Meet Our Board of Directors

Shane K.M Wood is an award-winning educator, director, and designer with a passion for helping people in need. With degrees in Psychology, English Literature, and Theatre Shane looks for new and unique solutions to the challenges presented to him. With more than 10 years’ experience teaching university and high school, Shane has dedicated his time to bettering the lives of young people throughout Southern California through work in Basic Needs and Mental Health. He has seen firsthand the devastation that fentanyl poisoning can cause when he lost his father and his brother one year apart. He is honored to be able to use his experience and expertise to help combat this epidemic and looks forward to a day when people are safe and educated.

Gabriel Dima-Smith is a public affairs strategist with 10 years of experience building and executing successful government relations and communications strategies to assist companies, nonprofits, and water districts in growing their operation while avoiding regulatory problems that can slow growth and add costs. He currently works at Orange County Power Authority as an External Affairs Manager. Dima-Smith is a member of the Public Affairs Council and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from California State University, Pomona, and is finishing his Master’s in Public Administration at Claremont Lincoln University. In 2021 he lost his closest friend to fentanyl poisoning and is working diligently to prevent others from experiencing a devastating loss.

Amy Shine is a seasoned advocate, collaborator, and mentor in education management. With expertise in clear communication, analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, emotional intelligence, diversity, and inclusion, she excels in fostering inclusive environments. Holding a Doctorate in Drama and Theatre with a focus on women’s representations and empowerment, Amy’s specialization in Critical Theory and Dramaturgy from the UC Irvine – UC San Diego joint program enriches her professional pursuits. A strong administrative professional, she navigates challenges with finesse, championing diversity initiatives. Beyond her career, Amy embraces travel, exploring new cultures, and snorkeling in uncharted waters. Grateful for learning opportunities and connections, Amy embodies curiosity, empathy, and resilience in all endeavors.

Melissa Vance, Founder of Whole Body Health Team, is dedicated to providing holistic support, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being. With a Master’s in Social Work and training as a Functional Nutrition Counsellor, she’s a licensed mental health professional in Canada, specializing in shame, trauma, and addictions. Having worked extensively with adolescents and families in complex mental health settings, Melissa understands the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Committed to ongoing learning, she has pursued various certifications, including training with Brene Brown in The Daring Way™. Melissa advocates for treating the whole body, rejecting conventional prescriptions for a more comprehensive approach to healing. With a passion for health and wellness, she aims to create a space for education and holistic wellness through Whole Body Health Team.

Tritia Foster is a certified public accountant and partner with Davis Farr, LLC. She has more than 12 years of experience in public accounting and auditing, with a focus on healthcare and government contractors. She has a wealth of knowledge in areas such as Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plan, and PACE audits, as well as SOC examinations, financial and compliance audits, cost incurred audits, and Agreed-Upon Procedures. Foster is a member of the AICPA and the California Society of CPAs, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Chapman University.

Tina Burke is a drug awareness and prevention advocate who tragically lost her son, Christian, in 2020 to a counterfeit pill laced with a fatal amount of fentanyl. She has dedicated her life to educating people about the dangers of drugs and the prevalence of fentanyl in them. Tina has connected with various activist groups across the United States, participated in events and protests, helped pass new bills in Congress, and given presentations to schools and teachers to raise awareness about drug risks and equip institutions with Naloxone to save lives.

Mayor Farrah became the 23rd Mayor of Irvine in November 2020, securing the highest-ever mayoral votes. She shattered barriers as the first woman of color and Muslim woman to lead a major US city. Re-elected in 2022. Khan, who started in biotech, focuses on innovation, safety, climate action, and community wellness. Notably, she led COVID-19 efforts, diversity initiatives, and urban development during her tenure. Khan’s dedication is evident in her roles in education and municipal boards. She champions Irvine’s progress on a broader stage through affiliations with major city associations.

Court Crowther served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, an experimental research psychologist, and a university educator. Recently retired after 21 years as a higher education administrator at UC Irvine’s Graduate Division, he helped enhance graduate student diversity as Assistant Dean. Proud of managing a federal Dept. of Education grant, he aimed to boost success for gifted UCI undergrads from low API high schools. With all his education, including an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences, completed at UCI, Court’s passion lies in aiding marginalized communities. He expresses this through FentanlySolution.org’s Board of Directors membership.

Matt Markley is an IT and cybersecurity leader/mentor, with over 25 years in the industry. He owns a master’s degree in Information Systems as well as several advanced InfoSec certifications. He also has experience teaching in public schools, his first career passion. In late 2022, he lost his beloved 18 year old, Jax to fake prescription pills containing fentanyl, purchased via social media. His mission now is to understand and combat every angle of the illicit opioid crisis, with special interest in defeating the social stigmas attached to drug addiction, mental health issues — and more broadly the destructive effects of “otherism” on our young people that seems to fuel this epidemic. Driven by the belief that no one should suffer alone or feel that a path to self-destruction (e.g., fentanyl use) is inescapable, he recently founded Justice for Jax, focused on amplifying empathy and support across affected groups. He is also working on bringing the power of data analytics to our collective fight against illicit opioids.

Cheyenne Hunt’s journey embodies resilience and determination. Raised by Syrian refugee ancestors and two generations of single mothers, she witnessed the tenacity needed to pursue the American Dream. Overcoming generational barriers, Cheyenne became the first in her family to earn dual degrees in political science and public policy, followed by a law degree. Her legal career was marked by advocating for domestic violence survivors in Orange County courts.

Daniel de Castellane is a leading PR strategist specializing in the fashion, tech, and lifestyle sectors. As the founder of de Castellane Creative, a boutique PR and marketing firm, he is renowned for his innovative and impactful marketing campaigns. Daniel’s firm focuses exclusively on direct-to-consumer brands, employing a data-driven and creative approach to help clients achieve their objectives. Having collaborated with industry giants like LVMH, Daniel has played a key role in revitalizing brands and capturing the attention of younger audiences. With a fellowship in consumer behavior and Neuromarketing from CBS, he brings a unique blend of research and social analysis to his PR and marketing strategies. Outside of his professional endeavors, Daniel is a prolific writer, contributing insights and opinions on culture, society, and fashion to various publications. His dedication to innovation and trendsetting has solidified his position as a respected figure in the industry.