April 2022
Tianna Travis joins Voices for Children as an Advocacy Supervisor. She has recently worked within education, case management, volunteer and academic support, and will soon be graduating with a Bachelors in Child Development. Prior to joining us, Tianna worked for Cajon Valley Union School District where she held several roles, including supporting the special education department and the TEDx program. Tianna has volunteered with Voices for Children as a CASA for the past six and a half years, advocating for seven children during that time. With this experience, Tianna will continue to be an asset to Voices for Children in her new role.
Sarah Stempien joins Voices for Children as an Advocacy Supervisor. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past twelve years in various capacities including development, human resources, finance, and volunteer management. In addition to this, Sarah was a foster parent for nine years before adopting her two youngest children in 2019. During her time as a foster parent Sarah enjoyed working with CASAs and felt that they provided a bright spot during the ups and downs of the fostering journey for both herself and her children. Because of this, Sarah is passionate towards our mission and uniquely positioned to guide and support our CASAs.
March 2022
Suzy Garcia joins VFC as Director of Marketing and Communications. With a Bachelors in Journalism and an emphasis in Public Relations, Suzy brings more than 15 years of experience working with various nonprofits. She has been recognized for her professional efforts as she was named one of San Diego’s “40 Under 40” by SD Metro Magazine. Suzy feels especially close to VFC’s mission, having been in foster care herself before finding a loving home at the age of 7
Sophie Pariseau joins VFC as an Advocacy Supervisor. Sophie received a double Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and brings a wealth of knowledge from her prior experience in psychiatric rehabilitation, policing, and corrections.
February 2022
Ana Jerez joins VFC as a Case Liaison. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science from San Diego State University, Ana has spent the last few years working with at risk youth and immigrant populations in the community as a legal assistant. Through this work, Ana has recognized her passion for helping youth and their families who have experienced trauma.
December 2021
Name: Shea McCall
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 12/13/21
Hometown: Redding, CA
Academic Background: San Diego State University, Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development
Professional Background: Shea has a strong background working with children and families. She has worked in several schools in the past 3 years with roles ranging from student intern to teacher assistant before her most recent role as lead teacher at Warren-Walker Early Leaning Center. Her additional experiences include a year working as a Developmental Specialist at the Parent Infant Program in Redding. Shea has a volunteer background herself and a passion for the work we do at Voices for Children. During her studies she spent time in multiple internships along with studying abroad in Guatemala working with rural and underserved communities.
Personal Information: Shea loves being outdoors and active. She enjoys weight lifting, surfing, snowboarding, hiking, and reading at the beach.
Favorite Quote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
August 2021
Name: Chelsea Shaw
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 8/23/21
Academic Background: Old Dominion University, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology; Michigan State University, (In progress) Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis
Professional Background: Prior to this role, Chelsea was a therapeutic riding instructor with Riding Above Disability, where she worked with children and adults with special needs. She worked directly with 25 students and managed volunteers and interns in coordinating fundraising events. Prior to that role, Chelsea worked for Glamour as an office administrator / services manager before working for several years as a customer service specialist for Broad Decisions, Inc.
Name: Nora Siklosi-Szabo
Position: Advocacy Supervisor, Juvenile Justice
Start Date: 8/16/21
Hometown: Budapest, Hungary (moved to US in 2012)
Academic Background: Pazmany Peter University (Communication, Event Management), Corvinus University (Project Management)
Professional Background: Previous to VFC, Nora worked as a Program Coordinator at CASA of Middlesex County. Her other experience includes Outreach and Education Coordinator at YWCA Princeton and Program Manager at Dress for Success in New Jersey. Nora believes that every child deserves a safe and loving home and is very passionate about providing quality service to children and families.
Personal Information: Nora is married to her high school sweetheart and has three children and two dogs. She recently relocated to California from New Jersey and enjoys running, hiking, reading, and discovering new cultures.
Favorite Books: This Is How It Always Is by Laurel Frankel, and Ghosted by Rosie Walsh
Name: Chad Mulhall
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 8/16/21
Academic Background: University of San Diego, BA Psychology
Professional Background: Chad started as a Program Aide where he helped provide elementary school enrichment for after school programs. While earning his undergraduate degree in Psychology, Chad worked for the Psychology Department at the University of San Diego as a research assistant. He’s also worked with the Artemis Institute for Clinical Research by assisting their trials towards a COVID-19 vaccine.
