STANFORD SIERRA YOUTH & FAMILIES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
Anthony Ogbeide is a Senior, Supervisory Control, and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Specialist at Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), where he is responsible for managing the PG&E power grid. His prior work experience was as an Energy Management System (EMS) Engineer at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
Anthony holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from California State University, Sacramento. He is a senior fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP). Anthony is passionate about mentoring the younger generation; he goes into schools, particularly in low income neighborhoods to speak and educate them about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with the intent of increasing diversity in STEM. His passion extends to ensuring kids in foster care systems get proper quality care.
In his free time, Anthony loves to travel the world; he has visited 11 countries, and his goal is to travel the world before he turns 80. Anthony currently serves as a board member for Square Root Academy, and he is the president of his Home Owners Association.
Job Titles:
- Family & Youth Partnership Manager
Beatriz began her journey with Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2019. Her current position as a Family & Youth Partnership Program Manager enables her to utilize her lived experience to empower, advocate for, and support youth and families. Beatriz is passionate about building partnerships and believes that collaborating with others to elevate the voices of underserved and underrepresented communities is critical to overall success.
As the Director of Development for Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, Christie brings over a decade of experience in fund development. Christie's history of exceeding fundraising goals as well as effective development of fundraising initiatives and recruitment of board members are among some of the many strengths she brings to the organization. In addition to her experience working in the nonprofit sector, Christie developed and owned a successful national telecom company, is a National Training & Leadership Director for entrepreneurs, and served on the ACRE Board of Directors as the Chair of the annual Broker of the Year (BOYA) event.
Christie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Sacramento and her real estate license. She is passionate about serving the mission of the organization because she believes all children need the love, safety, and unconditional commitment of family and that no child should grow up in temporary care.
Christie grew up in Southern California and loves the ocean. She also enjoys most outdoor activities including gardening and hiking. She has a daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren who live in London and a son who lives in Sacramento.
Job Titles:
- Director of Family and Youth Partnership
Christina brings many years of experience to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families' Executive Leadership team. As Director of Family and Youth Partnership, Christina oversees the organization's Family and Youth Partnership program. Her major accomplishments include establishing a behavioral intervention group for direct care staff across all programs to support and share ideas, as well as a vicarious trauma group for those in the family and youth partnership team to process their work and use self care to prevent burn out. Additionally, Christina is an accomplished trainer for the organization, providing training to staff under multiple topic areas.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Managing Partner of Nicholson / Olson CPA's
Chuck is managing partner of Nicholson/Olson CPA's. He is a Certified Public Accountant and earned his BA from Humboldt State University. Chuck has managed his business with the same partner for over 40 years, nurturing and growing the firm during that time.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- in 2022 As Director
Danielle Vanaman joined Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2022 as director of the Nevada County Family Preservation program. Prior to joining SSYAF, Danielle served as Program and Clinical Director of a school-based Counseling Enriched Classroom program that works to ensure special-education students receive the mental health support needed for them to succeed on mainstream public school campuses.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Clinical Director / Leader Profile September 30, 2010
Deborah has been leading social service programs in Northern California for more than 10 years. Deborah received her master's degree in social work from CSU Long Beach, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and received an award for outstanding community service to children, youth and families in 2001. She received a bachelor's degree in social work from CSU Humboldt in 1989. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Practitioner of the Healing Arts as well as a Certified Group Home Administrator and Authorized 5150 Site Coordinator and Designee.She also serves as the Professional Development Coordinator for the National Association of Social Workers in Sacramento County. Deborah joined Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2001 and recently began teaching part-time in the University of Phoenix Health and Human Services Department.
