Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, M.D

Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher is a Board-Certified Child Neurologist who has served as Director of the Division of Child Neurology, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, and Lifestyle Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles since 2010, with current academic appointments as Associate Professor at both UCLA and Cedars-Sinai. She completed all of her medical training at Texas Children's Hospital/ Baylor College of Medicine, which is one of the country’s top training programs for Pediatric Neurology. Dr. Tavyev runs a busy clinical practice, incorporating Lifestyle Medicine, particularly for treatment of migraines, tics, and ADHD-type symptoms. Her approach combines the modern innovations offered by Lifestyle Medicine, with the traditional evidence-based style of her classical training. Her style is minimalistic and holistic, with heavy parental involvement. Distinguished locally, she has been listed as a Top Doctor by LA Magazine for over a decade. She has speaking engagements locally and nationally, to both parent groups and physician-education groups, on topics related to child neurology and development, parenting, pediatric lifestyle choices, and optimizing children's brain development. She has developed curriculum on Dietary Interventions in Child Neurology for the American Academy of Neurology, and has presented this and other Pediatric Lifestyle data to other physician education programs, subsequently sharing this information with parent/ school groups as well. Dr. Tavyev also serves as a Co-Investigator for the Healthy Brain Child Development Study, which is currently the largest long-term research study of early brain and child development in United States history, funded by the NIH. In her free time, she shares information via Facebook as the Neurotic Neurologist (a trifecta of general developmental advice) and "Bright Baby, Beautiful Mama" (optimized diet for the developing brain), with more coming soon.

Michael Karric

Originally from the rural Sierra Foothills near Lake Tahoe, California, Michael grew up with minimal internet access and an antenna TV. His childhood was filled with hiking, biking, skiing, archery and quality time in nature (usually with a book). At UCSB, he discovered a passion for software engineering, launching a career that would take him deep into the fast-paced world of tech startups. For over a decade and counting, he has worked as a software engineer in high-growth companies, where he witnessed firsthand how digital products are intentionally designed to maximize user engagement—often at the expense of mental well-being. Through the use of "dark UX patterns" (subtle psychological tricks embedded in software) companies manipulate users into spending more time on their platforms, prioritizing profit over people’s health.

While these industry practices had always troubled him, it wasn’t until Michael became a parent that the full impact of these design choices became painfully clear. Watching how digital devices and platforms influenced children’s behavior and development validated his professional concerns. Determined to better understand these challenges, he and his wife immersed themselves in research, reading extensively about the effects of technology on childhood development. One book in particular, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, resonated deeply, confirming their observations and inspiring them to take action. This journey led them to like-minded advocates and ultimately to the creation of PAUSE, a movement dedicated to promoting healthier digital habits for families. In his free time, Michael enjoys playing and watching soccer—if you’re looking for him on a weekend, you’ll likely find him at an LAFC home game with his kids.

Dr. Rashelle Hakak, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Rashelle Hakak is a licensed clinical psychologist and a mother of 3. She received her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. In 2005, she pioneered and developed the telepsychiatry Regional Center research program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Hakak has worked with the UCLA Veterans Affairs Family Therapy Treatment Program, providing program development and training to psychiatry residents and fellows. She has also worked in clinical practice and research at the University of California, San Diego Psychiatric Hospital, and the UCLA Help Group.

Dr. Hakak has extensive experience working with both children and adults in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, residential facilities, private practice, hospitals, and schools. She applies evidence-based practices with a comprehensive, holistic approach to working with individuals and families impacted by mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, intergenerational trauma (secondary trauma), ADHD, psychosis, learning differences, family conflict, interpersonal conflict, intergenerational cultural conflict, and academic challenges. She specializes in working with families of twice-exceptional (2e) children and those with complex neurodivergent and medical profiles, including individuals impacted by genetic and medical diagnoses. Dr. Hakak also has in-depth knowledge of the school system, providing forensic consultation to school districts. Additionally, she offers private educational consulting and advocacy support services to children and their families.

Dorsa Karric, Esq.

Dorsa Karric is an alumna of the BHUSD, having attended Hawthorne Elementary and Beverly Hills High School from kindergarten through graduation. She is happily married to Michael Karric and the proud mother of three amazing children, two of whom have now started their educational journeys within the District as students at Horace Mann and Hawthorne Schools.

Outside of raising a family, Dorsa is an attorney with a background in criminal defense, juvenile delinquency defense, juvenile education rights, and civil litigation. Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for families, guiding them through complex legal systems and representing their best interests. Dorsa's concerns about the impacts of smartphones, video games, and screen time on children's well-being began after witnessing a loved one struggling with the resultant depression and anxiety. Her love and concern for this individual ignited her determination to better understand the broader issue, informed by experts like Jonathan Haidt. As her awareness increased, Dorsa felt a responsibility to share what she had learned, becoming a vocal advocate for healthier, more intentional technology use among youth.

Her dual perspective as a parent and legal advocate fuels her dedication to P.A.U.S.E.'s mission. Dorsa believes in building a future where technology is a tool that supports - rather than undermines - the well-being, focus and resilience of the next generation.

Dr. Parisa Leviadin, Psy.D., Clinical Director

As a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in treating mood and anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, relationship and family conflicts. Parisa serves as a devoted clinical director. She specializes in the treatment of various disorders with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Neurofeedback; and as a certified Neurofeedback specialist, she helps patients with ADD & ADHD, Migraines & Pain Disorders, as well as executives and athletes seeking Optimal Brain Performance. Dr. Leviadin is known for her techniques in treating children and adolescents with mood and learning disorders. She conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations and assessments for personal injury, disability, and diagnostic differentiation and IQ testing for educational placement and individualized treatment plans. Her training and supervisory experience include the California Stress Control Clinic, UCLA Anxiety Disorders Clinic, The Help Group, Santa Clarita Child and Family Center, Children’s Hospital, Pasadena City College Assessment and the Tarzana Treatment Center Substance abuse program.

Education UCLA, BA in Communication Studies Graduated Summa Cum Laude CSPP, MA in Clinical Psychology, Individual, Child and Family, Couples Therapy CSPP, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Individual, Child and Family, Couples Therapy EEG Institute, Neurofeedback Certification Licensed by California Board of Psychology

Affiliation American Psychological Association, Member California Psychological Association, Member

Tatyane Briones

With a background in Communications and a heart rooted at home, Tatyane is a stay at home mom with a passion for redefining “social connection” beyond the scroll. Her perspective shifted dramatically while living abroad in Argentina in 2011, where she was struck by how present and engaged people were without phones constantly in hand. That experience sparked a deep appreciation for life beyond the screen, and today she blends academic insight, global perspective, and mom-life wisdom to inspire others to live more fully, with fewer digital distractions. When she’s not chasing little ones, she’s likely dreaming up the next screen-free adventure!