Board of Directors

Stephen Fedele is an educator, mentor, entrepreneur, and community leader with nearly 19 years of experience in education and over 15 years in coaching and youth development. Before entering the field of education, he successfully owned and operated businesses for approximately 18 years, honing strong leadership and organizational skills. Throughout his career, Stephen has dedicated himself to helping young people overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals. He has served as a science teacher and currently works with students in an independent study setting, providing essential community support for youth facing barriers to graduation and academic success. As President of the Awakened Hearts Foundation Board of Directors, Stephen is passionate about empowering individuals and families through education, mentorship, and recovery support, including access to vital behavioral health services and mental health resources. His commitment to service and positive change helps guide the Foundation's mission of creating hope, resilience, and opportunity for those we serve.

Mallory Griffith-Wells is a dedicated community leader with deep roots in Coalinga and a passion for serving individuals and families throughout her community and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in public agency management, she has developed strong expertise in board governance, policy development, strategic planning, budget preparation, financial oversight, and community support. In addition to her public service background, Mallory brings valuable experience from the medical field, where she strengthened her skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse populations. Her professional experience has equipped her with a unique understanding of both organizational leadership and the importance of serving community needs, particularly in providing access to vital behavioral health services and mental health resources. As Treasurer of the Awakened Hearts Foundation Board of Directors, Mallory is committed to ensuring responsible financial stewardship while supporting the Foundation's mission of expanding access to resources, education, recovery support, and wellness services. She is passionate about building strong partnerships and helping create lasting positive change for individuals and families throughout the community.

Katie Winther is a dedicated advocate for helping others and strengthening communities through compassion, service, and connection. As secretary of Awakened Hearts Foundation, she brings valuable organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for supporting initiatives that improve access to mental health resources and behavioral health services for individuals and families. Katie is committed to the Foundation's mission of expanding community support, recovery support, wellness services, and community programs. She believes that every person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive regardless of their circumstances. Through her involvement with Awakened Hearts Foundation, Katie helps support the organization's efforts to create positive change, foster resilience, and build stronger communities throughout the Central Valley and beyond.

Dr. Angela McMahon is a behavioral health licensing and accreditation consultant with over a decade of national experience in substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health regulatory compliance. Her expertise includes California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) licensing, Department of Social Services (DSS) residential licensure, and Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation.

Throughout her career, Dr. McMahon has guided approximately 100 behavioral health programs across California and the United States through the licensing and accreditation process—from initial program development and vision to full operational compliance. Based in Southern California, she is committed to helping organizations build strong foundations that support quality care, regulatory excellence, and long-term success.

Brian Donegan brings more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health, addiction recovery, chronic pain recovery, program development, and healthcare operations. Having personally overcome many of the challenges he now helps others navigate, Brian is passionate about improving treatment outcomes while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the behavioral health field.

Since becoming a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in 2010, Brian has held leadership positions in treatment programs throughout California, including roles in admissions, marketing, operations, and executive leadership. He has worked extensively with addiction, mental health, and chronic pain populations and has contributed to public awareness efforts through nationally recognized television programs focused on treatment and recovery.

Brian is the founder of Chronic Pain Anonymous in San Diego and is a Certified Complicated Pain Recovery Coach. He has served as a nonprofit board member, treatment executive, consultant, and innovator in addiction recovery services. As an inventor and consultant specializing in NAD therapies and recovery-focused healthcare solutions, Brian continues to advocate for ethical, evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes for individuals and families seeking healing and recovery.

Brian's dedication to service, innovation, and quality care supports the mission of Awakened Hearts Foundation as it works to expand access to behavioral health, recovery, and wellness services throughout California.

 Awakened Hearts Foundation is seeking a dedicated community leader, healthcare professional, veteran advocate, educator, business leader, or nonprofit professional who shares our commitment to expanding access to mental health, recovery support, wellness programs, and supportive services throughout underserved communities. Candidates should demonstrate a passion for service, ethical leadership, collaboration, and creating positive community impact.