David Bleidistel earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1990, and a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education in 1994, both from the California State University at Dominguez Hills, where he later taught in the Graduate Education program.  He holds teaching credentials in Social Studies and Special Education, and has been a special education teacher for over twenty years.  In 2009 he founded a non-profit corporation, of which he remains Chairman, to benefit special education classrooms.  He lives in Southern California with his wife Leah and their three children.

Dr. Lopez Ortiz earned his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Seattle University. He holds a master’s degree in Adult Education and Training and a baccalaureate degree in Business Management. His inspiration of becoming an educator transpired from his years with the Peace Corps where he was trained to assist high school teachers utilize various teaching methods in the classroom, as well as to consult small business entrepreneurs. Currently, Dr. Lopez Ortiz teaches at a junior college in Yakima, Washington.

Dr. Victoria Burns received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Burns has worked with diverse clinical populations struggling with problems such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, body-image issues, identity, and cultural/diversity issues. In addition to individual/group counseling and psychological assessment, Dr. Burns has research experience in the areas of emotional intelligence, attachment style, gender issues, and eating disorders. Dr. Burns also has experience in teaching both at the undergraduate and graduate level, and has been appointed as adjunct faculty at the University of Miami. 

Ellen Samimy, M.A., LMHC received her B.A. from Boston University (1990) and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from University of Massachusetts (2007). Ellen has practiced clinical therapy and addiction treatment for over ten years in mental health centers, hospitals, inpatient and outpatient programs, and in private settings. Ellen has specialized in addiction treatment and family therapy. Her work has included inpatient and outpatient substance abuse counseling and recovery therapy for individuals, families and adolescents. She has worked with substance abusing adolescents, and is a GAIN Administrator and Local Trainer (Global Appraisal of Individual Needs).

Leah Bleidistel earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art in 2006 from the California State University at Long Beach, and a Master of Arts Degree in Education in 2009 from the University of Phoenix.  She holds an elementary school teaching credential, and has been a classroom teacher in an Early Childhood Education program for over ten years.  In 2009 she opened a successful tutoring business.  She lives in Southern California with her husband David and their three children.

Lily was a School Counselor in K-12 schools in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Amsterdam, Netherlands.  She was also a faculty sponsor for Operation Smile Student Programs and was selected to go as a Youth Sponsor on a ten day medical mission to Nairobi, Kenya.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Master of Education degree in Counseling Psychology and Secondary Education (Social Studies) from Loyola University of Chicago, and lastly earned her Specialist in Education degree in Educational Leadership from the Florida International University.  She also attended and presented at teacher conferences all over Europe with the International Baccalaureate Organization. Her presentations were about the stages of racial and ethnic identity development.   

In her spare time Lily likes to travel to Bogota, Colombia to visit her cousins and to Chicago to visit her two brothers and niece.  She also enjoys swimming, biking, and running for training in sprint triathlons

Rochelle Baer, a licensed clinical social worker, has worked in the Miami community for more than 19 years.  Since 2008, Rochelle has been employed at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, she currently is at The Mailman Center for Child Development as Coordinator of The Emerging Transformational Leadership Program and Director of Understanding the Family Perspective.

Rochelle grew up in Miami and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, majoring in psychology and special education.  She received a master’s degree at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work.  In 1992, Ms. Baer was awarded a certificate in addiction studies from the University of Miami, and in 2000, she received a certificate in family therapy from their Center for Family Studies.  Her career in social work has always focused on helping low-income populations.

Staci is a Certified K-6 Teacher. She has classroom experience leading first through sixth grades.  She holds a Bachelors of Arts in History from Colorado State University and a Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Colorado at Denver. Staci has been recognized as an Outstanding Teacher in the Douglas County School District for four years and had the designation of being part of the first performance pay and master teacher committees. She has served on a variety of curriculum councils including Math and Social Studies and mentored many student teachers. Staci has expertise in Thinking Math, serving as a skill block instructor. She resides in Centennial, Colorado, with her husband and two children where she is an education consultant, student advocate and writer.