Our Team
ThriveWell Foundation is guided by leaders with deep experience in public education systems, governance, data-informed leadership, and community service. Our Co-Founders and Board of Directors bring the expertise necessary to align wellness, leadership, and systems change in service of the public good.
(she/her) Co-Founder & Board Director
Melissa Rubio
Mel Rubio is a senior public education leader currently serving in county administration, where she plays a key role in directing, leading, and informing educational leadership and organizational culture. With decades of experience across school systems, Mel works at the intersection of policy, practice, and people — helping institutions build environments rooted in wellness, belonging, and collective responsibility.
Her leadership spans social-emotional learning, restorative practices, healing-centered engagement, school-based wellness systems, and culture transformation. Mel has led large-scale initiatives supporting educators, students, and families, translating research and community insight into sustainable structures that strengthen school and district communities.
At ThriveWell Foundation, Mel brings essential systems fluency and public-sector expertise, ensuring the organization’s work aligns with the realities of governance, accountability, and institutional change. Her approach centers the whole person while advancing cultures that allow individuals and communities to thrive together
(he/him) Co-Founder & Board Director
Dr Michael L. O’Neill
Dr. Michael O’Neill brings more than thirty years of experience in education leadership, systems improvement, and data-informed decision-making. Michael specializes in helping organizations use data not as a compliance tool, but as a means for reflection, learning, and continuous improvement.
Beyond his professional work, Michael is a deeply engaged civic leader and volunteer. He is a well-known and highly regarded member of the Palm Desert community, with longstanding involvement in the arts, education, and community service organizations. His commitment to service and community life reflects ThriveWell’s belief that strong systems are built through relationships, trust, and sustained care.
At ThriveWell Foundation, Michael ensures that programs and initiatives are grounded in evidence, evaluation, and accountability, while remaining responsive to community voice and lived experience.
(she/her) Board Director
Karen E. Frison
Karen E. Frison brings exceptional leadership and governance expertise to ThriveWell Foundation as a former Superintendent. Over the course of her career, Karen led complex organizations, stewarded public resources, guided policy implementation, and supported diverse communities through periods of change and growth.
Her experience provides ThriveWell with invaluable insight into how wellness, leadership culture, and systems design intersect at the highest levels of public education. Karen’s deep understanding of governance, accountability, and institutional leadership strengthens ThriveWell’s ability to engage meaningfully with districts, counties, and public partners.
As a Board Director, Karen plays a critical role in ensuring ThriveWell Foundation’s work is mission-aligned, strategically sound, and firmly rooted in service to the public good.