ADVISORY BOARD
Kenneth A. James, MD
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Kenneth James is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist who is Head of the Midwifery Program at Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA and Orange Coast Women's Medical Group, an affiliate of Hoag. Married to ELF’s founder, Mara James, Kenneth experienced first hand the affect of mental health issues on a family when Mara suffered her manic episode. He is committed to opening up the mental health conversation in any way he can and asks all patients about their mental health and wellbeing.
Adrienne Matros, Psy. D
Psychologist and Mental Health Advisor
Associate Professor of Psychological Science, UC Irvine, Director of THRIVE Laboratory and founder of emPATH Clinical Services.
Jessica writes for Psychology Today and the Huffington Post and has published numerous articles on children’s mental health and parent-child relationships and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on children’s anxiety and depression.
Jessica writes for Psychology Today and the Huffington Post and has published numerous articles on children’s mental health and parent-child relationships and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on children’s anxiety and depression.
Lina Ponder, Psy.D., PPS
Clinical Psychologist
Lina is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with developmental concerns in young children and adults. She has published in the area of parent-child relationships. As a professor of graduate clinical training, Lina is passionate about teaching and training students/parents to know how to respond to the psychological needs of their patients/kids. Lina enjoys empowering soon-to-be and new parents addressing perinatal and postpartum matters.
Utilizing her expertise on the critical role early life experiences plays in the quality of relationships and well-being throughout life, Lina works psychoanalytically with adult patients. Her depth approach enables her patients to transform their painful childhood trauma and beginnings.
Lina also brings her background in mindfulness and other contemplative meditative practices to her work in helping others find their peace, healing and deep satisfaction in life. She curates and leads personal and group retreats.
Utilizing her expertise on the critical role early life experiences plays in the quality of relationships and well-being throughout life, Lina works psychoanalytically with adult patients. Her depth approach enables her patients to transform their painful childhood trauma and beginnings.
Lina also brings her background in mindfulness and other contemplative meditative practices to her work in helping others find their peace, healing and deep satisfaction in life. She curates and leads personal and group retreats.
Jessica Borelli, PhD
Therapist
Associate Professor of Psychological Science, UC Irvine, Director of THRIVE Laboratory and founder of emPATH Clinical Services.
Jessica writes for Psychology Today and the Huffington Post and has published numerous articles on children’s mental health and parent-child relationships and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on children’s anxiety and depression.
Jessica writes for Psychology Today and the Huffington Post and has published numerous articles on children’s mental health and parent-child relationships and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on children’s anxiety and depression.
Sandy Avzaradel
M.S. Ed.
Sandy is the Director of Early Childhood OC, an organization which promotes Orange County’s Early Childhood Policy Framework, champions an increase in funding to early childhood programs and services, and supports initiatives which cultivate resilient families, ensure quality early learning and promote comprehensive health and development. In addition, Sandy designed and implemented the Early Childhood Mental Health and Wellness Program, a county-wide program where Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants work alongside preschool professionals to support social and emotional development and effectively work with children with challenging behaviors and/or mental health concerns. As a part-time adjunct faculty member at California State University, Fullerton in the Child and Adolescent Studies Department, Sandy enjoys sharing her early childhood passion and expertise with future educators.
Sandy has provided numerous local, state, and national presentations with a focus on social/emotional development, mental health and challenging behavior, school readiness, child development, special education, parent education, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) for early childhood. Sandy is a former Board Member for Families Forward and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children. When not advocating for early childhood, Sandy enjoys spending time with her husband, two young adult children, and her dogs!
Sandy has provided numerous local, state, and national presentations with a focus on social/emotional development, mental health and challenging behavior, school readiness, child development, special education, parent education, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) for early childhood. Sandy is a former Board Member for Families Forward and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children. When not advocating for early childhood, Sandy enjoys spending time with her husband, two young adult children, and her dogs!
Renata Ururahy
Dietitian and Holistic Therapist
Renata is a Brazilian Registered Dietitian BR-R.D., has a M.S.in Holistic Nutrition, is a Body-Mind Therapist, C.B.P. and the Founder and Practitioner at Body-Mind Healing Center in Dana Point CA, Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher at LifeTime Fitness, CA, Women Empowerment Facilitator and Women Healing Circle Facilitator at Yoga Dharma House in Dana Point, CA.
Renata is a Brazilian Registered Dietitian BR-R.D., has a M.S.in Holistic Nutrition, is a Body-Mind Therapist, C.B.P. and the Founder and Practitioner at Body-Mind Healing Center in Dana Point CA, Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher at LifeTime Fitness, CA, Women Empowerment Facilitator and Women Healing Circle Facilitator at Yoga Dharma House in Dana Point, CA.
Renata is a Brazilian Registered Dietitian BR-R.D., has a M.S.in Holistic Nutrition, is a Body-Mind Therapist, C.B.P. and the Founder and Practitioner at Body-Mind Healing Center in Dana Point CA, Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher at LifeTime Fitness, CA, Women Empowerment Facilitator and Women Healing Circle Facilitator at Yoga Dharma House in Dana Point, CA.
Amy Hamilton
Business Advisor & Medical Intuitive
Amy is a Business Advisor and Medical Intuitive.
