MEET THE BOARD OF TIAS ARMS

Belinda was born and raised in South Africa and frequently visits and works at the sites TIAS ARMS proudly serves. The people of South Africa, especially the children are ever close to her heart. Belinda trained as a nurse in South Africa, witnessing first hand the loss and tradgedy HIV/AIDS brought to the people of South Africa. Belinda currently works as a Nurse Navigator in neurology and is an adjunct professor of nursing in Southern California.

Belinda brings her strong leadership skills, deep compassion and organizational skills to TIAS ARMS. Belinda obtained her Masters degree in nursing leadership and education. 

Doris Gordon first became involved with TIAS ARMS as a donor and was deeply inspired by a trip to South Africa and the charities supported by the organization. Motivated to make a difference, she launched the “Dolls That Look Like Me” project, collecting and delivering more than 100 dolls of color to children in South African schools.

A retired Department of Defense official, Doris brings extensive experience in leadership, budget management, negotiations, and strategic analysis, along with a lifelong commitment to community service and helping others.

Donna Worsham has served as a healthcare executive since 1996, with extensive experience in both development and operational management. As a board member of TIAS ARMS, she brings strong leadership and team-building skills focused on expanding the organization’s impact and reaching more children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Donna is passionate about the mission of TIAS ARMS and values the collective efforts of donors and volunteers working together to support vulnerable children and transform lives.

Kim originally became involved with TIAS ARMS as a donor. She witnessed first hand the devastation of HIV/AIDS in the early eighties while working as a RN. Her role changed from donor to board member. One of her greatest travel experiences was to South Africa to visit our sites. 

“Despite their health issues, these children exude joy. ” Kim has three adult children of her own and continues to work as a nurse.

Our Founder, Joanne Baker was born in Durban, South Africa in 1952. 

Joanne is a retired Operating Room nurse, non-profit founder and life-long advocate for vulnerable children. She serves as a board member and remains actively involved in the organization's work in Newport Beach and through regular visits to South Africa-her homeland.

Joanne believe lasting change begins with compassion, accountability and investing in every child’s potential. 

“It’s for the children.”

Joy Freeman lives in Newport Beach with her husband Jack Kayajanian. She works locally as a dental hygienist. 

She says, ” I feel fortunate being involved with TIAS ARMS. The generosity and willingness of spirit shown by both the volunteers and patrons to help the children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa is inspirational and encouraging. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting exceptionally kind and giving people. We all benefit from giving and the children benefit from receiving help and knowing people care

I joined TIAS Arms as a volunteer during my first year of high school searching online for local community service opportunities. I was so inspired by Joanne and the work that Tias Arms does that I have been a volunteer ever since. 

I graduated from UC Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology with the hope of working in infectious disease research. I instead fell into a career in the obscure world of corporate relocation and currently work as a program manager. Though I did not obtain a career in the medical research field as I had hoped, I am incredibly grateful to still be able to have an impact on the lives of children affected by HIV/AIDS through Tias Arms.

Denise completed her Associate of Arts degree in Merchandise Marketing at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. She has worked for several reputable companies such as Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn Teen. She was the lead designer and part of the Grand Opening for the Pottery Barn Teen store in Costa Mesa, CA. 

Her experience in the fashion industry eventually led her to custom home design where she was assigned the title of lead junior designer for Calico Home in Orange, CA. Denise's extensive knowledge with both Interior Design and Real Estate have landed her with major projects with Airbnb and VRBO. 

In 2016, she became a licensed Real Estate agent. In recent years, she has become an Associate Broker & Partner at Allianz Capital Group in Irvine, CA which specializes in Real Estate, Property Management and Construction.

Anita Lampel, Ph.D., served on the TIAS ARMS Board for 12 years, 6 as President/CEO. She has a Ph.D. in Psychology and extensive experience in management, working with and on various boards, and serving on advisory commissions. Now living in Maryland, she is on the board of a political advocacy group and is completing her second novel.