Bay Area Academy Staff
Leadership TEam
Director
davidfo@csufresno.edu
David Foster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years experience in public child welfare as a social worker, supervisor, educator and administrator. He was Title IVE Project Coordinator for the CSU, Fresno Social work Program 1993-1997, founding member of the California Regional Training Academy Development and Implementation Project, and Academy Director since 1997. He also currently serves as Staff Director of the Central California area Social Services Consortium (CCASSC), a regional collaborative that links public human service Directors with research, policy analysis, and training support services.
Assistant Director
jbuchholz@csufresno.edu
Jennifer Buchholz joined BAA in April 2016 and has served in a variety of capacities including as a Workforce Development Specialist, Program Development Manager and is now the Assistant Director. She served with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as the Project Director of the California Partners for Permanency (CAPP) project, a five-year federal grant aimed at reducing disparities and disproportionality in California’s child welfare system. Prior to joining state service in 2013, Jennifer lived abroad in several different countries including Australia, England, Switzerland and Nepal and served with the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations working on the protection and promotion of international human rights focusing on anti-discrimination, indigenous rights and child rights and she brings a global human rights based approach to her work. Jennifer holds a BA in Communications and Exercise/Health Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a MA in Human Rights and Social Change from City University London, United Kingdom.
Program Development Team
Program Development Manager
ggaray@csufresno.edu
Gumaro Garay received his BA at UC Berkeley and went on to secure both a Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Administration from USC. For 22 years, he served the community as a public servant with Alameda County Social Services Agency Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). For eleven of these years, he served as Division Director, with oversight of the front end of the system with responsibilities including the professional development of staff, managing contracts, engaging in community partnerships, and leading system reform efforts with a focus on race equity in decision-making and outcomes. In 2015, Gumaro led and facilitated the implementation of Safety Organized Practice in Alameda County, the largest transformative practice change initiative in over 20 years in Child Welfare. In 2018, Gumaro led the Department’s Equity & Inclusion Task Team to create, develop, and implement the Alameda County Equity & Inclusion Fellowship in partnership with the Bay Area Academy. Gumaro’s vision was to help transform the Child Welfare System by examining the system’s origin and involving deeper awareness on racial justice issues that would lead to improved programs, policies, services, decision-making, engagement and well-being outcomes for the communities served. Gumaro joined the Bay Area Academy in November 2023 as their Program Development Manager. Gumaro enjoys spending time with his family, taking on home improvement projects, and coaching little league baseball.
Workforce Development Specialist
kimberlys@csufresno.edu
Dr. Kimberly E. Smith is a Work Development Specialist with Bay Area Academy. She obtained her Doctorate from University of San Francisco with a focus on International and Multi -Cultural Education. Dr. Smith’s graduate research focused on chronic absenteeism and child abuse. She also has a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a Master degree in Social Work with an emphasis on mental health. Kimberly has 8 years of experience working as a CPS Social Worker and over 10 years of professional clinical experience working with special needs populations. She has worked as a Social Work/Psychology Professor for six years and has extensive experience designing and teaching online courses. Kimberly resides in the SF Bay Area with her wife and two sons.
Workforce Development Specialist
rmock@csufresno.edu
Rachel is a Bay Area native and graduated from UC Irvine in 2013. She started at Bay Area Academy in 2014 and has held several positions within the organization. With a background working in nonprofits and a passion for social services around children and families, Rachel appreciates being a part of the BAA family. Outside of work Rachel loves spending time with her cat and dog, and finding new recipes to cook at home.
Workforce Development Specialist
aobbanya@csufresno.edu
Adeke Obbanya is an Oakland native and resident. She transitioned to the nonprofit world in 2013, following a 13 year career in corporate retail. Her lifelong passion for local and international volunteering has helped shape her new career focus to helping support underserved communities both in the US and in Africa. During her spare time, Adeke sits on two boards working with one group to run a school in rural Tanzania and the other to organize medical/missionary trips to parts of Kenya and Zimbabwe. Locally, she is also very involved in planning events and fundraising to help support the education of Bay Area youth.