Susan Kenny
Chief Advancement Officer for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County
Susan is the Chief Advancement Officer for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County, CASA OC. After 10 years in the for profit world, she found the opportunity to marry her love of volunteering and business development to start a fundraising career. Over the last 17 years in the nonprofit sector, she has created long lasting relationships with donors, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and client families all over the country. Susan has been responsible for business development, social events, grants, and cause related marketing campaigns. She has worked with teams to coordinate healthcare clinics and summer camps. During her time with the Ronald McDonald House Orange County, she collaborated with other nonprofits to provide a full spectrum of services for families with critically ill and injured children. In addition, Susan was instrumental in the national partnership between the Roofing Alliance, National Roofing & Contractors' Association, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. She is one of the founding members of the 100 Women Who Care OC, acts as the Membership Committee Co-Chair for Advisors in Philanthropy, and has been an active committee member for OneOC's Spirit of Volunteerism and the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce's Women of Influence events.
Susan has a BA in Communication from the University of Arizona and a Human Resources Certificate from the University of California, Irvine. She has volunteered her time with Make-A-Wish, Project Cuddle, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Smith Elementary School, and Huntington Valley Little League. She loves to spend time with her family and travel.
Susan has a BA in Communication from the University of Arizona and a Human Resources Certificate from the University of California, Irvine. She has volunteered her time with Make-A-Wish, Project Cuddle, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Smith Elementary School, and Huntington Valley Little League. She loves to spend time with her family and travel.
Sheryl Erani
Associate Director, Meeting Planning - Speaker Bureau Services
I am a medical meeting planner, aka “Meeting Planner Extraordinaire.” I wonder if virtual meetings can ever truly take the place of face-to-face meetings as the world becomes more and more “virtual.” I hear the laughter of clients and attendees as I play event planner/problem solver/comedian, turning challenging situations into positive ones! I see the need to pick up my phone on the first ring and respond to emails asap, because excellent customer service is something I strive to provide every day. I want my coworkers, clients, HCPs, and venue contacts to know that I am their partner. I am Sheryl Erani.
Naresh Worlikar
Business Executive
Naresh is a forward-thinking executive with over 30 years of experience in international markets. He has worked in operations and sales for large corporations across Asia, Europe, the Pacific and the Middle East. In addition to his extensive corporate experience, Naresh has worked in the restaurant and retail business. He is assisting ELF develop a long-term strategy and growth plan.
Randi Johnson
Business Executive | Marketing Consultant & Digital Marketing Specialist
Randi has spent 25 years of her career in creative roles in marketing and sales. Many years ago, she merged the love of design, marketing and search engine optimization training to create her own online marketing agency so she could provide clients with a personalized experience.
With a passion to help small business owners and non-profits, Randi consults and manages growth strategies, website design, search engine optimization, ad management and all things related to online marketing. She is an advocate of women's and children's mental health which began during her college years while studying and receiving her degree in psychology. Randi is a mother of 3 amazing daughters, loves playing tennis, running, being outdoors, and is very honored to be a part of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation's mission.
With a passion to help small business owners and non-profits, Randi consults and manages growth strategies, website design, search engine optimization, ad management and all things related to online marketing. She is an advocate of women's and children's mental health which began during her college years while studying and receiving her degree in psychology. Randi is a mother of 3 amazing daughters, loves playing tennis, running, being outdoors, and is very honored to be a part of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation's mission.
Jennifer Annes
Business Executive
Jennifer currently serves as the Board Chair for 100 Women Orange County and as an executive at Enterprise Data Solutions. Her career has included non-profit work in management, community outreach, employee and donor engagement, and event planning. She volunteers in many capacities in both her personal and professional life. Her passion lies in supporting children and teens. Her history includes being a foster parent to eight children- including some with special needs, proctor parent to fourteen juvenile youth, director for hundreds of teens attending the U.S. as exchange students, and director of a crisis line.
Jennifer has a strong skill for building relationships. She also has a demonstrated history in earning a high level of trust amongst her friends, peers, and co-workers. She states that being a part of the advisory board to support the Extraordinary Lives Foundation is both an honor and a privilege.
Jennifer has a strong skill for building relationships. She also has a demonstrated history in earning a high level of trust amongst her friends, peers, and co-workers. She states that being a part of the advisory board to support the Extraordinary Lives Foundation is both an honor and a privilege.
Laurie Ziemnik
Sports Life Coach
Laurie Ziemnik is a loving wife, mother of 4 and a nana to 3 and counting. Having spent over 20 years of her career in Medical Practice Management, Laurie has a passion for Mentoring and guiding others to be their best.
Laurie has continued to live her passion of helping others by becoming a certified Sports Life Coach. By meeting and mentoring new people from all over the country, Laurie is able to use her people skills and passion to help people achieve their life goals.
Laurie has continued to live her passion of helping others by becoming a certified Sports Life Coach. By meeting and mentoring new people from all over the country, Laurie is able to use her people skills and passion to help people achieve their life goals.
Chris DiFonso, MBA
Finance Professional
A versatile finance professional, Chris has applied his talents to a variety of organizations over his career, from an independent physician association to a non-profit hospital and a national healthcare insurance company. His responsibilities have ranged from essential financial models to complex budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis. Chris received his both his B.A. in Economics and M.B.A. from the University of Southern California. He resides In Mission Viejo with his wife and son, and nine-year-old (very pampered) rescue dog.
