About San Diego Oasis
San Diego Oasis, a public 501(c)3 charity, is a unique educational program for adults 50+ who want to continue to learn and be productive throughout life. Membership is free and open to anyone 50 or older. Join Oasis and enjoy stimulating classes and opportunities to serve your community.
Listen to Simona Valanciute, President & CEO, share about our mission>>
Simona Valanciute, President and CEO
The mission of San Diego Oasis is to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles and volunteer engagement. We seek to positively impact their lives through partnerships to share knowledge, offer evidence- and research-based programs, conduct evaluations and adapt to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Our approach includes the following key areas:
- Lifelong Learning
- Health and Wellness
- Community Involvement through intergenerational programs
Our team is thrilled to present to you our current online offerings. You will find exciting opportunities to participate in classes, lectures, discussion groups, performances, trips, off-site adventures, and mentoring children in our community through our intergenerational tutoring program.
Our Awards
Our Team
2026: Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring named Program of Distinction by Generations United, a prestigious national award.
2025: Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring named Program of Distinction by Generations United, a prestigious national award.
2025: Nonprofit Board Leaders of Influence: Mark Allan and Krishna Arora, San Diego Business Journal
2024: Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring named Program of Distinction by Generations United, a prestigious national award.
2023:
- CSO50 Award Winner for AI Edge Security and Thought Leadership
- Simona Valanciute selected one of the Most Influential People in San Diego, San Diego Business Journal
2022: Simona Valanciute selected one of the Most Influential People in San Diego, San Diego Business Journal
2022: Generations United’s Program of Merit for “Generations Together” Intergenerational Summer Camp
2020: Public Health Champion award by the County of San Diego’s Covid19 Leadership.
2019: Two Impact Awards: by the North San Diego Business Chamber and the Escondido Chamber.
2018: NBC Universal Project Innovation Award for Technology Efforts with Older Adults.
2017: Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring named Program of Distinction by Generations United, a prestigious national award.
2016: Excellence Award by KUSI and Torrey Pines Bank, Breaking Away Excellence Award.
2014: Charity Navigator: 4 stars out of 4 stars. Our sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned us a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
2013: Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Training and Education is given by American Society on Aging (ASA) to organizations with significant and long-term contributions to the field which have created visibility for exemplary training and educational efforts. ASA also requires that training, education or staff development must be accurate, current, culturally appropriate and comprehensive.
2012: Social Impact 100 Index (S&I 100). Due to our focus on evidence-based programs and our track record of delivering results, OASIS was named to the S&I 100, a list of the top 100 nonprofit organizations in the United States that have broad social impact and deliver results.
Development & Operations
Simona Valanciute | President and CEO
Cindy Friedenberg | Chief Financial Officer
Jodi Gallen | Director of Growth and Development
Gina Johnson | Events Manager
Kyle Woomer | Senior Accountant
Program Support Staff
David Beevers | Manager of Technology Training and Program Operations
Monserrat Callejas | Technology Learning Specialist
Michelle Irby | Intergenerational Tutor Program Manager
La Mesa Staff
Kris Anelli | Office & Volunteer Director
Brandon Harding | Program Director
Rancho Bernardo Staff
Judy Applebaum | Lifelong Learning Manager
Danny Beers | Office & Volunteer Manager
Click a name to email us.
Hours of Operation & General Inquiries
Monday through Friday
Rancho Bernardo: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
La Mesa: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday (La Mesa Location Only)
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Our Advisory Board
Don Ambrose
Sister Mary Jo Anderson
Jonathan Doering
Ken Druck, PhD
Danielle Finch
Henry George
Eileen Haag
Bob Kelly
Maureen King
Jordan Z. Marks, Esq.
Wendy McKinney
Mark Riedy, PhD
Drew Schlosberg
Deborah Szekely
Barbara Warden
Deni Saxod Carpenter
Deni Saxod Carpenter was raised and educated in both Tijuana and San Diego, and is still involved in both cultures. Upon graduating from SDSU, Deni began a teaching career in San Diego. After a few years away in Washington DC, Deni re-settled in San Diego and co-founded Saxod Enterprises, a firm specializing in language instruction, translation services, interpreting services and business and cultural introductions in the Mexican marketplace. She established strong community ties, including board service on The Old Globe, Copley YMCA, Children’s Home Society, San Diego Repertory Theatre, and Balboa Park Trust Committee at The San Diego Foundation. Deni is married to Ken Carpenter, a San Diego retired biomedical entrepreneur. Deni is a proud mother of a daughter who is an interior designer in Mexico City and a son who is a VP of Finance at Renovate America. She enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren, and traveling with her husband.
