Lauren Christ

Senior Development Manager - Walk & Golf Classic

Lauren Christ joined JDRF in May of 2018. As Senior Development Manager, Lauren will oversee the JDRF Fore the Kids Classic and Corporate Sponsorships for the OC One Walk. Lauren has spent the last 8 years working in the non-profit community in Orange County and is truly excited to be part of the JDRF team.  

Catrina Cooper

Senior Development Coordinator

Catrina Cooper joined JDRF in October 2021 as a Senior Development Coordinator of the Southern California Chapter. She has a strong background in sales, marketing and development in Non-Profit Outreach, Division I Intercollegiate Athletics and Residential Sales. Her motivation for turning Type One into Type None is her niece, Madeira, who was diagnosed at the age of 6. Through her niece’s brave journey, she was introduced to the phenomenal T1 community in San Diego and the inspiring efforts of JDRF. Catrina 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. Along with her husband, Wes, a retired Naval Aviator, they are proud parents of daughters Anissa and Caley. She has her MA from CSU Long Beach and a BS from CSU San Bernardino, where she played collegiate softball.

Elisabeth Fleshler

Senior Development Manager, Community Engagement

Elisabeth Fleshler has been working at JDRF since 2014.  She started as a volunteer and Walk team captain after her son Isaac was diagnosed with T1D at 18 months.  His sister Ava was diagnosed 2 years later at the age of 5.   Elisabeth joined the JDRF LA ride team in 2019 and continues to train and ride.  Elisabeth has a BA from NYU and an MA from the University of Texas at Austin and has been working in non-profit administration for over 20 years.

Jane Gagne

Senior Development Manager - Gala, Dream Guild

Jane Gagne joined JDRF Southern CA in August 2014 after relocating from New York City.  Her motivation and inspiration is her husband Dave, who has successfully been living with T1D for over 40 years.  She has a B.S. from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  Jane lives in Oceanside with Dave and their 2 sons.

Deanna Kasper

Development Manager - Outreach, Walk, Ride

Deanna Kasper is the San Diego Development Manager supporting the Outreach, Walk and Ride programs. Deanna worked for Father Joes Villages as a Resource Program Manager for several years before leaving to raise her 2 sons.  Prior to joining the JDRF San Diego Team in 2015, she worked as an Employment Counselor for Jewish Family Service. Deanna has been a part of the JDRF community since 2005 when her 4 year old son Al was diagnosed with T1D. Deanna has been a JDRF mentor as well as event volunteer and both Deanna and her husband Chris have been active in both the walk and ride programs. In 2013, Deanna helped start the San Diego Youth Ambassador Program which she continues to manage and is still very active today. She loves working with the T1D community, providing support to newly diagnosed families and working on the walk and ride. She is passionate about raising funds for T1D research for a cure for Al and everyone living with T1D.  Together Deanna and Al continue to support T1D research through their walk team Al’s Pals. Deanna has a BA in Communicative Disorders and an MS in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University.

Jules Kronberger

Development Manager, Individual and Corporate Giving

Jules Kronberger joined JDRF in November of 2021 as the Development Manager of Individual and Corporate Giving. She has a degree in Business Management from UNR and is less than a year away from earning her MBA from Cal State Long Beach. She was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 27 but became even more motivated to find a cure for T1D when her 5-year old son, JD, tested positive for all 3 of the autoimmune antibodies. She is honored to be a member of the SoCal team and for the opportunity to work for JDRF!

Damon Marrero

Development Manager

Damon Marrero is the Development Manager for the JDRF Southern California Chapter. In this role, he supports the Orange County and San Diego Walks.

Damon is the parent of a teenage son, Elijah, diagnosed with T1D in 2013 at age 8.  He understands the challenges posed by T1D, particularly in the teen years.

Damon attended his first JDRF One Walk San Diego in 2018, which gave his family the opportunity to connect with others affected by T1D.  He is thankful to be working for the organization that has had such a positive impact on his family and so many others.

Marcela Pallete

Development Manager

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.

