Our History and Leadership
Our History
By the late Phil Aaron
Sebastopol Acquires Property for Senior Center
The City of Sebastopol either inherited or received a gift of the property now occupied by the Sebastopol Area Senior Center at 167 N. High Street. I have not seen a copy of the deed, but I have been told by a former city manager that the conveying document provides that the property can only be used as a senior center. Although the present corporation raised the money and paid for the new building on the property, it is owned by the City of Sebastopol. The Senior Center has a 20-year lease on the property with rent at $1 per year.
The Senior Center was incorporated on August 13, 1969, under the name of The Burbank Activity Center. There were 10 incorporators who signed the original articles: B.G. Griffith, Lloyd M. Allen, John R. Crump, Billie Johnson, Agnes B. Gilman, Ena D. Walton, John H. Porter, Warren Randall, O. Walter Walton, and Clyde Adams. The IRS granted the new organization an IRC 501(c)(3) exemption as a charitable organization on November 24, 1969. Research determined that the charitable exemption was suspended two years later for not filing tax returns. When an effort to raise money for the new building project started, a member of the Board contacted the IRS, and arranged to have the suspension lifted so that donors could receive a tax deduction for their donations. It is still valid.
First Senior Center in Sonoma County!
The Senior Center has always been at 167 N. High Street, which was an approximately 100-year-old former residence. This was the first senior center in Sonoma County, and the original Articles of Incorporation state that the purpose of the organization is “to engage in activities which will promote the general welfare of the elderly residents of the County of Sonoma and neighboring Counties…” At that time the focus was not limited to the citizens of the Sebastopol and extended countywide and beyond.
For the first few years, the Senior Center was run primarily as a social and recreational center for seniors, offering numerous dances, dinners, trips, games, and other social activities. Later, they sponsored speakers and lecturers on various subjects of interest. The Senior Center was operated completely by volunteers for these first few years. This was under the name of Burbank Activity Center
In 1972, the organization contracted with the Sonoma County Council (COA) on Aging to provide Day Services at the Senior Center. Day Services was also called the frail elderly program. Around 1995, the COA was experiencing difficulties in financing the Day Service operations of the Senior Center. A finance committee was formed to assist the COA with funding of the Senior Center’s activities. During this process, the Finance Committee decided to re-activate the previous corporation, which had been inactive, and members of the COA Finance Committee became the new board of directors of the Burbank Activity Center.
The Burbank Activity Center incorporates
In 1997 the Board of Burbank Activity Center decided to undertake an extensive remodeling and expansion project of the building that was being used by the Senior Center at 167 N. High Street, where the activities of the Center have been held since the first organization of Burbank Activity Center back in 1969. Fundraising activities for purposes of remodeling and expanding the building were undertaken by the Board of Directors, and an architect and engineers were hired to prepare plans for the project.
In March of 1999, the Burbank Activity Center Board assumed the day-to-day operations of the Senior Center and continued to contract with COA for the day services. The program continues to be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The other programs for more active seniors have been expanded considerably so that there is now a full range of activities for seniors of all ages and of varying capabilities.
Center expansion
The remodeling and expansion of the Senior Center building commenced in November of 2001, and was completed in January 2003. It was necessary to relocate the activities and programs of the Senior Center during construction. Arrangements were made with the Sebastopol Grange to move the Senior Center activities to its building, on Highway 12, during construction. The Senior Center moved into the new building in January of 2003.
The total cost of construction was $1.4 million, most of which was raised from the community along with some federal and state grants. The project was also financed with a $10,000 contribution by the City of Sebastopol and a $360,000 loan from Exchange Bank. The Exchange Bank loan was paid off with a balance of $54,000 in October, 2011, with private financing. That private loan has now been paid, and there are no encumbrances on the building or property.
New name
In February 2003, the Articles of Incorporation of the Burbank Activity Center were amended to officially change the name to The Sebastopol Area Senior Center.
The City of Sebastopol offers some financial support of the Center. Since 2017, the City contributes $28K-$45K annually toward an operating budget. This is one of three Senior Centers in the County that does not receive substantial financial assistance from its municipality. It is therefore necessary that the Board of Directors find other sources of income to operate the Senior Center, primarily with donations from the local community.
The programs and activities at the Senior Center have been expanded tremendously over the past 20 years, and ongoing efforts are being made to continually bring in new ideas and programs.