David Chong, Governance Chair
David Chong, Governance Chair, has worn a few different hats in his career, though the one that seems to fit the best is geriatric care. For the last few years, he has successfully led teams to make the final time of life good for elderly San Diegans in their own homes. Previously, David owned and operated The Park at Mount Helix and founded an Internet-based senior housing referral service, AssistMatch. Early in his career, he practiced corporate law in Taipei at Jones Day and later served as a Business Advisor at the microfinance nonprofit, ACCION San Diego. As a foundation to his career, David’s most useful degrees are his B.S. in Business Administration from Biola University and his J.D. from Boalt Hall School of Law at U.C. Berkeley. The not-quite-as-practical program was the M.A. in Practical Theology from University of San Diego. At various times he has held licenses in California as an attorney with the State Bar, as a broker with the Department of Real Estate, and as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly Administrator with the Department of Social Services. He is a Care Manager, Certified through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and a Certified Geriatric Care Manager with the Aging Life Care Association. David has served as a board member and member in both nonprofit and for-profit entities including Chair Elect of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council, San Diego Cooperative Charter School, La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary, ProVisors, and the Estate Planning Council of San Diego. Some particularly favorite activities have included backpacking, hiking & RV’ing. When not enjoying time with his Coast Care Partners partners, he can typically be found seizing the day with his wife, Sarah, and his four children.
Bonnie Ann Dowd, EdD, CMA
Bonnie Ann Dowd, EdD, CMA
Bonnie Ann Dowd retired in 2023 after 35 years in the California Community College system. Her last 12 years were as the Executive Vice Chancellor of San Diego Community College District (second largest multi-college district in CA). Previous 23 years were at Palomar Community College District where she served as Vice President, Finance and Administrative Services and 17 years as a tenured full-time Business Professor. Prior to her educational career, Bonnie worked for 20 years in publicly traded corporations located in New York City, NY and in closely held entrepreneurial businesses located in Houston, TX and San Diego, CA.
Bonnie earned her EdD in Leadership Studies in 2003 from the University of San Diego, an MBA in Financial Management from National University, a BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston, and an AAS in Business from Staten Island Community College. All of her education completed as a part-time student while working full-time. She is also a licensed Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Bonnie’s education, knowledge, leadership, management, and teaching experience along with her commitment to service resulted in her being appointed to numerous advisory, oversight and governance boards, councils, and committees in the state of California and the county and city of San Diego. She also taught for 10 years as an Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University’s School of Education’s EdD Leadership program.
Throughout her industry and education careers, Bonnie was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. She has been a resident of Rancho Bernardo since 1985, where she currently or previously served on several community non-profit organizations including as a board member. Since its grand opening in June 2023, Bonnie has been an active member of the San Diego Oasis’ Rancho Bernardo center and is personally committed to Oasis’ mission to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, healthy living, and intergenerational community service.
In her retirement spare time, Dr. Dowd (aka Dr. BAD as she has been known by her students) enjoys national and international travel, is a life-long aficionado of live-theatre, regularly plays Mahjongg, is a member of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s book club, and most importantly treasures time spent with friends and family near and far, former state and local community college colleagues, and remaining in contact with students always willing to share advice and encouragement as part of her commitment to “pay it forward” in appreciation to all of those that supported her throughout both of her successful and fulfilling careers.
Bonnie Ann Dowd, EdD, CMA
Bonnie Ann Dowd, EdD, CMA
Bonnie Ann Dowd retired in 2023 after 35 years in the California Community College system. Her last 12 years were as the Executive Vice Chancellor of San Diego Community College District (second largest multi-college district in CA). Previous 23 years were at Palomar Community College District where she served as Vice President, Finance and Administrative Services and 17 years as a tenured full-time Business Professor. Prior to her educational career, Bonnie worked for 20 years in publicly traded corporations located in New York City, NY and in closely held entrepreneurial businesses located in Houston, TX and San Diego, CA.
