CAFF HOTM
National Farm to School Network
Novato • Petaluma • Rohnert Park • Sonoma • Santa Rosa • Healdsburg
Mickele Carpenter brings more than a decade of experience in human resources, talent strategy, and workforce planning. In her current role at Traditional Medicinals, she leads talent acquisition, learning and development efforts and diversity and inclusion strategy. Mickele is a committed advocate for inclusive workplace cultures and equitable hiring practices. Her strategic leadership and deep commitment to talent development strengthen the board’s focus on equity and effective governance.
Beth Wolk s a retired elementary school administrator and child care center director with over 17 years of leadership experience in education. A former teacher and lifelong advocate for children and families, she previously lived in Novato and now resides in Windsor, Sonoma County. Beth has served on the board of the North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC) for the past 8 years and was also a board member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Healdsburg branch.
Donje Fields is NBCC’s Marin Area Director with over 7 years of experience in early childhood education. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and a deep passion for child development and building meaningful relationships with children, families, and educators. Donje’s work is rooted in the whole-child approach. She brings knowledge and experience in outdoor curriculum, Raising a Reader, STEAM, trauma-informed care, and supporting children’s growth through everyday experiences. She believes children’s learning happens all the time, in their play, their routines, and their connections with others. What motivates Donje every day is her energetic 2-year-old and the belief that all children deserve joyful, nurturing environments where they feel seen, supported, and inspired. Donje loves being outside, exploring nature, and expressing herself through art and color, these are some of the same things she loves to share with the children she serves. For Donje, education is a lifelong journey, and her goal is to help others see the beauty in that process and the power it has to shape not just minds, but hearts.
Irma Mendoza is the Enrollment Manager for North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC), where she has been proudly serving since 2017. With over 13 years of experience in early childhood education, Irma brings a deep understanding of family needs, enrollment systems, and community engagement to her work across the North Bay region. In her current role, Irma leads NBCC’s enrollment strategy and outreach, helping ensure that all children—regardless of background—have access to high-quality early learning programs. Her work is rooted in both professional expertise and personal connection: she is a proud mother of three and grandmother of two, both of whom have benefited from NBCC’s programs. Irma is known for her compassionate approach, her dedication to equitable access, and her ability to build trust with families from all walks of life. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and going on camping trips—moments that reflect the same values of connection and care she brings to her work every day.
Steven Leonard, a 30-year veteran Northern Californian real estate executive, is currently a Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield and has completed more than over $150 billion in commercial real estate leasing and sales transactions in the Bay Area during his career. He is recognized as a leading authority in several real estate segments, including office buildings, industrial buildings, office development land (tenant) representation and industrial development land.
Leonard holds a BA and MBA in real estate land use affairs/urban geography from California State University Sacramento. He sat on the board of directors and served as board secretary of Circle Bank until its acquisition by Umpqua Bank in 2012 and is a past president of the non-profit group The North Bay Children’s Center. At Beacon Business Bank, he is a member of the board’s loan committee.
In addition to serving as Hanson Bridget’s Assistant General Counsel, Emily contributes significant time to pro bono legal services in her community. Currently, she sits on the board of Matter of Trust (a non-profit linking surplus with needs),International Action Network for Gender Equity and Law (a non-profit connecting legal assistance to the cause of human’s rights around the work), and North Bay Children’s Center. Emily also serves as a volunteer Court Appointed Judicial Advocate supporting foster youth and is a Parks and Recreation Commissioner in Corte Madera.
Leydis Mata brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as Area Director. Originally from El Salvador, Leydis moved to the United States at the age of five and has called the North Bay home ever since. A proud mother of a 15-year-old son, she is passionate about creating nurturing, supportive environments for children, families, and educators. Leydis’s career has spanned a variety of roles, including aide, teacher, supervisor, family advocate, and Family Childcare Network Manager. She spent 18 years with Community Action Marin, where she supported programs serving children of all ages, from infants to school-age youth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College. Leydis is known for her calm, thoughtful leadership style and her unwavering belief in the power of early learning to transform lives. As Area Director, Leydis values building strong connections with children, families, and staff, and brings her deep experience and compassionate approach to every program she touches.
Nicole oversees the C Street campus as the Site Director, bringing over a decade of experience in early childhood education, specifically with children ages 0-5. She began her career in San Francisco, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University. Nicole’s journey started as a Postpartum Doula and preschool assistant, quickly advancing into leadership roles. For the past six years at NBCC, she has served as Director at three locations, including the Healdsburg model site. She holds a Director’s Permit and is a certified Teaching Pyramid Coach through WestEd. Nicole’s experience also includes serving as a garden educator with the Garden of Eatin’ team, helping schools implement the GOE Curriculum. She is deeply passionate about creating inclusive, enriching environments that support dual language learners and meet the unique needs of every child. Through her work with the TALLK Program (Teachers Acquiring Language Learner Knowledge), she supports teachers in developing literacy skills for dual language learners. Nicole’s dream is to return to working in an NAEYC-accredited school, such as the Brayton Campus, where she can continue to foster high-quality early childhood education. 
