Our Team and Board of Directors

Nicki Deines is the CEO and co-founder of Pumps for Patients. A former elementary school teacher, current homeschool mom, and owner of a successful septic pumping company, Nicki brings a unique blend of compassion, community dedication, and operational expertise to the mission.

Her inspiration for the organization came after learning how chemotherapy drugs can severely impact septic systems—and recognizing the unexpected financial burden this places on families already coping with cancer treatment. Determined to help, Nicki and her husband, Mathew, launched Pumps for Patients to bridge that critical gap.

Today, Nicki leads the organization with heart and purpose, connecting service providers with families in need and ensuring no one undergoing chemotherapy has to face the added stress of a failing septic system.

Mathew Deines is the Vice President and Co-founder of Pumps for Patients, a nonprofit initiative inspired by personal loss and built on a foundation of service.

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, devoted husband, father, and man of faith, Mathew lost his mother to cancer at just nine years old—an experience that instilled in him deep empathy and a drive to help others. As the owner of a successful septic pumping company, he recognized the unexpected burden septic issues can place on families already battling cancer.

Through Pumps for Patients, Mathew combines his industry knowledge and servant’s heart to offer practical relief and compassion to families in their time of need.

I’m honored to serve on the Board of Pumps for Patients. I spent over 28 years as a Corporate Retail Executive and had the privilege of serving on several boards—both corporate and nonprofit—which have equipped me with a wide range of skills I now bring to this incredible organization.

My passion for this cause is deeply personal. I’m a cancer survivor, but more importantly, I was first affected by cancer at 18 when I lost my mom to brain cancer. I’ve also walked this journey with my grandpa and my dad. Through their experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how cancer impacts every part of life—for both patients and their families.

While many resources exist to support those affected by cancer, this service truly stands apart. It offers meaningful, long-term benefits not just to patients, but to their families as well.

Since losing my mom, I’ve felt called to be the hands and feet of Jesus for anyone walking through a cancer diagnosis. Combined with my years of caregiving, I hope to make even a small difference in the lives we, as a Board, have the privilege to touch—today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Jessica Solis Carpinelli is a longtime dance educator and co-founder of The Coop Homeschool, a cooperative learning community supporting families across Southern California.

With over 20 years of experience teaching children and developing educational programs, she brings a deep understanding of family needs and child development. A homeschooling parent and active community leader, Jessica is passionate about supporting families facing medical challenges.

She is honored to serve on the board of Pumps for Patients to help ensure cancer patients receive essential septic pumping services with dignity and care.

Hi, I’m Heidi Rouse, wife and homeschool mother of three children, including a pediatric cancer survivor.

I am thankful to help others as we were helped during such a trying time. Our family enjoys camping and exploring God’s creation.