Bonnie earned her EdD in Leadership Studies in 2003 from the University of San Diego, an MBA in Financial Management from National University, a BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston, and an AAS in Business from Staten Island Community College. All of her education completed as a part-time student while working full-time. She is also a licensed Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Bonnie’s education, knowledge, leadership, management, and teaching experience along with her commitment to service resulted in her being appointed to numerous advisory, oversight and governance boards, councils, and committees in the state of California and the county and city of San Diego. She also taught for 10 years as an Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University’s School of Education’s EdD Leadership program.
Throughout her industry and education careers, Bonnie was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. She has been a resident of Rancho Bernardo since 1985, where she currently or previously served on several community non-profit organizations including as a board member. Since its grand opening in June 2023, Bonnie has been an active member of the San Diego Oasis’ Rancho Bernardo center and is personally committed to Oasis’ mission to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, healthy living, and intergenerational community service.
In her retirement spare time, Dr. Dowd (aka Dr. BAD as she has been known by her students) enjoys national and international travel, is a life-long aficionado of live-theatre, regularly plays Mahjongg, is a member of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s book club, and most importantly treasures time spent with friends and family near and far, former state and local community college colleagues, and remaining in contact with students always willing to share advice and encouragement as part of her commitment to “pay it forward” in appreciation to all of those that supported her throughout both of her successful and fulfilling careers.
Judy Lewis
Judy Lewis is a native San Diegan, and an avid Oasis participant. She earned her B.A. at Stanford, her M.A. and PhD. at Columbia, all in Psychology, and spent a post-doctoral research year at The Rockefeller University focusing on the psychobiology of behavior. Upon her return to San Diego, Judy became a professor in the psychology department at San Diego State, where she was engaged in teaching, research, and student mentoring for 36 years. In addition, she was founder of the Psychology Department’s Weight Control Clinic, and served as its director for 20 years. Judy retired from San Diego State in 2008, and that same year discovered Oasis. She has virtually lived here ever since, holding the record for the most Oasis classes ever attended (almost 500 as of 2014). Judy’s community involvement includes service for San Diego Junior Theatre, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild, Playwrights Project, The Children’s Museum, and the San Diego Young Opera Buffs, among others. Judy’s husband, Marshall Lewis, is an attorney in private practice in San Diego. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Rebecca Raymond
Rebecca Raymond is the Co-Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Development and Empowerment (FCDE), the Vice President of the Raymond Companies, and a consultant with the Confluence Institute’s East African initiative.
A nonprofit devotee, for more than 30 years Rebecca has been working with change-making organizations dedicated to youth and community development across the globe. Domestically, she has worked as the Director of Family Counseling Services for a San Francisco Beacon Center and the Director of Indian Education for the American Indian Child Resource Center in Oakland. Internationally, she was a youth development Peace Corps Volunteer in the Kingdom of Tonga and has held senior positions with the Asante Africa Foundation based in Kenya and Tanzania, the Foundation for Sustainable Development in Uganda, and currently with FCDE, as the Director of Operations. From both sides of the San Francisco Bay to rural East African villages to the islands of the South Pacific, Rebecca has integrated her work in the field to create comprehensive, multi-faceted programs designed to address community-identified solutions focusing on cultivating meaningful partnerships across organizations and cultures.
Her education and clinical training include master’s degrees in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco and in international social development from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and American Studies, with a peace and justice studies concentration, from Tufts University.
Krishna Arora, Board Chair Emeritus
Krishna Arora, Board Chair Emeritus, is a retired engineer, holding degrees in electrical and systems engineering as well as computer science. He was fortunate to join Irwin Jacobs’s Qualcomm team early on where he retired as a Director of Engineering in 2002. Post retirement, Krishna and wife, Bonnie, have been traveling the world and making a difference in local and international communities through philanthropy. Locally, Krishna teaches a weekly class at the Braille Institute in San Diego and is a very active member of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club. A lifelong learner, Krishna spent two years researching and publishing a genealogy book of 700+ pages on his ancestry in India dating back to 1703. Bonnie and Krishna have honored their spiritual and cultural roots by completing a Hindu pilgrimage, which took them to the four corners of India, and a Catholic pilgrimage, which took them on a 1000 mile walk along the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain.
Julie Derry, Board Chair
Julie Derry, Board Chair, Julie Derry, Board Chair, is an expert at creating and leading vision, execution and measurement of customer focused strategies that align with company goals. Exceptional record of utilizing analytics and customer feedback to drive strategic marketing decisions that lead to increased sales and profitability. Experienced at bridging Marketing and Technology disciplines to drive business results, productivity and employee morale. Inspirational and motivational leader with ability to sell the strategy broadly across the organization.
