Staff Bios
On The Move Staff
OTM Chief of Staff
Things I love:
My kitties. San Francisco. Working with transitional-aged youth. Being in charge. Long drives with the music blaring. Jamal.
Current crush:
I love the television show "So You Think You Can Dance". I have also loved cooking with food from the VOICES garden – which is very exciting to me. I made a basil, tomato, lemon, cucumber and feta salad that was amazing.
My hometown:
Hayward, CA. Because there were not a lot of things for people to do there – once I came to Napa I really identified with what the young people here were going through - and what that leads to.
Where I've come...
OTM Chief Financial Officer
My first concert:
First big concerts: Billy Joel, Loggins & Messina... can't remember which I saw first. But I lived in Marin and during that time if you went up on Mt Tam you could listen to Santana or even Jefferson Airplane practicing. Also, in smaller venues I first saw Sons of Chaplin. I heard all these people before my first big concerts.
Last great book I read:
Three Cups of Tea.
What I do at VOICES:
CFO & Explorations Program Director.
When I'm not at VOICES..
I am walking my dogs, weaving, working on my house/garden.
I am passionate about:
So many things.... but what has...
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LGBTQ Program Director, OTM Information and Technology Director
Things I love:
Being myself with people I trust, cooking and sharing good food, losing myself in a fascinating book, moments that take my breathe away and slow me down to appreciate.
Don't tell anyone else but...
I might seem like an extrovert, but I'm really introverted and definitely need my quiet/alone time to recharge. I'm also a not-so-secret perfectionist that worries way too much about details.
My first job:
My first "real" job was a paperboy for the Napa Register, but I was an entrepreneur long before, hosting backyard carnivals, authoring a newsletter (with paid advertising) and...
OTM Development Manager
Things I love:
My dog Shadow, good food, traveling, boating, music festivals, dancing, reading, sharing, laughing.
Most recent discovery:
A few days of solitude in nature can provide all the clarity in the world.
My hometown:
Davis, CA.
How I am connected to VOICES:
I am the Development Coordinator for On The Move and VOICES and a member of the VOICES Community.
Favorite thing about working for OTM/VOICES is...
I get to show up every day and be myself and I get pushed to reach my full potential.
OTM Technology Coordinator
Things I love:
MUSIC!!!! being creative!
Most recent discovery:
Being in my 30's and actually respecting my boundaries and learning how to say no.
My first job:
Comic book/Video game store clerk.
Favorite thing about working for OTM/VOICES is...
the leadership role people play throughout the organization and the work environment
I am passionate about: the music community, music scene and creating content! Positive social media messaging!
OTM Executive Director
My first job:
Education Coordinator of a community center (age 21) in a low income neighborhood in Buffalo.
Last great book I read:
This Is Real And You Are Completely Unprepared by Alan Lew.
My hometown:
Great Neck, NY.
Favorite thing about working for OTM/VOICES:
I love the energy, quickness and optimism of the younger leaders that I have the honor to work with.
I am passionate about:
Opening up doors, windows, closets to help people see that its still worth dreaming and that anything is possible is we will just stand together in spite or maybe because of our differences, our similarities,...
Executive Administrative Assistant
Things I love:
Green, traveling, tacos, sleeping, the sun, laughing, reading.
My most recent discovery:
How stressful buying a house really is.
My first concert:
3rd Eye Blind/Tonic at the Warfield in SF.
My first job:
Saving lives at the bug hospital I made at McPherson elementary school when I was 8 years old.
Where I've come from and where I expect to be in the next 3-5 years:
I come from a line of project and event management, but I would like to transition those skills and my accumulated knowledge of non-profits to work for a museum, coordinating events and curating exhibits for youth...
OTM Grants Director
My first concert:
Stevie Wonder; my second was Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation Tour (had to throw that in for my generation).
My first job:
TacoTime fast food.
Last great book I read:
Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Favorite thing about working for OTM/VOICES is...
The people I get to learn from and build relationships with everyday.
I am passionate about:
Being a father, partner and humanitarian.
VOICES Napa Staff
Explorations Youth Drop in Center Coach
Things I love:
I love my family, friends, cars, sports, choir, music, and nature.
Don't tell anyone else but...
Secretly, I'm a nerd when I find a good book.
What are you passionate about?
I'm very passionate about working on automobiles. I love the feeling of working with them. I also have a strong passion about working with youth that come from similar backgrounds as me.
