Meet The Team
Mick Donahue
Founder of the Elite Mentor Program and an Elite Mentor
I have been an educator/mentor/leader for over 20 years, have a MS teaching credential and a Master’s Degree in Education. I’ve been fortunate to work with elite people and institutions from around the world, like Sierra Canyon School, Synthesis School, and School of Humanity, among others.
My work has included consulting founders, designing courses/entire curriculums, and creating/directing after school programs and summer camps. I was named Teacher of the Year in 2014-2015, as a gifted program teacher, at Woodcrest School, which included state and national recognition. I was nominated as Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Encino Chamber of Commerce for the same year.
Dr John Pates
Executive Mentor
For the last 30+ years I’ve been training elite performers from around the world to develop a champion’s mindset. I’ve worked with Fortune 500 CEOs, governments, Olympic champions, and golf major championship winners, including the 2014 European Ryder Cup team that beat the favored American team.
Now, through this exciting new mentoring program, created by my friend, I’m sharing the strategies and frameworks, used by champions, with young people from around the world. This program isn’t just for athletes, but for anyone who wants to become the best possible version of themself.
Jessica Steinhart
Executive Mentor
I’m a certified mindfulness educator, yoga teacher, and wellness curriculum designer with over 20 years of experience guiding children through heart-centered practices. I hold certifications in Mindful Education and Yoga specializing in infants, toddlers, and teens. I’m a member of Yoga Alliance and the National Dance Education Organization. I’m the founder of Creative Mindfulness and Yoga, a curriculum rooted in the belief that emotional regulation is the foundation for empowered leadership and authentic self-expression.
My classes integrate breath work, movement, meditation, and neuroscience to help students cultivate inner strength, self-awareness, and the ability to respond to life with presence, not pressure. I currently teach wellness and mindfulness classes at Sierra Canyon School for Pre-K through 3rd grade. I help young people connect to themselves and their purpose from the inside out.
Mark Donahue
Executive Mentor
I’m an award-winning flight paramedic, who cares deeply about building people up and helping them feel supported. My professional stats are as follows; FP-C, B.S., Organizational Leadership, Flight Paramedic, EMS Professional and Subject Matter Expert, 25 years of experience (6 years on a ground ambulance and 19 years on an emergency medical helicopter), CPR and First-Aid Instructor, Stop The Bleed Instructor, and Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
I look forward to mentoring young people around the world, so they can learn how to thrive in high pressure situations.