Personal Information: In his spare time, Chad loves to rock climb, and he frequents the Mission Gorge Trail and east San Diego for this activity.
Favorite Book: Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan.
July 2021
Name: Tanya Ehlert
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 7/26/21
Academic Background: California State University, Fresno, Master of Arts in Physical Education and Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology
Professional Background: Prior to this role, Tanya worked in Special Education at a local elementary school where her empathy for vulnerable children grew. With her expanding desire to advocate for children, she was led to VFC.
Personal Information: One interesting fact about Tanya is that she competed in the World Indoor T&F Championships in Barcelona, Spain in 1995 for the USA mile relay where they took bronze. She also participated in the 1996 Olympic Trials in the 400 meters. Tanya also loves the outdoors. Whether walking on the beach with her family and puggle, hiking, or road-biking, she stays active with her family of three boys and husband.
Name: Kim Riveros
Position: Advocacy Supervisor, Juvenile Justice
Start Date: 7/26/21
Hometown: San Diego, California
Academic Background: University of San Diego, Bachelor’s in Sociology and Spanish
Professional Background: Previous to VFC, Kim worked at San Diego Juvenile Hall for 4.5 years. She has also worked with unaccompanied youth from Central America. Kim’s work has always involved supporting youth.
Personal Information: In her spare time, Kim loves spending time with family, friends, and her partner. She lives in East Village and enjoys exploring new restaurants and coffee shops. One of her favorite forms of self-care is shopping, and she has an eye for graphic design, even selling her creations on clothing.
Favorite Movies: Hocus Pocus, Holes, Under the Same Moon, and Freedom Writers
Name: Anne Fukasawa
Position: Accounting Manager
Start Date: 7/19/21
Academic Background: San Diego State University, Master of Science in Accounting; California-licensed CPA
Professional Background: Anne most recently held the role of Principal Accountant (managerial-level) at Callaway Golf Company where she supervised staff accounts in subsidiary organizations. Prior to her time at Callaway she worked as an Accounting Manager for Events.com and as a Senior Accountant for Iboss Inc. and Encore Capital Group.
Personal Information: Anne is described by those who have worked with her as a highly skilled, trustworthy and analytical accounting professional who is well liked and respected by her peers. She is a self-starter who works well as part of a team and has consistently handled challenging work demands and complex interpersonal work relationships.
Name: Emily Osborne
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 7/15/21
Hometown: Riverside, California
Academic Background: UCLA, B.A. in Anthropology (And one class shy of an M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a Concentration in Evolutionary Medicine.)
Professional Background: Emily has been in several leadership roles including working as a research lab manager, designing and supervising a COVID testing lab, and facilitating a research speaker series at UCLA. With an interest in helping people, Emily focused her education on understanding people and why we behave the way we do.
Personal Information: In her spare time, Emily loves to roller skate, read fantasy and sci-fi novels, and express her creativity through writing and designing.
Favorite Book Series: Emily really loves Lord of the Rings.
Name: Paul Ammons
Position: CASA Outreach Coordinator
Start Date: 7/6/21
Hometown: San Diego, California
Academic Background: Saint Joseph’s University, Bachelor of Science in Sociology with Minors in Latinx Studies and Faith-Justice Studies
Professional Background: Paul’s most recent role was as a volunteer legal advocate at the Homeless Advocacy Project in San Francisco with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He has interned at several nonprofits. He is a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion and has spent the last several years advocating on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Personal Information: For fun, Paul enjoys playing games on his Nintendo Switch, reading, cooking with his sister, taking long walks around his neighborhood, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Quote: “Remember that there is meaning beyond absurdity. Know that every deed counts, that every word is power…Above all, remember that you must build your life as if it were a work of art.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel
May 2021
Name: Sam Moothart
Position: CASA Recruitment Associate
Start Date: 5/24/21
Hometown: San Diego, California
Academic Background: University of San Diego, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Professional Background: Sam graduated in May 2021 from the University of San Diego with a B.A. in Psychology. During her time as a student, Sam worked in athletic operations and ticketing sales. Additionally, she has experience mentoring high school seniors from low-income areas in San Diego.
Personal Information: Sam’s favorite pastime is attending Padres baseball games. She is a huge Padres fan and even owns season tickets.
