Team Members

Cheryl Paddack

Chief Executive Officer

Bio

Cheryl Paddack, Chief Executive Officer of North Marin Community Services, is a nonprofit executive and fund development professional who has dedicated over 25 years to advancing community wellbeing. She is a compassionate and courageous leader, and through building effective teams, has increased access to critical human services, independence for the visually impaired, expanded energy efficient products and services, and increased environmental action. Cheryl has lived and worked in Marin County since 2001 after emigrating from British Columbia/Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a double major in Marketing and Economics from Simon Fraser University.  In 2016, Cheryl led the board of directors and management team through strategic and merger discussions to expand programs and capacity to break the cycle of poverty for underserved families. In 2018, the Novato Youth Center and Novato Human Needs Center successfully merged and renamed to North Marin Community Services (NMCS).

NMCS now delivers trauma informed, integrated, and culturally appropriate services to more than 10,000 participants annually. Their whole family approach ensures everyone has access to comprehensive, trauma informed support designed to foster resiliency and strengthen community. Cheryl and her team of 320 staff and volunteers met the increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the most vulnerable people in North Marin. Her team has been on a decade long journey to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and community. Cheryl is recently certified through Impact Launch’s Radical Transformational Leadership for Social Impact (RTL Impact) and Epoch Education’s Equity Learning in Action Series. NMCS is now operating and governed under the most diverse team in its 50-year history as a merged organization.

Cheryl strives for excellence and has received prestigious awards such as Soroptimist International of Novato 2022 Women of Vision, the Jefferson Silver Award 2021/KPIX and Multiplying GoodKPIX Jefferson Award/January 2020Excellence in Leadership 2018/CVNL Heart of Marin, Pivotal People, Novato Proud/Sept 2017. In March 2023, she will be inducted into the YWCA Marin Women’s Hall of Fame. NMCS was honored by Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence 2022/CVNL Heart of Marin, Large Business of the Year/Novato Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Marin/Bank of Marin. Stronger together, Cheryl and her management team advocate for policy change and partner with dozens of collaboratives including Healthy Marin Partnership, Novato Community Response Team, and Healthy Novato Initiative to name a few.

In service of strengthening communities, Cheryl has moderated the Novato Chamber’s Leadership Novato Nonprofit Day since 2010 to inspire others to engage with nonprofits. Cheryl is committed to advocating for policies and services that build an equitable Marin County with opportunities for all.

Cheryl Paddack, Chief Executive Officer of North Marin Community Services, is a nonprofit executive and fund development professional who has dedicated over 25 years to advancing community wellbeing. She is a compassionate and courageous leader, and through building effective teams, has increased access to critical human services, independence for the visually impaired, expanded energy efficient products and services, and increased environmental action. Cheryl has lived and worked in Marin County since 2001 after emigrating from British Columbia/Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a double major in Marketing and Economics from Simon Fraser University.  In 2016, Cheryl led the board of directors and management team through strategic and merger discussions to expand programs and capacity to break the cycle of poverty for underserved families. In 2018, the Novato Youth Center and Novato Human Needs Center successfully merged and renamed to North Marin Community Services (NMCS).

NMCS now delivers trauma informed, integrated, and culturally appropriate services to more than 10,000 participants annually. Their whole family approach ensures everyone has access to comprehensive, trauma informed support designed to foster resiliency and strengthen community. Cheryl and her team of 320 staff and volunteers met the increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the most vulnerable people in North Marin. Her team has been on a decade long journey to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and community. Cheryl is recently certified through Impact Launch’s Radical Transformational Leadership for Social Impact (RTL Impact) and Epoch Education’s Equity Learning in Action Series. NMCS is now operating and governed under the most diverse team in its 50-year history as a merged organization.

Cheryl strives for excellence and has received prestigious awards such as Soroptimist International of Novato 2022 Women of Vision, the Jefferson Silver Award 2021/KPIX and Multiplying GoodKPIX Jefferson Award/January 2020Excellence in Leadership 2018/CVNL Heart of Marin, Pivotal People, Novato Proud/Sept 2017. In March 2023, she will be inducted into the YWCA Marin Women’s Hall of Fame. NMCS was honored by Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence 2022/CVNL Heart of Marin, Large Business of the Year/Novato Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Marin/Bank of Marin. Stronger together, Cheryl and her management team advocate for policy change and partner with dozens of collaboratives including Healthy Marin Partnership, Novato Community Response Team, and Healthy Novato Initiative to name a few.

