Board

of

Directors

Dr. Elizabeth Khachatourian

Erica Marquez, MBA

Jessica Marroquin, MBA

Dr. Jason Plunkett

Biographies Below

Dr. Manal Shehadi

  • Dr. Elizabeth Khachatourian's journey from a visual artist to a prominent leader and advocate for others has been remarkable. Born and raised in Maine, Dr. Khachatourian's roots lie deep within the Penobscot Nation. However, her path led her to California during her teenage years, where she pursued her artistic talents at the esteemed Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

    Fueled by a burning desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, Dr. Khachatourian made a pivotal decision to transition from the world of art to the realm of leadership. This decision propelled her to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from California Lutheran University, setting the stage for her future accomplishments. Undeterred by limitations, she furthered her dedication by attaining a Doctoral degree in Organizational Management and Consulting from Phillips Graduate University.

    As a Talent Management Principal for Blue Shield of California, Dr. Khachatourian has found her niche in fostering the growth and success of others. She understands the crucial role of support, guidance, and development in someone's professional journey. With her expertise and passion, Dr. Khachatourian has elevated the performance and development of numerous individuals within the organization, ensuring their success.

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Khachatourian cherishes her time with her loving husband and two beautiful children. In these moments of togetherness, she finds solace and rejuvenation, preparing her to conquer new challenges with grace and determination.

    Thanks to Dr. Khachatourian's involvement, My New House has been blessed with tremendous support. Her contributions have facilitated the establishment of a board of advisors in Northern California, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. Moreover, through the generous patronage of Blue Shield of California, Dr. Khachatourian has helped pave a path of innovation and progress, touching the lives of countless individuals in need.

    Dr. Elizabeth Khachatourian's unwavering dedication to helping others, combined with her remarkable accomplishments, inspires all. Her transformation from an artist to a leader showcases the power of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of one's true calling. My New House and stakeholders are fortunate to have her on their side, working tirelessly to create a brighter and more compassionate future.

  • With an impressive 21 years of experience in counseling and executive coaching, Dr. Plunkett is a seasoned professional who has touched the lives of countless individuals and families. His field expertise is extensive and invaluable to those he serves. As a testament to his leadership abilities, Dr. Plunkett served for four years as the president of the board of My New House, contributing significantly to the success and establishment of this organization.

    But Dr. Plunkett's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond My New House. He dedicates his time and expertise to two other nonprofit organizations focused on youth advancement, serving as a board member for both. These roles allow him to play an active part in shaping the future of young people, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

    One of Dr. Plunkett's most notable roles is as the Director of ZOE International in the United States, a nonprofit organization with a mission to combat child trafficking. This cause is close to his heart, and Dr. Plunkett works tirelessly to end the suffering of countless children caught in the web of this heinous crime. His commitment to this cause demonstrates the depth of his compassion and showcases his unwavering dedication to social justice.

    In describing his life motto, Dr. Plunkett turns to the words of his hero, Mother Teresa. He believes he is merely a "little pencil in the hand of a writing God" sending love letters to the world. This humble perspective reveals his unwavering belief in the power of love, compassion, and the ability of one person to make a difference.

    Beyond his impressive professional achievements and contributions, Dr. Plunkett finds great fulfillment in his personal life. He is a proud husband to his wife, Jackie, and a loving father to their four children, and grandfather of one. These relationships provide him with a strong support network and a source of inspiration in his pursuit of creating a better world.

    Dr. Plunkett earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Cal State University Northridge. He followed it with a Master's Degree in Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Phillips Graduate University. Recognizing the importance of organizational management, he further pursued a Doctorate Degree (Psy.D.) in Organizational Management and Consulting from Phillips Graduate University, cementing his expertise as an "Organizational Psychologist."

  • Jessica is a dedicated individual who has positively impacted the community of Los Angeles. She has established herself as a community service leader with her extensive involvement in various community service activities.

    One of Jessica's significant contributions to her community is her dedication to education. She tutors elementary and junior high students and provides much-needed academic support and guidance to young minds. Her mentoring of college-aged students showcases her ability to inspire and guide the next generation toward success.

