Meet the 2012 NAPPA Parenting Resources Judges

Dr. Donald Gallo is a board certified clinical psychologist in the San Fernando Valley. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology and has worked full time for Kaiser Permanente as their autism spectrum disorder diagnostician for the past ten years. Dr. Gallo also has a private practice in Woodland Hills. Just last year, Dr. Gallo's book, Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective was published. Dr. Gallo is married with two children.

Alexandra Kent is the purchasing manager and public relations specialist for Nubius Organics, a web-based business that sells Natural, Organic and Green Products that promote Eco-Friendly living. Her mission is to find and rigorously research products that are healthy for people and planet, while sharing her findings through various social media networks. She also writes about numerous environmental issues, and health issues focused around children. She enjoys practicing permaculture with a background focus in symbiotic relations between vegetable and mushroom species.

Dr. JJ Levenstein brings to Boulevard Pediatrics over 25 years experience committed to the care of children. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she served as a research associate at the Children’s Cancer Research Institute in San Francisco. She then pursued a second undergraduate degree at Duke University, graduating summa cum laude, and obtained a credential as a Physician Assistant specializing in Pediatrics at Yale University.

Dr. Stephanie Mihalas is a licensed psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist. Mihalas is the founder of The Center for Well-Being: Psychological Services for Children, Youth, and Families in Los Angeles, CA. Mihalas treats a wide variety of children and adolescents ranging as young as two through the later adolescent years utilizing evidenced-based interventions. Mihalas also provides school consultation. The primary focus of Mihalas' research background is in relational and physical aggression. She presents at national and state conferences and is published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. She also frequently engages in print and radio media ventures. Mihalas completed her postgraduate work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Jason Mracky is a safety expert and owner of Boo Boo Busters, Inc., a consulting firm that identifies and prioritizes the baby safety issues in customers’ homes. Mracky consults new parents who are not familiar with baby proofing or common hazards and specializes in safety proofing homes that have uncommon or difficult home layouts. Mracky has baby proofed thousands of homes, works with high quality, scrutinized safety devices and offers expert installation. He also provides speaking engagements to companies like Right Start, Gymboree and many "moms clubs" in L.A about home safety/emergency preparedness. Additionally, as certified car seat technicians, his company provides customers with baby car seat installation training. His company installs Pool safety fencing as well.

Dr. Penni Seller is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been working with children and families for over 27 years as an educator and therapist. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling, a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a Doctorate Degree in Psychology. Dr. Penni specializes in both typically developing children, as well as children with developmental delays. She is a sought after speaker on issues of child development, classroom management and strategies, and parental concerns throughout the U.S. Dr. Penni is a mother of two and is based in Los Angeles. She is the creator of a Social Skills program that is currently being implemented at several schools. Dr. Penni has a private counseling practice and makes house calls to help families deal with parenting issues in the home environment. She is also a consultant to several schools.

Giuditta Tornetta is a certified birth and post-partum doula, lactation educator, a certified clinical hypnotherapist, a NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) practitioner, and a certified shiatsu therapist. Giuditta practices clinical hypnotherapy and a method of natural childbirth that uses hypnotic techniques to reduce stress and fear during labor and delivery, alleviating pain and making the birth experience positive and enjoyable. She also teaches infant mental, emotional, and cognitive health and development. Giuditta is also a published author of the best selling book Painless Childbirth: An Empowering Journey Through Pregnancy and Birth.

LeeAnn S. Weintraub, MPH, RD is an author and registered dietitian in private practice in Los Angeles, California and provides nutrition counseling and consulting services to individuals, families and businesses. LeeAnn’s specializes in pediatric nutrition, weight management, diabetes, cardiovascular health, kidney disease, digestive disorders, and disease prevention. Her clientele includes the Coca Cola Company, 19 Entertainment, Bravo Media, Easter Seals of Southern California, KIND LLC, The Salvation Army, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She received a Bachelor’s in Dietetics from James Madison University and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).