"It's a pleasure to provide leadership in an agency that emphasizes family-centered practices," she says. "It's my desire to promote individualized, culturally responsive, flexible and relevant services that empower families to address the many challenges they may be facing. As a Stanford Sierra Youth & Families Clinical Director, I am committed to providing family-centered, community-based services that strengthen family relationships and ensure safety, permanency and optimal outcomes for the families we serve."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President
- Vice President of the Board of Directors
- Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer ( CMO ) of Golden 1 Credit Union
Doug Aguiar is Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Golden 1 Credit Union, the nation's sixth largest credit union with $13 billion in assets. Doug has more than 30 years of executive level strategic marketing and communications experience. As CMO, he leads the cooperative's marketing, communications, and community relations strategies. In 2016, he led the launch of Golden 1 Center, a historic naming-rights agreement with the National Basketball Association's Sacramento Kings.
Doug holds an Executive Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. He also serves on the board of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Doug is passionate about serving on the board of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families because he believes every child deserves to have a loving home. In his spare time, Doug is a huge sports fan and enjoys not just the games but also the TV commercials! He reads everything from blogs to books about history, anthropology and nature. He also loves California and enjoys exploring the state.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Executive Officer / Leader Profile November 29, 2012
Dr. Laura Heintz is the Chief Executive Officer of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Heintz has worked tirelessly to help nonprofit health and human service organizations grow and expand their ability to serve children and families.
Over the years, Dr. Heintz has served a variety of programs with a focus on implementing services that meet the needs of young people and their families. She started her years of service in the field as an in-home behavioral support counselor, became a social worker, and developed several new programs. Now she is CEO of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYF).
Laura's professional accomplishments include having been a contributing author for the textbook Assessing and Treating Youth Exposed to Traumatic Stress - Stanford University - 2019, being selected as a recipient of the Sacramento Business Journal Women Who Mean Business award in 2019, and being founder of the Yolo Crisis Nursery in 2001.
A native Sacramentan, Dr. Heintz holds a Doctorate in Psychology, a Masters in Holistic Studies and a double BA in Human Development and Psychology. She is also a Certified Executive Coach.
When asked why she is passionate about the mission of SSYF, Laura responded, "My work is my life calling. I am committed to my core in ensuring that those we serve know that they belong. We preserve family whenever possible. We support families in their healing. We support youth who need family by finding and engaging people who can be their lifelong connections."
When Laura is not at work she can be found volunteering in the community, working on her home, and spending time with her children. Whenever possible, Laura likes to be outside and can frequently be found gardening, walking near the ocean, or simply sitting outside and watching the the hens in her chicken coop interact.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President of the Board of Directors
Geraldine Jimenez serves as the Director of Investment Strategy and Risk and is responsible for implementing and monitoring CalSTRS overall investment portfolio's strategy and risk profile. Her focus is on the strategic portfolio positioning to meet the long-term liabilities and serves on the CalSTRS Asset / Liability team reviewing and setting the strategic asset allocation. For shorter-term tactical portfolio positioning, Geraldine chairs the Risk Allocation Committee and is part of the CalSTRS leadership team managing the $240 billion California Teac
Gibrán joined Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2013 as a FIT Clinician, immediately following graduation from graduate school. He brings many strengths to the agency including being a Certified Agency Trainer in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Gibrán is also an Adjunct Professor at University of San Francisco's Sacramento campus in their Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy program.
Jacquenette Michael was originally hired in 2010 as a Therapist in Stanford Sierra Youth & Families' FIT program. During her tenure at the organization, she has worked in a variety of programs and leadership roles. Jacquenette is trained in multiple Evidenced Based Practices including being a trainer for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. In addition to her work history at Stanford, Jacquenette also has experience providing ABA services, providing behavioral consultation in multiple school districts in the Bay Area, and most recently oversaw the Outpatient Department at a local inpatient psychiatric hospital. In December 2018, Jacquenette returned to Stanford as the Director of one of the organizations' newest programs, Yolo Community Based Family Services, which provides community based mental health services to youth and families. Jacquenette brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to the team and is most passionate about empowering youth and families.
