About us

Tina Downing is the Founder and Executive Director of Small But Mighty Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children battling cancer and the families who stand beside them. With over a decade of experience in pediatric healthcare, cardiovascular care, and neuroscience-based therapies, she blends clinical expertise with a deep passion for advocacy and healing.

Her work is inspired by young warriors like Blake, who battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and Ian, diagnosed with DIPG. Since founding the organization in 2017, Tina has served more than 400 children across Florida and Missouri, offering grief support, mental health resources, and unique programs like Dancing for Heroes. This movement-based program helps children process trauma and rediscover joy, while giving parents tools to cope with grief and heal alongside their child.

Recognized by Spectrum News, ABC Action News, Voyage Tampa, and CanvasRebel, Tina is known for her compassion, resilience, and unwavering belief that no child fights alone.

Brian Hart is a seasoned litigation attorney specializing in family and criminal law. Before opening his own firm in 2023, he served as a prosecutor in Florida, handling numerous jury and non-jury trials and working alongside some of the state’s top attorneys.

A U.S. Army veteran, Brian served eight years, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. During law school, he served as Executive Director of the Pro Bono Program and President of the Military Law Society. He is licensed by The Florida Bar and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Brian joined Small But Mighty Heroes to continue serving others and supporting children battling cancer.

Amarilys Morales swooped onto the Small But Mighty Heroes committee after competing in the 2025 Dancing for Heroes fundraiser, where she helped power up the mission by raising vital funds. A lifelong fan of both dancing and championing children, Amarilys was thrilled to don her cape and officially join this incredible league of heroes when the opportunity arose.

As the Secretary for Small But Mighty Heroes, she keeps our plans and ideas organized faster than a speeding bullet, ensuring the organization continues to soar for the little superheroes we serve. 

Amarilys brings her unique powers as a first-time mama, salsa dancer, and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, blending compassion, rhythm, and expertise to help make a difference for children and families who need a hero most.

Tiffany joined the Board of Small But Mighty Heroes with a passion for supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer. Since 2017, the organization has grown from serving just two pediatric warriors to reaching hundreds of families through programs such as Hero Boxes, sibling support, survival resources, and compassionate care for families of fallen heroes.

In addition to this role, Tiffany leads Forged Paths, an initiative that partners with youth detention and foster care programs to provide training and connect young people with real career opportunities once they are released. Having seen firsthand the resilience of children who have endured life’s toughest challenges, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every child has not only hope, but also a path forward.

By serving on the board, Tiffany brings both personal passion and professional experience to further the mission of Small But Mighty Heroes: making sure no child fights alone.

Pearl Chiarenza – Committee Member

Pearl Chiarenza is a Say Yes to Your Life™ Coach, author, national speaker, and retreat facilitator who brings her passion for empowerment and healing to the Small But Mighty Heroes Committee. As the founder of the SHERO Movement, she empowers women to become Stronger, Happier, Empowered, Radiant, and Original—and now brings that same heart and dedication to families facing childhood cancer and hardship.

For more than nine years, Pearl has hosted the Soulful Self-Care PJ Retreat and inspired audiences through her podcast, encouraging women to reconnect with themselves and say “yes” to what truly matters. Her work is deeply personal, inspired by her husband Chuck, her son Nate, and the memory of her forever-25 son Matt. Through her journey, she remains committed to honoring grief, championing hope, and fostering community.

Whether guiding women or supporting children, Pearl shares a powerful reminder: strength, healing, and love can be found in life’s most mighty moments.