Favorite Quote: “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” –Dita Von Teese
April 2021
Name: Kristen Brandley
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 4/19/2021
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
Academic Background: University of California Santa Barbara, Bachelor of Arts in English; University of California San Diego, Health Information IT Certified
Professional Background: Kristen started her career as an Executive Assistant in Business Development working in Digital Media, Account Management, and Project Liaison with various SD startups in Health and Bio-Tech. She was introduced to VFC in 2018 when she trained to become a CASA volunteer.
Personal Information: Kristen is also a volunteer with KPBS and has worked with various youth and family programs across San Diego. She loves to sail, wakeboard, gold, travel, and have family game nights with her children. Additionally, she and her husband have started the Pacific Crest Trail and eventually aim to complete the 2,650-mile hike.
Favorite Listens: Ted Talks, Brene Brown, and Armchair Expert
Name: Noor Khalil
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 4/12/2021
Hometown: Vallejo, California (Raised in Vallejo and Benicia, California)
Academic Background: University of Southern California, Master’s in Public Adminisitration
Professional Background: Worked with foster youth in Los Angeles County before entering the private sector for a number of years.
Personal Information: Noor loves being outdoors, whether it’s at the beach playing volleyball, hiking, or going on a run. She enjoys comedy shows and live music. Additionally, Noor loves to travel, and has backpacked across more than 25 countries and counting.
Favorite Book: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
March 2021
Name: Christina London
Position: Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Start Date: 3/25/2021
Hometown: Boardman, Ohio
Academic Background: Ohio University, Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Professional Background: Christina started her career in media as an intern at “The Today Show.” She then began working in broadcast journalism, first as a reporter then a producer, at a local TV station in Youngstown, Ohio, followed by a role as a digital media producer at NBC 7 in San Diego. Christina switched gears and began working in nonprofit communications, landing a position at Helen Woodward Animal Shelter for 6 years before joining Voices for Children.
Personal Information: Christina was recently a member of a hula hoop dance group that performed around San Diego!
Favorite Quote: “That’s just your fear. Fear is what can’t be trusted.” –Elsa (“Frozen”)
Name: Eunice McFarland
Position: Director of Human Resources
Start Date: 3/9/21
Hometown: Sandusky, Ohio
Academic Background: Alma College, BA, History / University of Glasgow , MPhil, Psychology
Professional Background: Eunice has over 20 years of HR experience in both the United States and United Kingdom. She obtained several human resource specific credentials over the course of her career including an SPHR-CA (2010) and the SHRM-SCP (2015). Eunice began her career in human resource focused internships as part of a Graduate Management Training Program in Northern Ireland. Afterwards, she worked in human resources for Action Cancer.
Personal Information: Eunice is the oldest and only daughter of 6 siblings. She played violin from grade school through college. In addition, Eunice is well-traveled; she has lived in Naples, Italy as an au pair and spent a semester in Madrid, Spain when in college.
Favorite Poem: Still I Rise is Eunice’s favorite poem by one of her favorite authors, Maya Angelou.
February 2021
Name: Raigan Williams
Position: Program Administrative Assistant
Start Date: 2/16/2021
Hometown: Born in South Carolina, but raised all over California
Academic Background: Western State Colorado University, Bachelor’s Degree, Communications with a double emphasis and a minor in Psychology
Professional Background: Once Raigan graduated from college, she worked in a number of roles, including retail and customer service positions, Administrative Assistant for the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and Concierge for Sharp Grossmont Hospital.
Personal Information: One interesting fact about Raigan is that she enjoys searching up behind-the-scenes fun facts and background information about movies and TV shows as she’s watching them.
Name: Ekaterina Danton
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Start Date: 2/16/2021
Academic Background: Dual Master’s degrees in Applied International Studies from the University of Washington and French Language and Literature from Arizona State University
Professional Background: Prior to joining VFC, Ekaterina taught Russian for the Defense Language Institute. She’s also taught children at the Boys & Girls Club in Bellevue, Washington, and taught French courses at Arizona State University.
Personal Information: Ekaterina can speak four languages: English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
December 2020
Name: Chelsey Crowne
Position: Recruitment & Outreach Associate
Start Date: 12/21/20
Hometown: Camberley, UK (moved to the USA in 2010)
Academic Background: San Diego State, Journalism & Spanish double major, BA
Professional Background: Prior to joining VFC, Chelsey attended San Diego State University where she was involved with Rady Children’s Hospital and the San Diego Food Bank. She also planned the annual TEDxSDSU conference and interned with a variety of companies and nonprofits in the San Diego region.
