ADVISORY BOARD
Laila Contractor, M.D.
Integrative Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist
Dr. Laila Contractor M.D. is an Integrative Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist who has been practicing for over 13 years. Dr. Contractor trained at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic where she worked with some of the biggest researchers in the field
of psychiatry including David Brent, M.D. and Lisa Pan, M.D. at the nationally renowned STAR Clinic for At-risk Adolescents. She also spent one year with Judith Cohen MD, Medical Director for the Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents and one of the developers of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For two years, she was a Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration Fellow and received money for various programs including studying appropriate services for Children whose parents have substance use disorders. Given her work with underrepresented groups, she was also asked to co-author the chapter on Cultural
Psychiatry in the Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry.
After training, Dr. Contractor worked at Kaiser where she helped them develop and start their Intensive Treatment Program for At-risk youth as well as their trauma treatment program. She also sat as the lone Psychiatry Representative on the Regional Committees for Child Abuse Prevention and Family Violence prevention.
In 2019 however, Dr. Contractor had to abruptly stop working after becoming completely extremely weak and debilitated. Despite going to some of the best institutes, many physicians were at a loss at to what was causing her symptoms. At the urging of those who physicians who practiced Integrative Medicine, she sought a different approach to treatment and wellness which ultimately lead her back to health.
Her own journey inspired her to complete an Integrative Psychiatry Institute Fellowship through the University of Colorado School of Medicine so she could offer her patients effective, research-based alternatives to traditional treatments. As a lifelong learner, she is also currently in the process of completing a yearlong training program in Compassion Inquiry, Dr. Gabor Mate’s method for treating Developmental Trauma. Dr. Contractor currently has her own private practice in Orange County.
of psychiatry including David Brent, M.D. and Lisa Pan, M.D. at the nationally renowned STAR Clinic for At-risk Adolescents. She also spent one year with Judith Cohen MD, Medical Director for the Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents and one of the developers of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For two years, she was a Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration Fellow and received money for various programs including studying appropriate services for Children whose parents have substance use disorders. Given her work with underrepresented groups, she was also asked to co-author the chapter on Cultural
Psychiatry in the Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry.
After training, Dr. Contractor worked at Kaiser where she helped them develop and start their Intensive Treatment Program for At-risk youth as well as their trauma treatment program. She also sat as the lone Psychiatry Representative on the Regional Committees for Child Abuse Prevention and Family Violence prevention.
In 2019 however, Dr. Contractor had to abruptly stop working after becoming completely extremely weak and debilitated. Despite going to some of the best institutes, many physicians were at a loss at to what was causing her symptoms. At the urging of those who physicians who practiced Integrative Medicine, she sought a different approach to treatment and wellness which ultimately lead her back to health.
Her own journey inspired her to complete an Integrative Psychiatry Institute Fellowship through the University of Colorado School of Medicine so she could offer her patients effective, research-based alternatives to traditional treatments. As a lifelong learner, she is also currently in the process of completing a yearlong training program in Compassion Inquiry, Dr. Gabor Mate’s method for treating Developmental Trauma. Dr. Contractor currently has her own private practice in Orange County.
Kenneth A. James, M.D.
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.
Dr. Steven Abelowitz, M.D. FAAP
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Steven Abelowitz, M.D. FAAP, is Board certified in Pediatric Medicine and has been practicing for over 20 years. Dr. Abelowitz serves as Medical Director and President of COASTAL KIDS PEDIATRIC MEDICAL GROUP in Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, and Irvine.Dr. Abelowitz completed his pediatric internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, where he received multiple commendations and was awarded “Resident of the Year”. He received his Medical degree at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, graduating at the top of his class. After establishing Newport Children’s Medical Group and serving as President and Medical Director for three years, Dr. Abelowitz founded COASTAL KIDS, a premier pediatric medical group for the proactive treatment and care of children’s healthcare issues.
As Medical Director, President, and CEO of Coastal Kids, Dr. Abelowitz was voted one of the “Top Doctors Across America” by his peers and was the first pediatrician to be voted “Doctor of the Month” by the staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. He was nominated multiple times as Chair of the Pediatric Department at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and served as physician liaison to the newborn nursery. Dr. Abelowitz is an acknowledged expert on pediatric healthcare and medicine, primary children’s healthcare, preventative care, nutrition, growth, and development. He has served as Area Representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics and has received “Top Doctor Award for Physicians of Excellence” by the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) for the past several years, as seen in Orange Coast Magazine. Dr. Abelowitz has shared his expertise with nationally recognized parenting and family health publications and was featured as a pediatric expert on KABC-TV, consumer report, MSNBC the Dr. Nancy show, KCBS-TV, and KCAL-TV. He has acted as an “Ask the Doctors” columnist for the Orange County Register. He is fluent in Afrikaans and Hebrew and speaks medical Spanish. Dr. Abelowitz enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include theater, tennis, triathlons and working out.