How my leadership has changed as a result of working at VOICES:
I have become more confident in my speaking, giving directions, understanding responsibilities, and working with others.
Clinical Supervisor
Hometown:
Great Neck, NY
Last great book I read:
Anything by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Things I love:
Love living in the Napa Valley. Love all dogs, especially Golden Retrievers
My first concert:
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
Favorite thing about working for VOICES is...
The amazing staff.
I am passionate about...
Patient advocacy and educating about a balanced and humanistic approach to mental health treatment.
Independent Living Program (ILP) Assistant
Things I love:
I love to sing, dance and have fun.
Most recent discovery:
I humm when I eat
When I'm not at VOICES..
School, business, or family time.
What are you passionate about?
Singing and helping other people.
Operations Manager
My first concert:
Oldies Love Jam in San Jose.. Loved it!
When I'm not at VOICES..
I Love spending time with my AMAZING son, Jesse, who is my world :)
How my leadership has changed as a result of working at VOICES:
Wow, VOICES has changed me. I don't know where to begin... When I first came to VOICES., I was fresh out of my group home, was on probation and had very limited professional/ work skills. I'm surprised VOICES kept me around, but they did, and worked with me every step of the way to help me become the young leader I am. I'm very thankful for the people I work with and I love my...
Explorations College & Career Center Program Coordinator
Don't tell anyone else but...
listening to the song "Life is a Flower" by Ace of Base will brighten my day, no matter what.
Most recent discovery:
developing patience
My first job:
I waited tables and was a hostess at the Buffalo Wing Factory in Ashburn, Virginia the summer after high school graduation. They have a bright purple wing sauce, the Flatliner, that is so hot you have to sign a waiver in order to be allowed to eat it. And, of course, one day I spilled about 5 individual wing servings of these Flatliners all over myself- it made my skin swell and bleached my clothes!
Where I’ve...
ILP Coordinator
Things I love:
I LOVE CHOCOLATE- especially truffles from Sees Candy. I also love spending time with my family. During the summer months we love to BBQ.
Most recent discovery:
I recently discovered Mono Lake on a spontaneous drive through Yosemite.
My hometown:
I was born in Morgantown, West Virginia. The home of the Mountaineers, snow and four seasons. I lived in Morgantown until the age of 14 when I moved to San Pablo, CA.
When I'm not at VOICES...
I spend a lot of time in my yard tending to my roses, fruit trees and other plants. I also have horses so I spend time riding, training and...
Explorations Performance Coach
Current crush:
My husband of 9 years
Last great book I read:
Spanish book "Significado de los Suenos"
My hometown:
Salinas, CA
Where I’ve come from and where I expect to be in the next 3-5 years:
I have been a Social Worker for the past 4 years. It has given me the knowledge and skills to properly service families, youth and children, to help them improve their family bond and quality of life. I see myself continuing to be part of VOICES learning from all staff and clients, exploring every opinion and suggestion and continuing my education in a master level in either social worker or...
VOICES Napa Program Director
Things I love:
My beautiful daughter Mia, Spaghetti, Pepperoni Pizza and The National Geographic Channel.
Don't tell anyone else but...
I’m actually a sensitive person but lets not advertise that!
Where I’ve come from and where I expect to be in the next 3-5 years:
I have been working in Sonoma County for the last 10 years working with youth transitioning from incarceration and counseling young people with alcohol and drug issues. I also spent 8 ½ years working in Santa Clara County working with youth assisting them with educational and employment issues. I’m really happy to be in Napa...
Changes Youth Program Assistant
Things I love:
Are my friends and family, but most importantly having food in my belly.
Don't tell anyone else but...
I secretly wish my life was a huge musical. Were everyone would burst into song about what’s happening in the moment.
When I'm not at VOICES...
Things that I like to do are hang out with my radical friends, and most importantly play video games!
How my leadership has changed as a result of working at VOICES:
My leader ship skills have changed working at VOICES because I have become less shy. I also have been a lot more evolved in my community by taking charge and talking to...
Chaplain / Consultant
My first job:
Directory Assistance Operator.
My hometown:
Napa now, but I grew up on the Peninsula (San Mateo) and lived in Oakland for 13 years before coming to Napa in 1998.
What I do at VOICES:
I am the Chaplain and Wellness Program Coordinator. I support programs that keep our youth and staff healthy: Mind, Body and Soul.
