Board of Directors

LaShonda (Shonda) Johnson

Shonda has over 10 years of experience working directly with youth in educational programs and in school settings, providing several students with individual and group counseling. She has worked in many grade levels in Los Angeles County, including elementary, middle, K-8, high schools, and community colleges. Over the years she has helped several students improve academic achievement, develop life goals, prepare for college admissions, and to take effective steps toward preparing for a successful future. She received her master in counseling psychology from Mount St. Mary’s College and has a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling. 

Marilyn Saucedo

Marilyn has 16 years of experience as a classroom teacher, as well as 16 years as a school site and district administrator working with district and school administrators, teachers, students, and parents to build capacity for learning through collaborative partnerships. She was Beaumont Unified School District's director of college and career readiness. She also gathers data for comprehensive analysis during an academic climate review of a classroom, school, or district and publishes in scholarly journals. She holds a doctorate in education from Brandman University, is a child of immigrants, and a member of the Elevated Achievement Group. 

Ron Vincent

Ron is a retired high school teacher and successful instructor for Advancement Via Individual Determination, a nonprofit that influence lives by helping schools transition to a more equitable, student-centered approach. He has invested more than four decades in youth development and community engagement, working with over 7000 emerging adults, many of who are minorities and low-income families. He is also a professor who is sought out for his expertise in pedagogy and effective communication. He has authored several books, including fiction and nonfiction, and earned graduate degrees from Texas A&M and the University of Notre Dame. 

Student Intern

Sophia Ryder

Sophia is a high school senior interested in psychology, history, and acting. She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. She is starting a psychology club at her high school and has been nominated for her school's chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honor society. She runs a blog discussing psychology, morality, and positivity through creativity and is the Student Director of Outreach for Butterfly Ambassadors, a non-profit educating peers on child trafficking through creativity and art.

President

Joe Dorri (Ben-Noam)

Joe is the founder of The Good Student, who created the Student Success Survey (S3). He teaches psychology to high school and college students, conducts research, and designs and facilities workshops and presentations on well-being and success. He completed four graduate-level psychology courses as a part of his undergraduate degree, shared his research at the Western Psychological Association's Convention, and earned a master's in education. He was acknowledged by the California State Legislature at the Capitol for academic achievement, leadership, and service. He has been awarded the Most Promising Future Educator Award and Ed Walsh Service Award.