As Medical Director, President, and CEO of Coastal Kids, Dr. Abelowitz was voted one of the “Top Doctors Across America” by his peers and was the first pediatrician to be voted “Doctor of the Month” by the staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. He was nominated multiple times as Chair of the Pediatric Department at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and served as physician liaison to the newborn nursery. Dr. Abelowitz is an acknowledged expert on pediatric healthcare and medicine, primary children’s healthcare, preventative care, nutrition, growth, and development. He has served as Area Representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics and has received “Top Doctor Award for Physicians of Excellence” by the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) for the past several years, as seen in Orange Coast Magazine. Dr. Abelowitz has shared his expertise with nationally recognized parenting and family health publications and was featured as a pediatric expert on KABC-TV, consumer report, MSNBC the Dr. Nancy show, KCBS-TV, and KCAL-TV. He has acted as an “Ask the Doctors” columnist for the Orange County Register. He is fluent in Afrikaans and Hebrew and speaks medical Spanish. Dr. Abelowitz enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include theater, tennis, triathlons and working out.
Kevin Alexander, DBH, LPCC
Therapist
Dr. Kevin Alexander, DBH, MC, LPCC has been supporting the diverse mental health needs of children, families and vulnerable adults for more than 25 years. He has served in diverse clinical settings, including outpatient psychiatric and medical centers, residential treatment centers, hospitals, homeless shelters, and crisis response units. Dr. Alexander has utilized his training and experience to provide direct care, develop innovative treatment models, and led diverse treatment teams supporting community members in needs of mental health services. He directed one of the largest crisis response programs in the state of Arizona, serving more than 15,000 patients experiencing severe mental health crisis annually. During his time as a director with the Hoag hospital system, Dr. Alexander managed detox, residential and outpatient addiction treatment programs, and developed and implemented intensive outpatient treatment options for Orange County children and families. Dr. Alexander has also served as the director for a full service treatment program, serving older adults experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, as a result of severe and persistent mental health issues. He is currently working as an administrator for the Orange County Health Care Agency, supporting the diverse clinical needs of the Orange County Community.
Adrienne Matros, Psy. D
Psychologist and Mental Health Advisor
Adrienne Matros is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years' experience in the healthcare industry.Adrienne currently serves on several non-profit boards including; Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC), Merage JCC, JCCA, Aleh-Negev (Israel) and TLC (Tilly’s Life Center). She serves on several Advisory and Advocacy committees that include Extraordinary Lives Foundation Samueli Academy and CHOC’s Mental Health Advocacy Committee. For the past 10 years, she has been a Team Leader and chaperone planning and coordinating teen trips to numerous countries working with NGO’s and indigenous people to assist in creating self sustaining communities. Adrienne resides with her family in Orange County, California.
Ann Corwin, PH.D., M.Ed.
Marriage, Family & Child Therapist
Dr. Ann has the unique talent of transforming the thousands of stories parents & professionals have shared with her over the past 35 years by first, explaining that kids behave because of the way they feel, then by giving specific, logical, easy to apply tools that can be used immediately for positive changes to literally any parenting/teaching problem.
Dr. Ann has done COX Cable TV and Los Angeles-KCET- PBS TV show called “A Place of Our Own” (syndicated throughout the US) for 3yrs. and WLW AM 700 Cincinnati Radio and a Web Video show called www.ParentsAsk.com, plus the Child Connection DVD, SOLVE Parenting Problems DVD, Parenting Passport Discipline Guide book, Oregon Emotional Literacy Project, Toddlers2Teens Connection Emotional Literacy Model Project & publications from Real Simple Family Magazine & Success Magazine and many more. She is nationally recognized for her work by connecting children and their parents/teachers for healthy relationships.
Dr. Ann comes from a long line of healthy relationships herself, with both her grandparents and parents being married for over 60 years and she has been married herself for 45 years with two happily married grown children. With a Ph.D. in Marriage, Family & Child Therapy and a Masters Degree in Education Dr. Ann is a 40-year veteran of designing and developing workshops/keynotes/parent groups/school staff trainings by teaching the biology of the brain & what it has to do with a child’s behavior & why understanding attachment is the most critical skill for making & keeping long-term, healthy relationships.
Dr. Ann has done COX Cable TV and Los Angeles-KCET- PBS TV show called “A Place of Our Own” (syndicated throughout the US) for 3yrs. and WLW AM 700 Cincinnati Radio and a Web Video show called www.ParentsAsk.com, plus the Child Connection DVD, SOLVE Parenting Problems DVD, Parenting Passport Discipline Guide book, Oregon Emotional Literacy Project, Toddlers2Teens Connection Emotional Literacy Model Project & publications from Real Simple Family Magazine & Success Magazine and many more. She is nationally recognized for her work by connecting children and their parents/teachers for healthy relationships.