How my leadership has changed as a result of working at VOICES:
I have worked with young people for many years, but since coming to VOICES I find my self-valuing more and more the point of view our youth bring to the table. It is exciting to let them take a lead role...
Project Specialist
When I’m not at V.O.I.C.E.S....
I’m still working.
How my leadership has changed as a result of working at V.O.I.C.E.S.:
I have always been a leader I’m just recognized as it now... But really I’ve learned how to articulate my needs better and how to give good presentations. I have also learned how to help others develop their leadership skills and abilities. I’ve come from nothing to semi –nothing and expect in 3-5 yrs to have something.
Favorite thing about working with V.O.I.C.E.S. is...
The people I get to work with, people I get to meet and the youth.
I got connected to V.O.I.C.E.S......
ILP Performance Coach
My first concert:
My very first concert was NKTOB (New Kids On The Block). I loved Joey; he was my favorite!
When I'm not at VOICES..
When I am not a VOICES I am a full time student at Napa Valley College and a mother to four children two girls and two boys.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about working with at risk youth. If I can make a difference in at least one life, I have been successful! I am also very passionate about my education!
The things I love the most would have to be my family,the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, and the RAIDERS.
CHANGES Wellness Program Coordinator
Things I love:
People with an open mind and heart, dogs, and everything ridiculous.
Don't tell anyone else but...
I play on a adult kickball league and wear tube socks every game.
Most recent discovery:
Swimming! I just started to swim for fitness, it is such a great workout and fun at the same time.
Where I’ve come from and where I expect to be in the next 3-5 years:
I have come so far from when I first started at VOICES back in 2007, it's truly a testimony to how this program commits to developing your interpersonal, personal and professional skills. Where do I see myself in 3-5 years...
VOICES Sonoma Staff
Drop-In Coordinator
Don’t tell anyone else but...
I sometimes wish that I was the main character in a real life video game.
Most recent discovery:
That I have no control over anyone’s life or anyone’s reaction to a situation.
My first job:
Was working as a food server/waiter at a retirement home called “The Lodge at Paulin Creek.” I got in to the job thinking that I would enjoy it because I helped take care of my grandfather when I was younger.
When I’m not at VOICES...
I’m working at SAY Tamayo House. It is a youth transition facility that helps youth ages 18-24.
My favorite thing about working at VOICES is......
VOICES Sonoma Program Director
My first concert:
First big concerts: Billy Joel, Loggins & Messina... can't remember which I saw first. But I lived in Marin and during that time if you went up on Mt Tam you could listen to Santana or even Jefferson Airplane practicing. Also, in smaller venues I first saw Sons of Chaplin. I heard all these people before my first big concerts.
Last great book I read:
Three Cups of Tea.
What I do at VOICES:
CFO & Explorations Program Director.
When I'm not at VOICES..
I am walking my dogs, weaving, working on my house/garden.
I am passionate about:
So many things.... but what has...
Community Relations Coordinator
Favorite thing about working for VOICES is....
I enjoy the sense of community. I like that I am surrounded by people who really want to make a difference in youths lives. Everyone is respectful, everyone communicates, and people can feel comfortable knowing that they can be who they want to be and feel accepted for it.
What I do at VOICES:
I am the Community Relations Coordinator. I make contacts with community agencies so that they know about VOICES and update them about anything new that has to do with the center. I find ways to collaborate with agencies to help out any youth who need...
Performance Coach
Things I love:
Music, art, colors in a sky, a beautiful day with a nice blue sky and some music bumping, drinking hot coco while outside on a cloudy day, when people listen, Lady Gaga!!!, having deep conversations about real shit.
My hometown:
Rohnert Park, CA.
How my leadership has changed as a result of working at VOICES:
All I’ve got to say is "Honest, Direct Communication".
Where I’ve come from and where I expect to be in the next 3-5 years:
I have come from the bottom and making my way to the top. In 3 years I hope to still be working at VOICES and getting ready to move to a new chapter...
Program Assistant
Things I love:
I have many hobbies and interests, but the things i would say that i love are poetry, art, divination, foreign films, mindful conversation, and game night with my family.
Don't tell anyone else but...
In my free time I like to surf the internet to find new things to research and learn about. On any given day I will have learned at least 5 new interesting facts or pieces of information.
Most recent discovery:
How can you know your limits when your constantly exceeding them? Ones abilities are limitless.
My first job:
My first job was working as front desk administration at...