In service of strengthening communities, Cheryl has moderated the Novato Chamber’s Leadership Novato Nonprofit Day since 2010 to inspire others to engage with nonprofits. Cheryl is committed to advocating for policies and services that build an equitable Marin County with opportunities for all.

Vanshika Nachnani

Chief Financial Officer

Bio

Vanshika Nachnani has been with North Marin Community Services (NMCS) since January 2018. Prior to NMCS, she was with the Novato Youth Center since September 2009 as the Director of Finance and Administration. She has extensive finance and accounting management experience spanning all accounting oversight. Vanshika is a Financial Leader who enjoys working at both a strategic and hands on level with a very collaborative management style. She brings a wealth of non-profit accounting experience.

Vanshika manages the financial resources of the organization including accounting, organization-wide budgets, investments and interprets accounting reports to management and board. Vanshika directs and oversees a group of functions for the organization that includes finance office functions, human resources, administrative services, information technology and facilities.

Vanshika speaks four languages, certified by the American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages. Vanshika holds a Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance from India. Both her boys attended the Novato Youth Center’s youth development program. Vanshika is passionate about her work here at North Marin Community Services as she believes in empowering and educating youth, adults, and families for a successful future. Vanshika was awarded the North Bay Business Journal’s CFO Recognition Award in 2019.

Vanshika Nachnani has been with North Marin Community Services (NMCS) since January 2018. Prior to NMCS, she was with the Novato Youth Center since September 2009 as the Director of Finance and Administration. She has extensive finance and accounting management experience spanning all accounting oversight. Vanshika is a Financial Leader who enjoys working at both a strategic and hands on level with a very collaborative management style. She brings a wealth of non-profit accounting experience.

Vanshika manages the financial resources of the organization including accounting, organization-wide budgets, investments and interprets accounting reports to management and board. Vanshika directs and oversees a group of functions for the organization that includes finance office functions, human resources, administrative services, information technology and facilities.

Vanshika speaks four languages, certified by the American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages. Vanshika holds a Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance from India. Both her boys attended the Novato Youth Center’s youth development program. Vanshika is passionate about her work here at North Marin Community Services as she believes in empowering and educating youth, adults, and families for a successful future. Vanshika was awarded the North Bay Business Journal’s CFO Recognition Award in 2019.

Alaina Cantor, MSW, LCSW

Director of Wellness Programs

Bio

Alaina is a social services professional with over twenty years of experience developing, evaluating and managing programs designed to improve the quality of life of diverse communities. Her administrative skills are uniquely complemented by her therapeutic interventions, effective in helping children and families address issues stemming from complex trauma, mental health disorders and psychosocial stressors.

She holds a master of social work (MSW) and bachelor of arts in social work from CSU Sacramento, where she graduated summa cum laude. Throughout the course of her career, Alaina has helped obtain and manage more than $14.5 million in grants and contracts from the government, as well as private grants and foundations in order to support comprehensive health and social services programs. She received the 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Marin County Human Rights Commission for her work developing a Promotores (community health advocate) program with Berta Campos-Anicetti, MPH and the Novato Youth Center. She returned to North Marin Community Services in October 2019 after working with Kaiser Permanente as a Psychiatric Social Worker and, more recently, with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) in the North Bay Area providing psychotherapy to under-served patients while also helping to oversee integrated behavioral health services in an administrative capacity.

Born and raised in Novato, she enjoys exploring the S.F. Bay Area with her husband and two daughters.

Alaina is a social services professional with over twenty years of experience developing, evaluating and managing programs designed to improve the quality of life of diverse communities. Her administrative skills are uniquely complemented by her therapeutic interventions, effective in helping children and families address issues stemming from complex trauma, mental health disorders and psychosocial stressors.

She holds a master of social work (MSW) and bachelor of arts in social work from CSU Sacramento, where she graduated summa cum laude. Throughout the course of her career, Alaina has helped obtain and manage more than $14.5 million in grants and contracts from the government, as well as private grants and foundations in order to support comprehensive health and social services programs. She received the 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Marin County Human Rights Commission for her work developing a Promotores (community health advocate) program with Berta Campos-Anicetti, MPH and the Novato Youth Center. She returned to North Marin Community Services in October 2019 after working with Kaiser Permanente as a Psychiatric Social Worker and, more recently, with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) in the North Bay Area providing psychotherapy to under-served patients while also helping to oversee integrated behavioral health services in an administrative capacity.

Born and raised in Novato, she enjoys exploring the S.F. Bay Area with her husband and two daughters.

