The Management Team
Jason Riggs, Executive Director
Jason has been the Executive Director since 2015. Jason has extensive experience in after school program administration, and in developing collaborative strategies and partnerships that meet the diverse needs of children and families. Prior to joining ECC, Jason was the Region 1 Lead for after school programs at the Mendocino County Office of Education. His prior experience also includes administration of after school programs for the Oakland and San Francisco Unified School Districts. Jason deeply believes that Expanded Learning Programs (before school, after school and summer learning) are a vital part of the education system preparing children and youth for college, career, and community success. Jason is passionate about leadership, creativity and innovation, and is deeply committed to ECC’s mission and core values. Jason also serves at co-chair of the Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County and co-chair of the California Afterschool Network.
Nathan Murray, Program Director
Nathan joined ECC in May 2018. He brings with him three teaching credentials with specialties in Montessori Philosophy and Physical Education. Prior to joining ECC, Nathan worked for thirteen years as a Middle School and Public Montessori teacher in Marin County. In addition to mentoring school age youth around the Bay Area and beyond, he’s worked in the film industry and was also a part-time Communications & Media Studies Instructor for Sonoma State University. Nathan believes in maintaining a sense of humor and a positive attitude in his administrative role to support teachers and students. He has a B.A. in Film Studies and Coaching Certification from UCSB and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. He lives in Santa Rosa with his lovely wife and two young children.
Holly Smith, Program Lead Teacher
Holly became Program Lead Teacher in August 2015. She works directly with the Program Director to assist with program supervision, recruit substitutes, procure and disseminate curriculum, train staff, input data, and develop community resources. She loves teaching, has been a Lead Teacher of toddlers, a Daycare Director and created an after school program for elementary school aged children. She studied at the J.C. as well as Empire College where she holds a certificate in Back Office Medical Assisting. When not at ECC, she spends time with her husband and four children being a cheerleader and high school football mom.
Daria Medeiros, Office Manager
Daria starting working for Extended Child Care in 1999. Daria worked as the Secretary for 10 years and transitioned into the role of Office Manager in 2009. Daria is responsible for the management of the Extended Child Care office including enrollment and billing. Her past management and billing experience has helped her to build the systems at the ECC office. Quality child care has always been a passion for Daria as she understands its importance and the positive effect it has on children and the families we serve. Both of Daria's adult children attended Extended Child Care, and currently a second generation (Daria's granddaughter) attends Extended Child Care's summer sessions. Daria enjoys cooking, nature walks, and spending time with her family and friends
Adriana Gutierrez, Bilingual Subsidized Case Manager
Adriana started working at ECC in 2010 and came with lots of expertise as a Case Manager from 4Cs (Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County). Adriana enrolls families into the Extended Child Care subsidized program who need assistance paying for their child care. Enrollment is based on income and need for care and she ensures all State requirements and criteria are met. Adriana is bilingual — she is fluent in English and Spanish — and has two sons, one of whom is enrolled in an ECC program. Adriana is very dedicated to helping families, children and the community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Doris Shawk, Administrative Assistant for Billing & Collections
Doris started working for ECC in 2000 while her child was enrolled at our R L Stevens ECC program. Doris manages the billing department, preparing the monthly billing statements and collecting payments. She coordinates with parents in making payment arrangements if needed, and works closely with our Alternative Payment Programs in obtaining and maintaining their contracts. In her spare time Doris enjoys being with her friends and family, and enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities.
Kathy Alvestal, Secretary
Kathy is the first contact for incoming calls and visitors. She is responsible for child enrollments and for maintaining our child and family files. She also maintains the office equipment and supplies, and supports the office and center staff members as needed. Kathy began working with ECC in 2010. Her 27 years with HP and Agilent in the finance department give Kathy an extensive business background. Owning her own business for five years added a great deal of insight to her experience. Raising four very energetic boys instilled Kathy with a broad sense of patience. When not working at ECC, Kathy enjoys cooking for her side catering business and spending time with her children and granddaughter.
