Leadership
Executive Team
Susan Gilmore Executive Director
Executive Director and founder, Susan Gilmore, is responsible for the oversight of the entire organization which includes board development, fund development, program development, community relations, budget and finance, and the supervision of the administrative team. Ms. Gilmore has been with the agency since 1986. She holds a degree in Child Development and has more than 30 years of experience in the child development field.
Susan serves on various boards and commissions throughout the North Bay further linking NBCC to numerous resources in Marin and Sonoma County. Susan chairs Petaluma’s Health Action Cradle to Career work group, serves on the QRIS consortiums for Marin and Sonoma County, and is actively involved on committees for both counties on establishing strategies that support early education investments. Susan’s ability to make connections, network and build relationships with different community sectors creates a win-win situation for all involved. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion inspires those around her, and encourages collaboration toward system change.
e: sgilmore@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Kristina Sisseck, M.A. Program Director
Kristina works closely with NBCC’s Site Supervisors on all aspects of program operations which include: processing enrollment, state reporting, curriculum development, program evaluations, staff development, and parent engagement. She also works closely with NBCC’s elementary school partners and program enhancement specialists on curriculum alignment and implementing school readiness strategies. Kristina received her Master of Art in Education with a focus in Leadership in Early Childhood Education with Chapman University and a Bachelors of Art in Family and Consumer Science with a focus in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She holds a Program Directors permit from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing and has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 12 years.
e: ksisseck@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Kerry Blasdell Finance Director
Kerry works closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Team to support the organization with all aspects of financial and administrative management. Before coming to North Bay Children’s Center, Kerry worked as Finance Manager and Director with 4 other Novato non-profits and has over 30+ years’ experience in agencies with missions in housing development, human needs, mental health, and homeless services including the accounting management for a $9,000,000 multi-year construction project. Kerry has also worked with other non-profits as a consultant, working on accounting software conversions. As an undergraduate at San Francisco State and Ashford University, Kerry focused on Business Administration, and over the years has updated her knowledge with specific classes and trainings in not-for-profit financial accounting.
e: kblasdell@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Teresa Fogolini Garden of Eatin’ Director
Teresa brings over 17 years of experience and education developing and teaching nutrition, garden, and literacy programs for children and communities in Sonoma and Marin counties. Her work in education includes non-profit organizations, libraries, early childhood and elementary schools. She holds a California multiple subjects teaching credential and reading certification. She earned her Master’s degrees in Education and Reading & Literacy in order to further her commitment to provide enhanced and equitable learning experiences to children and families. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at UC Davis.
e: tfogolini@nbcc.net t: 415.559.3207
Lori Mogan Director of Development and Communications
Lori works closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Team to support the organization in all aspects of fund development, marketing, and communications. She has more than 20 years nonprofit experience in fundraising and program administration. Lori holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco. Prior to joining NBCC’s Executive Team, Lori served as the Administrator for Marin Girls Chorus and as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer for the nationally recognized, Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Lori is a past Board President for Marin County’s San Rafael Host Lions club and volunteers for several nonprofits. Lori lives in Novato with her husband and two children.
e: lmogan@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Sharon Vaughn Human Resources Director
Sharon brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in Human Resource and Organization Development to NBCC. She works closely with all levels of the organization to maintain and promote compliance, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. In addition to holding leadership roles in Human Resources, she has also served as an Organization Development consultant to both nonprofit and for profit organizations. She continues to deepen learning and knowledge by serving on the faculty for Sonoma State University’s Masters in Organization Development program.
e: svaughn@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Board of Directors
Michael Pelfini, Ed. D.
President
Mariah Shields
First Vice President
Todd Allen
Second Vice President
Marty Rubino
Secretary
Jeff Belingheri
Treasurer
Gina Benedetti-Petnic
Angelina Funtanilla
Stan Hoffman
Patricia Kendall
Jeanne Peters
Beth Wolk
Emeritus Board
Forrest Craig
Susan McQuaid
Advisory Board
Melissa Ahern
Clark Blasdell
Al Brayton
Brad Breithaupt
Col. Bill Cope
Beverly Eden
Nancy Gorsich-Bracken
Nannette Griswold
Norma Howard
Steven B. Leonard
Cynthia Murray
Anthy O’Brien
Jordan Shields
Kathy Shields
Brian Sobel
Walt Spevak
Frima Stewart
Eric Van Boer