In 2015, Julie left the corporate world to pursue a passion for making a difference for seniors and their families. This pursuit led to opening a senior placement agency, where Julie supports aging adults and their families during times of need. As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Julie helps families find assisted living, independent living, memory care and in-home care. Her passion for serving the aging adult population is only exceeded by the satisfaction she experiences upon successfully helping her clients achieve peace of mind.
Barbara Noerenberg
Barbara Noerenberg is the former Vice President of Corporate R&D at Qualcomm Inc., a wireless telecommunications company that invented the smartphone. As an executive in engineering and management, she led diverse teams of professionals in areas of engineering research, product development and partner management. Earlier in her career, Barbara held management positions atJostens Learning Corporation where she developed educational multimedia systems. Prior to Jostens, she was involved with mergers and acquisitions at Computer Associates.
As part of her Portfolio Career, Barbara is a certified Executive Coach who works with individuals to help them achieving their professional and personal goals. With 25+ years of experience in business, she brings perspective and best practices to her clients. She is also a Management Consultant who supports early stage companies in areas including Change Management, Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, R&D Engineering, Operations and Project Management.
As a strong advocate of women in STEM, Barbara is funding and guiding academic initiatives that promote her Foundation’s mission.
Barbara believes that paying-it-forward is a key component of her Portfolio Career. She has 10+ years of experience as a member of the Board of Directors of numerous organizations and has served in various roles including Chairman of the Board, Finance Committee Chair, Fundraising Chair and on theGovernance, Nominating and Executive committees. She currently serves on the YWCA, LEAD SanDiego, Corporate Directors’ Forum and Veterans Medical Research Foundation Boards. She also serves on the Advisory Board of AerNos, Inc. and SDSU’s ZIP Launchpad Entrepreneurship Initiative. She is an active member of Rotary Club 33, the 4th largest Rotary club in the world.
Noerenberg is the recipient of several awards including the YWCA’s TWIN (Tribute to Women andIndustry) Award, the North County Chamber of Commerce Woman in Business Award, Athena SanDiego’s Pinnacle Award in Technology and San Diego Business Journal’s Top 500 Influential BusinessLeaders. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
Barbara is the proud mother of two grown married children and grandmother to her first new grandson who all live in San Diego. In her free time, Barbara enjoys traveling, reading, gardening and ballroom dancing.
Glenn Rossman
Glenn Rossman
Glenn Rossman was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in actuarial science from the University of Michigan.
Glenn retired as office manager and consulting actuary of Buck Consultants in Fort Wayne in 1999. He then moved part-time to San Diego, spending winters and summers here.
He lost his first wife to breast cancer early in 2009, but reconnected thereafter with his high school sweetheart, Lynne. They were married in 2010 and now reside in Poway.
He served on numerous non-profit boards in Fort Wayne and served as a board trustee of Forever Balboa Park and its predecessor organizations from 2011to 2024. He has volunteered at the Balboa Park Visitors Center for over 24 years.
He joined San Diego Rotary Club 33 in October, 2016.
After Glenn and Lynne were married, they wanted to get more involved together in the community. They adopted San Diego State as the school to support in their new hometown and have become more and more involved in San Diego State athletics are proud “honorary” Aztec alumni.
Glenn Rossman
Mahyar Nejat
Mahyar Nejat is a distinguished leader at Sony Electronics, where he has spent nearly 38 years in engineering, marketing, and sales roles across multiple countries. His leadership has been recognized at the highest levels, including induction into the Sony Samurai Society, Sony’s most prestigious honor, and receiving the company’s first-ever worldwide Sustainability Award in Tokyo.
In addition to joining the San Diego Oasis board, he serves as a board member for the CTA Foundation, further reflecting his dedication to inclusive innovation and community impact.
Danielle Finch
Danielle Finch
Danielle Finch is an experienced leader with San Diego Gas & Electric, and is known for her strategic vision, execution and leading diverse teams while driving alignment across stakeholders. She has 15 years of in-depth experience supporting customers, developing new solutions and partnering with the community to deliver enhanced results. Danielle is currently responsible for representing customers with access and functional needs as well as collaboration with community organizations.