Sue Pietrzak

Development Director

Sue Pietrzak is the Development Director of the Southern California Chapter. In this role, Sue works closely with the staff and JDRF’s network of amazing volunteers. Sue has been with JDRF since 2013 and her love and passion have been the JDRF One Walk.

Sue has a strong background in Sales and Marketing as a Regional Manager and began her career in the non-profit world with the American Cancer Society. An opportunity came to her with JDRF and she has never looked back.

Michelle Popoff

Executive Director

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!

Email: mpopoff@jdrf.org
Phone: 949-885-5025 or 657-213-7647

David Ahn, MD

Dr. David Ahn is an Endocrinologist and Program Director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. He trained at UC San Diego and previously worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA. Dr. Ahn’s primary clinical interest is health technology, especially relating to Type 1 Diabetes. Until there’s a cure, his mission is to empower patients to live their fullest life while minimizing the mental, financial, and emotional burden of this chronic condition. He is a proud father to a 2 year old (Matthew), and is an avid LA sports fan (especially the LA Kings).

Erik Anderson

Erik Anderson is a Vice President & Assistant Controller for Aviation Capital Group.  He began his involvement with the Orange County chapter of JDRF in 2010 and served on the Board from 2012 – 2018.  He has been an active member of the golf committee over the years.  His sister-in-law was diagnosed with Type 1 nearly 35 years ago and is the inspiration to continue supporting the fight to turn type one into type none.  Erik lives in Ladera Ranch, with his wife, Kathryn, and his nine year old son and six year old daughter.  When not coaching, refereeing, or watching his kids’ athletic endeavors, he enjoys spending time with family and friends not far from the BBQ or smoker.

Paula Aragone

Paula Aragone has been working alongside with JDRF to raise awareness for Type 1 Diabetes. Her commitment to find a cure came after her son JC was diagnosed with T1D back in 2012. JC is a professional tennis player who is also involved with JDRF and has been able to speak on National television about what is means to live with T1D.

Professionally, Paula is the CEO of Aragone & Associates at First Team-Christie’s , a real estate group representing clients throughout Orange County  and providing a unique approach to today’s complex residential real estate market. Paula brings almost two decades of real estate experience to every transaction, where she specializes in coastal communities from San Clemente to Huntington Beach and inland to Yorba Linda. Paula’s expansive network, unparalleled client service, and proven marketing strategies have made her an elite member of First Team Real Estate, which represents the top 1% of sales associates nationally. Paula attended 4 years of Law School in her native country, which has been proven to be an edge in Real Estate contracts and effective negotiation technique. She believes in ensuring the highest standards of ethic and practice are maintained at all times. Paula’s extensive experience with complex transactions, her strong law background and unique skill set is especially appreciated by high – net – worth clients with equally high expectations and standards.

Chris Barnett

Chris has been actively involved with JDRF since 2014 and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has been largely involved with One Walk, serving as a lead volunteer for the past 3 years.

Professionally, Chris works with BBSI in Orange County as the Director of Business Development.

Rich Cocuzzo

Rich Cocuzzo is the Founder and President of Sales Velocity Advisors. He has co-chaired the wine auction at the annual “Dream Gala” for several years.  This year Rich was honored at the Gala as one of the “Wine Guys” who have helped to raise over $350,000 since the inception of the wine auction in 2006. Rich has been married to his wife Jodi, since 1989, and they have lived in Laguna Niguel since 1999. They are parents to three adult daughters. They enjoy spending time with friends and family, love to travel, and enjoy all things that are food and wine related.

Ellen Darling

Ellen Darling’s best friend is Tracey McCarter.  Tracey’s youngest daughter, Charlize, was diagnosed with T1D 8 years ago.  Ellen immediately became dedicated to finding a cure for this disease, and got involved with JDRF and devoted her time and resources to this organization.  She has educated others about the disease and her friends/contacts have, in turn, donated money to the cause.  Ellen and her family have devoted substantial time and efforts to the cause as well.

Ellen is a trial attorney at K&L Gates LLP.  She primarily handles products liability cases for life science companies. She also handles class action cases involving various false advertising claims.

