Board of Directors - Tichenor Clinic for Children

President

Michele Dobson, Esq.

Michele Dobson worked for 11 years as a law clerk and project attorney in a small civil practice that served low income and disadvantaged citizens. During law school, she was a substitute teacher in Long Beach Unified School District. She was a law clerk for the Community Legal Services of Los Angeles, for the Domestic Violence Clinic at the Superior Court of California in Norwalk, and for the Honorable David O. Carter, now a Federal Judge. In the spring of 1996, she worked as a Certified Law Clerk for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. She served as a congressional intern in the City of Long Beach, for the United States House of Representatives, and as a District Office Field Representative for the California State Assembly. She began her career as a criminal defense attorney with the Public Defenders’ Office and then joined a large, corporate firm in the civil defense area. Ms. Dobson has been in private practice since December of 2006 and is a native of Long Beach, California. Attorney Dobson retired from solo practice in June of 2026. Michele was appointed to the board in 2019.

Paul H. Buss is Vice President and Relationship Manager at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach-East Long Beach Office where his primary responsibilities are Commercial Lending and Business Banking. Paul has worked in banking since 1997 in both retail and commercial offices around Los Angeles and Orange County. His primary concentration over the last 20 years has been commercial banking and lending. Paul received his bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego. In addition, he received an M.B.A. with a Finance Concentration from Cal State Long Beach. Paul has been a resident of Long Beach since 2001. His wife Laura is a teacher and administrator at a charter school that specializes in special education. His son attends Cal State Long Beach and his daughter attends Millikan High in Long Beach. Paul enjoys golf whenever possible and mountain biking. While in college, Paul had the chance to live in Mexico where he was able learn Spanish which he has been lucky enough to use at work over the last 20 plus years. Paul was appointed to the board in 2025.

Vice President

Paul H. Buss, Vice President & Relationship Manager

Secretary

Judy Murphy

Judy Murphy worked for 45 years in pediatric nursing. She has a BS in Nursing from UCLA and a Public Health Nurse Credential. For fourteen years, Judy worked as a pediatric bedside nurse, unit manager and shift supervisor. Then, she became the manager of the Infant Development Program. In 1990, she created and managed 15 different Pediatric Outpatient Specialty Centers. She served as the Interim Director of Nursing and then as the Program Director, Miller Children’s Hospital. She was responsible for clinical development and oversite of building projects, including the new wing of the Children’s hospital. In 2011, she served as the Interim Executive Director at Patient Care Services Community Hospital of Long Beach where she was responsible for all patient care services, development of committee structure, development and management of a hospital wide capital budget. Judy retired in December 2012 to spend more time with her two children and four grandchildren. Judy was appointed to the board in 2017.

Jeff Ehlers is a Partner at Windes, Inc, working with nonprofit organizations for the last 10 years, providing financial statement audits and Form 990 preparations. He has significant experience working with a large portion of the regional centers in the state. Additionally, he has served as Vice President and Treasurer on nonprofit boards in the Los Angeles area. Jeff was appointed to the Tichenor Clinic board in 2024.

Treasurer

Jeff Ehlers, CPA

Marc Allmeroth, Esq.

Marc Allmeroth is the lead partner in the firm’s civil and personal injury practice. He has over 25 years of experience. He attended the Southwestern University School of Law in 1980. In 2007, he was a Distinguished Alumni of Long Beach City College. He served as President of the Long Beach Bar Association in 2007 and was Attorney of the Year in 2011. In 1985, he earned a certificate at the International Institute of Human Rights Strasbourg, France. He is A-V rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating available to practicing attorneys. Marc was appointed to the board in 2019.

Ana M. Gamez, Ph.D., MBA, is the Program Director of Forensic Psychology and a Professor of Psychology at California Baptist University, with 22 years of teaching experience. Dr. Gamez is the Chief Executive Officer of Badge of Life, a 501(c)(3) agency that provides comprehensive services to first responders – promoting their physical and psychological well-being through awareness, support, evidence-based training, and education. Dr. Gamez also provides nonprofit leadership to local community organizations, helping them fulfill their mission and vision. Dr. Gamez is a licensed psychologist and the President of Bee Haven Psychological & Behavioral Health Wellness, Inc., a community mental health organization. She is a retired police psychologist with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where she provided organizational consulting to department executives, program development, training, employee wellness, curriculum development, emergency response, and clinical services. Dr. Gamez has served as a national grant reviewer, published author, and researcher. Her research interests include forensic and police psychology, trauma, ethics, police misconduct and corruption, substance abuse, immigration, diversity, inclusion, and leadership. She has authored multiple books and articles and is a journal reviewer. She earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology (LLU), an MBA in general business (WTAMU), an M.S. in forensic psychology (CSULA), a B.A. in psychology (CSULA), and a graduate certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.