Paige Newton serves as the Program Director, working closely with Area Directors and Site Supervisors to oversee daily operations and enhance program quality. Her leadership spans key areas including parent education and engagement, curriculum development, and professional development for staff. With more than 15 years of experience in the field, Paige has held a variety of roles—Teacher, Site Supervisor, Program Coach, Area Director, and now Program Director. These experiences have shaped her inclusive and responsive approach to supporting children and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Paige holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She holds a Program Director permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is an authorized Teaching Pyramid Coach through WestEd. She remains actively engaged in the professional community as a member of the Evening of Honor Committee and the Santa Rosa Junior College Advisory Board.
Jeanne has proudly served on the Resource Development Committee of the Board at North Bay Children’s Center for six years. As a third generation San Franciscan, born and raised, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a California Teaching Credential from the University of San Francisco. She has been active in fundraising efforts for several Marin non-profits focusing on the needs of children in our community. Jeanne and her husband, Jim, have resided in Novato for over forty years where they raised their three grown children and are proud grandparents of four. She volunteered and organized fundraisers for Novato schools while her children were in attendance and worked/taught at Mark Day School in San Rafael. She continues to volunteer in Sonoma Valley where her daughter, Alison, teaches first grade. She understands the need in providing high quality childcare and early learning opportunities to all children. Jeanne is VP of Peters and Associates and has managed properties for CP Holding Co.,LLC for over 25 years. She enjoys playing tennis, social bridge games and Mahjongg with her girlfriends, traveling far and wide and Sunday dinners with family.
Stan Hoffman has over 40 years of experience in property management within the shopping center industry, including 29 years as General Manager at Town Center Corte Madera and 9 years at The Village at Corte Madera. Before his career in property management, he worked as a retail buyer and Store Manager for a Bay Area department store chain and a large specialty retail store chain. Stan grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he attended Albany High School and played on their football and wrestling teams. He went on to study at UC Berkeley, earning a degree in Social Welfare. Currently residing in Novato, CA, Stan is near his children and grandchildren. He is grateful for the lasting friendships he has developed over the years within the Marin community through his affiliation with local businesses. In addition to his work in property management, Stan has served on the North Bay Children’s Center Board of Directors and has been a member of the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 1986. Throughout his tenure, he has held various leadership positions, including President on multiple occasions, as well as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Brad Haller is a retired senior leader with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Growing up in Hawaii, Brad developed a passion for surfing and travel, which has shaped his adventurous spirit and love for exploration. Throughout his career, Brad has not only excelled in his professional endeavors but has also dedicated himself to giving back to the community. He is actively involved with organizations such as the North Bay Children’s Center, the Sonoma County Food Bank, and the American Cancer Society, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Denver, where he honed his communication skills that would later serve him well in the financial sector and in working with clients wanting to grow and scale their businesses.
Beth Spotswood is the founding digital editor, and current special projects director to award-winning quarterly magazine, Alta Journal. Beth’s work in Alta has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club, Los Angeles Press Club, and the FOLIO Awards.
In her nearly two decade career in journalism, Beth’s writing and editorial work has been published in 7×7 Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, Discovery Channel, Slow News Day, KGO Radio, SFGate, SFist and the San Francisco Chronicle, where she had her own weekly column in the Thursday edition of the newspaper. Beth’s bachelor’s degree in apparel design led to her first job as the costume mistress at Beach Blanket Babylon. A native of Marin County, Beth lives in Novato with her husband and son.
Alice has over 30 years work experience as a Financial Consultant for the Pidgeon Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and contributes her skills overseeing the managed money relationships for the team. She is originally from New York, but has lived in California for almost 40 years, where she raised her two grown children. She lost her husband to cancer in 2022. Alice has always loved volunteering and serving the greater community. She is on the Vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church and an Officer of The Order of St. John and St. John’s Volunteers Corps. She’s mentored 2 homeless mother’s and their children through Gilead House, coached several seasons of Girls on the Run, volunteers at Dinner with Grace, the Marin Food Bank and facilitates a card-making effort for the Veterans at Ft. Miley. She enjoys skiing, travelling, HIIT classes and playing with her mini goldendoodle Roscoe.