Laura Abel

Wellness Programs Assistant Manager

Bio

Laura is happy to be part of the team at North Marin Community Services. She is a Bay Area native, raised in Petaluma. She is a graduate of Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Berkeley, where she majored in Social Welfare. After working as an IT consultant for bay area non-profits, she spent several years as a data analyst at Santa Rosa Junior College, and joined the North Marin Community Services team in March of 2022. In her spare time, Laura hangs out with her cat Andromeda, reads everything under the sun, and devotes endless hours to solving puzzles.

Laura is happy to be part of the team at North Marin Community Services. She is a Bay Area native, raised in Petaluma. She is a graduate of Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Berkeley, where she majored in Social Welfare. After working as an IT consultant for bay area non-profits, she spent several years as a data analyst at Santa Rosa Junior College, and joined the North Marin Community Services team in March of 2022. In her spare time, Laura hangs out with her cat Andromeda, reads everything under the sun, and devotes endless hours to solving puzzles.

Emily Bugos

Child Development Program Manager

Bio

Emily Bugos is a long-time member of the Novato community and has dedicated her career to the Child Development industry. She obtained a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education in December 2020 from San Francisco State University. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Education with a focus on community-based public health. Emily has worked within SFSU as a Head Teacher with Associated Students Early Childhood Education Center serving children 0-5 years, and as an Elementary Education Dept Teaching Assistant (she will also be a lecturer there this fall). She has experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, and has worked at various childcare centers including Bright Horizons at Letterman Digital Arts Childcare Center. She holds a Site Supervisor Permit and has familiarity working with CA State licensing requirements (Title XXII) and CA Dept of Education (Title V) regulations. Emily is a Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC) Certified Trainer, consults for Early Care Educators of San Francisco, and has presented at various conferences. Emily progressed through the NUSD public school system, from kindergarten through high school, and is an alumna of the Novato Youth Center afterschool program. Working with children and families has always been a passion for Emily, who believes that these relationships are at the heart of the work that we do. She is delighted to be welcomed to the NMCS team and to become part of such a strong community of people working to offer high quality programs. In her personal time, Emily enjoys reading, indoor cycling and hiking with her dog.

Emily Bugos is a long-time member of the Novato community and has dedicated her career to the Child Development industry. She obtained a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education in December 2020 from San Francisco State University. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Education with a focus on community-based public health. Emily has worked within SFSU as a Head Teacher with Associated Students Early Childhood Education Center serving children 0-5 years, and as an Elementary Education Dept Teaching Assistant (she will also be a lecturer there this fall). She has experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, and has worked at various childcare centers including Bright Horizons at Letterman Digital Arts Childcare Center. She holds a Site Supervisor Permit and has familiarity working with CA State licensing requirements (Title XXII) and CA Dept of Education (Title V) regulations. Emily is a Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC) Certified Trainer, consults for Early Care Educators of San Francisco, and has presented at various conferences. Emily progressed through the NUSD public school system, from kindergarten through high school, and is an alumna of the Novato Youth Center afterschool program. Working with children and families has always been a passion for Emily, who believes that these relationships are at the heart of the work that we do. She is delighted to be welcomed to the NMCS team and to become part of such a strong community of people working to offer high quality programs. In her personal time, Emily enjoys reading, indoor cycling and hiking with her dog.

Berta Campos-Anicetti, MPH

Co-Director of Latine Programs

Bio

Berta emigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador when she was 16 years old. She did not speak English and faced the struggles of being a new immigrant. The gifts and challenges of those experiences have informed her work and given her great compassion for the difficulties that are faced by newcomers to this country. She has focused her career and volunteer work on human rights and the health and wellness of immigrants, in particular Latine and low-income communities.

As the former Health Education and Promotores Program Director at the Novato Youth Center, she was integral in launching a teen pregnancy prevention program, the Novato Teen Clinic and most recently a Promotores Program. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UC Berkeley and has over 33 years of experience working with Latine and low-income young people and their families.

As a former active parent volunteer, Berta has served on the Site Leadership Team and PTA Board at San Ramon Elementary and as a Lynwood parent representative in the Blue Ribbon Coalition and NUSD Gate Advisory and Diversity Committees. Berta was also a steering committee member of United for Safe Schools Novato (USSN), a former board trustee at the Novato Youth Center, School Fuel and Marin Academy. She is also a volunteer docent at the Robert Ferguson Observatory.