Cami DiRoberto

In June of 2017, Cami’s 7 (now 8) year old daughter was shockingly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  Having very little prior knowledge of the condition, she immediately began leveraging the resources of the JDRF and has been passionately devoted to the cause ever since.  She is fearless in her advocacy efforts and joins us on the Board to continue our fight toward a cure.Cami graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Communication. She and her husband, Torrey, own a full service corporate real estate firm, Sidra, which is headquartered here in Orange County.  Together, they have 3 children and live in North Tustin.

Gillian Edel

Nominating & Board Development Committee Chair - LA

My first involvement with JDRF was in the late 1990’s when my husband, Scott (who is T1D), joined the LA Chapter board. We helped with the One Walk and the Pier Party, both on the organizational and the fundraising levels. Since his six-year term on the board, our son was also diagnosed with T1D when he was 14.  More recently, Scott and I have become keen participants and fundraisers for the Ride to Cure events. We regularly train with the LA Chapter riders and have ridden in the Death Valley and Burlington centuries and plan to ride again this fall in Death Valley. Spending time with the T1D riders, their families and supporters has rekindled my desire to be a valuable part of this amazing organization.

By way of background, I graduated with a law degree from Birmingham University in the UK and practiced as a Barrister before moving to the US. I practiced briefly in Washington DC before settling in Los Angeles where I took the California Bar and practiced for several years as a litigator at Mitchell, Silberberg and Knupp. After having children I retired as a lawyer and spent a decade as a “Parent-Tot” teacher at St. Matthew’s Parish School, Pacific Palisades, during which time I helped counsel many families dealing with a variety of health issues with their children, including T1D. Currently I own and operate Pendle Property Company, which is a family-owned residential real estate company. Our youngest daughter has been a very active singer in various choirs in and out of school. As a result of this involvement, I recently joined the Board of MUSYCA Children’s Choir, an LA-based youth choir.

Mike Fahrney

Mike Fahrney is a native to California.  He attended college at Oklahoma State University studying electrical engineering.  He also earned a B.S. in Aerospace to include minors in Meteorology and Aviation Safety, as well as a Masters of Science in Aeronautics.  After spending 7 years in the United States Air Force, Mike began his employment with McDonnell Douglas and then transitioned to The Boeing Company.  Mike has been with Boeing for 33 years having been the Director of Flight Operations for Airlift, Chief Pilot for Airlift, and led multiple military aircraft programs.  His time at Boeing has seen him qualify in several different models of aircraft to include the C-17, C-40 and 737.  Mike currently resides in Ladera Ranch with his wife Tessa and their two Alaskan Malamutes.  As a pilot, Mike is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA).   Golf is a new passion for Mike and Tessa, with both spending weekends on their local course.  In addition to golf, Mike is a wine collector and enjoys sharing his wine with friends.  As one of the JDRF “Wine Guys” he has assisted in efforts with the team to support JDRF wine auctions.  Mike also supports canine cancer research and other charitable causes through work and personal donations.

Scott Farber

Scott Farber has been personally committed to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) since his daughter was diagnosed with T1D in 2001 at the age of seven. Along with his wife Bronwyn, they has been intimately involved with the JDRF Orange County Chapter for years, volunteering at a number of levels, including president of the Orange County Chapter Board, Walk Chair and Treasurer. Stephanie graduated from the University of Oregon and is working for a digital media advertising agency in Newport Beach.

Professionally, Scott has been a Partner at Grant Thornton LLP since 1992.  He is currently the West Region Audit Practice Leader and International Business Center Director. Additionally, he served as an elected member of the firm’s Partnership Board from 2005 to 2011.  Scott and his family lived in Hong Kong from 1995-1998 when he served as Grant Thornton’s Asia Pacific Technical Director and Liaison Partner with responsibility over 16 countries.

Scott has more than 35 years of experience in the areas of complex financial reporting, international trade, risk assessment and strategic financial transactions. He has provided guidance to a wide range of companies, from emerging start-ups to large publicly-held entities with global operations.

