Meet The Team
President
Akash Dantuluri
Akash is from Troy, MI, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. He joined DvA because the organization represents a meaningful way to combine his interests in psychiatry, public health, and education to make addiction care and prevention more compassionate and accessible.
Vice President
Kaylee Chan
Kaylee is from Township, MI, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She joined DvA because she believes that it’s important to raise awareness on opioid addiction and the benefits of harm reduction within the community of Detroit. There is currently a lot of stigma surrounding substance use within healthcare and community contexts. As Vice President, she hopes to collaborate with community organizations and local professionals to bring educational workshops or speaker events to the student body.
Education/Outreach Coordinator
Chidera Orabueze
Chidera is from Atlanta, GA, and received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University.
He joined DvA because she is am passionate about mental health and recognize how deeply opioid abuse and addiction impact patient healthcare outcomes. Through my previous experiences, she witnessed how communities struggling with addiction are often judged on a surface level, without understanding the complex circumstances that contribute to their challenges. She believes the organization's mission is a powerful one, as it brings awareness to a critical issue through outreach and service.
Research Co-Director
Amanda Elashoff
Amanda is from San Mateo, CA, and received her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. She joined DvA because she saw a need for increased awareness about addiction while working as an EMT in San Francisco
Research Co - Director
Steven Katzman
Steven is from Grand Rapids, MI, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. He decided to join the DvA as a board member to help shape a community he genuinely care about and believe in. It’s an opportunity to contribute ideas, support growth, and work alongside people who are passionate about making a difference. I’m excited to give back, learn, and be part of something bigger than myself.
Clinical Coordinator
Danielle Foster
Danielle is from St. Peters, MO, and received her undergraduate degree from University of Iowa. She joined DvA to increase awareness around opioid addiction and the benefits of harm reduction. She wants to give back to the people of Detroit by providing resources to those who need them most. She is looking forward to helping grow DvA’s clinical impact in the community.
Communications Director
Alina Ciesielski
Alina is from Kalamazoo, MI, and received her undergraduate degree from Hope College. She joined DvA to because of her interest in Neurology and raising awareness about addiction. She wants to help break down the stigma surrounding addiction and helping the Detroit community.