Berta is a passionate advocate for her community and continues to make a lasting contribution to the community at large. In 2008, she received the Novato Multicultural Commission Rene Lopez Faces of Novato award; in 2009, the Marin County Human Rights Commission Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian award; in 2011, Empowering the Latino Community Leadership Award, North Bay Leadership Council and in 2021 the Latino Leadership Award from the North Bay Business Journal. Her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and building interpersonal respect has helped make Novato and Marin County a better place for us all to live.

Berta emigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador when she was 16 years old. She did not speak English and faced the struggles of being a new immigrant. The gifts and challenges of those experiences have informed her work and given her great compassion for the difficulties that are faced by newcomers to this country. She has focused her career and volunteer work on human rights and the health and wellness of immigrants, in particular Latine and low-income communities.

As the former Health Education and Promotores Program Director at the Novato Youth Center, she was integral in launching a teen pregnancy prevention program, the Novato Teen Clinic and most recently a Promotores Program. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UC Berkeley and has over 33 years of experience working with Latine and low-income young people and their families.

As a former active parent volunteer, Berta has served on the Site Leadership Team and PTA Board at San Ramon Elementary and as a Lynwood parent representative in the Blue Ribbon Coalition and NUSD Gate Advisory and Diversity Committees. Berta was also a steering committee member of United for Safe Schools Novato (USSN), a former board trustee at the Novato Youth Center, School Fuel and Marin Academy. She is also a volunteer docent at the Robert Ferguson Observatory.

Berta is a passionate advocate for her community and continues to make a lasting contribution to the community at large. In 2008, she received the Novato Multicultural Commission Rene Lopez Faces of Novato award; in 2009, the Marin County Human Rights Commission Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian award; in 2011, Empowering the Latino Community Leadership Award, North Bay Leadership Council and in 2021 the Latino Leadership Award from the North Bay Business Journal. Her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and building interpersonal respect has helped make Novato and Marin County a better place for us all to live.

Maria Jaramillo-Botero, LMFT

Co-Director of Latine Programs

Bio

Maria worked for the County of Marin- Behavioral Health and Recovery Services as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator and helped support their efforts to reduce ethnic and racial disparities by investing more resources, training, and support for Community Health Advocate and Promotores programs in underserved communities (including Latine individuals, mono-lingual Asian populations, and individuals living in Marin City), and increasing coordination and cultivating relationships with grassroots, faith-based, and other community providers and partners. In this role, she fostered strong relationships with key community partners, led Mental Health First Aid trainings, Family Support Groups, and Parenting Classes. She was previously a therapist at an inpatient facility providing services for people with dual diagnoses and has trained and worked in a variety of clinical settings and provided psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families, with a focus on addressing the needs and disparities in the immigrant Latine population and LGBTQ+ communities.

Maria worked for the County of Marin- Behavioral Health and Recovery Services as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator and helped support their efforts to reduce ethnic and racial disparities by investing more resources, training, and support for Community Health Advocate and Promotores programs in underserved communities (including Latine individuals, mono-lingual Asian populations, and individuals living in Marin City), and increasing coordination and cultivating relationships with grassroots, faith-based, and other community providers and partners. In this role, she fostered strong relationships with key community partners, led Mental Health First Aid trainings, Family Support Groups, and Parenting Classes. She was previously a therapist at an inpatient facility providing services for people with dual diagnoses and has trained and worked in a variety of clinical settings and provided psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families, with a focus on addressing the needs and disparities in the immigrant Latine population and LGBTQ+ communities.

Alaine Kalder

Human Resources Manager

Bio

Alaine Kalder joined NMCS as the organization’s first HR Generalist in February 2020. Alaine was promoted to HR Manager in October 2021. Prior to NMCS, Alaine worked in Human Resources at VIP Petcare, with a focus on recruiting, talent management, and employee relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Illinois, Chicago and PHRca certification.

Alaine Kalder joined NMCS as the organization’s first HR Generalist in February 2020. Alaine was promoted to HR Manager in October 2021. Prior to NMCS, Alaine worked in Human Resources at VIP Petcare, with a focus on recruiting, talent management, and employee relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Illinois, Chicago and PHRca certification.

Michelle Keane

Early Childhood Education Assistant Manager

Bio

Michelle Keane began her journey at North Marin Community Services (then the Novato Youth Center) in December of 1998.  She began as the After School Kindergarten Aide, and since then has taken on a variety of classroom roles in all Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs - from the infant room to preschool.  In 2017 she became the Preschool Head Teacher and focused on providing quality care, and an enriching, developmentally appropriate environment for the children in her care.  In 2020, she was promoted to ECE Assistant Manager, where she splits her time between the classroom and providing more focused support to the ECE Program.  She also runs the Developmental Playgroup Program, offering support to families that don’t have access to affordable and high-quality preschool. Michelle holds an AA degree in Early Childhood Development from Santa Rosa Junior College.