With a passion for creating transformative learning opportunities with and for CEOs, Dr. Mike Pelfini is Founder and Managing Partner of ForeMeta Coaching ™. Mike’s work sparks breakthroughs through executive peer groups, trainings and individual coaching. He has served on NBCC’s board for over eight years and served as Board Chair for three years. Mike holds certifications as a HeartMath® Trainer and Whole Brain Thinking® practitioner. He’s also an active member of the Tamalpais Aquatic Masters swim team. Mike and his wife, Joanne, are each lifelong residents of San Rafael and are blessed with 3 children & 2 grandchildren.
Jeff Belingheri is the Managing Partner of the Novato office of Bregante + Company LLP. Bregante + Company has been a Corporate Partner of NBCC since 2016 and Jeff has served on the NBCC Board since 2008. Jeff has been a CPA since 1993; he holds a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, and is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Marin County Estate Planning Council.
Kelly Smith started working in the family grocery business while in high school and after earning a degree from St. Mary’s College of California in business administration, she took the role of Human Resources Manager and Community Outreach Manager. She is now the President and CEO of United Markets, her family’s two-store operation in Marin County. She believes her position creates an opportunity to both serve her community and take care of her 120 employees. She finds the industry challenging and fulfilling because it allows her to creatively problem solve. She has a passion and a never-ending curiosity for the grocery business and its intersection with the community it serves.
Henry Chu is currently an Associate Chief Administrative Officer with Kaiser Permanente San Rafael, bringing over 12 years of extensive experience in healthcare operations. He joined NBCC earlier this year to continue supporting this wonderful organization and giving back to the community he lives in. A Bay Area native, Henry completed his undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley and earned his Masters of Health Administration from USC.
Dennis has over three decades of experience as a financial executive in the venture capital, private equity and real estate industries. Since 2011, Dennis has been a senior executive at Foresite Capital, a healthcare venture capital firm, as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. A graduate of University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in economics, Dennis also has an MBA from Santa Clara University. Besides his position on the Executive Committee of the board at North Bay Children’s Center, Dennis has been active in the nonprofit sector for over twenty-five years, including board president of two significant North Bay nonprofit organizations, one providing mental health services to adults and one providing transportation and nutrition services to seniors. Dennis brings significant financial, governance and leadership skills to the board.
Paivi works with the NBCC program, senior leadership, and human resource teams on Professional and Workforce Development to support the professional growth of teachers and center leaders and to build sustainable early childhood education workforce models of excellence. She manages training compliance, child development permit obtainment, renewal and upgrading and educational stipends and professional benefits. She also manages NBCC’s Apprentice, Apprentice Mentor, and Internship programs in Marin and Sonoma Counties and collaborates with Community Colleges, Apprentice Program Employer Partners and other NBCC Community Partners. Paivi received her Master of Science degree in Curriculum/Early Childhood Education from California State University East Bay. She holds a Vocational Teacher certification from Finland and a Life Children’s Center Supervision Permit from the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit administration, early childhood program advancement, teaching, mentoring and leadership development in the United States and in Finland.
Jill St. Peter brings four decades of experience to the field of early childhood education. With a diverse background that includes roles as a Teacher, Site Supervisor, Early Learning Coach, Trainer, and her current position as Curriculum and Training Director, Jill has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to early childhood education. Jill holds a Master of Arts degree in Education and Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development. This commitment to academic excellence underscores her dedication to advancing the field and ensuring the well-being of young children and educators. Jill is certified by West Ed as a trainer for the Program for Infant and Toddler Care and Beginning Together Inclusion. She is also certified by the Center for Optimal Brain Integration as a Trauma Informed Care Trainer. Her expertise has been showcased at esteemed conferences such as NAEYC, CAEYC, and Head Start. Her involvement in professional communities underscores her dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration. Jill has been an active member of the California Coaching Advisory Group, Trauma Informed Care Community of Practice, Sonoma County Quality Counts Consortia, Region 1 Coaching Community of Practice Leader, Sonoma County Coaching Collaborative, Hope and Healing Early Learning Collaborative, and the Evening of Honor committee. Jill’s passion for early childhood education and her extensive experience makes her an asset to the field, continually inspiring and supporting educators their mission to provide the best possible start for young children.
Mariah has worked in the insurance industry since her adolescence. Less than a week after graduating college, she accepted a position at Arrow as an Associate. During the last 13 years, Mariah has worked in almost every position available at Arrow to learn the intricacies of the business and build her skill set. Mariah has helped companies from start-up to enterprise-levels review market options and elect benefit programs that allow those companies to recruit and retain top level employees. Outside of the office, Mariah is passionate about her work in the community. Mariah focuses on organizations that work to create limitless opportunities for children and the handicap able community. She is proud to serve as the Board Chair for NBCC. In her free time, Mariah is the mother of two beautiful little dudes, married to a Kaiser numbers nerd and enjoys going on horseback rides around the Bay Area.
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