SOAR - La Cañada Chapter
P.O. Box 4
La Cañada, CA 91012
Nestled in the picturesque Crescenta Valley, La Cañada-Flintridge is situated between the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest to the north and San Rafael Hills to the south. The city is home to Descanso Gardens and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
La Cañada-Flintridge has been home to many celebrities over the years, including Vince Vaughn; Angela Bassett; Mark Geragos; Ron Howard; Chris D’Elia; Diane Farr; Haley Joel Osment and Emily Osment; Kevin Costner; Bill Plaschke, Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus and Steve Priest. Three of Walt Disney’s top animators, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and Eric Larson, as well as Academy Award winner Chris Buck, settled in this community. It is also a popular filming location, where portions of “American Pie,” “Date Movie,” “Old School,” and the 1946 Frank Capra / James Stewart holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” were filmed.
The Crescenta Valley is heavily populated with an expanding Armenian community and has numerous Armenian organizations and centers. SOAR La Cañada brings SOAR’s important mission to the region, continuing to raise awareness of the needs of orphaned Armenians around the world.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Alisa Badryan
President
Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Alisa Badryan embarked on an academic journey that laid the foundation for her successful career in the United States. After completing her early education, she pursued higher studies at the Armenian State University, where her passion for learning and research led her to become a dedicated member of the Student Scientific Society.
In pursuit of greater opportunities, Alisa’s family made the life-changing decision to move to the United States in 2006. Eager to continue her education and expand her horizons, Alisa enrolled in the National University and diligently worked towards her degree. In 2013, her perseverance paid off as she proudly graduated, armed with knowledge and a drive for success.
With a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in the world, Alisa decided to channel her expertise and passion into founding ALMA Behavioral Solutions. This venture became the embodiment of her dedication to improving lives through behavioral solutions and innovative approaches.
ALMA Behavioral Solutions quickly gained recognition for its effective strategies and evidence-based interventions. Under Alisa’s leadership, the organization has helped countless individuals overcome behavioral challenges, providing them with the necessary tools to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Alisa remains committed to giving back to her community. She actively participates in philanthropic initiatives, supporting organizations that promote education, mental health awareness, and social welfare.
Today, Alisa Badryan stands as a testament to the power of determination, education, and entrepreneurship. Her journey from Armenia to the United States, marked by academic achievements and the creation of ALMA Behavioral Solutions, serves as an inspiring example of how one person’s vision can positively impact individuals and communities alike. Through her unwavering dedication, Alisa continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, leaving a legacy of compassion, innovation, and empowerment.
Caroline Mesropian
Treasurer
Caroline was born in Beirut Lebanon, immigrated to California in 1991 to escape Lebanon’s endless civil war. She received her BA in French with a minor in Armenian from California State University, Northridge. She is a Senior Mortgage banker and a proud mother of two amazing daughters. She has always been very passionate about volunteering and community service since her scouts days in Lebanon, and has continued her involvement by being a member of Cancer Support Community Pasadena, an Associate director serving on the board of directors for Wescom Credit Union foundation. She takes the most pride in her involvement as the finance Chair for Assistance league of Santa Clarita, a nonprofit organization assisting those in need in the Santa Clarita Valley through their philanthropic programs. Serving students in all 55 public schools and College of the Canyons, and helping families and seniors through their Community Outreach Programs.
Karolin Markarian
Secretary
Karolin was born in Baghdad, Iraq and grew up in Los Angeles, California. Karolin earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience from University of California, San Diego. Driven by a passion for research and medicine, she currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In this role, she spearheads a multitude of research studies exploring various medical conditions. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is actively engaged in community outreach initiatives, which uplift both her local community and community in Armenia. Whether through involvement in diverse organizations or volunteering at a local healthcare clinic, her mission remains unwavering: to better her community and effect positive change.
Sevag Kazanjian
Sevag Kazanjian is a management consultant across various industries, offering guidance to C-level executives on enhancing their business. With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Kazanjian has consistently demonstrated his ability to thoroughly assess a company’s fundamental business requirements while pinpointing its constraints and growth prospects. He has effectively led financial turnaround initiatives, transforming companies from precarious financial positions to achieving double-digit growth in both sales and profitability.
Having spent his formative years in Lebanon, Armenia and Artsakh, Sevag is enthusiastic about leveraging his expertise and cultural background to contribute to the advancement and prosperity of the Armenian community.
He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Oxford, earning it with distinction, as well as a DipIFR from ACCA, CFA Level II certification, and a BA from the American University of Beirut. Sevag currently resides in La Crescenta, CA, with his wife and two sons.
Nareh Ohanian
Nareh was born and raised in Glendale, California. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders at California State University of Northridge and is currently in her second year of graduate school at the University of Southern California. She will be graduating from USC in May 2024 with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology specializing in pediatrics and special needs.
Nareh has worked as an applied behavior analysis therapist, a tutor for special needs children, and a private Armenian teacher. In her experience, she has been active in the Armenian community through multiple nonprofit organizations and was elected to the executive boards for the Armenian Youth Federation, Crescenta Valley chapter, and Hidden Road Initiative, California State University of Northridge’s chapter. She is devoted to her deep connection to the Armenian heritage through her profound passion for giving back to the homeland and supporting the Armenian community.
Kevin Sarian
Kevin (Կարեն) brings over 20 years experience in libraries, schools, technology, web development and project management in the public & private sectors, including: his work as a Senior Library Supervisor for the City of Glendale (CA) Library; his work as Technical Lead/co-founder of LEHR creative (a web, marketing/branding and communications service for various clients); and technical/product management in startup companies.
Born and raised in his youth in Armenia, Kevin looks forward to applying his knowledge and skills in ensuring the growth and success of the Armenian community by connecting with his deep cultural roots – both here and abroad. Kevin grew up in Glendale, CA, and completed his B.B.A. degree in Business Administration with a focus in Computer Information Systems & Operations Management from Loyola Marymount University, and his Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) from San Jose State University.
He resides in La Crescenta, CA with his wife, daughter and pets; in his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, reading, photography and attending museums and cultural events.