While Danielle has a strong understanding of the energy industry, she is also deeply connected to the San Diego community. She is a fifth generation native San Diegan, and her family still lives in East County. Danielle has an MBA in Finance from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications from San Diego State University. She is passionate about community service and life-long learning. In her free time she attempts to keep up with her young twins and toddler, while occasionally escaping to pursue her passion for travel.
Sophia Lukas
Sophia Lukas is the Chief Operating Officer at St. Paul’s Senior Services. Sophia has over 20 years of experience in healthcare operations, management, and strategy. She has had oversight of established senior living and healthcare programs as well as start-up operations.
Most recently prior to coming to St. Paul’s, Sophia was with WellQuest Living, a start-up senior living company with communities in California. In her role as Vice President of Operations, Sophia managed large teams at established as well as newly constructed multi-care level senior living communities.
Sophia has experience working at for-profit and not-for-profit senior housing organizations, including a long tenure with HumanGood, where she held positions as an Administrator, Executive Director and Vice President of Operations overseeing life plan communities and implementing a Procurement department for the corporate office.
She has current licenses as a Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for Elderly (RCFE). She is also a certified LNHA Preceptor. Sophia serves as Vice Chair of the Middle Market Committee of the National Investment Center for seniors housing. Sophia has a B.A. in Biology and Spanish from University of San Diego and Masters of Long-Term Care Administration from University of Southern California, Davis School of Gerontology.
Jonathan E. Doering, Treasurer
Jonathan E. Doering, Treasurer, is celebrating 31 years with Thrivent Financial. During that period, he’s become recognized as a national speaker on retirement and estate strategies. He’s also continued his education, completing the Wharton School’s Finance & Wealth Management program. Although Jonathan’s Thrivent work has taken him throughout the United States, his home is in San Diego.
Jonathan serves on boards for two local organizations: Hope Leadership Academy and San Diego Oasis, which provide food, education programs and healthy activities for inner-city families and local retirees. Jonathan is married with three children. Family activities – including trips to the mountains – fill most of his spare time, but during most weeks he manages to also squeeze in a little basketball and golf.
Jonathan is licensed to do business in AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI. CA Life/Health Insurance License ID 0787550, CA Securities Insurance ID 121608, CA Variable Annuity Insurance ID 0787550, CA Variable Universal Life Insurance ID 0787550.
William H Wise
William H. Wise was a Circuit Court Judge of Cook County in Illinois. He is currently an adjunct professor at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He enjoys golf and the theatre. Judge Wise brings years of experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, adjunct professor and Judge. He recently completed his judicial third term, presiding over felony, misdemeanor and Domestic Violence cases in the Fourth Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge Wise received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois and Bachelor of Law and Juris Doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from John Marshall with Honors and received The American Jurisprudence Excellency in Evidence Award. Upon graduation from law school Judge Wise served many years as an Assistant State’s Attorney of Cook County. After handling thousands of misdemeanor cases he was elevated to the felony trial division. He prosecuted hundreds of major felony and high profile cases. During his tenure in the State’s Attorney’s office he authored A Treatise on How to Prosecute D.U.I Cases Successfully. This manual was distributed by the National District Attorney’s Association and he was called upon to teach seminars throughout the United States on this subject. After his years of public service Judge Wise entered the private sector, specializing in trial work pertaining to Criminal Defense, Constitution, Civil Rights, Juvenile and Personal Injury matters. Judge Wise enjoys teaching law. He has been an instructor and adjunct professor at the Loyola University School of Law, John Marshall Law School, DePaul University and Triton College. He has taught Appellate Advocacy, Trial Practice, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, Juvenile and Social Justice. Additionally, Judge Wise has volunteered his time to preside over mock trial competitions, sponsored by The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition, and the American Bar Association National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition, co-sponsored by the John Marshall Law School.
Mark Allan, Board Vice Chair
Mark Allan, Board Vice Chair, Mark Allan is a happily retired Senior Vice President of Alliant Insurance, a top ten international broker in North America. Mark served his clients for over 35 years with professional advice and service to hundreds of businesses.
Mark graduated from college with a Science Degree and is a veteran of the US Air Force during the Vietnam era.
Mark and his lovely wife Maria Allan live in the Del Cerro neighborhood of San Diego and have 3 adult children and 4 wonderful grandchildren.
