Q: Tell us a little about yourself — your background, what brought you to the North Tahoe/Truckee area, and what keeps you here.
A: I currently serve as the Field Marketing Manager at Northstar California Resort, where I've been leading marketing initiatives since November 2024. Prior to moving to the North Tahoe area, I spent several years in Southern Vermont at Mount Snow resort, also managing marketing and events. Previously in my career, I worked in New York City as an event director, planning and executing a wide range of events across industries including luxury hospitality, legal, and consulting.
I was initially drawn to the North Tahoe/Truckee area for its outdoor lifestyle and strong sense of community. What's kept me here is a strong connection to both the place and the people, and a desire to be more involved as I continue to get to know my new home.
Q: How did you first learn about Sierra Community House, and what stood out to you about the organization's mission and work?
A: I first learned about Sierra Community House when I was invited to attend the Wine & Chocolate Festival by one of my Northstar colleagues. I was so inspired by the passion and energy in the room, with so many people excited to come together for a common goal and support a community in need. From there, I was inspired to learn more and get involved.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a board role, and why Sierra Community House specifically?
A: I have been inspired by the tight-knit community in the area and have been seeking an opportunity to get more involved locally in a meaningful way. Sierra Community House specifically stood out to me because of its mission, values, and the breadth of essential support and services it provides to the local community.
Q: SCH serves a diverse and sometimes invisible population in a region often associated with outdoor recreation and second homes. What has surprised you most about the depth of need in our community?
A: What's surprised me most is how much need exists just beneath the surface, in contrast to the perception of the area as affluent and recreation- focused. It has been eye-opening to get a better understanding of the true array of the services offered, and has reinforced how important it is to support organizations like SCH that are working to make those needs visible and provide essential resources to the people who live and work here.
Q: Our mission spans family strengthening, crisis intervention, hunger relief, and legal services. Which area of our work are you most eager to learn more about or support, and what draws you to it?
A: I have been especially interested in learning more about SCH's family strengthening efforts. Previously, I was most familiar with the hunger relief services, but I've been impressed to learn more about the many resources available to families, with everything from early learning programs to peer education to assistance with navigating healthcare and benefits.
Q: What professional skills or lived experiences do you bring to the board that you hope will strengthen SCH's capacity to serve our community?
A: I have extensive experience in event planning, marketing, and communications, which I hope to be able to use to help support SCH's fundraising efforts.
Q: Is there a value or principle — something you really believe in — that you feel is reflected in the work Sierra Community House does every day?
A: A value that strongly resonates with me is treating every individual with respect and dignity and creating opportunities to empower people to move forward with confidence. I see that principle reflected in SCH's work every day as they meet people where they are, without judgment, and offer not just support, but tools and resources that help build independence and long-term stability.
Q: Sierra Community House was formed in 2019 from the merger of four legacy nonprofits. As someone stepping into this growing organization, what excites you most about where SCH is headed?
A: I'm excited to be stepping into an organization that has already undergone a meaningful and successful evolution through the merger of these legacy nonprofits, and I'm inspired by the momentum SCH continues to build. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn from and support Teresa as she begins her role as Executive Director, hearing her vision for the future and how she plans to guide the organization's continued growth and impact.
I'm also energized by the way SCH continues to respond to the community's evolving needs. The commitment to growing thoughtfully while maintaining a strong, mission-driven foundation is incredibly compelling, and I'm eager to help support that next phase in whatever way I can.
Q: What would you say to someone in the community who is on the fence about volunteering, donating, or reaching out to SCH for support?
A: I would encourage you to speak to anyone on the Sierra Community House team and ask them about their work. Their passion and drive are apparent in every interaction – this is a team that cares deeply about the communities they serve, and they are making a tremendous impact on the daily.
Q: When you're not doing board work, where can we find you in the North Tahoe/Truckee region? (We love a fun local detail or two!)
A: Outside of work, I'm usually somewhere outdoors—skiing in the winter and mountain biking or riding my motorcycle in the summer. Otherwise, you might find me catching live music at one of our many great local venues or soaking up the sun by the lake.
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