Program Operations Team
Program Operations Manager
jquon@csufresno.edu
Julie Quon joined the Bay Area Academy team as a Workforce Development Specialist in August 2019. Previously, she worked in direct service with families involved in the child welfare system as a child welfare worker and in a neighborhood-based, family resource center. Julie also brings experience in volunteer and program management from her time at a community-based non-profit. Julie earned an MSW from UC Berkeley with a concentration in Children and Families Services. Outside of work, Julie enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and being with friends and family.
Program Coordinator
ntottenham@csufresno.edu
Natalie Tottenham began working at BAA in August 2017 within the Fiscal Department as Fiscal Assistant and transitioned to the Operations Team as Program Coordinator in September 2018. Her previous work experiences have been in the arts and arts management.
Service Planning Coordinator
bmalabanan@csufresno.edu
Bernadette Malabanan is a San Jose State University graduate with a degree in Psychology. She began working at BAA as a temporary Administrative and Fiscal Assistant. In April 2018, she transitioned to the Event Planning Coordinator role. Outside of work, Bernadette enjoys binge watching her favorite TV shows, trying out new restaurants, and cheering on the Golden State Warriors.
Registrar Coordinator
kchai@csufresno.edu
Kayla Chai is the Registrar Coordinator with Bay Area Academy. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at UC Irvine. Before joining BAA, Kayla was in the ABA field working with children who have special needs. Kayla was also a member of an early education organization that helps preschool students in low income communities develop literacy and language skills. Kayla loves any work related to helping children and is thrilled about her role as a training assistant. Kayla enjoys spending her free time outside, especially near the water, and watching basketball.
Communications Coordinator
cramsel@csufresno.edu
Cynthia Ramsell worked in media, communications and advertising in the Bay Area before joining BAA. A Fresno State graduate in Media, Journalism and Communications, Cynthia also has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Television Production and Programming from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. She has produced videos for many organizations, such as Make-A-Wish, A Better Life, Samaritan’s Purse, Hope for Orphans and Children’s Hope International. When not creating communication materials for BAA, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her two children, cooking, traveling, skiing, exploring the Bay Area, crafting and playing the piano.
Program Coordinator
eloyt@csufresno.edu
Eloy Torres joined the Bay Area Academy as a Training Assistant in October 2019. He transitioned into the Program Coordinator role in November 2022. Eloy is a Bay Area native and returned to the Bay Area after earning his Bachelor's degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. He believes in the value of customer service and community building. Eloy is an avid sports fan; he is most likely watching soccer on the weekends. He also enjoys taking his bicycle out on trails near his home.
Learning Systems Management Team
Learning Systems Manager
vrezos@csufresno.edu
Ms. Rezos joined the Bay Area Academy in April of 2024, as The Learning Systems Manager. In this role Ms. Rezos oversees the management execution and delivery of Classroom, Field-based Training, Technical Assistance and Coaching deliverables whether in-person, virtual or hybrid. She will provide guidance on the most effective modalities for delivery of services while managing and maintaining technology, and instructional services. Ms. Rezos and the LSM Program will also manage trainer development and support the ongoing workforce.
Prior to joining BAA Ms. Rezos joined CalSWEC in 2017 and most recently served as the Director of Child Welfare In-Service Training. In this role she led a statewide collaborative for in-service training and continuing professional education of public child welfare staff, working in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and Regional Training Academies.
Before her time with CalSWEC, Ms. Rezos served in several social worker roles in Contra Costa County’s Children & Family Services including Emergency Response, Court Services and Staff development.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Cal State East Bay along with her Masters in Social Work, where she was a Title IV-E stipend recipient. As an immigrant from Lima, Peru, and fluent in Spanish, Vanessa has always believed in giving back to the communities that raised her in the Bay Area.
