Aura Kuperberg, PhD Director Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Southern California Dr. Aura Kuperberg obtained her doctoral degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 1994 and has a dual master's degree in Social Work and Gerontology from USC. Dr. Kuperberg founded Teen Impact in 1989 when she saw the need to create a special community for teens battling cancer. Dr. Kuperberg has since dedicated her life to her unwavering belief that every teen and young adult survivor should have the opportunity to experience peer-support in a group where they are truly understood.
	Betty Gonzalez-Morkos, Psy.D. Clinical Director of Programs Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Gonzalez-Morkos received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2005. Prior to becoming Teen Impact staff, Dr. Gonzalez-Morkos worked in several community mental health settings providing therapy for mostly low-income, Spanish speaking families and for adolescents with chronic illnesses. As Clinical Director of Programs, her goals are to maintain a fun and therapeutic environment for all group members, mentor future psychologist and social workers, and conduct research that will lead to improved Teen Impact services.
	Octavio (Tavo) Zavala Project Coordinator Octavio (Tavo) Zavala was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 12 years old, and while receiving treatment at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles he joined the newly founded Teen Impact program. Tavo eventually went on to graduate from UCLA and work as a counselor in various health care settings. In 1999, he returned to Teen Impact as Project Coordinator and now co-facilitates groups, plans activities, and coordinates psychosocial research projects. Tavo's personal cancer experience combined with skills he's learned along the way help him build strong connections between the Teen Impact program and the families it serves.
	Brenda Quiñonez-García, MSW Project & Family Research Coordinator Brenda Quiñonez-García received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the Universiy of Southern California in 2003 after graduating from Loyola Marymount University with bachelor degrees in Sociology, Spanish, and Chicano Studies. Prior to her work at CHLA, Brenda worked in several mental health settings predominantly serving low-income, Spanish-speaking families in the greater Los Angeles area. Currently, as Program Coordinator, Brenda co-facilitates groups, plans and coordinates activities and events, serves as community and outreach liaison, trains and supervises students and volunteers, and coordinates psychosocial research projects for the Teen Impact program.

Volunteers
In addition to our core staff, Teen Impact relies on numerous volunteers in various helping professions to ensure the successful implementation of programs. If you are interested in volunteering, or contributing to Teen Impact in any way, please contact us a spalmer@chla.usc.edu.

Teen Impact is a part of the H.O.P.E. program in the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases.