We are a group of passionate creatives, activists, artists, educators and survivors. We believe in the truth and always coming from a place of love. We are out to change the world one young person at a time. Prevention is the cure!
MEET THE KEEP A BREAST TEAM
Shaney jo Darden
Founder, Global CCO, Board Member
After a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, designer and artist Shaney jo Darden founded the global non-profit organization The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage prevention and early detection among young people. Now Shaney jo is a leading voice and philanthropy expert in the cultural conversation about breast cancer. Over the years she has received many awards for her innovative fusion of advocacy and art. Shaney jo is a certified yoga teacher and breathwork enthusiast.
Lorene Carpentier
Global CEO, Board Member
Lorène Carpentier is a global nonprofit consultant and impact producer working at the intersection of strategy, global development and media impact for the past decade. French native, she has traveled the world as a nurse, photographer and videographer, focused on causes related to social justice like modern slavery in Haiti and Mauritania. In 2006, she befriended beloved surf icon and breast cancer survivor Robin Zeuf Hesson in California. Inspired, the following year, Lorène became involved with The Keep A Breast Foundation and worked diligently to develop the organization in Europe. Lorène was named Global CEO of the non-profit in January 2014 and remains committed to educating youth about breast cancer, prevention, and early detection globally while also directing or producing documentary.
Nena Cote
Creative Director
Nena Cote is a graphic, product design and branding expert whose experience spans lifestyle industries from action sports to fashion and music. She is also an accomplished recording artist (Nena Anderson) that has toured internationally. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, Nena currently dedicates her time to advocate for breast cancer awareness and prevention, cooking gourmet meals for her friends, and working on her next album.
Camille Lozano
Communications Director
Camille Lozano is a communications professional specializing in growth and support for social good nonprofits. Camille is thrilled to work with KAB and to be part of this incredible effort to educate, prevent and disrupt the dialogue surrounding breast cancer. Early detection is the key!
Mara Moon Marcano
Operations Manager
Mara Moon, KAB Operations Manager, utilizes her extensive experience as a Senior Director for a major retailer, bringing her passion for customer service and product knowledge to all our KAB Shop patrons. Mara is extremely proud to connect with our patrons in the role of E-Commerce Manager, a new and exciting part to play for KAB! In addition, as an events coordinator, she enjoys bringing the Keep A Breast message on the road and looks forward to connecting with you.
Mara holds a BFA in Fine Arts with a minor in Fashion Construction and Design from The Art Institute of Chicago. You can see her around the High Desert dressed to the T's and likely shopping for cat toys. She lives in Indian Cove with her 3 black kitties , a 23-pound Garfield cat and her artist husband. She loves gardening, jogging, sewing and follows many spiritual paths.
Marquita Goodluck
Give Back Grant Program Manager
Marquita Goodluck is a breast cancer advocate who uses her personal experience with breast cancer to educate and inform women on how to navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. She participates in panels, speaking engagements, lobbying, and fundraising efforts. Additionally, she authored a children's book titled "BK's Mommy Has Breast Cancer" to inspire and help children dealing with a breast cancer journey.
With a Master's degree in business management and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science & International relations, Marquita joins Keep A Breast as the Give Back Grant Program Manager. Her experience as a breast cancer advocate, passion for helping others, and understanding of the unique challenges faced by BIPOC women impacted by breast cancer, make her a valuable addition to the team.
Cara Hall
Development Manager
Cara Hall joined Keep A Breast in 2024 as Development Manager, utilizing her extensive 20-year career in luxury retail, notably with Tiffany and Co., Tesla Inc. and Burberry, among others. Much of her success is attributed to always focusing on the client experience and customer satisfaction.
Born and raised in Texas, Cara earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of North Texas. She was then accepted into the prestigious Neiman Marcus Executive Development Program that led her to an early career in the Couture and Designer business in Beverly Hills and Manhattan.
After moving to the high desert community of Pioneertown fulltime in 2020, Cara chose to redirect her vast sales, management and leadership experience to support the nonprofit sector. Her family experience with breast cancer led her to join the Keep A Breast family.
Today, you can find Cara and her wife hiking in the Joshua Tree National Park or seeing bands and DJs across SoCal. They also have an envious kaftan collection as well as the most adorable pugs named Jack and Otis.
brin plourde
Finance Manager
Brin Plourde brings over 30 years’ of experience in accounting and finance to our organization. She is a California Notary Public and has extensive knowledge in the fields of real estate, asset management, property management and construction cost accounting.
She is passionate about educating people about breast health because she lost her stepmother to breast cancer in 1991. She has several friends who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20’s and 30’s and she understands the first step in preventing breast cancer is early detection.
Brin is an avid gardener and crocheter. She loves making organic bath and body products from the flora and fauna she grows on her property and crocheting blankets for friends and family. She lives with her husband, two dogs, four cats, and two sheep - Laverne and Shirley.
Debi kaminsky
Bookkeeper
As our resident bookkeeper, Debi has been with KAB since May 2023 and has over thirty years of experience in business administration with twelve of those years assisting nonprofits and community outreach programs.