Personal Information: Chelsey has been an advocate for children with illnesses since she herself was a child. She spent much of her life fundraising and spreading awareness about the underfunded nature of childhood illness, specifically cancer. In college, she was heavily involved in Dance Marathon at SDSU, a year-long fundraising effort for Rady Children’s Hospital, and helped to raise over $365,000.
November 2020
Name: Ceri “Keri” Keith
Position: Accounting Associate
Hometown: Linwood, New Jersey
Academic Background: BA History, M.Ed., UCLA
Professional Background: Prior to joining VFC, Ceri spent 11 years teaching math and social studies to students in grades 6-12. She has also worked as a bookkeeper for a law firm and a small online retail business.
Personal Information: In 2019, Ceri, who was adopted when she was three weeks old, took a DNA test and was connected to a full birth sister who lives in Maine. Ceri has enjoyed getting to know her sister and many members of her extended birth family.
Inspirational Quote: What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. –Jane Goodall
Name: Paulina Lee
Position: Senior Administrative Coordinator
Hometown: San Jose, California
Academic Background: BS, Cognitive Science, UCSD
Professional Background: Paulina worked as a research assistant for UCSD’s Cognitive Science department while pursuing her degree. Since graduation, she worked in customer service and tutoring prior to joining VFC.
Personal Information: Paulina enjoys reading books, watching movies/television, and drawing. She also likes walking on the beach and jogging by the bay.
Favorite Movie: Kiki’s Delivery Service
July 2020
Name: Rebecca Rader
Position: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Hometown: San Diego
Academic Background: BA, English Literature, UCLA
Professional Background: Rebecca, who has more than 35 years of comprehensive fundraising and marketing experience, has raised more than $42 million for nonprofit causes throughout her career. She is returning to Voices for Children after serving as Chief Philanthropy Officer at Center for Community Solutions, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and as Chief Advancement Officer at CASA of Orange County. Prior to this, Rebecca served as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at Voices for Children for several years. She began her career in public relations and operated her own public relations firm, working with for-profit and nonprofit companies, for more than a decade.
Personal Information: Rebecca loves reading, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and spending time with her two dogs, Ham and Georgia Mae. She is passionate about travel plans to travel to Southeast Asia next. She is also learning Italian in anticipation of someday living in Italy for a year or two.
Quote: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”–Marcus Aurelius
October 2019
Name: Tiara Gardner
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Hometown: San Diego
Academic Background: BA, Communications (minors in Political Science and Business), University of California, San Diego
Professional Background: Before joining Voices for Children, Tiara, a former CASA at Voices for Children, worked as a paralegal/legal secretary, working on medical malpractice and insurance defense case management. While in college, she interned at Nordstrom.
Personal Information: Tiara enjoys interior design, fashion, and do-it-yourself crafts. She also likes cooking, decorating cupcakes, and making fondant cakes. After a tough day, music, the beach, and fresh flowers help Tiara to decompress.
Favorite Quote: “May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary.”–Xan Oku
Name: Erica Solberg
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Hometown: Napa Valley
Academic Background: BA, Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
Professional Background: Erica, a former CASA at Voices for Children, has worked mainly in the nonprofit sector addressing global childhood malnutrition by providing vitamins to vulnerable populations. She previously worked with Vitamin Angels, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit provider of vitamins to children and mothers, by vetting, monitoring, and evaluating new and existing field partners.
Personal Information: Erica has had a huge passion for international travel and experiencing other cultures firsthand since she was a kid. During college, she lived and studied in Madrid, Spain, and Florence, Italy. She has also traveled in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Inspirational Book: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
July 2019
Name: Nikki-Rose Huerta
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Hometown: Paradise Hills, San Diego
Academic Background: BA, English Literature, UC Berkeley
Professional Background: A recent graduate of UC Berkeley, Nikki-Rose has mentored and worked with teens in Berkeley YMCA’s Y-Scholars program and the ARC Experience program in San Diego. She has also dabbled in retail and event management in UC Berkeley’s Athletics Department.