The Legacy Thrift & Gift Store Opens
A short time later, the Legacy Store (a fabric and crafts resale shop) was started. Besides the need for money, the impetus for the start of the store came as a result of a gift of an extensive crafts inventory that came from a man in Burlingame whose wife had just died. The decedent was a very active craftsperson, and had accumulated a house full of materials and supplies.
A resale shop was launched to sell this donated merchandise, and the shop now known as The Legacy was born. That resale shop has continually operated and has grown since that time, and still operates in the Southpoint Shopping Center. All of the profits from go to the Senior Center as a part of and to support their annual budget.
Meet our Board of Directors
Jill Ravitch
President
Jill has called Sebastopol home for other 30 years, and practiced criminal law for 36 years, including three terms as elected district attorney. She made elder protection a priority, and has served on boards that support seniors in the community. Jill is honored to join the board and to continue supporting seniors with exciting and engaging programs at the senior center.
Dr. Allan Bernstein
Co-Vice President
Allan joined the Board of Directors in 2020. A native of Brooklyn, Alan did his medical training in Upstate New York, Los Angeles and Boston. He worked for Kaiser as a clinical neurologist and in the Research Department studying stroke, migraine, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. After retirement from Kaiser, he continued working in the community clinics, including West County, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. He is currently involved in teaching for UCSF and for OLLI at Sonoma State as well as being involved in clinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease. In his spare time, he maintains a fruit orchard west of Graton, with multiple varieties of apples, pears, plums, peaches, citrus and avocados.
Steve Thomas
Co-Vice President
Steve grew up in Pasadena and worked in high-tech operations for 16 start-ups before retiring in 2001. He lived in Arabia for three years and continued consulting in the Middle East for over 15 years. Married for 55 years, Steven moved to West County in 2010. He has volunteered with Ceres Project and Palm Drive Hospital and enjoys building and improving projects, including fixing up and selling 15 houses across California. A prolific writer, Steven maintains a website featuring over 200 articles and has a passion for researching and creating graphic presentations. In 2024, Steve recently completed his 50th Monday presentation at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center. Inspired by the connections he’s made with his audiences, he has decided to dedicate more time and energy to contributing to the community through joining the Board.
John B. Henel
Treasurer/Endowment Trustee
John joined the Senior Center Board of Directors in 2023 and is deeply embedded in the Sebastopol community. John is a dedicated and detail-oriented individual with over 25 years of professional experience as a software engineer, retired from Cisco in 2006. John’s background centered around analysis, logic, numbers, and meticulous attention to detail, making him exceptionally skilled in organizing and handling financial-related aspects of organizations including the Community Church of Sebastopol and West County Softball Association. John is married to his wife Julie Smith who leads the Fall Prevention initiative at the Senior Center.
Missy Danneberg
Secretary
Missy Danneberg joined the board in 2025 and has dedicated her career to early childhood education, beginning with a degree in Child Development from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She served as Director of the Cal Poly Children’s Center before moving to Sonoma County, where she worked as an administrator and trainer in various early childhood programs. She spent nine years as Executive Director of Extended Child Care Coalition and taught child development for over three decades at Santa Rosa Junior College, as well as at Sonoma State University. Her board service includes 4Cs, the Sonoma County Association for the Education of Young Children, the Child Care Planning Council, and others, often in leadership roles such as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Now retired, she enjoys traveling with her husband, time with her grandchildren, and hobbies like sewing and gardening.
Gary Bachelor
Director
Gary joined the Board of Directors in January 2020. He holds a BA from Saint Mary’s and 2 year degree in art and photography from San Francisco City College. Gary comes with a 40-year background in sales leadership experience with leading high-tech companies and was responsible for the development and introduction of the first “all-in-one” computer system. Gary’s professional experience also includes improving productivity and dramatically increasing sales for tech companies.
In addition, Gary has real estate experience, was a Navy Veteran, and has served on the Board of other local organizations. He has three grandchildren and enjoys traveling the world. A fun fact about Gary is that he rode his motorcycle across the United States in 1971, and across Canada in 2010.
Shaka Folger-Basso
Director
Shaka grew up in Sebastopol and is an ‘07 graduate at Analy High School. Many of her closest friendships began in kindergarten at Apple Blossom and have grown alongside her through 30+ years of connection. Her early years were filled with theater and music performing in local plays on Main Street. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona and is a Real Estate Agent at Coldwell Banker in Sebastopol. She is so grateful to be able to now raise her son alongside her high school sweetheart, in the same town that raised her. Joining the Senior Center board is a meaningful way for her to give back to the town that shaped her, but to also help ensure that older adults in Sebastopol continue to thrive, connect, and feel valued.
