Meet Our Team
MARIE VALDESFounder & Executive DirectorMarie is Founder and Executive Director of A Cure for Issa. She has over 25 years of experience serving in executive management and administration for top Fortune 100 companies, with a background in research and development. She currently serves as Founder and Managing Member of The Wolf Ltd., a global consulting agency providing businesses and individuals with long-term, independent solutions for crisis management and conflict resolution. She is a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK, and travels around the world on expeditions to explore indigenous cultures, traditional medicine and agricultural practices.
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ROBIN BISSETTBoard SecretaryRobin has a background in Early Childhood Education and served as a Preschool Administrator for 25 years for a large private nonprofit organization located in Los Angeles, CA. She joined our team in 2024 as Board Secretary to help us grow our presence in the community and support our fundraising efforts. Robin is a native of Los Angeles, CA, and enjoys writing and spending time with her children and grandchildren, and in 2023 welcomed her first great-grandchild to the family.
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ERIK VALDESBoard CFOErik has served as a Volunteer Consultant with the organization since 2016, and joined in 2024 as Board CFO. He has over 22 years of experience in finance, and is focused on strengthening our community partnerships and leading us through our next phase of growth. Erik currently works in finance and risk management which provides him with the knowledge to help create impactful programs and sustainable growth. He is a longtime student of mixed martial arts and enjoys sci-fi and a good comedy.
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JESSE DIAZCertified Health Fitness SpecialistJesse joined our team in 2023 to help facilitate and lead our Health Recovery Program through our community health outreach initiatives. He has a background in kinesiology and is a certified fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise. Jesse developed an interest in fitness and kinesiology in his freshman year of high school through the sport of parkour and free running. He has been working in the health and fitness industry since 2017 leading group fitness classes for youth and adults. His approach to using fitness and movement as a key element for health and wellness aligns with our mission in providing the community with alternative resources and options for holistic health and healing.
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GABRIEL NUÑEZVolunteer Research AssociateGabriel has been a longtime friend and supporter of the organization and joined as a Volunteer Research Associate in 2023. With a background in research and political science, he has been instrumental in serving as an ambassaor for the welfare of our global community. Gabriel currently serves in a technical role for a large financial institution, and has traveled the world over exploring diversity, humanities and his passion for photography.
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