Personal Information: Nikki-Rose loves to travel and studied abroad for a semester in Berlin. She likes trying new recipes and has recently picked up books again after a hiatus from literature following graduation. She can often be found in museums or roaming San Diego, appreciating all kinds of art, architecture, and design.
Inspirational Quote: “A luta continua, vitória é certa.” (The struggle continues, victory is certain)
Name: Max Schmitz
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Hometown: Pana, IL
Academic Background: BA, Psychology, Southern Illinois University; JD, University of Missouri
Professional Background: During law school, Max completed internships with the Missouri State Public Defender and the Illinois Innocence Project. Before law school, he worked in direct care at a group home.
Personal Information: Max enjoys listening to music, playing music, and watching live entertainment. He also likes traveling, hiking, camping, gardening, and playing basketball. Max and his girlfriend moved from Missouri to San Diego about a year ago.
Inspirational Movie: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Name: Michelle Arnold
Position: Recruitment and Outreach Associate
Hometown: Simi Valley
Academic Background: BA, Philosophy (concentration in ethics and pre-law), Sonoma State University
Professional Background: Michelle worked with a nonprofit organization in Sonoma County providing students at Sonoma State various volunteer opportunities. While in college, Michelle interned for a restorative justice mediation organization in Santa Rosa working with juveniles and the juvenile probation office.
Personal Information: Michelle enjoys going to the beach or the pool, going on hikes, and seeking unique restaurants and local shops.
Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
Name: Kylee Stratton
Position: Associate Program Manager
Hometown: Encinitas
Academic Background: BS, Business, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Professional Background: Kylee (nee Gibson) recently returned to Voices for Children after living in Orange County and working with Orange County’s CASA program, primarily as an associate program manager, for nearly two years. Prior to working for VFC as an advocacy supervisor, Kylee taught underprivileged and orphaned children at a government boarding school in Thailand.
Personal Information: Kylee enjoys traveling, both abroad and domestically, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves spending time at the beach, running, hiking, camping, and being outdoors. She and her husband recently relocated back to San Diego.
Inspirational Quote: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”—Dalai Lama
June 2019
Name: Kelly Grant
Position: Advocacy Supervisor
Hometown: Los Angeles
Academic Background: MA, Conflict, Security, and Development, King’s College London; BA, International Affairs with minors in Social Entrepreneurship and Political Science, Northeastern University
Professional Background: Prior to joining VFC, Kelly lived in Medellin, Colombia, where she worked for an international foundation investigating organized crime and drug trafficking in Latin America. Kelly has worked in business development, operations, and research in both the private and nonprofit sectors and is passionate about social impact and community development.
Personal Information: Kelly loves traveling and has backpacked through more than a dozen countries in Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, trying new restaurants, and checking out local live music. Kelly also enjoys playing the cello and curling up with a good novel.
Favorite Author: Ann Patchett
Name: Samantha Daum
Position: Development Assistant
Hometown: Fallbrook
Academic Background: BS, Marine Biology, University of California, San Diego; Nonprofit Management Certification, University of California, Irvine
Professional Background: Samantha has a background in quality control management and executive-level support. Samantha discovered her passion for serving disadvantaged children in 2013 when she volunteered for a summer at a children’s home in Kenya. There she worked with orphaned, abandoned, and abused children, She continues to be a dedicated volunteer for the organization, planning and executing fundraising activities and events.
Personal Information: In her free time, Samantha enjoys aerial silks workouts, camping, and DIY home-improvement projects. She loves farmers’ markets, traveling, baked goods, connecting with friends and family, and curling up with a book and her foster puppies.
Inspirational Quote: “Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”—Lin-Manuel Miranda, from Hamilton
May 2019
Name: Sabrina Gonzalez
Position: Program Assistant
Hometown: Bonita
Academic Background: BA, Political Science, University of California, San Diego
Professional Background: A recent graduate of UCSD, Sabrina served two terms as the commuter representative on the College Council and also worked for the orientation and resident assistant programs at UCSD, helping new students transition into college life. After graduation, Sabrina managed a city council campaign in Silicon Valley, combining her interest in both politics and civil rights. Before joining VFC, Sabrina volunteered with Alliance San Diego, a local organization dedicated to promoting social justice and good governance.
Personal Information: A lifelong San Diego resident, Sabrina loves trying new restaurants and breweries, watching horror movies, and playing field hockey.
Inspirational Book: Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by John Lewis