Colin Ramsay
Director
A native Californian, Colin grew up in the Riverside County town of Corona. Coming from a working-class family of four children, Colin and their brother are the surviving members. Colin served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971. Following military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Chico State University, initially planning to pursue a teaching career. Instead, Colin worked as a union carpenter for more than 20 years. In 1990, Colin relocated to Sebastopol and took on the role of Director of Maintenance for the Bellevue School District in Santa Rosa.
Brian Ledig
Director
Brian has served on the Board of Directors since 2014, and as President for two years. Brian has lived in Sonoma County for 30+ years and has an extensive familiarity with the area weather patterns wells and septic and individual beauty of our beautiful County. Brian is a local Realtor, he is a Registered Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) trained in special needs and concerns of seniors.
Pat O’Connor
Director
Pat O’Connor joined the board in 2025 and brings over 35 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, including 25 years as a nursery school Teacher/Director. She moved to Sebastopol eight years ago to be closer to family and quickly became an active member of the community. Pat volunteers as a reading tutor at Parkside School, supports the Sam Jones Homeless Shelter, and participates in church outreach. She considers the Sebastopol Area Senior Center a cornerstone of her well-being and values its role in fostering connection, learning, and healthy living. Pat is especially committed to supporting low-income seniors and offering mentorship to those who need encouragement and a listening ear.
Alice Perlman
Director
Alice is new to this board. She has previously served as a director of the Sonoma County Arts Council and Face to Face and the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging. She is founder and former board member of the Jewish Community Free Clinic and has served on numerous other non-profit boards. She is also a member of Friends of the Sebastopol Library. Alice moved to Sonoma County in 1992 and worked as an Estate Planning and Elder Care Attorney in private practice and initiated and helped run an Elder Law Drop-In Clinic for many years in Santa Rosa. She became interested in an Elder Law practice after her father developed Alzheimer’s disease. She hails from the East Bay where she studied at UC Berkeley and earned a PhD in ancient history from UC and the Graduate Theological Union. She maintains an active interest in archaeology and history of the Near East. She is retired from active law practice and currently lives in Sebastopol with her spouse. They enjoy gardening, walking with Steve, and extensive travel.
Alain Serkissian
Director/Endowment Trustee
Alain joined the Board of Directors in 2006. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Math and Physics, Alain graduated from the University of Marseille as a Physical Therapist; Graduated from the University of Montpellier, France with a Ph.D. degree as a Senior Instructor in Physical Therapy. He also passed the California State Exam as a Registered Physical Therapist. Alain worked in a private practice in Pinole, California for about 10 years. While working in the private practice, he started a rehabilitation company which grew to 165 employees in 26 different settings. In 1988 he became an Administrator of a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. He owns Mirabel Lodge in Forestville. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Sebastopol.
Amy Truong
Director
Amy joined the board in 2024. She is originally from Georgia but has called California home for 20 years. She holds a BS in Biology from Emory University and a PhD in Cancer Biology from Stanford. Amy currently works as an independent consultant in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. She lives in Sebastopol with her husband and two young daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and volunteering. She loves the community she finds in Sebastopol and is interested in giving back locally. Amy volunteers with Ceres Community Project, is on the board of the Friends of Sebastopol Library, and is a member of Impact 100 Redwood Circle. She is also passionate about supporting seniors to age independently and views serving on the Senior Center board as a way to help strengthen this vital community resource.
Meet the Team
Katie Davis
Executive Director
Katie has been with the Sebastopol Area Senior Center since 2017. Working in senior services over the years, Katie is a passionate and dedicated leader with a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults. She has played an instrumental role in creating a warm and vibrant space for our community’s older adults. Katie holds her Master’s degree in Public Administration/Nonprofit Management from Sonoma State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Communications.
Hillary Werhane
Director of Operations
A Chicago native, Hillary has spent her adult life in California. She has years of experience in operational leadership, facility management, volunteer coordination, team building and staff development in a variety of industries including management consulting, start-ups, and non-profits. Hillary holds an MBA from UCLA and a BA in French and Italian Literatures from Stanford University. She is the proud Mom of a daughter, two dogs, and seven goats. Hillary enjoys hiking, spending time with her family and animals, dancing, gardening, and getting lost in a good book.
