Our Board of Directors

Sean Daneshmand, MD, is an obstetrician and gynecologist specializing in maternal and fetal medicine at Scripps Clinic. Dr. D is double-board certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine. He is recognized as one of the San Diego region's top specialists for high-risk pregnancies and is the medical director of the maternal-fetal medicine program at Scripps Clinic, which coordinates the care of mothers and babies with specialists who may be involved or needed as part of the labor and delivery team. The program provides services to high-risk pregnant women throughout the Scripps Health system. When not caring for patients, Dr. Daneshmand loves giving back and connecting to his community.

Dr. Nazy Daneshmand DDS has been dedicated to restorative, cosmetic dentistry, and general care, and deleted of three art implant dentistry to Southern California. Dr. Daneshmand, as she is known to her patients, received her Board Certification in Prosthodontics and Implantology from leading institutions in Southern California. Dr. Daneshmand considers your oral health to be intricately related to your overall health. As such, her approach to dental and periodontal care is to offer treatments that support your overall well-being.

Jeff, a former US Treasury Department Special Agent specializing in organized crime and complex financial investigations, transitioned to a business career after his service. With 30 years of leadership experience, including CEO roles, he has operated companies across diverse sectors like water remediation, export trading with offices in fourteen countries, and offshore shipping. As President and CEO of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, Jeff developed a comprehensive Human Trafficking awareness program with training modules for various service sectors. His efforts earned him the 2021 and 2022 ASTORS Platinum Award for Public Safety and Community Enrichment, and the 2022 Hope Rising award.

Dr. Larry Matsumoto, born in Los Angeles and a Cal State Long Beach graduate, earned his medical degree from Creighton University. He specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Hospital, Chicago, and completed a Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at UC San Diego. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Matsumoto focuses on high-risk pregnancies and advanced fetal diagnostics, including sonography and amniocentesis. He has led departments, directed medical conferences, and contributed to multicenter studies. Certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, he’s a member of prestigious medical societies. Living in Sarasota, Florida, he enjoys family time with his wife and children, writing fiction, and martial arts.

Katrina is the President and Founder of the Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast and General Manager of Kataphonic Records, recognized by Billboard Magazine as a Top 20 Power Player. She uses her platform to highlight individuals making positive impacts. Notable guests include Nicholas Kristof, Leeza Gibbons, and Dr. Tom Catena. A singer-songwriter, Katrina has released six albums and her singles have topped charts. She performs at events supporting various nonprofits and serves on several boards, including the Boy Scouts of America. Katrina holds a BA from Brown University and lives in Santa Monica, CA, with her family.

Katrina is the President and Founder of the Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast and General Manager of Kataphonic Records, recognized by Billboard Magazine as a Top 20 Power Player. She uses her platform to highlight individuals making positive impacts. Notable guests include Nicholas Kristof, Leeza Gibbons, and Dr. Tom Catena. A singer-songwriter, Katrina has released six albums and her singles have topped charts. She performs at events supporting various nonprofits and serves on several boards, including the Boy Scouts of America. Katrina holds a BA from Brown University and lives in Santa Monica, CA, with her family.

Taraneh Khajehnouri, born in Tehran, moved to England after the revolution and immigrated to the U.S. in 1985, settling in Oklahoma City. She pursued her art education at Oklahoma Central University while raising her two children, Aurian and Aurash. Together with her husband, Mehraban, Taraneh passionately supports several organizations, including Pepper Ranch, a residential care facility for abused boys, and the Farhang Foundation, which promotes Iranian arts and culture. They also support the Los Angeles Midnight Mission, providing crucial services and care to the homeless. Taraneh finds immense joy and fulfillment in her involvement with these causes, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact and contribute meaningfully to society, always striving to help those in need.

Amy Ho-Markowski spent several years after graduating from California Western School of Law practicing as an attorney for clients whose needs ranged from estate and trust administration to probate litigation. She expanded her legal education earning a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law, and now serves as a legal specialist at an independent financial advisory firm. She enjoys assisting clients with complex estate and tax planning questions that are integral to a comprehensive wealth management plan, ranging from trust administration to estate and gift tax planning. An avid kickboxer, yogi and rescue-dog mom, she enjoys cooking (and eating) tempting cuisine for and with her family and friends. Amy also participates in the Wills for Heroes Foundation, which provides essential legal documents free of charge to our nation’s first responders.

Marjan Afshar, a Holistic Nutritionist with over 20 years of experience, resides in Southern California. She crafts unique health plans with a holistic approach, considering the body, mind, and soul. Marjan began her career assisting families dealing with pediatric autism, providing invaluable support. She later expanded her practice to help families improve their lifestyles and advocate for women’s health. Marjan dedicates her time to numerous nonprofit organizations, valuing community involvement and fostering connections. She believes in the importance of actively participating in community initiatives to create positive change. Marjan earned her bachelor’s degree from Cal State Northridge and pursued additional nutritional training at both Cal State Northridge and Pepperdine University.

Marla Marquez, with 13 years in media, progressed from an assistant to Senior Account Executive at Entravision Communications, gaining significant insights at Univision’s largest affiliate. Now at NBCUniversal, she applies her expertise to marketing strategies across NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock, enhancing impactful campaigns. Marla, a FIDM Merchandise Marketing graduate, blends her binational background into her work, valuing diversity and cross-cultural connections. Outside work, she enjoys family time with her husband, Pedro, and daughter, Martina. Committed to the media industry, Marla aims to bridge brands with audiences globally, creating lasting impressions.

Fernando Hernandez was born and raised in San Diego. He attended Chula Vista High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s in political studies from UCLA in 1992. In 1995 Hernandez completed his master’s at SDSU, including both his teaching and administrator credentials. After receiving his master’s that year, he began teaching at Perkins K-8. In 2003, he was named principal at Perkins and has completed his 20th year. Hernandez also teaches astronomy and Russian, which he speaks fluently. His wife teaches at Joyner Elementary, and his two children both attended Perkins. His son graduated from USCD, and his daughter is currently attending Cal State LA.

Chloe Moshrefi is a Biotechnology student at the University of Southern California and the founder and president of the USC Love & Time Recognized Student Organization. Through her mental health think tank, she has partnered with the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work to launch the Love & Time Telebehavioral Health Clinic—a free mental health resource offering counseling, psychoeducational workshops, and support groups tailored to the unique needs of new mothers.

Recognized as a Los Angeles Hero for her work supporting UCLA Health and addressing the needs of isolated patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chloe is committed to compassionate, community-driven care. Outside of her academic and advocacy work, she is a devoted sister and lifelong pianist who deeply believes in the transformative power of maternal love and support.

Dr. Peyman Tashkandi is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for children and families. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral disorders, with a focus on early intervention and long-term wellness. With experience serving diverse and high-risk communities, Dr. Tashkandi brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to care. His work emphasizes the connection between early life experiences, family dynamics, and lifelong mental health. Passionate about maternal mental health, he is closely aligned with ME AND MOM’s mission and brings valuable clinical insight to support its continued impact.