ABOUT US
Board of Directors
Our board is made up of passionate community leaders, educators, and changemakers who bring their expertise, lived experiences, and commitment to our mission. Each member pours their energy into guiding our vision, strengthening our programs, and ensuring we continue to create lasting impact. Together, they serve as both stewards of our values and champions of the individuals and families we empower.
Michelle R. Whiteside
Founder
Certified Recovery & Leadership Coach, youth educator, and passionate advocate for personal and community transformation. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in guiding individuals survival to thriving through recovery coaching, emotional intelligence, and transformational leadership. Her mission focuses on empowering women, supporting teens discovering their future selves, and teaching leaders to connect and inspire. Michelle brings, honesty, and practical tools to every initiative, emphasizing growth should equip individuals for success.
Victoria Alarcon
Board Chair
With over 30 years in human services and community advocacy, Victoria Alarcon leads Thrive Inc.’s Board of Directors with expertise in program integration, data systems, and quality assurance. A certified clinical assessor and shamanic Reiki master, she also owns SerenityStudio, where she merges holistic healing with operational leadership to advance Thrive’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve stability and thrive.
Dhyanis Carniglia
Treasurer
Grief Coach, Author, Artist, and Community Leader
Dhyanis Carniglia is a Mastery Certified Grief Coach, Author, Artist, Dance Instructor, and Theatrical Costumer. She co-chairs the Novato Chamber Ambassadors, leads semi-annual women’s retreats, and served as a hospice volunteer for seven years.
Imee Birkett
Secretary
15-year Novato Chamber leader and 2021 Ambassador of the Year, Imee brings heart and hustle to every connection. A former corporate finance exec turned wellness entrepreneur, she helps people live with energy, purpose, and joy. MBA | UCLA • Leadership Novato ’19 • Outdoor enthusiast and community champion.
Tonya Davis
Board Member
With 25+ years in mental health, education, and career development, Tonya Davis is dedicated to helping individuals lead purposeful, fulfilling lives. She now focuses on guiding parents and teens through meaningful career exploration, inspired by her own family journey. At Thrive Alliance, Tonya uses her expertise to champion programs that strengthen families and empower youth.
Patty Campbell
Board Member
Born in Taiwan and raised in Singapore, Patty brings a global heart and perspective to her work in financial empowerment. After moving to the U.S. in 1978, she built a successful career as a real estate investor and Financial Fitness Coach with FinFitLife. As founder of Abundance Group Inc., Patty is passionate about helping individuals and families create stability, build wealth, and live with greater freedom and purpose.