Jacquenette was born and raised in Sacramento and graduated from Sacramento State with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She attended the University of San Francisco where she obtained her Master's in Counseling Psychology leading to her becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Program Director: Yolo and Napa Community Based Family Services
Jacquenette Michael was originally hired in 2010 as a Therapist in Stanford Sierra Youth & Families' FIT program. During her tenure at the organization, she has worked in a variety of programs and leadership roles. Jacquenette is trained in multiple Evidenced Based Practices including being a trainer for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- VP of Patient Access for Dignity Health
With nearly two-decades of healthcare transformation experience, Jaime Mathews serves as VP of Patient Access for Dignity Health. She is an expert in strategy development and planning, holding many positions that sit at the intersection of strategy and operations. In Jaime's current role she works to improve the patient care experience.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Officer / Leader Profile September 30, 2010
With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience to her credit, Jovina Neves has played a crucial role at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families since joining the staff in 1997. In addition to serving as CFO, she also manages and directs several departments including Accounting, Facilities, and Information Technology. She earned her bachelor's degree from UC Davis.
Jovina has witnessed exciting growth at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families and looks forward to enhancing programs in the future. "It's been incredibly rewarding to integrate our mission and values into my daily work. Although I've seen the agency grow tremendously over the years, we've kept our commitment to improving family-centered practices a number-one priority." She hopes her contributions help "create and support systems that, in turn, support families who so desperately need our care." When Jovina isn't working she most enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
- Director of Human Resources / Leader Profile October 8, 2015
Kimberly Woods-Burch has more than 20 years of experience helping businesses and their employees grow and develop. As the Director of Employee Relations, she sees her department's role as the "caregiver for the caregiver" and is working hard to develop a well-trained workforce. Making sure the staff at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families is secure and well taken care of is critical, and the first step toward effectively serving the children and families in the Sacramento community.
Kimberly was drawn to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families because of the passion shown in every aspect of the organization and the strong commitment of all employees to help find permanency for the children they serve. The combination of her extensive education and hands-on experience makes her a strong leader in the team. Kimberly holds a Master of Management and a Bachelor of Science (both in Business Management) from the University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Officer
- Vice President
Leon Clark is the Vice President, Chief Research and Health Equity Officer and Designated Institutional Official at Sutter Health. In 2016, he was named by Modern Healthcare as one of the top minority executives to watch, and in 2020 he established the Sutter Health Institute for Advancing Health Equity (IAHE). As a senior level healthcare executive, Leon has extensive leadership experience in research and clinical practice operations, healthcare finance, and quality management.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Project Manager
Lupe Grimaldi is a Project Manager within the Office of Equity at the California Department of Social Services where she proudly supports an initiative that serves the needs of immigrant youth and their caretakers. In 2004, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from CSUS with a degree in Ethnic Studies and a concentration in Chicano Studies. She has served California's children, youth, and families within the child welfare sector and immigrant and refugee communities for over 30 years, both as a volunteer and an employee of various community-based organizations.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Retired CEO
- Vistage International Chair
Mark Olander is a retired CEO serving as a Vistage International Chair emphasizing continual personal improvement to grow efficient and more valuable organizations which emulate the vision of the CEO. Mark received his BA in Accounting and his Executive MBA from Stanford University. He has been preparing tax returns since 1979 and is licensed as an Enrolled Agent and admitted to practice before the US Tax Court. At the end of 2020, Mark retired as the CEO of TRIHoldCo, Inc. and TaxAudit, and he continues to assist the Centenal Tax Group and his longtime clients with tax return preparation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Mark has worked as an attorney for over 15 years and is the principal attorney at MEP Law Corp. He represents public and private businesses and individuals from various industries on a large range of business matters. He earned his BA in Economics from Brigham Young University and his JD from the Universit y of Michigan Law School.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director of Client Management Operations at VSP Vision Care
Melissa Bass is the Sr. Director of Client Management Operations at VSP Vision Care where she provides strategic direction and oversight of client operations. She is passionate about optimizing processes and has successfully led multiple re-organizations and system implementations to improve business functions and employee enablement. Melissa is a continuous learner and has participated in numerous leadership development programs, and she takes pride in developing and empowering her team to help them realize their potential.
