My name is Michelle Carrillo, and I’m the founder of Arielle’s Light—and most importantly, Arielle’s mom. This organization was created in honor of my daughter, whose vibrant spirit and deep compassion continue to guide everything I do.

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I’ve spent over two decades in the beauty and personal care industry, working both as a chemist and in sales. During the last year of her life, Arielle worked alongside me, bringing her creativity and heart into every space we shared. I studied Chemistry at UCLA and have always believed in the power of science—but through losing Arielle, I’ve come to understand the even greater power of connection, access, and emotional support.

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I didn’t enter this work with a background in nonprofits—I came into it fueled by love, grief, and a deep desire to help others. That’s what Arielle would have wanted.

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Through Arielle’s Light, I’m committed to helping young people feel seen, supported, and never alone. As a hands-on board leader, I focus on growing the mission, building partnerships, and connecting families to care..

My name is Catherine Hoang, but most people refer to me as Cat. I am the Vice President and Co-Founder of a specialty ingredients distribution company and have worked in the beauty manufacturing industry since 2008. Through my long-standing professional connection with Michelle Carrillo, I had the privilege of watching Arielle grow from an intern into an accomplished account manager confidently traveling across the country. I remember Arielle as driven, poised, and full of light, and I will always value the time I had getting to know and support her throughout her career.

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Outside of my professional work, I am deeply committed to supporting those navigating loss and grief. I volunteer with Experience Camps, a national nonprofit that provides no-cost camp programs for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.

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It is an honor to serve as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Arielle’s Light. In this role, I am dedicated to helping build a strong financial foundation and advancing the mission of making mental health resources accessible to youth and young adults.

My name is Jeffrey Joya and I bring a deep commitment to youth well-being through a dual role as a high school teacher and a dedicated advocate for adolescent mental health. With years of experience working directly with students, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges young people face and the transformative impact that access to quality mental health care can have.

 

As a member of the Board of Directors of Arielle's light, I hope to contribute valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of adolescents' lives, helping guide the organization’s mission with compassion and a grounded understanding of their needs. 

 

I hope to continue building bridges between education and mental health support, and ensuring that every young person has the tools and resources to thrive both in and out of the classroom.