Michelle Keane began her journey at North Marin Community Services (then the Novato Youth Center) in December of 1998.  She began as the After School Kindergarten Aide, and since then has taken on a variety of classroom roles in all Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs - from the infant room to preschool.  In 2017 she became the Preschool Head Teacher and focused on providing quality care, and an enriching, developmentally appropriate environment for the children in her care.  In 2020, she was promoted to ECE Assistant Manager, where she splits her time between the classroom and providing more focused support to the ECE Program.  She also runs the Developmental Playgroup Program, offering support to families that don’t have access to affordable and high-quality preschool. Michelle holds an AA degree in Early Childhood Development from Santa Rosa Junior College.

Liliana Palu

Community Support Services Manager

Bio

Liliana comes to North Marin Community Services with experience in the non-profit sector working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay, followed by transitioning into a Staffing Consultant role with AppleOne Employment Agency and experience within Administrative Support. Serving in an array of roles from intake, case management, recruitment, administrative and management, Liliana has been a strong support for the community and organizations.

Graduating from Sonoma State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Liliana knew her future roles would involve directly working with the community. Returning to an organization which directly supports youth, adults and families has been a place where she feels most comfortable and passionate. Now, as a mother of 3 young school aged children, Liliana sees the importance of community support for all.

Liliana comes to North Marin Community Services with experience in the non-profit sector working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay, followed by transitioning into a Staffing Consultant role with AppleOne Employment Agency and experience within Administrative Support. Serving in an array of roles from intake, case management, recruitment, administrative and management, Liliana has been a strong support for the community and organizations.

Graduating from Sonoma State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Liliana knew her future roles would involve directly working with the community. Returning to an organization which directly supports youth, adults and families has been a place where she feels most comfortable and passionate. Now, as a mother of 3 young school aged children, Liliana sees the importance of community support for all.

Isaura Resendiz

Intensive Care Coordination Manager

Bio

Isaura has been with our organization for more than 20 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She has been working for several years with our Amigos program and for many years with the Thriving Families program, assisting some of our most vulnerable families to strengthen relationships, reduce barriers to care, connect them with critical resources and participate in wraparound team meetings. Her support and effective case management have allowed many families in Marin to overcome personal crisis and family emergencies. These interventions have created family stability reducing the likelihood of child abuse.

While her days are filled with difficult stories of challenging circumstances, Isaura receives each family with an open-heart and her full attention, treating each family or individual with the utmost dignity, compassion and respect.

Isaura has also done contract work for Children & Family Services and in 2015 became certified as a Visitation Supervisor through Marin County’s Superior Court. Isaura received the North Bay Business Journal’s 2022 Latino Business Leadership Award. She lives with her husband and son in Novato.

Isaura has been with our organization for more than 20 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She has been working for several years with our Amigos program and for many years with the Thriving Families program, assisting some of our most vulnerable families to strengthen relationships, reduce barriers to care, connect them with critical resources and participate in wraparound team meetings. Her support and effective case management have allowed many families in Marin to overcome personal crisis and family emergencies. These interventions have created family stability reducing the likelihood of child abuse.

While her days are filled with difficult stories of challenging circumstances, Isaura receives each family with an open-heart and her full attention, treating each family or individual with the utmost dignity, compassion and respect.

Isaura has also done contract work for Children & Family Services and in 2015 became certified as a Visitation Supervisor through Marin County’s Superior Court. Isaura received the North Bay Business Journal’s 2022 Latino Business Leadership Award. She lives with her husband and son in Novato.

Paul Russell

Director of Operations

Bio

Paul was born and raised in Novato attending local schools and has distinct memories of meeting his friends at what was then known as the Novato Boys Club. Paul graduated from Marin Catholic High School and received a Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Chicago.  After several years in the outdoor recreation industry, Paul returned to the Bay Area and began a career focused on helping others through non-profits.  Over the last 15 years he has held multiple leadership positions at the Alameda Food Bank and Hand in Hand Parenting, with an emphasis on operations and finance including time as Executive Director at both organizations.  Paul has a record of building capacity and creating programs that improve the client experience while protecting the bottom line. When not working Paul enjoys exploring the outdoors with his three children, preferably on bicycles.