Outside of work, Ontson is a dedicated husband and father to two young adults. He is an avid photographer and loves sports. Not only does he play sports, but he has coached various sports over the years. He also loves music and played the drums in his high school jazz band.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Retired CEO of Sutter Roseville Medical Center
Now retired, Pat had a distinguished 38-year career with Sutter Health where he most recently served as the CEO of Sutter Roseville Medical Center. He holds leadership roles in the American College of Healthcare Executives, California Hospital Association and the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California. Pat is also a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum-Sacramento Class 14.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administrative Services
Richelle became the Director of Administrative Services at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2020. She has worked in social services since 1998 and brings over 30 years of expertise and career accomplishments in administrative and facility management, finance, and fundraising to the organization. Richelle oversees a team of 14 individuals and is responsible for the oversight of the organization's Information Technology, Facilities, and Administrative Support departments.
Richelle is a Rotarian and lives by the mantra "service above self." She takes great pride in building strong trustworthy relationships and in ensuring each staff member is provided a comfortable, safe, and friendly work environment. She is passionate and committed to the Mission, Vision, and Values of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, and in creating a welcoming, equitable and supportive environment for youth and families to be able to access services.
In addition to her areas of expertise, Richelle enjoys volunteering in her local community. Outside of work, Richelle's favorite pastime is to entertain, and she loves hosting a party!
Program Director: El Dorado County Programs, School Based Services, Therapeutic Behavioral Services, Enhanced Care Management
Sara DeCoursey joined Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2016 as a Therapist in the FIT program. After becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Sara was promoted to Clinical Program Manager of the Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) and School Based Services (SBS) programs. In 2020, Sara became the Associate Director of the TBS, SBS, and El Dorado County programs, and in 2023, she was promoted to Director of these programs, as well as the newly developed Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Immediate past Chair / Umpqua Bank
- SVP / Regional Manager of Umpaqua Bank
Shelley Laurel is the SVP/Regional Manager of Umpaqua Bank. She heads up a team of 16 experienced business bankers including relationship managers and business development officers. Shelley has been in the business banking industry for more than 30 years, and her experience includes being an integral part of the start-up team of the Bank of Sacramento in 1998. She takes pride in being a Business Banker at a Community Bank where she is able to help small to medium sized businesses be successful. Shelley holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration Accounting.
Job Titles:
- Officer
- Strategic Initiative Officer
- Strategic Initiative Officer / Leader Profile November 2, 2017
Terrell Thomas is the Strategic Initiative Officer at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families and is responsible for identifying business and grant funding opportunities to support areas of program growth and innovation designed to improve health and well-being outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
Terrell began her journey with Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2013 with nearly 15 years of grant writing and grant management experience, including an exceptional history of funding results in social services, mental/behavioral health, education, and juvenile justice. She has worked in both the nonprofit and government sectors, successfully securing funding to sustain vital community resources, as well as launch new state-of-the-art programs. She earned her Master's in Social Work from Texas State University.
Helping to secure resources for an organization committed to empowering families and ensuring nurturing permanent family connections ignites Terrell's passion. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and volunteering in her community in the state of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Clinical Director / Leader Profile October 27, 2017
Tonya joined Stanford Sierra Youth & Families in 2016 to develop the School Based Services Program and has since moved into leading the Juvenile Justice Intervention Services, Kaiser Managed care, and Wraparound programs. Her background includes extensive mental health treatment for children with severe emotional disturbance and she has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2004.
Prior to starting her career in the field, she developed a behavioral learning home program for her autistic son. Tonya is a strong advocate for youth with learning and developmental disabilities and feels that helping families resolve behavioral issues improves a youths ability to learn, grow and develop positive relationships with their communities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
- Vice President and Financial Advisor With CAPTRUST Advisors
Will Gabri, Vice President and Financial Advisor with CAPTRUST Advisors, brings a very personal connection to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. Will has lived experience as a child who navigated the foster care system. Personally knowing the importance of growing up in a permanent loving family, Will adopted a foster child into his home.
Will has four children, and when he's not busy being a dad, he enjoys being outdoors. His hobbies include salt water fishing and running.