Our Team
Jessica Piglia, President + Founder
Jessica Piglia is the Founder and President of When Dragonflies Appear Foundation, created in loving memory of her mother, Kathleen Frank Piglia. With a background in healthcare leadership and a lifelong commitment to compassion and connection, Jessica founded the organization to provide families facing cancer with access to in-home care, mental health resources, and hope during life’s most difficult moments.
Jessica combines her professional expertise in the medical field with her deep belief in empathy-driven action to ensure that no family faces the cancer journey alone. She resides in New Orleans, where she finds joy in traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her friends and two beloved dogs — Violet and Pearl. The dragonfly remains her enduring symbol of hope, love, and her mother’s everlasting presence.
Nissan Patel, Treasurer
Thalia Nakouzi, Vice President
Thalia Nakouzi is the Deputy Director of Programs and Culture at Repro TLC (formerly Midwest Access Project) and brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. With a deep commitment to access, care, and equity for all, Thalia believes in the power of community and compassion—values that align closely with the mission of When Dragonflies Appear.
Thalia leverages her extensive program and fundraising experience to help ensure that families navigating cancer receive timely support, resources, and relief when they need it most. Outside of her professional work, Thalia enjoys spending time at home in New Orleans with her husband and their three beloved dogs—Molly, Max, and Bam Bam.
James Thomas, Secretary
James Thomas, CEO of Fidelis Builds, is a commercial contractor dedicated to building partnerships and delivering excellence and integrity in all he does. Through his leadership, Fidelis Builds has partnered with hospitals across the New Orleans area — most notably Children’s Hospital — where James and his team constructed the Comfort Care Suites, a sanctuary for children at the end of life, and the Morgan Rae Center of Hope.
Deeply committed to compassion and community, James uses his partnerships within the healthcare system to help When Dragonflies Appear connect with families more quickly and ensure they receive the care and support they need during life’s most challenging moments. Outside of work, James enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with his wife and their three dogs.
Nissan Patel currently serves as the Compliance Officer for Georges Enterprises and throughout his career, he has been dedicated to upholding integrity, accountability, and service—values that deeply align with the mission of When Dragonflies Appear.
Nissan believes in using his skills, resources, and network to support initiatives that bring care, education, and hope to families facing cancer, because every person and every family touched by cancer deserves a compassionate support community.
His commitment to public service extends beyond his professional life, having served on the boards of the LASPCA, New Orleans EMS Foundation, and Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, as well as being a former governor’s appointee to the Louisiana Emergency Response Commission. Outside of work, Nissan enjoys spending time with his family, reading nonfiction, and listening to thought-provoking podcasts.