Paul was born and raised in Novato attending local schools and has distinct memories of meeting his friends at what was then known as the Novato Boys Club. Paul graduated from Marin Catholic High School and received a Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Chicago.  After several years in the outdoor recreation industry, Paul returned to the Bay Area and began a career focused on helping others through non-profits.  Over the last 15 years he has held multiple leadership positions at the Alameda Food Bank and Hand in Hand Parenting, with an emphasis on operations and finance including time as Executive Director at both organizations.  Paul has a record of building capacity and creating programs that improve the client experience while protecting the bottom line. When not working Paul enjoys exploring the outdoors with his three children, preferably on bicycles.

Stefanie F. Smith, Ph.D

Director of Behavioral Health

Bio

Stefanie F. Smith, Ph.D is a licensed clinical psychologist who brings 30 years of youth and family focused experience across a range of sectors including public and private school education, community mental health, crisis response, health care/hospital, legal, non-profit, residential, and undergraduate and graduate training.  She has served as direct service provider (teacher and psychologist), researcher and program evaluator, consultant, supervisor, trainer, professor, and executive leader. She specializes in training, strategic planning, program development, and evaluation design. Her overarching expertise is in trauma specific services, and trauma-responsive care. She has published articles and book chapters in this area and presented at regional, national, and international conferences and is an affiliate member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

She loves to develop innovative and engaging services that use the science of trauma and adversity and to train providers, especially in trauma-specific interventions. She is “passionate about expanding the ways we think about providing mental health services, especially when it comes to trauma and adversity, so the services can be more accessible and effective.”

Dr. Smith loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking and participating in many other outdoor recreation activities and spending quality time with her daughter.

Stefanie F. Smith, Ph.D is a licensed clinical psychologist who brings 30 years of youth and family focused experience across a range of sectors including public and private school education, community mental health, crisis response, health care/hospital, legal, non-profit, residential, and undergraduate and graduate training.  She has served as direct service provider (teacher and psychologist), researcher and program evaluator, consultant, supervisor, trainer, professor, and executive leader. She specializes in training, strategic planning, program development, and evaluation design. Her overarching expertise is in trauma specific services, and trauma-responsive care. She has published articles and book chapters in this area and presented at regional, national, and international conferences and is an affiliate member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

She loves to develop innovative and engaging services that use the science of trauma and adversity and to train providers, especially in trauma-specific interventions. She is “passionate about expanding the ways we think about providing mental health services, especially when it comes to trauma and adversity, so the services can be more accessible and effective.”

Dr. Smith loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking and participating in many other outdoor recreation activities and spending quality time with her daughter.

Angelina Susmani

Child Development Program Assistant Manager

Bio

Angelina has worked for Marin Community Services (and previously Novato Youth Center) for nine years, and has held various positions including Student Intern, Elementary Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, School Age Head Teacher and more recently Child Development Program Coordinator. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State and continues her education through College of Marin, taking ECE and administrative courses. Angelina is a lifelong Novato resident, attended Waldorf and NUSD schools. She quotes, “I am excited to grow in my new position and to learn new things each and every day. Working with the children and their families brings me joy. Seeing the smiles on their faces and being able to make a difference in their lives is why I get up in the morning. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the support and guidance of those around me. You can always find me singing, dancing, and cracking a joke inside and outside of the office. I look forward to beginning my next chapter at NMCS!”

Angelina has worked for Marin Community Services (and previously Novato Youth Center) for nine years, and has held various positions including Student Intern, Elementary Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, School Age Head Teacher and more recently Child Development Program Coordinator. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State and continues her education through College of Marin, taking ECE and administrative courses. Angelina is a lifelong Novato resident, attended Waldorf and NUSD schools. She quotes, “I am excited to grow in my new position and to learn new things each and every day. Working with the children and their families brings me joy. Seeing the smiles on their faces and being able to make a difference in their lives is why I get up in the morning. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the support and guidance of those around me. You can always find me singing, dancing, and cracking a joke inside and outside of the office. I look forward to beginning my next chapter at NMCS!”

Stephanie Williams, MNA

Director of Development

Bio

Stephanie Williams joined North Marin Community Services in September 2018. Stephanie is an experienced fundraiser that brings donors closer to NMCS’ core work and its positive impact on the children, families and community of Northern Marin. Prior to joining NMCS, she worked as a fundraising consultant and advised clients on best practices to deepen and diversify their funding base. She also taught a suite of fundraising classes at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Stephanie was the past Director of Annual Giving for the Marine Mammal Center, where she helped grow the annual fund during a successful capital campaign for its current facility. Stephanie holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College. She is the author of “Donor Preferences and Charitable Giving,” published in the International Journal of Educational Advancement.