Trainer & Coach
gloriak@csufresno.edu
Gloria King is the former Executive Director of Black Adoption Placement and Research Center, a private non-profit Foster Family Agency that served both Adoptive and Foster Care Children and Families in 14 Northern California Counties. She earned her Masters’ Degree in Clinical Psychology with a Minor in Speech Communications from Cal-State Hayward, University. Gloria served in the Director role for 25 years. She joined the Bay Area Academy in 2015 as an Independent Contractor facilitating trainings and developed curriculum for “Cultural Humility and the Art of Coaching” and co –wrote curriculum for the “Advanced Art of Coaching”. In October of 2017 she transitioned to a full time employee, serving first as a Workforce Development Specialist with San Francisco County and is currently serving in the position as Resident Trainer and Coach. In addition, Gloria has presented and facilitated trainings at local, state and national conferences in the specialty areas of Cultural Humility, Targeted Recruitment for Foster and Adoptive Families and building Private/Public Collaborations. She has been a guest lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley-Graduate School of Social Work, published an article in the Child Welfare Journal National Association of Social Workers Specialty Practice Section entitled, “The Face of Adoption and foster Care Has Changed: What About Our Beliefs?” and has also served as a Panelist at Stanford University. She comes from a family of nine children and in addition to her parents loving their own children, her parents extended their family and opened their home to serve as a Resource Family to other children for over 19 years.
Evaluation Specialist
ewroughton@csufresno.edu
Liz Wroughton joined BAA in July 2019 and is currently a Workforce Development Specialist for San Francisco and Alameda. Liz served with the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) at UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare as a Research & Evaluation Analyst for over three years conducting evaluations and research projects related to the CalSWEC Title IV-E Stipend Program and the Common Core 3.0 Training Evaluation. Prior to joining CalSWEC in 2016, Liz completed her Masters in Social Work at the University of Michigan (graduating in December of 2015) with a concentration in Social Policy & Evaluation. Liz holds a BA in History & Gender Studies from Calvin College. Liz spent most of her upbringing in Peru where her parents worked as linguists since 1980.
Technology Specialist
agiorgio@csufresno.edu
Angela joined BAA in February 2014 and has enjoyed sharing her skillset in roles as a Training Assisitant, Fiscal Assistant,and Regional/Registrar Coordinator. She started in the Techonolgy Specialist position in July 2019. Prior to working with BAA she was an entrepreneur in business start-up and operations management. Her time off is spent with family, enjoying the outdoors, cooking and traveling.
Curriculum Specialist
smcgowan@csufresno.edu
Sasha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with families impacted by trauma, separation, and behavioral challenges for more than ten years, having received her MSW from UC Berkeley. Sasha worked in Child Welfare for eight years and as a therapist with foster and adoptive family constellations since 2019. Sasha specializes in training social workers and therapists in adoption competency, youth engagement, and person-centered interventions. Sasha and her partner have adopted five children from California foster care, three of whom are now young adults, including a college graduate. They continue to foster children with complex needs.
Technology Asssiant
rmcleod@csufresno.edu
Robyn McLeod joined BAA as a Technology Assistant in October 2022. She is originally from Arizona and relocated to the Bay Area in 2019. She has over 18 years experience supporting information systems and instructional technology for educators. She enjoys being of service to others and is looking forward to supporting BAA Staff and Partners. Her time off is spent spoiling her dog and expressing her creativity through pottery.
Training Operations Team
Training Supervisor
glenysr@csufresno.edu
Glenys Rodeback grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and went to California State University, Fresno to pursue her degree in business administration with a marketing emphasis. While at Fresno State, she joined Pi Sigma Epsilon, a professional fraternal organization in sales, marketing, and management. Through her studies at Fresno State, her association membership and experience working on campus, she gained valuable work ethic skills and administrative experience. Glenys eventually moved back to the Monterey Peninsula and started work as an employment specialist for Monterey County Office for Employment & Training where she taught at-risk youth pre-employment skills training, career exploration, and work placement. She is excited to be part of the Bay Area Academy team and supporting her alma mater. Glenys believes that continual education and personal/professional growth are the keys to personal success. Read a book, attend a training, browse the web or best of all – go outdoors!