Ana Gamez, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Abel Méndez Santillán

Abel Méndez Santillán joined Tichenor’s Board of Directors in 2025. His connection to Tichenor is personal: his son and namesake has an intellectual disability and has benefited from Tichenor’s programs and services. A computer systems engineer by training, Abel holds MITx MicroMasters credentials in Supply Chain Management and in Statistics and Data Science. He currently serves as a Data Scientist for WASH Multilaundry, a residential and commercial laundry operator in the United States and Canada. His career spans the public and private sectors in information systems, data management, and analytics. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Abel finds his greatest joy in time with, and service to, his family.

Jennifer Fuks (Moore) is the Executive Director of Principal Gifts at California State University, Long Beach, where she leads the university’s principal gift fundraising efforts and cultivates transformational philanthropic partnerships across campus. She joined the CSULB University Relations and Development team in 2016 and previously served as Senior Director of Development for the College of Health & Human Services. Prior to CSULB, Jennifer served as Director of Development for the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House and began her fundraising career with the Memorial Medical Center Foundation, supporting MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. A proud CSULB alumna, Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Communication Studies. She remains actively engaged in the Long Beach community through volunteer leadership and has served on the Tichenor Clinic for Children Board of Directors since 2018.

Jennifer Fuks (Moore)

Diana Huerta

Diana Huerta is the Area Manager for Los Angeles County at TASK, Team of Advocates for Special Kids, and a proud graduate of California Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Ethnicity, and Multicultural Studies with a focus in Chicano/Latino Studies. With over two decades in social services, Diana has dedicated her career to supporting families and fostering stronger, more connected communities. As the parent of a child with diverse exceptional needs, she understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of navigating special education and disability supports. Her personal journey has fueled a deep passion for helping families gain the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to advocate for their children and create inclusive, thriving lives. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is committed to breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and ensuring every family feels heard and supported. She works closely with schools, regional centers, and community-based organizations to strengthen networks of care and opportunity. A self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast with far too many mugs, Diana loves spending time with her dog, family, and friends. She can usually be found sharing stories, laughter, and maybe a panesito con café or two. Diana was appointed to the board in 2025.

Linda Silver is a retired Healthcare (Imaging) Manager. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BS in Health Care Administration. She has been a Long Beach resident since 1992 and has been an active member of the Long Beach Community ever since. She is a current member and past Co-President of American Association of University Women involved in participation and Administration of a six-year mentoring program for at risk middle school girls. She’s an eighteen-year member of the Naples Island Garden Club involved in community beautification and Scholarship fundraising. Linda is an Honorary member of the Long Beach Day Nursery where she chaired and participated in many committees for nine years. Linda has been an active member of AbilityFirst Long Beach Center Guild for over five-years serving in various Board roles and served as president of the board for two years. Linda was appointed to the board in 2018.

Linda Silver

Mariana Leñero Solar

Mariana Leñero Solar is a neuropsychologist, neurolinguist, and educational psychologist specializing in neurodiversity. For more than 30 years, she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and their families, supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental conditions through a compassionate, evidence-based approach. Throughout her career, she has developed neuropsychological assessment and intervention programs, advised families, and designed parent education and training programs in Mexico and the United States. Mariana currently collaborates with Learning Rights Law Center, Regional Centers, and the Self-Determination Program (SDP), providing bilingual consultation and support strategies that promote learning, emotional regulation, and quality of life. Since 2018, she has served on the Board of Directors of Tichenor Orthopedic Clinic, developing family-centered programs. Through the Tichenor Parent Support Group, with Mayra Jimenez, she provides bilingual workshops on autism, ADHD, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and everyday strategies. She created Siento, Pienso y Actúo (I Feel, I Think and I Act), a parent education program helping caregivers understand the relationship between emotions, thinking, behavior, and self-regulation. She also co-organizes Saturday Social Day, a monthly inclusive community event where individuals of all ages and abilities, with their families, build friendships and enjoy a welcoming environment where everyone feels accepted. Her mission is to help families and professionals understand neurodiversity, so every person can reach their fullest potential.