Stephanie served on Charity Navigator’s Consultative Council of Nonprofit Leaders and is a past board member of Marin Charitable. She is passionate about helping children and families in need. Stephanie is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She enjoys fundraising and communicating to donors the power and effect of their investment.

Stephanie Williams joined North Marin Community Services in September 2018. Stephanie is an experienced fundraiser that brings donors closer to NMCS’ core work and its positive impact on the children, families and community of Northern Marin. Prior to joining NMCS, she worked as a fundraising consultant and advised clients on best practices to deepen and diversify their funding base. She also taught a suite of fundraising classes at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Stephanie was the past Director of Annual Giving for the Marine Mammal Center, where she helped grow the annual fund during a successful capital campaign for its current facility. Stephanie holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College. She is the author of “Donor Preferences and Charitable Giving,” published in the International Journal of Educational Advancement.

Stephanie served on Charity Navigator’s Consultative Council of Nonprofit Leaders and is a past board member of Marin Charitable. She is passionate about helping children and families in need. Stephanie is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She enjoys fundraising and communicating to donors the power and effect of their investment.

Rick van Adelsberg

Since 12/15. Board President, Retired Principal/Educator

Bio

“Our mission to help support under-resourced families in Novato with a variety of critical services was both motivating and inspirational. I believe in equity and leveling the unequal playing field for our participants and providing a voice for families and individuals who are unable or afraid to speak up. Advocating for these families and helping them be productive members of our community lifts us all up and was instrumental in me wanting to be part of this important work.”

“Our mission to help support under-resourced families in Novato with a variety of critical services was both motivating and inspirational. I believe in equity and leveling the unequal playing field for our participants and providing a voice for families and individuals who are unable or afraid to speak up. Advocating for these families and helping them be productive members of our community lifts us all up and was instrumental in me wanting to be part of this important work.”

Jim Correa

Since 09/17. Board VP, Captain, Novato Police Department

Bio

“I’m truly honored to serve on the NMCS Board of Directors, a responsibility I take very seriously. Working to support our participants and staff is one of the highlights of my policing career.”

“I’m truly honored to serve on the NMCS Board of Directors, a responsibility I take very seriously. Working to support our participants and staff is one of the highlights of my policing career.”

Uday Wagle

Since 01/18. Board Treasurer, Retired Chemical Engineer

Bio

“A TFI client's joyful tears, a Food Pantry client's friendly smile, so precious.”

“A TFI client's joyful tears, a Food Pantry client's friendly smile, so precious.”

Kate Shilvock, MNA, EdD (’23)

Since 01/16. Board Secretary, Nonprofit Professional

Bio

Kate joined the board of North Marin Community Services in 2015, and she brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience both as an internal change agent as well as a governance leader, and most recently as president of her own nonprofit consulting group. Her experiences range from securing multi-million-dollar philanthropic revenue, to streamlining organizational processes and procedures. Kate is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Change and Leadership at USC where her favorite research topics are nonprofit governance dynamics and the fundamentals of accountability and change within the nonprofit sector. She lives in Novato with her opera-loving husband and her two sweet and sporty kids.

“Giving back to the community is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference in our world. NMCS is where our community connects, the services provided touch so many people every single day, and it has been an honor to contribute to its success as a board member.”

Kate joined the board of North Marin Community Services in 2015, and she brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience both as an internal change agent as well as a governance leader, and most recently as president of her own nonprofit consulting group. Her experiences range from securing multi-million-dollar philanthropic revenue, to streamlining organizational processes and procedures. Kate is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Change and Leadership at USC where her favorite research topics are nonprofit governance dynamics and the fundamentals of accountability and change within the nonprofit sector. She lives in Novato with her opera-loving husband and her two sweet and sporty kids.

“Giving back to the community is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference in our world. NMCS is where our community connects, the services provided touch so many people every single day, and it has been an honor to contribute to its success as a board member.”

Nikki Collins

Since 10/18. Human Resources Generalist, Marin Community Foundation

Bio

“The desire to be a part of North Marin Community Services centers on my belief that people matter, as individuals, as family members, as community members.  And yet, our social justice system and our safety net for those who are impoverished (and/or disabled, from diverse communities, legal and illegal immigrants and so on) are both profoundly unjust and demonstrably unequal. I personally do not know how to take steps to correct such wide scale injustice or to patch the basic safety net – and yet, serving on the Board of NMCS is one way that I can help course correct. Working with like-minded fellow board members and staff, gives me the satisfaction that at least in this corner of the US, our community members receive needed, essential services timely and effectively, while treating the recipients with dignity and respect.”

