Shaleena Tareen holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and Early Childhood Education and brings over 25 years of experience in the field. Her career has spanned educational leadership, teacher mentorship, and parent partnership, with a deep emphasis on curriculum development and behavior management. She is known for her ability to guide educators with compassionate coaching and to empower parents with practical, positive parenting tools.

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Shaleena’s journey with Childhood Matters began from a deeply personal place. As a mother navigating her own child’s mental health challenges, she witnessed firsthand the gaps in resources, education, and advocacy for families. Out of that experience grew a powerful commitment: to ensure that no child or parent feels alone in their journey. What started as her family’s struggle has transformed into a mission-driven nonprofit to prioritize children’s emotional well-being.

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Shaleena is also the author of The Learning Steps, a children’s book designed to nurture a growth mindset in young learners, reflecting her commitment to helping children flourish both academically and emotionally.

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With over 15 years of experience in corporate finance across med tech and aerospace, Jackie brings a strategic, cross-industry perspective to the board of Childhood Matters. She currently serves in a portfolio strategy role at a leading med tech company, where she helps shape long-term growth and innovation that improve lives.

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Throughout her career, Jackie has built a reputation for thoughtful decision-making, collaborative leadership, and a deep understanding of how complex systems impact people. Her expertise in financial strategy and portfolio management is matched by a passion for purpose-driven work, especially when it comes to supporting children and families.

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As a mother of two young boys, Jackie is personally invested in creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. She believes that early investment in childhood development is not only morally essential, but foundational to a healthier, more equitable society. Her role on the board reflects both her professional acumen and her heartfelt commitment to the mission of Childhood Matters.

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Abeera Tareen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She obtained her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Abeera obtained her B.A. in Gender Studies from University of California, Los Angeles.

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Abeera is also an Adjunct Professor for Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology for their online program.

Abeera is passionate about mental health and strives to create a positive image surrounding mental health care. In working on the Childhood Matters Board, she hopes to make a difference in the community by being a part of the organization's outreach goals.

Amelia Mora Mars is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in Westlake Village, California. 

She is a dedicated mother of six daughters and four sons and a re-mothering coach for women raised by emotionally unavailable mothers.

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As the board chair, Amelia is driven to support children with the care and validation she wished she had received growing up. She believes in the power of providing coping skills and emotional support to change the course of a child’s life and is honored to contribute her personal and professional experience to Childhood Matters mission.

Kathy is a Vice President and Partner at EP Wealth Advisors in Westlake Village with over 15 years of experience in financial services and 6 years in commercial banking. As a financial advisor, she goes beyond the numbers, focusing on the emotions behind money to guide her clients in making the best financial decisions during both the best and most challenging times.

Her heart for service runs deep.

Over the years, Kathy has been actively involved in several nonprofit organizations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (as a member of the LA Advisory Board), Together Women Rise, and PawWorks.

As a mother of three children who have faced mental health, trauma, and illness, Kathy is deeply passionate about supporting others walking similar paths, both parents and children. She brings not only her professional expertise but also her personal perspective and compassion to our mission.

Megan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, based in Sherman Oaks and Ventura County who brings over a decade of experience working with children, teens, parents, and young adults. With a strong foundation in both early education and clinical practice, Megan specializes in developmental stages, school-related concerns, adolescent stress, family dynamics, and life transitions. Megan is committed to community involvement and passionate about building connection. 

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She believes deeply in giving children and families a voice, and in building systems of care that are inclusive, responsive, and grounded in compassion. She is thrilled to be part of an organization and community that values all of these things as much as she does.

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Brooke Taylor is a breast cancer thriver and founder of Cozy Cancer Care.  Drawing from her personal and family experiences with cancer, Brooke brings a deep understanding of the emotional and mental health challenges faced by those impacted. As a trauma-informed Cancer Coach, she uses evidence-based practices to support clients through the stress and complexity of cancer treatment and recovery.

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Brooke’s expertise in navigating trauma and emotional wellness will be an invaluable asset to Childhood Matters. Her contributions, such as co-developing the Family Cancer Support Toolbox, will enhance the nonprofit's ability to offer compassionate and effective mental health resources for families dealing with serious health challenges.

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