Advisory Board

The Advisory Board plays a key role in shaping the direction and growth of Cura Coffee Company and is responsible for developing and maintaining the character and quality of Cura's mission for sustained dental care. Board members are experienced leaders in their communities and respective professions and hold individual prestige in fields of business, education, the law and the arts. The Board meets quarterly to assess and discuss Cura Coffee Company's vision and the progress toward achieving those goals. Members of the Board of Advisors include:

Thomas Fitzpatrick, D.D.S
Founder and CEO, Cura Coffee Co., General and Cosmetic Dentist

Thomas Fitzpatrick is not your everyday dentist. Driven by a passion for serving others and dedicated to quality care for all people, from his local San Diego practices to the far-reaching corners of Nicaragua. Dr. Fitzpatrick began his journey into dentistry earning a BA in Biology at Point Lorna Nazarene University in 2001 followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Loma Linda University in 2006. His desire to serve worldwide populations who have little or no access to dental care brought him to a group of co-op coffee farmers in 2006, which inspired him to help establish and sustain a dental clinic for the local people by sourcing their organic, direct- trade beans to create Cura Coffee Company.

Randy Ataide, MA, J.D.
Senior Counsel to the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute, PLNU

Randy Ataide is a published author and strategic advisor with an extensive background in small business and non-profit entrepreneurship. He teaches and leads the entrepreneurship program at Point Lorna Nazarene University, with expertise in small business startups, negotiation strategy and value creation. Ataide holds a BA degree in Speech Communication (Magna Cum Laude), a Master's degree in Theology, and a Juris Doctor degree. As a former CEO and Dean of Business for PLNU, Randy's well-rounded business and legal sense brings matchless strengths to the Cura team.

Ms. Cathy Gallagher
Executive Director, Fermanian Business & Economic Institute, PLNU

Cathy Gallagher has extensive knowledge and contacts in the local San Diego business community and is active in a number of business organizations. With over 25 years of business experience and strong relationships with industry leaders, she is able to provide creative solutions to businesses in a dynamic business and economic environment. Prior to her current role as Executive Director of PLNU's Business program, she served as owner, operator, and manager for several small businesses on the East Coast. Ms. Gallagher holds a B.A. degree in Business Administration from Point Lorna Nazarene University. Her dreams of owning her own coffee shop and her passion for serving others, makes Cathy a natural fit for Cura Coffee Company.

Mr. Tony Rodriguez, M.S.
Chief of Staff and CFO, Seagram Spirits & Wine

Tony Rodriguez serves as a strategic advisor to early stage San Diego companies in the beverage and technology fields as well as coaching startups and small business owners and CEOs. Mr. Rodriguez has invaluable, C-level experience at Warner Bros. and Seagram Spirits & Wine in finance, business strategy, supply chain and general management. Rodriguez holds an M.S. degree in Accounting, NYU Stern Business School and a BA degree in Economics, with High Honors from Princeton University. His vast knowledge and experience in various areas, which include the food and beverage industry, in conjunction with a heart for people makes Tony a key player for Cura's Advisory Board.

Scott Schimmel
President, YouSchool, Inc

Scott Schimmel serves as an innovative mentor, who has a real gift for professional coaching and motivation. Scott dedicates himself to guiding young people serving as President & Chief Guide of You School, an organization dedicated to giving high school and college students the tools and guidance to plan their vocational futures. Mr. Schimmel has a particular skill set for leadership development and has a keen ability to recognize key, deep-rooted information in people, business plans, and strategies that are crucial for progress. Scott received a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Real Estate and Finance from the University of San Diego. His interdisciplinary business background, along with his desire to bring out the best in others makes Scott a valuable member of the Cura family.

Roger Storer
Principal, iGroup Design Incorporated

With nearly two decades of experience in the hotel industry, Roger Storer has invaluable experience in areas of financial planning, marketing, purchasing, and project management. Since 1998, Mr. Storer's dedication to forming and cultivating strong business relationships coupled with a keen attention to detail and exceptional work ethic, has allowed him to manage projects throughout California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. He currently serves as Chief Design Principal of iGroup Design Incorporated, a purchasing company dedicated to hands-on operation for hospitality needs. Roger earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from San Diego State University, and has a warm heart for Cura's vision and mission.

Jane Schmitz, M.B.A.
Collegiate Professor and Small Business Owner

Professor Jane Schmitz possesses an impressive background in educational and entrepreneurship. Prior to her educational career, teaching business classes for San Diego Unified and Community College Districts, she owned and operated Jane's Secret Garden in La Mesa, a Cafe and Bakery, Lady Jane's Tea Room and Lady Jane Catering, the Village Emporium, a gourmet gift shop, coffeehouse and espresso carts which supported catering functions throughout San Diego County. She is a "serial entrepreneur'' with valuable start-up experiences and brings a world of direct experience to Cura Coffee's development in the coffee industry.

Mark Christenson
President, International and Global CTO, Md7

Mark Christenson serves as the President, International and Global CTO of Md7, a network real estate management company. Mark's knowledge in the wireless industry dates back to 1995, where his experience as COO and CTO serving large clients in customer relationship management, e-commerce solutions, business process outsourcing and large-scale systems integration. Mark served for four years as an officer in the Navy after receiving his Bachelor's Degree from Stanford University. Since his father was a dentist, Mark shares Cura's passion for positive impact on people's lives through sustainable dental care.

Jenny Amaraneni
CEO and Co-Founder, SOLO Eyewear

Originally from Louisiana, Jenny moved to San Diego in 2009 to pursue her Master of Business Administration at San Diego State University. It was during her graduate studies that she learned of the great need for eye care in the world. Shortly after, Jenny launched SOLO Eyewear, a line of eco-friendly sunglasses where each pair purchased funds eye care for people in need. To date, SOLO Eyewear has funded eye care for 15,000+ people across 32 countries and has been recognized on Good Morning America, the Today Show, Forbes and MSNBC. In addition to running the daily operations at SOLO Eyewear, Jenny also mentors students who are pursuing their own entrepreneurial endeavors and speaks at conferences and universities across the country. She has been honored with a variety of awards in San Diego and was featured as one of the World’s Most Influential Change Agents by TIME Magazine.