Meet the Team

Please meet our great team of Board Members and Clinicians. They are all passionate about supporting the mission of Fran’s Place.

Dr. Frances Baumgarten – President

Co-Founder/Presidentcancercounseling@gmail.com

The co-founder and clinical leader of the Center for Cancer Counseling. A two-time survivor of cancer, her passion to help cancer patients and their families manage and survive cancer, along with her personal experience with cancer led her to begin this non-profit organization. In practice as a licensed clinical psychologist for over 30 years, Dr. Baumgarten earned her Ph.D. from California School of Professional Psychology.

Mark Bregman, MA – Vice President

Vice President, Board Membermark@centerforcancercounseling.org

For Fran’s Place, Mark manages marketing, media, and business expansion strategies. Mark Bregman is also a professional fine artist. He is a retired CEO of a boutique retained executive search firm, and has created and managed 4 other entrepreneurial businesses. He has extensive experience serving on boards of non-profit organizations in several fields. He holds an MA in Psychology.

Marna Brennan – Secretary

Board Secretary

Marna Brennan, the owner of a real estate company, is passionate about our cause. Her many years of business acumen in marketing has added a dimension to our vision to help bring The Center to a new level of awareness to the public. She has seen, first hand, how important the Center is to those in need of a helping hand to those with cancer, and their loved ones.

Mergim I. Zero – Treasurer

Board Treasurer/CPA

Mr. Zero, has been a practicing CPA for over 30 years, with extensive experience in tax planning, administration and compliance. He functions within the traditional role of a CPA as well as in the arena of court appointed guardianship and trustee. His deep commitment to Fran’s Place is evident in all that he does for us.

Carol Eddy, MA, LMFT

Clinician

Carol is a compassionate Licensed Psychotherapist in Orange County since 1997. She has supported The Center since it opened. Her clinical specialty is assisting Cancer Patients and their Caretakers improve their coping skills when their lives are affected by Cancer. Personally impacted by Cancer, she has been a primary caretaker for several of the closest people in her life. Carol feels honored to work so closely with others who are faced with cancer, to navigate and find their “new normal.” In addition to her clinical practice she also has facilitated workshops and retreats as well as cancer support groups at several local Orange County hospitals. She has a private practice in Newport Beach and is also actively involved with several non-profit cancer organizations.

Dr. George Orras

Co-founder/Advisor

The co-founder of the Center for Cancer Counseling. His shared vision for helping cancer patients and their families led him to team with Dr. Baumgarten in the development of this non-profit organization. His expertise is in mental health program development and management. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, his MBA from Pepperdine University, and a Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University. He is a licensed LCSW in AZ and CA.

Terry Moore

Board Member

Mr Moore has been admitted to California Bar in 1991 and he is also licensed to practice in Florida. His particular expertise is in the areas of taxation, tax litigation, corporate and partnership law, contracts, commercial transactions and business litigation. He obtained his LL.M. degree in taxation from Boston University School of Law. Mr. Moore’s focus is the satisfaction and the long term relationship with his clients. Specialties: His practice emphasizes civil and criminal taxation, business, bankruptcy, employment law, and estate planning. 

Honorary Members

Russell Boschetti

Russell Boschetti is a respected mortgage professional with an education and career background in accounting and corporate finance. Russell shares the passion of our team, to enable support services for those affected by cancer. He is committed to expanding the reach of The Center, by building effective fund raising strategies, increasing support, and fostering growth via community outreach.

Paul Reynolds

One of the original board members of the Center for Cancer Counseling. Paul’s dedication and belief in the Center for Cancer Counseling’s mission, of helping cancer patients and their families, has been a steady source of support and strength for the Center’s growth. Paul is well known in the community and maintains an active business career.

Tim Torre, CPA

As one of the original Board Members, Tim has been an important and vital member for the Center for Cancer Counseling’s growth and stability. Tim is a well-respected and busy CPA maintaining a practice in Irvine CA.