Visit our careers page and join our team
At North Bay Children’s Center, our team is composed of passionate and dedicated individuals who reflect the vibrant diversity of our community. These caring professionals are at the heart of our mission, working tirelessly to provide a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. From our educators to our support staff, each member plays a vital role in delivering high-quality early childhood education and support services. Together, we empower thousands of families across the North Bay, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
Susan Gilmore
President & CEO
Dianne Dubois
CFO/COO
Kristina Sisseck
VP, Programs
Lori Mogan
VP, Communications & Development
Melvin Freeman
Human Resources Director
Ralph O'Rear
VP, Facilities & Special Projects
Debbie Neal
Assistant to VP of Programs
Nicole Porter
Site Director
Paige Newton
Area Director, Sonoma
Donje Fields
Area Director, Marin
Jill St. Peter
Curriculum and Training Director
Paivi Lane
Manager of Education
Teresa Fogolini
Garden of Eatin'® Director
Abby Jones
Community Engagement Manager
Irma Mendoza
Enrollment Manager
Elizabeth Mendoza
Area Director, Sonoma
Mariah Shields
Board Chair
Mickele Carpenter
First Vice Chair
Dennis Ryan
Second Vice Chair
Kelly Smith
Secretary
Alice Pidgeon
Treasurer
Jeff Belingheri
Board Member
Emily Charley
Board Member
Henry H. Chu
Board Member
Beth Spotswood Daza
Board Member
Brad Haller
Board Member
Stan Hoffman
Board Member
Steve Leonard
Board Member
Dr. Mike Pelfini
Board Member
Jeanne Peters
Board Member
Beth Wolk
Board Member
North Bay Children’s Center
932 C Street, Novato, CA 94949 415.883.6222
14 North Bay Locations
Novato • Petaluma • Rohnert Park • Sonoma • Santa Rosa • Healdsburg
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.