Kristan Hinman

Advocacy Team Chair - OC & IE

Kristan has been a JDRF volunteer since her daughter Kalee was diagnosed in 2013.  Over the years, Kristan is a regular volunteer at many JDRF events including, helping with Youth Ambassadors, speaking at Type One Nation and participating in One Walk annually.  She currently serves as a member of the Outreach Committee and as Coordinator of the MOD Coffee Club.  Through her involvement, her knowledge and interest in Advocacy has grown and she is excited to serve as ATC and the opportunity to advocate for our T1D community to Congress.

Cheryl Jacob

Cheryl Jacob is a Registered Nurse with over thirty-seven years of healthcare experience with MemorialCare both at the Saddleback and Orange Coast campuses. She retired in 2018 as the Chief Operating Officer and was recruited back in a consultant role this year. She lives in Dana Point with her husband John Wilson. They have five children and five grandchildren. The oldest granddaughter, Paige, is a youth ambassador with T1D and refuses to let it hold her back!  Cheryl was attracted to JDRF as she relates to its Mission:  Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

Rose Krupp

In 2018, Rose Krupp retired from a successful corporate career leading philanthropic giving for several companies, most recently with Western Digital.  Under her leadership, the company established and implemented philanthropic guidelines for 100,000 employees in 26 countries, receiving numerous awards for community engagement and volunteerism.  Her experience also includes community relations for Mattel, Boeing Satellite Systems, and Kia Motors America, as well as serving as Press Secretary for former Congresswoman Jane Harman.  She began her career as a television news writer and then producer for CBS affiliates throughout California.  Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in college, Rose has always had an interest in, and advocated for, access to healthcare for all.  A proud Southern California native, she and her husband, Paul Hacunda, reside in San Clemente, CA.

Chris Lawrence

Chris is the Chief Financial Officer for First American Credit Union.  His wife, Lindsay, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child and is his inspiration for getting involved with JDRF.  Chris says, his wife “broke the mold” in regards to the perceptions of what someone with T1D can do and he wants to educate people about type 1 diabetes and let them know it is not a restriction on life.  Chris earned his BA in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, an MS in Neurobiology from UC Irvine and an MBA from The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine.  He and his wife live in Corona del Mar with their two children.

Jacqueline Leitzes

Jacqueline “Jackie” Leitzes has been a Development professional for over two decades and is
currently the Director of Development for Pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In this role,
she oversees fundraising efforts and helps to cultivate and steward donors within the Cedars-
Sinai pediatric community.

A native New Yorker, Jackie has worked for several reputable non-profit organizations in
Manhattan — Mount Sinai Medical Center, The Dwight School Foundation, American Jewish
Historical Society, Allen-Stevenson School, Summer Play Festival, and New York University —
where she helped to raise tens of millions of dollars through principal and major gifts, capital
and annual campaigns, board development, and special events.

Jackie serves on the Board of Directors of the Hackley School Alumni Association (her high
school alma mater) and graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University. She is also a
member of the NextGen Committee at Selfhelp Community Services, an organization that
promotes independent living to Holocaust survivors in New York.

While Jackie only recently became an official Los Angeles resident, residing in the West
Hollywood/Beverly Hills area, she has close family roots here and has visited frequently for the
past 30 years.

Samantha Markovitz

Samantha became involved with JDRF after her diagnosis in 2014. She has been a One Walk family team coach, T1D Connections volunteer, Outreach Committee member, and now serves as the Outreach Committee Chair. Advocating for improvements in therapies, quality of life, and ultimately, a cure for T1D, is a key piece of Samantha’s personal and professional objectives. She is a Mayo Clinic-trained, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach that specializes in working with people living with T1D. As a coach, author (“Type 1 Diabetes Caregiver Confidence”), and speaker, Samantha works to help people living with diabetes thrive. She manages her private wellness practice, GraceMark Wellness & Lifestyle Coaching, and also serves as the Health & Wellness Coach at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital.

Tony Marks

Tony Marks is an Attorney at Law at Bryan Cave LLP.  He serves on the JDRF Los Angeles Board with his current term beginning in 2011.

Laura Mecoy

Advocacy Team Chair - LA

Laura Mecoy is an award-winning former journalist who is the president and founder of Mecoy Communications, a team of expert storytellers with decades of experience in researching and creating compelling narratives about companies, products, people, causes and more. The firm is an LA-based network of public affairs, public relations and communications specialists who develop and implement winning communications strategies.