Dr. Ann comes from a long line of healthy relationships herself, with both her grandparents and parents being married for over 60 years and she has been married herself for 45 years with two happily married grown children. With a Ph.D. in Marriage, Family & Child Therapy and a Masters Degree in Education Dr. Ann is a 40-year veteran of designing and developing workshops/keynotes/parent groups/school staff trainings by teaching the biology of the brain & what it has to do with a child’s behavior & why understanding attachment is the most critical skill for making & keeping long-term, healthy relationships.
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.
Mark Zigner
Business Executive
Mark, an international entrepreneur, grew up in Orange County and double majored in Psychology and Business. He is passionate about helping families who struggle with mental health challenges, drawing from firsthand experiences with his brother, whose battle with Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia took him from a successful career as the President of Newport Harbor High School and public relations firm employee to homelessness at 40. Understanding that his brother’s story is only one of many, Mark recognizes the importance of mental health awareness and therapy. He strives to provide children with preventative tools to help them through their struggles, and endeavors to raise awareness around mental health and build stronger support systems for children and their families. He is excited to be part of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) team and combine his passion and expertise with ELF’s mission and vision.
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.
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.
Rachel Nelson Peterson
Yoga Instructor
As the oldest of six children, Rachel Peterson developed her leadership and teaching skills from an early age. Throughout her career, she has spent more than 15 years in the non-profit space working to better the lives differently-abled and critically-ill children in Orange County. It was during this time that she realized the importance of nurturing the subtle body as well as the physical body.
Rachel is passionate about sharing yoga with people of all ages as a means of developing life skills, such as confidence, integrity, gratitude, and self-awareness. She provides heart-centered, accessible sequences and presents themes that encourage kids, teens and adults to be their best selves on the mat, at home, and in the community.
In her professional life Rachel is passionate about teaching yoga, business development and fundraising. When she is not practicing, Rachel enjoys time at the beach with her husband and rescue dog, Steve.
Rachel is passionate about sharing yoga with people of all ages as a means of developing life skills, such as confidence, integrity, gratitude, and self-awareness. She provides heart-centered, accessible sequences and presents themes that encourage kids, teens and adults to be their best selves on the mat, at home, and in the community.
In her professional life Rachel is passionate about teaching yoga, business development and fundraising. When she is not practicing, Rachel enjoys time at the beach with her husband and rescue dog, Steve.
Carrie Cesario
Transpersonal Hypnotherapist
Carrie was born and raised in Southern California. Though she lived abroad and in Los Angeles for several years, she’s primarily lived in Orange County where she has been raising her two children for the past 10 years. Carrie became involved in working with women after the birth of her first child, when she quickly realized she was being called to empower women by teaching them the powerful hypnosis techniques she used for her birth experience. She began serving woman as a certified Hypno-doula and then as a Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis® Instructor. Her passion for hypnosis and for women’s wellness and healing expanded to include hypnotherapy work, when she become a Certified Hypnotist with the National Guild of Hypnotists, and then a certified Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, to continue her deep, transformational healing work for the mind/body/soul. Carrie believes that when you heal women, you heal the world, and this is never more so than the mothers of the world, as they are gifted with raising the next generation. Carrie is equally as passionate about raising children consciously and peacefully, as honoring the child as a unique human affords them more security to realize and manifest the gifts they each hold within themselves that the world needs.
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.
Brett Patterson, Ph.D.
Behavioral Doctor
Brett is owner of the clinical practice Progressive Interventions and founder of the Behavior Compass Academy, an online behavior education resource for parents and caregivers. He has been providing behavior education for parents and educators (online and in-person trainings), behavior support coaching, and therapy-based interventions for families, adolescents and adults throughout Southern California since 2002. Much of his Orange County-based work during this time has been in association with CHOC Children’s (through 2018) and UC-Irvine (currently Volunteer Clinical Faculty).
Brett also routinely serves as an organizational consultant, developing prevention/early intervention programs and providing behavior support trainings with professionals in both the commercial and non-profit sectors. Over the years he has provided more than 200 training and speaking engagements at local, state and national levels. When he is not developing or delivering positive behavior support services, Brett is at home trying to “practice what he preaches” with his daughter and wife.
Brett also routinely serves as an organizational consultant, developing prevention/early intervention programs and providing behavior support trainings with professionals in both the commercial and non-profit sectors. Over the years he has provided more than 200 training and speaking engagements at local, state and national levels. When he is not developing or delivering positive behavior support services, Brett is at home trying to “practice what he preaches” with his daughter and wife.
Hoda Shawky, NP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Hoda Shawky is a pediatric nurse practitioner, certified in behavioral health and lactation who has been working with First 5 Orange County, on systems level approaches to addressing perinatal mental health as the foundation to social and emotional development of infants and toddlers. She is passionate about supporting parents and caregivers to prioritize their own well-being in order to be able to help their little ones grow and become their best selves.
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.
