Board of Directors

Dr. Darlene Makulski, MD

Founder and President

Dr. Darlene Makulski is a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) with subspecialty certification in Brain Injury Medicine. She specializes in traumatic brain injury, neurorehabilitation, and spasticity management and serves as the TBI-Polytrauma Director at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.

She completed her PM&R residency at Baylor College of Medicine in 2004, followed by fellowship training in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Spasticity Management at UTHealth Houston in 2005. She subsequently joined the Baylor College of Medicine faculty and served as Inpatient Medical Director at Quentin Mease Rehabilitation Hospital. She currently serves as faculty within the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where she teaches PM&R residents.

Dr. Makulski has devoted much of her career to advancing medical education and physician certification. She has volunteered with the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) for more than fifteen years and currently serves on its Board of Directors. She helped develop the Brain Injury Medicine subspecialty certification examination in 2014, served for many years as an oral board examiner, and continues to contribute to physician certification through the ABPMR Longitudinal Assessment program.

She is also committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals through her service on the Board of Directors of Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston, where she supports students interested in careers in the health sciences.

In recognition of her humanitarian service, Dr. Makulski received the 2025 Distinguished Service to Humanity Award from the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Since 2013, Dr. Makulski has led rehabilitation outreach efforts for children with neuromuscular disabilities in Mexico. As Founder and President of Maria de Jesus Medical Mission, she leads multiple medical missions each year, working alongside healthcare professionals and community partners to improve access to specialized rehabilitation services, medications, medical equipment, and education for children with limited resources.

Isabel Makulski

As Secretary of Maria De Jesus Medical Mission, Isabel Makulski is responsible for maintaining the organization's official records, including preparing and preserving the minutes of Board of Directors meetings. Her attention to detail and organizational skills help ensure strong governance and continuity for the nonprofit.

Isabel earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics & Technology from Trinity University, with a minor in Data Science. She currently works as a Ticket Strategy Analyst for Eventellect, where she uses data analytics and strategic insights to support ticket pricing and sales for professional sports organizations.

Isabel has been instrumental in expanding the organization's outreach by designing and developing the Maria De Jesus Medical Mission website. She continues to serve as the website's primary editor, ensuring that the organization's mission, patient stories, educational resources, and donor information remain engaging, accurate, and up to date.

She also participates in nearly every medical mission to Mexico, held approximately every four months. During each mission, Isabel serves wherever she is needed—documenting the clinics through photography, preparing children for medical procedures, comforting and distracting young patients during treatments, assisting with Spanish-English communication, and engaging with children and their families to help create a welcoming and compassionate environment.

Through her leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to service, Isabel plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Maria De Jesus Medical Mission and improving the lives of children with neurological disabilities and their families.

Daniel Makulski

As Treasurer of Maria De Jesus Medical Mission, Daniel Makulski oversees the organization's financial records, including tracking donations and expenses and helping ensure responsible stewardship of the nonprofit's resources. He prepares and submits the organization's annual IRS filing and serves on the Board of Directors, where he provides financial updates and contributes to discussions regarding budgeting, fundraising, and the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Daniel is a graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and will attend Loyola Marymount University's College of Business Administration beginning in the fall of 2026, where he plans to further develop the business and financial skills that support his service to the nonprofit.

Daniel is an active participant in the medical mission trips to Mexico, which are held approximately every four months. He assists with assembling and fitting adaptive equipment, preparing children for medical procedures, organizing medical supplies, distributing neurosensory toys, and providing support wherever it is needed. Inspired by the Jesuit ideal of being a person for others, Daniel is committed to serving children with neurological disabilities and their families with compassion and humility.

Daniel combines financial responsibility with hands-on service, helping ensure that every donation is managed with integrity and directed toward improving the lives of children with neurological disabilities in underserved communities throughout Mexico.

Clinical Leadership

Arely Urbina Castellanos

As Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator for Maria De Jesus Medical Mission, Arely Urbina Castellanos serves as an essential link between the organization and the families it serves throughout the Mayan region of Mexico. She coordinates volunteers, leads community outreach efforts, and helps organize the mission clinics held in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Through her longstanding relationships within the local communities, Arely helps identify children with neuromuscular disabilities who have limited access to specialized rehabilitation services, ensuring that those with the greatest need are connected with care.

Arely earned her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy from Escuela de Terapia Física Dr. Alfonso Tohen Zamudio. With 18 years of professional experience in rehabilitation and pediatric care, she brings extensive clinical knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families. Her compassion, leadership, and commitment to service have earned the trust and respect of countless families throughout the region.

Since the inception of Maria De Jesus Medical Mission, Arely has played an indispensable role in the success of each medical mission. She identifies pediatric patients with neuromuscular conditions and limited financial resources who may benefit from evaluation by Dr. Darlene Makulski during the organization's clinics in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. She communicates with families before and after each clinic, coordinates their participation, recruits volunteers—both medical and nonmedical—to support the missions, and provides caregivers with education, encouragement, and practical coaching to help support their children between visits. Her dedication helps ensure that families remain connected to resources and ongoing support long after each medical mission has concluded.

Andrea Elide Dzib Alejandro

As a Physical Therapist & Clinical Volunteer for Maria De Jesus Medical Mission, Andrea Elide Dzib Alejandro is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team serving children with neurological disabilities during the organization's medical mission clinics in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. She works alongside physicians, therapists, and volunteers to provide compassionate, coordinated care while helping ensure that each child and family receives individualized attention and support throughout the clinics.

Andrea earned her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy from Universidad Politécnica de Bacalar and is currently completing her nursing education. She serves as the Municipal Director of the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center (CRIM) in Felipe Carrillo Puerto and is the Co-founder and General Director of the Comprehensive Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center REHABILITA. Through years of clinical practice and advanced training, Andrea has developed expertise in pediatric rehabilitation and the care of children with neurological disabilities.

Since joining Maria De Jesus Medical Mission in 2023, Andrea has played an essential role in the organization's medical mission clinics. She performs comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, develops individualized treatment recommendations, educates and coaches caregivers, and provides ongoing guidance to families caring for children with neuromuscular conditions. She also mentors local volunteers and caregivers, helping extend the impact of each clinic long after the medical team has returned home. In addition, Andrea assists with preparing medications and equipment for clinical procedures and collaborates closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure each child receives comprehensive, family-centered care.

Andrea believes that the greatest impact in healthcare comes from combining professional knowledge with compassion and service. She is passionate about helping children with disabilities reach their fullest potential and considers volunteering to be one of the most meaningful expressions of her profession. Her dedication, clinical expertise, and generous spirit embody the mission of Maria De Jesus Medical Mission and inspire those who serve alongside her.

Mission Partners

RSVP Texas

Rehabilitation Services Volunteer Project (RSVP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides outpatient rehabilitation services and durable medical equipment to uninsured and underinsured individuals with brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, or limb loss who lack access to these services.
RSVP has been a valued partner of Maria De Jesus Medical Mission by generously donating durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, and standers. These essential resources help improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for the children we serve.

Learn More

Fundación Casita Corazon

Fundación Casita Corazón is a nonprofit organization based in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mexico, dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities through rehabilitation services, family support, community outreach, and inclusive programs that promote health, development, and quality of life.
Fundación Casita Corazón has been a valued community partner by collaborating with Maria De Jesus Medical Mission to identify children in need of specialized rehabilitation services and support their families through ongoing care and community-based programs.