Board of Directors
Melissa Ruiz
President
Melissa has been involved with Team Survivor since 2010. Through the organization, she was able to experiment with classes she would otherwise not be able to explore, and saw first-hand her fellow members attaining their goals with the support of Team Survivor instructors.
She was further inspired by the founders’ commitment to bringing wellness to women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, as well as by the longevity of the entirely volunteer-driven organization, which has been supporting women since 1995. She initially joined the Board as Treasurer, and began serving as President in 2023.
When not involved with Team Survivor, Melissa works in compliance at the healthcare company Centene, and is a former Patient Navigator with the Breast Cancer Resource Center. She loves spending time with her daughters and three grandbabies, and enjoys biking, swimming, and reading.
Kaja Tretjak
Vice President
Kaja (rhymes with "Maya") is a recovering hater of exercise and all things fitness.
After a year of breast cancer treatment and recovery, she knew a more active lifestyle would greatly benefit her both physically and mentally, but struggled to make it happen on her own. Infamously reluctant to exercise before cancer despite knowing better, she also hadn’t engaged in any kind of exercise since her diagnosis.
Getting started was intimidating, especially being out of shape alongside a congenital hand difference that makes using some types of workout equipment challenging. Through becoming a Team Survivor member in 2023, she started workouts with community partner Mziya Weber of REIZ Adaptive Fitness, who specializes in adaptive training.
Since then, they have been meeting for workout sessions every week, ultimately joining the Team Survivor Board together. Kaja credits Team Survivor and Mziya’s tremendous support, energy, and skillset for a holistic transformation in her physical and emotional well-being.
A former attorney and professor in the social sciences, Kaja leads a user experience research team at Charles Schwab. She also volunteers with the Breast Cancer Resource Center’s Speakers Bureau, and is especially passionate about talking to younger women about the critical importance of early detection.
Mziya Weber
Community Outreach Director
Mziya first became involved with Team Survivor as a community partner, providing one-on-one and group strength training sessions for survivors through her non-profit organization, REIZ Adaptive Fitness. REIZ is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the fitness community.
Born with one arm, Mziya overcame numerous obstacles to pursue her passion for helping others adapt and overcome challenges. With a background in nonprofit work and a certification in Adaptive & Inclusive Fitness, she customizes workout programs to empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. Passionate about promoting inclusivity and empowerment, Mziya finds joy in witnessing personal growth and strength in her clients.
Read more about Mziya's journey and REIZ in Austin Voyage Magazine and the monthly publication Cedar Park.
Elaine Gonzales
Membership Director
Elaine has been involved with Team Survivor since 2018. She wanted to experience new ways of becoming physically active. Elaine loves the variety of activities Team Survivor offers. The first class she attended was yoga for cancer survivors at Art Beat Dance Center. That lead to tap dance classes. Elaine has now been tap dancing for 5 years and is a former member of the Austin Tap Ensemble.
Through Team Survivor, she had the opportunity to try pole dancing at SoFly, rowing at Ro Fitness, Zumba at Corazon Latino, line dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, and rowing in the barge on Lady Bird Lake with Austin Rowing Club. She has experienced activities she would never have thought to try. She is more active than ever and is constantly inspired to keep trying new things.
Elaine joined Team Survivor Board in 2025. She was inspired by past and current board members to take a more active role in the health and wellness of our community.
When not involved with Team Survivor, Elaine is a Community Education Manager and former patient navigator at the Breast Cancer Resource Center. A native Austinite, she loves all the culture the town offers. Elaine loves spending time with family and friends, her wife of 21 years, 3 kids, 5 grandbabies, and is mom to Minnie, a Chihuahua, and Milo, a tuxedo cat. She loves anything dance related, cycling, and reading.
Simran Sandhu
Data Director
Volunteers
Team Survivor has operated as an entirely volunteer-driven nonprofit since its founding in 1995. This longevity is a testament to the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm of the many volunteers who make our work possible.
Anyone can volunteer! Our volunteers include members, friends and loved ones of people impacted by cancer, as well as those who just enjoy making an impact in their communities. We love connecting volunteers with the type of work that interests them and that their other commitments allow - whether that's a few hours of tabling at an event, taking on a leadership role, or anything in between.
Connect with us to talk about how to get involved!