Felicia Williams

Pasadena Vice Mayor

Felicia Williams was born and raised in Pasadena. She currently serves as the Pasadena Vice Mayor and the President of the Burbank Airport.  Prior to being elected to the City Council, Felicia served on several City Commissions and non-profit boards.

Felicia has a career in public policy and finance, including investment banking in New York. Currently, Felicia owns a consulting firm working with government clients to finance large, complex projects - roads, parks, hospitals, affordable housing, and utilities.

Felicia received her B.A. from Stanford University in Public Policy, M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA, and M.B.A. from The University of Michigan Ross School of Business. In 1992 Felicia was diagnosed with T1D and understands the struggle of managing a chronic illness while striving for a balance between work and life. She hopes to continue her fight in the California State Legislature where she can advocate for legislation that gives everyone access to high quality health care and removes barriers for people with T1D to achieve their dreams.

Michelle Popoff

Michelle Popoff is Executive Director of the JDRF Southern California Chapter.  In this role, Michelle works closely with our staff, Board of Directors, our strong volunteer base, and our type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. Michelle has been with JDRF since 2005, when she was brought on board in Orange County to start the chapter’s outreach program.  Since then, the program has grown extensively and provides many resources, events and connections for the T1D community, including the Bag of Hope, annual TypeOneNation Summit, T1D Care Kit, Walking the T1D Tightrope events, Research Updates, Youth Ambassador program and more.  Michelle has served a variety of roles within the organization, including Outreach Manager, Senior Development Manager, Outreach Captain for JDRF’s West Region, Executive Director of the Orange County chapter and her current role as Executive Director of the Southern California chapter.

Michelle was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 11 and is passionate about helping the T1D community and the JDRF mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.  She is the proud mom of her son, Jake, who was her inspiration to get involved with JDRF when he was born.  Michelle graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Communications and is a die-hard Bruin!

Dr. Clement Cheung

Clinical Associate Professor in Pediatrics at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine who will lead our popular session, First 2 Years with T1D

Clement Cheung, MD, PhD. is a Clinical Associate Professor in Pediatrics at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California. He received his MD and PhD degrees at the University of Washington Medical Scientist Training Program, and completed his residency in Pediatrics and fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology at University of California, San Francisco. He is currently the director of the Neuroendocrinology Clinic, which specializes in pediatric brain tumor patients with hormone problems. He is also the Director of Medical Education in Endocrinology for Residents and the Associate Director of Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship. He has received many accolades in research, medical education, and clinical work. He is passionate about educating trainees on the wonders of endocrinology and diabetes and on empowering patients and families in understanding and managing their diabetes or endocrine conditions.

Dr. Beth Braun

Dr. Beth Braun has 20 years of experience as a health psychologist specializing in diabetes management, nutrition, and behavior modification.  In her private practice, Dr. Braun works with adults and children faced with diabetes burnout, anxiety and depression in both group and individual settings.   She also works closely with JDRF, ADA and several diabetes camps, leading workshops around focusing on motivation and integrated mind and body wellness.

Dr. Braun was the Director of Behavior Modification for KidShape, a family-based wellness program for 25 years. There she developed curriculum to help fight type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity in children and adolescents.    KidShape grew from one class at UCLA to a nationwide program.  Dr. Braun’s work received media acclaim, and she was featured on Oprah, 20/20 and in Newsweek discussing how families can work together to develop healthy lifestyles.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 5, Dr Braun started her career in diabetes as the poster child for Philadelphia JDRF.  As a teenager, she recognized the unique emotional challenges faced by people with affected by the disease and was driven to find a way to help.

Dr. Braun is on the American Diabetes Association Mental Health Advisory committee as well as a member of the Los Angeles Safe at School committee.  She also runs a monthly parenting support groups for JDRF

Lucero Gonzalez

RN

Lucero Gonzalez is a registered nurse with a degree in psychology and a former elementary school teacher. Her passion for health is what led her to switch careers over 18-yrs ago. Since earning her nursing degree, Lucero has worked in pediatrics, maternal child health and most recent as a diabetes case manager. As a mother of three, Lucero is conscientious about the importance of healthy nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellness. Lucero understands the struggles that parents face when it comes to reaching their health objectives but remains optimistic in helping families overcome their struggles by empowering them with the knowledge and community resources to help them reach their goals. On her spare time Lucero enjoys listening to music, dancing, and spending time at the beach with her family.

Dolores Rangel

Dolores Rangel is a master’s degree advanced practice nurse practitioner with a bachelor degree in health education and public health. Dolores holds board certifications in pediatrics and as a diabetes care and education specialist. As part of the multidisciplinary diabetes care team for Kaiser Permanente, Dolores helps serve the underserved communities of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. When not working, Dolores enjoys spending her time hiking, going to the beach, or watching a good movie with her grandchildren.

Mariana Gómez

Beyond Type 1, VP of International Markets

Mariana is a Psychologist and Diabetes Educator. She is the creator of Dulcesitosparami, one of the first online spaces for people with type 1 diabetes in Mexico.  Mariana is currently the VP of International Markets at Beyond Type 1. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than 30 years ago and is the mother of a teenager.

Dr. Mariel Schofield

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Mariel Schofield is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and co-founder of Monarch Athletic Club, a multi-disciplinary medical facility located in West Hollywood, CA. Dr. Schofield was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five, yet continued on to play volleyball at the University of Miami. At the University of Miami, she earned a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine in 2014, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree in 2017. She utilizes exercise, education, and behavior change to empower patients to overcome pain and injury and improve overall health.

Dr. Christina Reh

Pediatric Endocrinologist

Dr. Christina Reh is a pediatric endocrinologist who practices in Westwood and Calabasas locations. She is the Clinical Director of the Pediatric Diabetes program and specializes in diabetes care for children and adolescents. She has vast experience in many types of diabetes including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, steroid-induced diabetes, and cystic fibrosis related diabetes. She in well versed in diabetes technology and has been involved in many clinical trials related to advancing diabetes care and monitoring.

Dr. Reh is committed to quality medical education and has been mentoring medical students, residents and fellows in pediatric endocrinology for over 15 years.

Dr. Reh earned her undergraduate degree from UC San Diego and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She received her medical doctorate from the Loma Linda University, School of Medicine. She then completed her pediatric medicine residency at Children’s Hospital Orange County and pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Dr. Reh is an associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; clinical medical director of the Pediatric Diabetes program at Westwood and surrounding UCLA centers. She is also a member of the American Diabetes Association and the Pediatric Endocrine Society.

Jonah Marks

Jonah Marks will be a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz this fall.  He was diagnosed with T1D 6 years old.  He’s currently interning this summer at Mannkind, a company that manufactures inhalable insulin.

Marcela Pallete

Marcela Pallete joined JDRF in January 2020 as a Development Coordinator after previously working in TV commercial production. She was a member of the Young Leadership Committee as a volunteer and participated in the One Walk prior to working at JDRF. She is excited to continue to support the YLC and Youth Ambassadors. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2004 at the age of 12. She has found an awesome community through JDRF and is excited to continue to meet and work with new families. She is a graduate of Gettysburg College, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology and played collegiate volleyball.