Leisha Phipps

Executive Director

Leisha comes to DAPS with over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, as a social worker, board member, volunteer and most recently, Curator at The Heritage Village at Chestnut Square in McKinney.  Her love for nonprofits began at The Turning Point (Rape Crisis Center) in Plano where she was the Clinical Director for services to those impacted by sexual assault.  After retiring from the clinical field, Leisha applied her skills to the administrative side of nonprofits where she served on the Board of Directors at The Turning Point in several positions.  It was here that she discovered that her passion for helping others could be used to develop, grow and manage small nonprofits. When the opportunity to expand her skills and experience presented itself at DAPS in 2019, Leisha jumped at the chance to be a part of such an important community. 

Belyne Bland-Xochihua, MPH, LBSW, CRRT

Community Liaison and Advocate

Belyne Bland-Xochihua (pronounced Bae-Lynn Bland So-chi-wa) is a 38 year Veteran Medical Social Worker. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and a Masters from City University London while currently working on her Doctorate.  She is licensed in Grief and Trauma using Rapid Resolution Therapy and traditional counseling. Belyne has facilitated the Care Partner Support Group in Duncanville and most recently, has taken on a new role at DAPS:  Community Liaison and Advocate.  In this position, Belyne provides information, education, awareness and outreach to those in the Dallas and surrounding areas, while continuing to support members of DAPS. She serves on several Boards, is active Chair Person of her local Chamber of Commerce and Community Ambassador of the Local Lion’s Club.  She is an Author, Mental Health Advocate and previously hosted an Internet Radio program called “True Talk”.  She has co-written and published a book of poetry and currently working on a book of inspiration through her near-death COVID experience. 

Keisha Hill

Events Specialist

Keisha comes to DAPS with over 20 years of experience in the event management field. Her background includes working with the National Institutes of Health and various non-profit organizations. She stays busy as a regular volunteer of the SPCA of Texas and PTA of her children’s schools.

Amber Shoevlin

Administrative Office Coordinator

Amber comes to DAPS with many years of administrative experience. Having grown up in Northern California, she loves nature and traveling. She is excited for the opportunity to provide support in the DAPS community.

Newsletter Team

Amber Shoevlin, Production Editor

Bemax Group, LLC  

Board of Directors

Martha Bonilla - President
Robbie McCullough - Vice President
Marcie Salamone - Treasurer

Chuck Stewart - Secretary

Jim Armington

Mike Braitsch - Ex officio

Jared Caplan
Stephen Holman

Beth Jacobs

Harold Kellogg

Jo Klein
Steven Markel
Michael McGiboney
Greg Rector

Marcie Salamone

Chuck Stewart

Medical Advisory Board

Michael Braitsch, PT,
Shilpa Chitnis, M.D., Ph.D.

Richard B. Dewey, Jr., M.D.

Rasheda El-Nazer, M.D.

Mazen Elkurd, D.O.

Richard L. Fulbright, Ph.D.

Dwight C. German, Ph.D.
June Levitt, Ph.D., LDT, CCC-SLP
Bradley McDaniels, PhD, CRC,  DPT

Aashoo Mentreddi, M.D.

Padraig O’Suilleabhain, M.D.

Nirav Pavasia, M.D.

Alexander Peralta, M.D.

R. Malcolm Stewart, M.D.

Gary L. Tunell, M.D. 

Juliana Atem, NP

Chad Swank, Ph.D.

Aanchal Taneja M.D.

Community Engagement Consultants

Drs. Charles and Susan Sterling