Laura is the mother of two young adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and her family has been active in JDRF since 2000, raising and donating more than $250,000. Laura served as a walk team captain for 15 years, mentor for the newly diagnosed, founder of the South Bay parent group, member of the board, chair of the LA and the Long Beach Walk Committees and the Board’s Public Relations/Publicity Committee. As a member of the Advocacy Committee, she has participated in advocacy meetings with members of Congress and traveled to D.C. to lobby Congress on behalf of JDRF.

With her daughter, Grace Walker, she participated in the 2015 JDRF Children’s Congress. Her son, Ryan Walker, also was a South Bay Walk Ambassador when JDRF still had a South Bay Walk. He was featured in a movie trailer JDRF created with Sugar Ray Leonard and has served as a JDRF spokesperson. She and her husband, Cary Walker, are members of the JDRF LA Ride team and have participated in three JDRF Rides to Cure Diabetes. They live in Manhattan Beach.

Bob Morrison

Recently retired, Bob Morrison spent the previous 36 years in private, solo, dental practice:  nine years as a general dentist and the remainder of his career specializing in endodontics.  He has previously served on the Foundation Board of his children’s high school and was involved for a number of years with the Orange County Dental Society.  Bob has two adult sons who have had type 1 diabetes since childhood, and is keenly aware of the trials and tribulations associated with this life-long disease. He is looking forward to the opportunity to serve on the Board of JDRF and to making a personal contribution to the ongoing battle for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Brian Novak

Brian was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over 25 years ago.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in an effort to better understand the disease.  He then went on to get a graduate degree in analytical chemistry under a Nobel Prize winner studying exhaled human breath in an effort to determine blood glucose and reduce finger sticking.  Brian also earned his law degree and is now a patent attorney at K&L Gates.  He works on many diabetes-related technologies, including much of the intellectual property for Mannkind’s Afrezza inhaled insulin.  He also serves on the Executive Council for UC Irvine’s Diabetes Center and says he is “all in for diabetes!”

Angie Platt

Angie Platt, CPA, was the 2011 JDRF Children’s Congress Chair.  Her 12 year old son Jonathan was diagnosed with T1D at age 6.  She serves on the JDRF Los Angeles Board with her current term beginning in 2011.

Morgan Rector

Morgan Rector is President of Comerica Bank, Entertainment Group. He serves as President on the JDRF Los Angeles Board with his current term beginning in 2009.

Linda Robertson

Linda Maxwell Robertson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 40 years ago. Throughout that time she has been an active member of JDRF serving as a volunteer in NYC and Orange County.  She is committed to finding a cure and raising awareness, serving on the outreach committees and as the chapter’s research information volunteer.  Linda is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice and a mental health specialist with the Santa Ana Unified School District.  Among those she helps are individuals with type 1 diabetes and their families manage the psycho-social effects of the disease.  She has been a speaker, panelist and moderator at forums devoted to exploring the topics of T1D.

Marc Sidoti

Marc Sidoti is Vice President of RFF Inc., general partner of RFF Family Partnership LP since 2004 located in the Los Angeles area. RFF Family Partnership is a boutique lending company specializing in short term commercial bridge financing. As Vice President of RFF Inc., Marc focuses on new clients, risk management and financial services. Marc Sidoti graduate from State University of New York at Albany in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Vanessa Silvan

Dream Guild President

Vanessa joined JDRF in 2018 and immediately became extremely involved in our fundraising efforts.  She co-chaired the Dream Guild Holiday Luncheon with Bill Peters and Cathie Lawler.  Lara Giddings and Diana Hasenbalg introduced here to JDRF Orange County knowing her past philanthropic successes would be a significant asset to the Orange County chapter.  Vanessa instantly knew the JDRF mission statement resonated with her and she found the commitment and dedication in our membership to be inviting.  Prior to moving to Newport Beach, Vanessa was actively involved with Mission Hospital Foundation and Camino Health Center in South O.C