    In addition to her educational endeavors, Jessica has also made a difference through her involvement in charitable events. By lending her assistance and support to various philanthropic causes, she has played an active role in positively impacting those in need. She also works diligently in bringing partnerships to My New House. This selfless act of giving back to the community exemplifies Jessica's compassion.

    Furthermore, Jessica's ability to translate messages from Spanish to English within her congregation demonstrates her language skills and her commitment to inclusivity. She removes language barriers and ensures that everyone within the congregation feels involved and understood. This commitment to effective communication is truly admirable.

    Academically, Jessica has earned impressive credentials. Graduating with both an MBA and a BArch degree from Woodbury University School of Business & Design, located in Burbank, California, highlights her dedication to academic excellence. Her diverse educational background positions her as a well-rounded professional capable of incorporating creative and business perspectives into her work.

    Currently, Jessica is the Administrative Office Manager for SWA Group, an internationally acclaimed design firm in Downtown Los Angeles. Her role within this award-winning organization further exemplifies her commitment to excellence, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

  • Erica's dedication to giving back and improving the community aligns perfectly with our organization's mission. Her commitment to collaboration and resourcefulness undoubtedly brings excellent value to our beneficiaries.

    Aside from her passion for philanthropy, Erica also values her family and cherishes their time together. Whether engaging in family activities, playing with her boys, or spending quality time with friends and loved ones, Erica understands the significance of building lasting memories.

    Erica's educational achievements are impressive, being the first in her family to finish college. Her B.A. from California State University Fullerton and MBA from California State University Long Beach demonstrate her commitment to personal growth and professional development.

    In her professional life, Erica has established herself as a project manager at Southern California Edison. Her expertise in managing projects and her ability to navigate complex tasks lend well to her involvement at My New House.

    Erica's active lifestyle is also worth noting. She finds joy in outdoor activities such as snowboarding in the winter, camping, bike riding, paddleboarding, and hiking in the summer. These activities reflect her love for adventure and exploration and underline her desire to create meaningful experiences with her boys and husband.

    Erica's combination of community engagement, educational background, professional experience, and zest for life make her a valuable addition to the My New House family.

  • Dr. Manal Shehadi is a remarkable individual who embodies the spirit of determination and cultural diversity. As a first-generation Arab-American, she has overcome challenges and broken barriers to achieve success in both her personal and professional life. Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Shehadi has always had a deep connection to her roots while embracing the opportunities afforded her in her vibrant American upbringing.

    With a profound understanding of the human mind and a passion for helping others, Dr. Shehadi has honed her expertise in business management and mental health. Her educational journey began at Chapman University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors. Recognizing the need for further specialization, she pursued a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the lives of those she would later serve.

    Driven by a desire to effect change on a broader scale, Dr. Shehadi set her sights on a Doctorate of Psychology in Organizational Management and Consulting from Phillips Graduate University. This impressive achievement showcases her dedication to understanding individual psychology and bringing about positive transformations within organizations. With her invaluable psychology and management expertise, Dr. Shehadi is uniquely positioned to empower individuals and guide organizations toward optimal mental health and productivity.

    Dr. Shehadi demonstrates unwavering commitment to empowering and educating individuals in her private practice and work within a high school setting. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she fosters an environment of trust and open communication, allowing her clients to explore their emotions, relationships, and personal growth. Dr. Shehadi's multifaceted background enables her to address a range of challenges faced by her clients, facilitating their journey towards bettering their lives.

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Shehadi enjoys embracing the beauty of the outdoors and embarking on inspiring travel adventures. These experiences fuel her personal growth and provide her with a wellspring of inspiration as she guides others.

    Currently residing in the East Bay with her husband, yorkie, and baby girl, Dr. Shehadi continues positively impacting her community and beyond. Her dedication to empowering individuals and organizations, coupled with her deep understanding of cultural diversity, allows her to bridge gaps and foster unity. Dr. Shehadi's story reflects the incredible potential that lies within individuals who embrace their cultural heritage while striving for excellence in their chosen fields.