Colleen Zanoline, Bookkeeper
Colleen is responsible for agency bookkeeping and human relations. She has worked as Bookkeeper since 2008 and came to Extended Child Care with vast experience in non-profit bookkeeping. Colleen enjoys her time with family and friends and has a great passion for animals. In her spare time she enjoys a number of activities which include gardening and walking.
Jason has been the Executive Director since 2015. Jason has extensive experience in after school program administration, and in developing collaborative strategies and partnerships that meet the diverse needs of children and families. Prior to joining ECC, Jason was the Region 1 Lead for after school programs at the Mendocino County Office of Education. His prior experience also includes administration of after school programs for the Oakland and San Francisco Unified School Districts. Jason deeply believes that Expanded Learning Programs (before school, after school and summer learning) are a vital part of the education system preparing children and youth for college, career, and community success. Jason is passionate about leadership, creativity and innovation, and is deeply committed to ECC’s mission and core values. Jason also serves at co-chair of the Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County and co-chair of the California Afterschool Network.
Nathan Murray, Program Director
Nathan joined ECC in May 2018. He brings with him three teaching credentials with specialties in Montessori Philosophy and Physical Education. Prior to joining ECC, Nathan worked for thirteen years as a Middle School and Public Montessori teacher in Marin County. In addition to mentoring school age youth around the Bay Area and beyond, he’s worked in the film industry and was also a part-time Communications & Media Studies Instructor for Sonoma State University. Nathan believes in maintaining a sense of humor and a positive attitude in his administrative role to support teachers and students. He has a B.A. in Film Studies and Coaching Certification from UCSB and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. He lives in Santa Rosa with his lovely wife and two young children.
Holly Smith, Program Lead Teacher
Holly became Program Lead Teacher in August 2015. She works directly with the Program Director to assist with program supervision, recruit substitutes, procure and disseminate curriculum, train staff, input data, and develop community resources. She loves teaching, has been a Lead Teacher of toddlers, a Daycare Director and created an after school program for elementary school aged children. She studied at the J.C. as well as Empire College where she holds a certificate in Back Office Medical Assisting. When not at ECC, she spends time with her husband and four children being a cheerleader and high school football mom.
Daria Medeiros, Office Manager
Daria starting working for Extended Child Care in 1999. Daria worked as the Secretary for 10 years and transitioned into the role of Office Manager in 2009. Daria is responsible for the management of the Extended Child Care office including enrollment and billing. Her past management and billing experience has helped her to build the systems at the ECC office. Quality child care has always been a passion for Daria as she understands its importance and the positive effect it has on children and the families we serve. Both of Daria's adult children attended Extended Child Care, and currently a second generation (Daria's granddaughter) attends Extended Child Care's summer sessions. Daria enjoys cooking, nature walks, and spending time with her family and friends
Adriana Gutierrez, Bilingual Subsidized Case Manager
Adriana started working at ECC in 2010 and came with lots of expertise as a Case Manager from 4Cs (Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County). Adriana enrolls families into the Extended Child Care subsidized program who need assistance paying for their child care. Enrollment is based on income and need for care and she ensures all State requirements and criteria are met. Adriana is bilingual — she is fluent in English and Spanish — and has two sons, one of whom is enrolled in an ECC program. Adriana is very dedicated to helping families, children and the community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Doris Shawk, Administrative Assistant for Billing & Collections
Doris started working for ECC in 2000 while her child was enrolled at our R L Stevens ECC program. Doris manages the billing department, preparing the monthly billing statements and collecting payments. She coordinates with parents in making payment arrangements if needed, and works closely with our Alternative Payment Programs in obtaining and maintaining their contracts. In her spare time Doris enjoys being with her friends and family, and enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities.