Clint Gandy
Harvest Cafe Manager
Clint, a native of Sonoma County, currently resides in Sebastopol. He began volunteering at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center in 2019, and we were fortunate to welcome him as a staff member in August 2020. Clint enjoys engaging with the community through the Senior Center and is passionate about acquiring new skills each day. A true jack of all trades, he has tackled nearly every role here and currently leads the Harvest Cafe, committed to sourcing the finest ingredients for homemade meals. An interesting tidbit about Clint is that he constructed his house with his own hands, with a little assistance from friends and neighbors!
Marlo Carreno
Programs Manager
As a proud member of the SASC team, I’ve been enjoying the energy and excitement of connecting our community through engaging events and programs. I’m always learning and on the lookout for new offerings to share, while our most beloved ongoing classes continue to thrive. Your suggestions and recommendations are always appreciated – keep them coming! I’ve been part of the Sebastopol community for over 30 years and have loved growing up here. You may have seen me in my past roles in Administration and Operations at West County Health Centers and the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. It’s a joy to keep building community together.
Alex Villeda
Transportation & Resources
Alejandro, or Alex, brings over 15 years of experience in transportation, logistics, and operations throughout Northern California. His background includes transportation coordination and route planning with a strong focus on reliability and professional service. Alejandro is especially excited to join the team because of the organization’s mission to support the senior community. He is passionate about supporting our volunteers who provide safe and dependable transportation that promotes independence and ensures access to essential services.
Julie Campagna
Volunteer Program Manager
In 2025, Julie became SASC’s first staff member dedicated entirely to shaping and supporting the volunteer experience — from onboarding to ongoing engagement. She leads all aspects of the volunteer program at both SASC and The Legacy store, from technology platforms and compliance systems to staff training and program documentation, serving as the organization’s go-to expert on volunteer best practices.
A writer and video producer in a former life, Julie spent 25+ years in the tech industry before finding her way to SASC (first, as a volunteer – driving seniors to appointments and serving meals in the Harvest Cafe). In her free time, she plays guitar, dabbles in banjo and harmonica, and never misses a chance to catch live music.
Xinia Gamero
Executive & Development Assistant
Xinia relocated from Napa to Sonoma County in 2024 and brings 10.5 years of experience as a Permit Technician and Planning Commission Secretary with the City of St. Helena. In her municipal role, she provided technical expertise, administrative support, and high‑quality service to residents and local businesses.
She is passionate about supporting the senior community as she finds deep fulfillment in this work, and is excited to learn more about the non-profit sector while contributing to the organization’s success.
In her free time, Xinia enjoys weekend road trips, trying new local restaurants, hiking, day trips to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Sacramento State University and a Certificate in Land Use and Environmental Planning from UC Davis.
Emily Topai
Programs Assist & Reception
Emily loves greeting everyone who walks through our doors! A Sonoma County native and proud mom to her son, she has been part of the SASC team since 2022. After many years working as a housekeeper in West County and connecting closely with community members, she discovered her passion for helping others. Supporting people with day-to-day tasks while sharing kindness and conversation brings Emily deep joy and fulfillment
Geri Haslett
Receptionist
A native 4th generation San Franciscan, Geri has a long history of coordinating home health care services at various acute care hospitals in the Bay Area. Geri loves walking, yoga, spending time outdoors, watercolor painting (specifically painting on used teabags to make cards for friends and family) and spending time with her husband and her two little dogs.
Kara Riley
Receptionist
Kara is the newest member of our front desk team, bringing a diverse background in office management, recreation and community service. Before joining us, she served as Recreation Coordinator for Senior Services at the City of San Rafael Community Center and previously managed operations at a veterinary clinic. Kara holds her Masters degree in Sports & Recreation Administration from the University of San Francisco and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mills College. A lifelong volunteer, she has given her time to Habitat for Humanity, various animal shelters, and most recently, the Harvest Cafe—an experience she found especially fulfilling. Kara has lived in Sebastopol since 2018 with her wife, daughter, and a menagerie of animals, including horses, cats, dogs, chickens, a bearded dragon, and a turtle. When not at work, she enjoys construction projects and caring for her family’s small farm.
