Lisa Elm, Director, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
Lisa Elm is the newly appointed Director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, founded in 2006 and renowned for its pioneering efforts leading social change to prevent childhood bullying through education and awareness. She will continue to lead the development of its resources, including content for its innovative websites PACER.org/Bullying, PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org and PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org as well as nationally recognized initiatives such as PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day.
With a background rooted in corporate social responsibility, Lisa spent the past decade championing initiatives that address systemic inequalities and empower underrepresented populations. Her leadership and commitment earned her selection as Inclusion & Diversity Council member and Regional Charitable Giving Committee co-chair for the investment arm of a Fortune 500 company. Her career shift reflects a commitment to dedicating her expertise and energy to addressing pressing societal issues and creating meaningful change that will impact and improve the lives of children and young adults. In 2023, she was recognized as a Champion of Hope award recipient for her years of dedication, advocacy and caring acts for Smile Network International, a local nonprofit with a global reach.
Prior to joining PACER’s senior leadership team as Director of Social Inclusion Programs in 2024, Lisa served on PACER’s Board of Directors for six years. She is married and has three children: Robby, Mariella and Mia. Mariella was born with a genetic condition, Williams syndrome, and has been the inspiration for much of her advocacy work and vision of a more inclusive world where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Danna Mirviss, Associate
Danna Heilicher Mirviss is an Associate with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and has been involved with PACER Center since early 2000. Danna responds to inquiries and provides support and resources to students, parents, and educators about bullying prevention. Danna also provides community outreach services.
Danna is available to provide resources to the community at fairs and events. For more information, email [email protected].
Judy French, Coordinator, NBPC Los Angeles
Judy French staffs the Los Angeles office of the National Bullying Prevention Center, where she coordinates outreach and gives presentations, webinars, and workshops to schools, health organizations, and other community groups. Her speaking engagements have reached approximately 30,000 students, parents, educators, and community leaders throughout Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange counties, and beyond. She has facilitated and presented workshops for many years throughout the country on communications skills, conflict resolution, relationship building, leadership, and self-advocacy.
Judy is available to speak with Los Angeles organizations and educators about the resources available through PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Contact her at [email protected].
Tara Ricasa, Puppet Program Coordinator, NBPC Los Angeles
Tara Ricasa is PACER's Los Angeles Puppet Program Coordinator. Tara recruits and trains volunteer puppeteers to perform PACER's Kids Against Bullying puppet program for young audiences grades K-3 at schools across Los Angeles County. She also assists PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in developing bullying prevention media that promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Tara began working with PACER in fall of 2019 and has since spearheaded the original web series, Carmen's Corner. In addition to her endeavors with PACER, Tara works regularly as a teaching artist. She studied Theater at UCLA and spent several years in New York producing original works. In her spare time, she enjoys skateboarding and playing capoeira.
To book puppet performances/special appearances or to join our team of volunteer puppeteers, please contact Tara at [email protected].
Schedule an Interview or Conference Presentation
To schedule an interview or conference presentation, e-mail [email protected].