With a passion for art, Debi has extensive experience painting everything from vast murals covering nurseries, office spaces, and large wall coverings to teaching art for canvas classes, birthdays, wine parties and more. She also keeps herself busy with the ornate painting of perfume bottles at retail stores during the holidays.
Debi enjoys living in the far outskirts of the high desert with her four large dogs and the multiple old cars that her husband of 32 years enjoys fixing up for car shows and scenic rides around town. She is a mother of three and grandmother to six wonderful grandkids.
In the fall of 2018, Debi was diagnosed with breast cancer and that has furthered her passion for supporting and being a part of KAB.
Brooke Weisberger
E-Commerce Support
Hi there!! I am a California Native with experience in online shopping operations who joined the Keep A Breast team in 2023.
I have a darling son named Lan who is my motivation to strive in doing my best in all I do, and for making positive changes wherever I can in this world he's become a part of.
I try to dress way cooler than I probably am, would rather be outside most of the time, and love way too many genres of music.
I've been blessed with the privilege of working alongside an incredibly strong, inspiring team towards the goal of increasing education, awareness, and prevention of breast cancer.
My focus on the job is prompt and accurate customer service as we wouldn't be where we are today without our customers ever growing loyalty and constant support.
My current goals are to excel in my KAB position, appreciate all the natural beauty our planet has to offer, and to slowly but surely get Lan into just as much music as his momma!!
Samuel Kasongo
DR Congo and Zambia Representative
In 2018, Samuel began working with Keep A Breast in his region due to increasing breast cancer rates. His focus is mostly in rural areas and villages. Samuel spends his days looking for solutions on how to help his community gain access to education and break false beliefs and stigmas surrounding breast cancer for women. Samuel holds workshops in schools and public spaces and teaches how to do a self-check with the KAB “Check Yourself” cards and the KAB App.
In 2021, Samuel and his team of volunteers were able to educate 2,223 women through 27 events in farmers markets, schools, and churches, around the Katanga region in the Republican Democracy of Congo. Samuel is a humanitarian and is committed to breaking the taboos in his country. He is honored to be opening doors to facilitate these vital conversations for the first time.
Ana Laura Romero
Keep A Breast Mexico Coordinator
Ana Laura Romero is a content writer and community manager with a keen interest in aiding nonprofit organizations. She has a master's degree in Literary Theory that informs her approach when promoting the arts and creating social change. In recent years, Ana has taught college courses in language and literature which now influences her work writing content for KAB and building our Mexico community.
"As a teacher, I recognize the huge responsibility we have toward the younger generation when we create content for our KAB website and social media. This is especially true when we talk about the female body because we are experiencing a time of awakening related to diversity, inclusion and empowerment. I believe in the power of words and the potential of our youth more than ever."
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Tobias Moeller-Bertram
MD, Ph.D, MAS — Board of Directors, President
We are honored to announce the new Chairman of our Board of Directors, Dr. Tobias Moeller-Bertram.
Dr. Moeller-Bertram is the Chief Medical Officer of Summit Institute and Desert Clinic Pain Institute, focusing on whole patient care through a multidisciplinary approach. Prior to going into private practice, Dr. Moeller-Bertram held an appointment as associate clinical professor of anesthesiology and psychiatry and as the director of clinical pain research at the University of California San Diego.
“Knowing there is no way yet to prevent breast cancer, early detection is incredibly vital. Listening to your body, knowing your “normal”, and being your own best advocate for your health is essential. Almost half of all cases of diagnosed breast cancer are caught through self-checks; learning the early signs and symptoms can save lives.”
Shane sparks
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Shane Sparks is the owner of Hallmark Homecare Louisville, a business connecting families in need with experienced caregivers. Shane previously served as CFO for ModusOne Health, where he collaborated with hospital executives to drive clinical and financial initiatives. His career includes guiding local nonprofits like Grasshoppers Distribution in financial stewardship, as well as launching BumperDoc Franchises, a successful, sustainability-driven business opportunity.
Shane's passion for community and well-being extends beyond the professional realm. A former elementary school teacher and ordained minister, he has officiated weddings for friends and family, an extension of his focus on building meaningful connections. His love for Yoga, health-conscious living, and local food reflects his holistic approach to a balanced life. An avid skateboarder, Shane shares his enthusiasm for creativity and athleticism through social media, where his videos inspire and entertain skaters around the world.
Mona Mukherjea-Gehrig
Founder & Board of Directors, Member
After relocating to California in 1994, Berlin native Mukherjea-Gehrig co-founded the global non-profit The Keep A Breast Foundation and the art organization Modart. She has spent the last 15 years creating and designing concepts which have resulted in internationally recognized artistic experiences and high-quality event productions. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, Mona has embraced her new journey in life as a survivor; a mother of two and active in her community, she has recently completed a degree in Interior Design and both initiated and directed the first German Film Festival in San Diego.