Elizabeth Fugere
Receptionist
Elizabeth grew up in Sonoma County and now lives in Sebastopol, having moved there during the pandemic. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) and later worked there, where she developed a strong appreciation for public service. She eventually joined the local library system, serving for several years as a substitute specialist, a role she greatly enjoyed. Outside of work, Elizabeth is an avid reader and an active community volunteer. She volunteers in the Senior Center Harvest Cafe, the Luther Burbank Experimental Farm, and helps with weekly food distribution through the Redwood Empire Food Bank. She also enjoys gardening and tending to her small garden, which is currently beginning to bloom.
Lisa Mathieson
Accounting Manager
A native of Sonoma County, Lisa has a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Agency Management from Sonoma State University and has worked in the areas of non-profit administration and finance for over 35 years. During her career, Lisa has been the Executive Director of Chrysalis Community Counseling Services, Staff Accountant at The Climate Center, and has provided accounting services for New Horizon School and Learning Center, The B-Rad Foundation and other local businesses and nonprofits.
Adelia Canterbury
Harvest Cafe Lead Chef
Adelia joined the Senior Center in the Spring of 2025 as our Lead Chef. She was born and raised in the Sausalito Houseboat Community in Marin County, California. As a young person, she was involved in the vibrant theater and arts scene and went on to study Poetics at New College of California in San Francisco. Adelia is a life-long cook and baker. She developed her skills and technique in the kitchen organically, cooking for friends and family as creative expression and out of a love of bringing people together around the table. For the past decade, Adelia has cooked professionally as a caterer and private chef. Baking is her specialty, with an emphasis on tarts and sourdough bread. Note that while others admire her sourdough, she feels it is never quite perfect.
Scotty King
LGBT+ Liaison
Scotty has been with the Senior Center since 2018. He currently serves as LGBT+ Liaison, organizing many LGBT+ events throughout the year including discussions, mixers, outings, and the yearly Pride Parade. Scotty has significantly increased participation in the LGBT+ events hosted by SASC. Scotty enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking on weekends, which helps him stay on top of his type 1 diabetes (48 years taking insulin). In his spare time, he enjoys attending the theater, live music, and is a ceramic artist making horsehair pottery.
Brittany K. Roney
Legacy Store Manager
Brittany has been a creative enthusiast since the age of four and comes to The Legacy with a wealth of knowledge in various mediums. A Fine Arts major in college, Brittany enjoys illustration, jewelry making, photography, and sewing. Having worked in bead shops as an instructor for over 15 years, Brittany has published over 20 online jewelry-making tutorials and enjoys sharing the creative process with others. She enjoys immersing herself among artists, crafters and hobbyists at The Legacy! Brittany resides in Rohnert Park with her husband, daughter, and two adorable Chihuahuas.
Kelly Galten
Legacy Assistant Manager
Kelly (affectionately known as Socks) has been sewing since the age of ten, learning the craft at her Nana’s knee. A dedicated lifelong learner, she is passionate about exploring all forms of art and recently earned her certification in Botanical Illustration. Kelly’s background in retail management at a corporate gaming company has provided her with a strong foundation in leadership, organization, and customer service, translates perfectly to her role as Assistant Manager for The Legacy. She values The Legacy as a creative community where artists and makers can share knowledge. Kelly takes great pride in connecting crafters with the materials and inspiration they didn’t know they were looking for.
Joanne Cooter
Legacy Operations
Joanne has been with The Legacy for almost ten years — as a volunteer, Assistant Manager, Store Manager — before taking on her current role as Operation Coordinator. Joanne’s crafting skills run deep in her family as her grandmother and mother had a fabric shop in Marin County for several years. One might say crafting is “in her blood”. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, sewing, and projects around the house.
Eva Trujillo
Legacy Retail Associate
Eva volunteered at The Legacy for several years before joining the SASC team as an employee in March 2025. Raised in a family of artists, she has always held a deep appreciation for crafts. At the Legacy, she creates newsletters and posters and manages the store’s online presence. Eva is passionate about social change and committed to fostering a creative community where art materials are accessible to all. She is currently pursuing an Art History degree along with a certificate in Game Design.
Alix Durant
Legacy Retail Associate
Alix started as a volunteer with the Legacy in June 2024 and was hired as a retail associate in March 2025. They fell in love with the unique community found at The Legacy. He is also passionate about the reuse model, which reduces waste and lessens financial barriers to creative expression. In their time off, Alix enjoys hiking with his dog or cuddling up with their cats and a good book.