Board Leadership

Devon Toonen, President

Board of Directors

Devon currently serves as President for the Board of Directors. She has over 23 years in computer and healthcare technology, project management, and leadership experience. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, management, and strategic planning.

Her professional experience includes Chief Technology Officer at HealthTech Reporting, Network & Systems Administrator at United Advocates for Children and Families (UACF), and Reconciliation Database Developer in the Revenue Cycle Management Division at Dignity Health.

She is known for her volunteer service with various nonprofits and in homeless communities throughout California spanning over a decade and continues to help improve the lives of individuals and outcomes for communities.

Marisa Norton, Secretary

Board of Directors

Marisa is the Secretary for the Board of Directors. Her knowledge in the executive management and human resource fields has lent to her success in overseeing daily tasks executed by more than 100 employees.

Her passion to help communities of color stem from personal experience. She was compelled to get involved with organizing efforts to advance health equity while advocating for others.

She invests her spare time in providing volunteer support in low income communities.

Gina Linden, Treasurer

Board of Directors

Gina is the Treasure for the Board of Directors. She has worked in the health care field for 6 years with over 8 years of financial management experience. She is an entrepreneur by nature starting a small business at the age of 20 years old while navigating her way through the business world.

Her contribution to society and aspiration to reform underserved communities is carried out through her commitment to the organization’s mission.

She is a mother to three beautiful children and is currently pursuing a degree in business administration.

Angela Trapp, Member

Advisory Board

Angela has over 6 years of experience working for Sutter Independent Physicians (SIP) and also serves as Resiliency Coach for Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. She provides professional development training, process improvement, and physician coaching.

Her professional experience includes Health Educator for Hills Physician, Medical Social Worker for Miami Jackson Hospital, and Exceptional Education Teacher for Dade County Schools.

Angela’s forward thinking and contributions have lent to serve as committee member with Sutter Independent Physicians Wellness Program, Sutter Health Diversity and Inclusion Council, and former Secretary of the Florida Association of School Based Health Centers.

“There’s something more to life…let’s slow down and look or ask, ‘Are we truly doing what we love?’”

Clarisse Kresser, Member

Advisory Board

Clarisse is an experienced Senior Director and Manager with a demonstrated 25 year track record in forging effective teams, partnerships, and collaborations that positively impact targeted groups and at-risk populations. She has a successful history in planning, organizing, and evaluating programs. She values and appreciates diversity.

Her professional experience includes Vice President & Director of Strategic Partnerships and Student and Parent Services Director for Project GRAD Los Angeles (PGLA), and held various roles within Toastmasters International including Immediate Past District Director, District Director, and Program Quality Director.

Teresa Merriweather, Ex Officio Member

Advisory Board

Teresa is a member of the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice Human Trafficking Task Force, Community Affiliate Network member of the Woodson Center headquartered in Washington DC, seated on the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission’s Legal/Legislative subcommittee, and Lead Advisor to the Centurions Michigan Survivor Advisory Council. She is a sex trafficking survivor and travels the country providing training on Human Trafficking Awareness and dedicated to rescuing and restoring victims of human trafficking.

She is a co-author of “Rethinking Primary Prevention of Child Trafficking,” a framework published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry and distributed to organizations all over the world, and currently holds certifications in Wellness Recovery Action Plan, the study of Racism & Labor Trafficking in the U.S., and Crime Scene Technician (CSI).

“There indeed are a lot of steps that we must climb in life, but one thing that I know for sure is that through hard work, determination and dedication, a clear path to success and personal self -gratification can be fully realized.”

Brittany Livingston, Member

Advisory Board

Brittany has over 7 collective years experience working in and around system involved youth and adults. She utilizes evidence-based practices, identifies case management needs, provides community resources, and attends court hearings on behalf of clients. Her past work includes fostering meaningful relationships, providing support, and teaching interpersonal skills for at-risk youth.

Her professional experience includes Probation Office in the criminal and supervision departments for The Superior Court of New Jersey, and Family Services Specialist for Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Emily Hartman, Member

Student Advisory Board

Emily is a Clinical Researcher for the University of Rochester where she recently graduated. She is interested in child forensic psychology, and plans to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus in forensics in the near future.

Alexandra Theroux, Member

Student Advisory Board

Alexandra “a.k.a. Lexi” is a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health services and looks forward to a career encompassing biology and mental health.

Lexi brings lived experience to the group and understands the importance of increasing access for those seeking mental health services at school or home.

Stephanie Howard, Ex Officio Member

Student Advisory Board

Stephanie currently advises on all student activity. She is a mother, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Her academic and professional background include a degree in psychology, and working in customer and patient services. She currently hosts a personal podcast in her mission to bring awareness and change to individuals struggling with mental health. While sharing her journey she expands on teaching others how to talk about and overcome “Suffering In Silence.”

Zoya Egiazaryan, Ex Officio Member

Student Advisory Board

Zoya, a recent UCLA psychology graduate, has been instrumental in spearheading the creation and development of the Juvenile Justice Pilot Program (JJPP) designed specifically for troubled youth. The program objectives include empowering youth, educating parents, enhancing the mental health workforce, and increasing awareness in community support services.

Zoya’s interest in making community changes began when she participated in the Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walk in Pasadena, CA while in high school. Organized by Senator Portantino (25th Senate District), it changed her perspective on how adults participate in helping youth overcome mental health issues.