Luis Mendoza
Board of Directors, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Luis Mendoza was born in Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, and moved to Los Angeles, CA with his family at just eight months old. His deep-rooted passion for music began with an internship at Warner Bros. Records during high school, which led him to join street marketing teams for every major label, promoting top artists and shaping music trends.
In 2005, Luis embarked on his first touring role with the Vans Warped Tour, quickly rising to work with some of the biggest artists in the world and at major music festivals. During this time, he connected with the Keep A Breast team and was inspired by their grassroots commitment to supporting underserved communities. Luis took the initiative to launch Keep A Breast’s first MySpace account, and by 2012, he was managing all digital and web efforts for the organization, ultimately becoming Director of New Media.
As a proud gay Latino, Luis is actively involved with several LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and representation. His unwavering support for Keep A Breast and his dedication to social justice led to his appointment to the board of directors in 2021.
Dr. Joel M. Evans, M.D.
Medical Director
Joel M. Evans, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN, and international lecturer, is the Director of The Center for Functional Medicine in Stamford, CT. He has a special interest in Breast Cancer, and, as the Medical Director of the Keep A Breast Foundation, brings the latest information on cancer risk assessment and prevention to his patients. Dr. Evans also helped create a clinical study at Columbia University Medical Center on the use of the herb black cohosh in breast cancer, which was presented at an Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and later published in their journal.
He is also the Chief of Medical Affairs for the Institute for Functional Medicine, having served as Senior Advisor to Amy Mack, the CEO of IFM for two years. He continues to serve as the external lead of IFM Advanced Practice Module in Hormone Health since its inception in 2011 and is a Co-Creator of the IFM course on COVID-19, entitled Resistance, Resilience, and Repair: Patient Care in a Pandemic, leads its Post-Covid Initiative and has co-authored two published papers on the pandemic. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer of HealthPointe Solutions, which focuses on the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.
Dr. Evans, through his 30 years in practice as an OB/GYN and as the lead of the IFM Advanced Practice module in Hormone Health, has demonstrated a special interest in the care of midlife women. He is currently preparing to share his knowledge with the public by authoring his next book to help perimenopausal and menopausal women feel better and achieve optimal health and wellness.
Having pursued studies in spirituality, metaphysics, and personal transformation for many years, Dr. Evans is dedicated to sharing ancient spiritual wisdom with others to help bring health and happiness into their lives.
Amélie Gesson Paute
Medical Advisor
Amélie Gesson Paute is an experienced breast surgeon dedicated to advancing women's health and providing compassionate, personalized care. With a strong commitment to supporting patients through every step of their journey, she combines surgical expertise with a focus on patient-centered outcomes, aiming to achieve the best possible results both medically and aesthetically.
Amélie is highly regarded not only for her technical skills in breast surgery but also for her empathetic approach, ensuring her patients feel informed, empowered, and supported. She continually seeks to expand her knowledge and keep up with advancements in surgical techniques and breast health care. Passionate about advocating for breast health awareness, she is involved in community outreach and educational efforts to support women in making informed choices about their health.
Pam Muhart
Board of Directors, Member
Pam Muhart is a touring music and portrait photographer based in Nashville, TN. Pam has been serving as a volunteer for Keep A Breast since 2014, which eventually lead to her working for KAB in Los Angeles, CA from 2016-2017 as the Community Outreach Coordinator. Pam’s interest in continuous education and awareness around breast cancer prevention stems from being personally impacted by her family’s history with breast cancer and is what drew her to Keep A Breast's mission and cause.
Amy Arroyo
Board of Directors, Member
Amy Arroyo is a transactional business attorney in San Diego, California, advising entrepreneurial companies on formation, corporate governance, general contracts, intellectual property, M&A, operations and strategic planning. She represents clients in diverse industries such as branded products, health care and life sciences, benefit corporations, technology and entertainment. Amy received her BA from University of California, Berkeley and her JD from Boston College Law School.
Amy was introduced to The Keep A Breast Foundation while serving as In-House Counsel and Director of Human Resources at Really Likeable People, Inc. As a volunteer with Keep A Breast, Amy co-wrote the amicus brief in the First Amendment case before the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, supporting students’ rights to wear KAB’s ‘I kab_heart Boobies!’ bracelets. She joined the Board in 2020.
Kam Zardouzian
Board of Directors, Member
Kam Zardouzian is an accomplished technology professional with a passion for data science, especially when applied to helping to improve lives.
He holds master's degrees in business analytics from the University of California San Diego and business administration from the University of San Diego and has been involved with numerous technology startup companies, including consumer facing cell phone applications, as well as established companies such as Electronic Data Systems and WD-40. Kam was recently recruited to help launch the Data Analytics program at the California Institute of Art and Technology as adjunct professor. In addition to his professional achievements, Kam is an accomplished athlete as a former collegiate tennis player, accomplished triathlon and cycling racer, surfer, and a current Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt practitioner. Kam has been a licensed Wim Hof Method instructor since 2018 and guides weekly community breath practices in Encinitas where he resides.
CONTRACTORS
