Board of Directors

The Health Education Learning Program (HELP) is designed to help inner city youth live a healthier lifestyle through health education and community outreach programs. Meet HELP’s Board of Directors and learn how they work to keep the community informed on health education.

Executive Director

Dr. Thomas G. O’Brien II serves as HELP’s Executive Director. He directs the organization’s affairs, leads board meetings, ensures the goals and mission of HELP are achieved, serves as key educator, directs marketing efforts and assists with fundraising.

Dr. O'Brien holds an A.S. in Biology from Nassau Community College and a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Sociology from New York Institute of Technology. He has an M.S. in Clinical Nutrition from New York Institute of Technology and a Medical Degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Science and complete a Family Practice Residency. He has over 30 years of experience as a family physician.

He is a Certified Ring Side Physician for the U.S. Amateur Boxing Association, Inc. with more than 20 years of experience with providing Pre and Post bout examinations with amateur and professional boxing events. Dr. O'Brien is a retired Captain and a former Commander of the New York Guard, 88 BDE, 102 Forward Medical Support Detachment, as well as FEMA Certified with the U.S. Homeland Security. He possesses several awards, including Outstanding Medical Services Award in 2012, four New York Guard Mission Support Medals, a Humanitarian Award for Activation during Hurricane Irene, Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Family Medicine 2011, and four BronxNet Beta Awards: 3 for Best Education Program and 1 for Best TV Series in 2010.

As of 2025, Dr. O'Brien published four Amazon Best sellers. As an Osteopathic Pysician, Dr. O'Brien advocates for a holistic, non-invasive approach, blending hand-on treatment with preventative care.

Treasurer and Director

Kathy G. Shoob, C.P.A, serves as HELP’s Treasurer and Director. She attends board meetings, handles financial affairs, manages the budget, keeps records of all donations, contributions and grants received from the public and assists with marketing, promoting and fundraising.

Kathy holds a B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Albany and an M.B.A. in Public Accounting and Finance from Hofstra University. She is a CPA and has almost 40 years of experience in public and private accounting. She is a member of AICPA, NYSSCPA and NJSCPA. Kathy received the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award Gold Award in 2009.

Secretary and Director

Thomas O’Brien Ph.D., serves as HELP’s Secretary and Director. He takes minutes at board meetings, corresponds with the public and serves as curriculum and program coordinator.

Thomas holds a B.S. in Biology from St. John’s University, an M.S. in Marine Science from Long Island University, an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education (ABD) from New York University.

Thomas is a college Biology professor with over 50 years of experience, 10 years of experience as a College Administrator, and 30 years of experience with mentor programs. He was the President of the New York Two Year College Association, Board Member of the New York Teachers Association, New York State Representative of National Biology Teachers Association, Board Member of the General Education of the Community College Association, and a Board of Director of the Bronx Academy of Promise Elementary Charter School.

He is the author of several publications such as General Biology Textbook, Oceanography Lab Manuals First through Fourth Edition, Introduction to Marine Science, and Introduction to Oceanside Marine Center Preserve. In addition, he received an Award from State University of New York for Excellence in Teaching.