Board of Directors Emeriti

2017 – 2026: Alan Puzarne* (President 2018 – 2020)

2015 – 2026: Kathie Mais

2024 – 2025: Richard Ruby

2019 – 2025: Richard Mathis, M.D.

2020 – 2024: Nubia Flores Cedeño

2015 – 2024: Lisa Carrick (President 2020 – 2022)

2015 – 2024: Kerry Driscoll

2015 – 2024: Tony Gales

2020 – 2023: Jennifer Kumiyama

2014 – 2023: Melanie Werts

2011 – 2020: Jean Bixby Smith (President 2017 – 2018)

2013 – 2019: Julia Taboada

2013 – 2019: Lyn Conway Madding

2017 – 2018: Leila Yoonessi, M.D.

2010 – 2018: Sally Lane (President 2015 – 2017)

2014 – 2017: Lorie Merrill

2014 – 2017: Wendy Heynen

2010 – 2017: Sandor Mayuga (President 2013 – 2015)

2012 – 2016: Stephanie Yu

2012 – 2015: Albert Rossi

2009 – 2015: Sandy Darling (President 2011 – 2013)

2011 – 2014: Gayle Clock

2008 – 2014: Judy Hess

2013 – 2013: Terri Nikoletich

2010 – 2013: Timothy Cameron

2008 – 2013: Peggy Roher

*Deceased

2007 – 2013: John Meyer

2007 – 2013: Jody Cormack

2003 – 2013: Susan Bell* (President 2009 – 2011)

2005 – 2011: Marilyn Thompson

2005 – 2011: Mary Soth*

2004 – 2011: Tamara Achauer (President 2007 – 2009)

2004 – 2010: Dick Landes*

2004 – 2009: Victor Perez, M.D.

1999 – 2009: Dean Porter (President 2005 – 2007)

2002 – 2008: Sophia Pen

2002 – 2008: Nancy Martin

2004 – 2008: Alice Thompson (second term)

1996 – 2007: Nancy Merrill* (President 2003 – 2005)

2003 – 2005: Ken Yankelevitz

2001 – 2005: Rob Griffin

1999 – 2005: Margie Videtto Hersh (President 2015 – 2020)

1999 – 2005: Jim Senske*

1993 – 2005: Carol Senske (President 2002 – 2003)

2004 – 2005: Mark Ebright

2002 – 2004: Rich Kempster*

1997 – 2004: Lorna Berg*

1996 – 2004: Frances Grover*

2002 – 2003: Rebecca Caudillo Jones

1996 – 2003: Alan Stearns

1995 – 2003: Alice Thompson

2001 – 2002: Ryan Autrey

1993 – 2002: Michael Driscoll (President 1992 – 1997)

1992 – 2002: Charles Durnin (President 1999 – 2002)

1989 – 2001: Linda McCullough (President 1997 – 1999)

1999 – 2001: Penny Brocksen

1996 – 1999: Jay Christensen

1997 – 1998: Ralph De La Cruz

1996 – 1998: Seldon Beebe, M.D.

1996 – 1998: Mark Gray

1995 – 1998: Judy Woodward

1994 – 1996: Robert Alban

1989 – 1996: Peter Valli*

1991 – 1995: Henry Walker

1976 – 1995: Dorothy Wise*

1955 -1994: George Hart* (President 1963 – 1993)

1955 – 1994: Betty Bixby*

1976 – 1994: James Willingham*

1971 – 1992: Cal Strong*

1958 – 1992: Sam Cameron*

1954 – 1991: Gus Walker*

1978 – 1984: John Rowe*, M.D.

1957 – 1977: George Craig*

1968 – 1976: Vaile Young*

1962 – 1976: Vivian Davis*

1945 – 1963: Harry Buffum* (President 1958 – 1963)

Founding Board of Directors

1926 – 1961: Florence Bixby*

1926 – 1958: B.F. Tucker* (President 1926 – 1958)

1926 – 1951: William Graef*

1926 – 1945: Chas Windham*

1926 – 1944: Clyde Dole*