Training Assistant
ntandel@csufresno.edu
Nehal completed her Bachelor’s degree in Literature at University of California, Santa Cruz and joined Bay Area Academy in April 2022 as a Training Assistant. She practices cultivating genuine human connections through community and shared experiences to better understand the world around her and thrives from learning from others, building relationships, hearing about other people’s passions and offering help when it’s wanted. Outside of Nehal’s professional career you can find her skateboarding, being outdoors, reading literature, getting creative, and relaxing with her cats!
Training Assistant
ccardona@csufresno.edu
Carol came to BAA with 20 plus years of Administrative Assistant work. She served in the Marine Corps from 1998-2002 and as a child of immigrant parents who prides herself in hard work and understanding of other people's backgrounds. On her off time, she loves reading (she is a fan of mystery and crime fiction) and spending time with her nieces and nephews ages 12 months to 4 years old.
Training Assistant
mckenaz@csufresno.edu
Mckena Zamorano was born and raised in the Central Valley, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Communications at California State University, Fresno. She is excited to be working for the BAA and proud to be supporting her alma mater. Mckena is passionate about social justice, education, and serving underprivileged communities. In her spare time she enjoys reading, volunteering, going on hikes, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Training Assistant
canderson@csufresno.edu
Courtney is an East Bay resident with a background in public education, social services, disaster readiness and response. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring national and historical landmarks, making incremental progress towards a Disaster Health career, and sampling "foodie" subscription boxes featuring snacks and cuisine from around the globe.
Training Assistant
amberl@csufresno.edu
Amber is a Berkeley native and resident, where she went to school from elementary to college, attending the esteemed University of California, Berkeley. She has experience in social work, education, business, and communication. Receiving numerous honors and scholarships for her academic, leadership, and community service achievements, Amber is determined to be a change agent. She hopes to spread the message of the Kingdom to the world, encouraging others to discover their true selves. Moreover, Amber is the founder and CEO of Intentional Mediums LLC and enjoys sports, helping others, and event planning and decor.
Fiscal Operations Team
Fiscal Supervisor
teresaguthrie@csufresno.edu
Teresa Guthrie joined BAA October 2017. Originally from Oregon, she attended UC Berkeley for undergraduate and ended up staying in the Bay Area. Prior to joining BAA, Teresa worked for the Oakland Unified School District at the school site level and within the Special Education Department. She was also a high school rowing coach in Oakland and Los Gatos for almost a decade. Teresa lives in Berkeley with her husband, two daughters and their dog and enjoys adventures with her family. She is excited to further support the BAA community and mission.
Business Analyst
kstapp@csufresno.edu
I was born and raised in San Francisco. After high school, I owned my own restaurant with a few friends. After a few years, I left the restaurant business to pursue a position with Mervyn’s Stores Headquarters in Hayward. I have over 30+ years Business Administration experience. I accepted a position with Bay Area Academy in August 2015. I love and enjoy the work we do here and the people I work with. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I really enjoy the simple things in life that make me smile and that’s what brings me happiness.
Administrative Assistant
elainenagaoka@csufresno.edu
Elaine Nagaoka was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. She has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Cruzeiro Do Sul University in Brazil. She worked for a technologies company in Brazil for more than 12 years. Her growing responsibilities and international collaborations encouraged her to master the English language, so she moved to California in 2017 and enrolled at Berkeley City College to study English as a Second Language. In addition to her native tongue, Portuguese, Elaine is also fluent in Spanish. Elaine moved to Berkeley in 2018 and lives with her husband and dog. She enjoys travelling, hiking, and cooking. BAA is her first job opportunity here in the US and she is excited to further support the BAA community and its mission.