“The desire to be a part of North Marin Community Services centers on my belief that people matter, as individuals, as family members, as community members.  And yet, our social justice system and our safety net for those who are impoverished (and/or disabled, from diverse communities, legal and illegal immigrants and so on) are both profoundly unjust and demonstrably unequal. I personally do not know how to take steps to correct such wide scale injustice or to patch the basic safety net – and yet, serving on the Board of NMCS is one way that I can help course correct. Working with like-minded fellow board members and staff, gives me the satisfaction that at least in this corner of the US, our community members receive needed, essential services timely and effectively, while treating the recipients with dignity and respect.”

Jim Duckworth

Since 03/16. Real Estate Investor and Asset Manager

Bio

“Together we are strong.”

“Together we are strong.”

Karen Dillon Gifford

Since 04/16. Director, Product at User Zoom; Marketing and Product Professional

Cathy Janigian

Since 01/18. Financial Marketing Communications Professional

Cris Jones

Since 03/21. Tenant Relations Manager, Volunteer Management Consultant

Bio

“I am honored to serve on the board of North Marin Community Services, which mission closely aligns with my values. This dynamic team solves complex challenges for our neighbors, making sure there is opportunity for all in our diverse community.”

“I am honored to serve on the board of North Marin Community Services, which mission closely aligns with my values. This dynamic team solves complex challenges for our neighbors, making sure there is opportunity for all in our diverse community.”

Alberto Lopez

Since 12/16. Branch Manager, Edges Electrical Group

Rafelina Maglio

Since 09/18. VP, Market Manager, Bank of Marin

Bio

“I chose to serve on NMCS Board because I believe in the Mission: To empower youth, adults and families in our diverse community to achieve well-being, growth and success.”

“I chose to serve on NMCS Board because I believe in the Mission: To empower youth, adults and families in our diverse community to achieve well-being, growth and success.”

Aileen McGoldrick

Since 10/20. Partner and Operations Manager, Autodesk

Bio

“I choose to serve on the board because I believe in NMCS’s mission of ensuring opportunities for all. NMCS is a strong advocate for change and equality, and their work ensures the underserved are heard, seen, and have access to the much-needed safety net services that help families, youth and adults thrive. I am honored to be part of their community.”

“I choose to serve on the board because I believe in NMCS’s mission of ensuring opportunities for all. NMCS is a strong advocate for change and equality, and their work ensures the underserved are heard, seen, and have access to the much-needed safety net services that help families, youth and adults thrive. I am honored to be part of their community.”

Alejandro Menacho Molina

Since 10/20. Student, San Marin High School

Isaac Munene

01/18. Realtor, Coldwell Banker

Bio

"NMCS was instrumental in seeing me through a rough patch of my life and after getting back on my feet, it was an easy decision to give back in service and support to an organization so near and dear to my heart."

"NMCS was instrumental in seeing me through a rough patch of my life and after getting back on my feet, it was an easy decision to give back in service and support to an organization so near and dear to my heart."

Karen Smail Poksay

Since 02/21. Principal Research Associate, Ultragenyx

Bio

“Deciding to serve on the NMCS Board was not a difficult decision for me. Not only did I want to share my time and energy serving the less fortunate in my wonderful hometown community of Novato, but I also wanted to carry on in my mother's footsteps. My mother, Annette K. Smail, was one of the founding forces in the formation of the Novato Human Needs Center 50 years ago and also served on the Board!”

“Deciding to serve on the NMCS Board was not a difficult decision for me. Not only did I want to share my time and energy serving the less fortunate in my wonderful hometown community of Novato, but I also wanted to carry on in my mother's footsteps. My mother, Annette K. Smail, was one of the founding forces in the formation of the Novato Human Needs Center 50 years ago and also served on the Board!”

Karen Robertson Strain

Since 02/15. Partner, Front Porch Realty Group

Bio

“I am very proud of my service to NMCS over the years. I have witnessed many people in our community benefit from its programs and I continue to admire the leadership and staff which makes it happen.”

“I am very proud of my service to NMCS over the years. I have witnessed many people in our community benefit from its programs and I continue to admire the leadership and staff which makes it happen.”

Sanaa Wiley

Since 07/22. Student, Novato High School

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