healthcare leaders. With more than two decades of experience in philanthropy across higher education and social services, Thanh is a proven leader in securing transformational gifts, building enduring partnerships, and growing meaningful philanthropic support.
As an advisory board member of Project Mend a Little Heart, Thanh is committed to expanding access to life-saving cardiac care for children in need. Her work is grounded in a belief that philanthropy creates real change—improving lives one patient, one family, and one community at a time.
Margo Hartley
Margo Hartley graduated with honours from the University of Toronto and has built a dynamic career spanning finance, insurance, and real estate. She currently serves as a Controller at a renowned law firm while also managing her own insurance and real estate ventures. After participating in a mission trip to Vietnam, Margo was inspired to dedicate her time and expertise to expanding the nonprofit’s impact and supporting its continued growth.
Treasurer