Kathy Alvestal, Secretary
Kathy is the first contact for incoming calls and visitors. She is responsible for child enrollments and for maintaining our child and family files. She also maintains the office equipment and supplies, and supports the office and center staff members as needed. Kathy began working with ECC in 2010. Her 27 years with HP and Agilent in the finance department give Kathy an extensive business background. Owning her own business for five years added a great deal of insight to her experience. Raising four very energetic boys instilled Kathy with a broad sense of patience. When not working at ECC, Kathy enjoys cooking for her side catering business and spending time with her children and granddaughter.
Colleen Zanoline, Bookkeeper
Colleen is responsible for agency bookkeeping and human relations. She has worked as Bookkeeper since 2008 and came to Extended Child Care with vast experience in non-profit bookkeeping. Colleen enjoys her time with family and friends and has a great passion for animals. In her spare time she enjoys a number of activities which include gardening and walking.
The Center Directors
Lisa Pound, Brooks ECC
Lisa has been with Extended Child Care since 1996. Her past experience includes being a Kindergarten teacher and a preschool teacher with Head Start. Lisa holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Genevieve McDowell, Cali Calmecac ECC
Gen has been with the agency since 1997. She earned an Associate's degree from Santa Rosa Junior College, and is continuing her education working towards a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit issued by California Teacher Credentialing.
Christy Calverly, J.X. Wilson ECC
Christy has been with ECC since 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in addition to a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. Christy is active in local service organizations including the 20/30 Club.
Linda Creekmore, Mark West ECC
Linda has been with Extended Child Care since 1995. Linda attended Santa Rosa Junior College for her formal Child Development education. Linda received plenty of practical education as the mother of eight children. Linda's patience and respect for children is well known in the community.
Angelo Celli, Mattie Washburn ECC
Angelo has been with ECC since 2000, working almost all of those years at the Mattie Washburn site. He completed his formal Child Development education at Santa Rosa Junior College and earned an Associate of Arts degree. Angelo also has a strong musical background and the children at the center enjoy their music time with him.
Marlee Patereau, RL Stevens ECC
Marlee is the newest Center Director, but has worked at Extended Child Care since 2001. She has worked with children as a preschool teacher and in after school programs for over 20 years. She is currently completing the classes to obtain her Site Super visor permit through California Teacher Credentialing. Marlee’s compassion for children and families in need and her work on their behalf is well-known and widely respected in the community.
Casey White, John Riebli ECC
Casey graduated from Sonoma State in 2009 with a BA in Human Development. She has been working with children since 2006. Her work experience includes camp counselor, a Pre-K teacher for 3 years, and a teacher for before & after-school programs. She has done an abundance of volunteer work with elementary age children, as well as working with the Stanislaus County Office of Education and middle and high school students in programs such as Science Olympiad and Academic Decathlon. Casey is a mother of 3 wonderful children. In her spare time she likes to be with her family, go to the beach, and travel.
Sonja Kaluahine, San Miguel ECC
Sonja began her career at Extended Child Care in 1999 as a volunteer. She fell in love with the job, the agency and most of all the children. She attended classes at Santa Rosa Junior College and completed additional training. As a director, her goals are to promote learning, social, and life skills among the children, while supporting the staff and families.
Laura Wasson, Windsor Creek ECC
Laura has been with the agency since the summer of 2007. She attended ECC at San Miguel when she was a child. She graduated from SRJC in 2014 with two Associate Degrees; Child Development and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Laura graduating from Sonoma State University in the fall of 2016 with a BA in Human Development.
Valerie Ghilarducci, Wright ECC
Val has been with Extended Child Care since 2006. Prior to coming to ECC, she was a preschool teacher at Santa Rosa Junior College and at centers in Cotati and Healdsburg. Valerie has completed her education for her Site Supervisor permit through California Teacher Credentialing. As a young mother herself, Valerie recognizes the importance of instilling a love of reading, physical activity, and laughter into the lives of the children.