Mark has many passions such as currently serving his community in various ways such as a member on the board of Oasis, St Paul’s Senior Services, VP of Friends of Del Cerro, a community action group and VP of the Bike Buddies Cycling Club.
Mark has dedicated his life to helping others while in business and retired and is or was a volunteer on many other non-profit boards such as the Mt Helix Park Foundation as a founding board member, San Diego Optimist Club,
Boys to Men Mentoring Network, East County Posse and is a proud 28 year
San Diego Rotary Club 33 member, serving on various committees.
Mark is very active as a race car driver, racing his Radical SR3 XX prototype race car in the Radical Cup North America, throughout the US and is a charter member of the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club in Nevada. Mark also loves traveling with Maria, boating and water skiing on the Colorado River and long distant road cycling and working out with a fitness trainer to stay in shape.
Mark believes in giving back to his community with both time and treasure and loves doing so but nothing gives him more pleasure than spending time with his loving wife Maria and his wonderful children and grandchildren.
Michael D. Bardin, Secretary
Michael D. Bardin, Secretary, until his retirement, was the chief public policy officer for Scripps Health and as such oversaw Scripps’ role in the development of health care policy on federal, state and local levels. In his 30 years with Scripps, Bardin previously headed Scripps’ public relations and marketing communications. A Past President of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club, Bardin co-founded the Rotary District 5340 Pathways to Peace initiative in 2004 and he continues to chair the District Pathways to Peace Steering Committee. He was named Rotary District 5340 Rotarian of the Year in 2014. Bardin has a background of more than 40 years in the public relations and public affairs business. This includes a dozen years with Phillips-Ramsey, then San Diego’s largest advertising and public relations agency, several years as a public affairs officer in the Navy and a couple of years with television station KPIX in San Francisco. Born in Berkeley, California, Bardin is a graduate of Stanford University with a BA in communication and journalism. He did postgraduate studies in radio-TV-film at San Francisco State University.
Kathy Gamez
Kathy Gamez | With over 25 years of both wealth and investment management experience, Kathy has become a trusted financial advisor in Southern California. Most recently, Gamez serves as a Private Wealth Advisor for Umpqua Wealth Management in San Diego. Kathy has held several key private banking positions including 12+ years as a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch. Her background provides a multi-faceted approach in protecting and growing her client’s asset to set their future up for financial success. Kathy currently holds FINRA Series 7, 63 & 65 investment licenses along with Life & Disability and Property & Casualty insurance licenses from the state of California. She has also obtained her CWS® designation (Certified Wealth Strategist) and is a nationally licensed mortgage loan officer with the NMLS. Throughout her career she has been active in the community including holding several board positions which included Junior Achievement, The North Coast Repertory Theatre and Rotary. She’s been married to her husband for 33 years and they have two children and a beautiful new granddaughter. She loves to golf, ski and relax with a good glass of wine.
Paul Weiss
Paul Weiss, PhD | Paul joined the Oasis Institute as the organization’s new president in June 2017. Paul brings more than 20 years of education, program development, strategic planning, organizational growth and non-profit leadership experience to the position. Most recently, Paul served as the senior athletic director at George School in Newtown, PA, where he oversaw the opening and programming of a $27 million, 100,000 square foot fitness and athletic center. Prior to moving to Newtown, Paul served a chief program officer at Asphalt Green, a sports and fitness-focused non-profit organization in New York City. During his 12-year tenure, annual program revenue grew by nearly $5 million and community programs tripled in scope. While at Asphalt Green, Paul developed a peer-led, evidence-based senior fitness curriculum that is still in use in more than 100 senior centers in New York.Tracey Stotz
Tracey Stotz, Board Member, Tracey Stotz is currently the Broker/Owner of a boutique residential real estate firm that covers central and east San Diego County. She has worked as a Realtor since 2015. Previously she had a career in the non-profit world where she spent roughly 30 years in a variety of management and development roles including Executive Director of the Mt. Helix Park Foundation, owner of Stotz Consulting, Executive Director of the Fran Joswick Therapeutic Riding Center (DBA The Shea Center), Director of Development for the Helen Woodward Animal Center and Community Development Director for the American Cancer Society in Orange County.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University where she sat for exams in Public Finance and Organizational Theory. Her undergraduate Communications/Journalism degree is from Cal State Fullerton where she served as President of the Associated Students.
Stotz believes in giving back to her community and currently serves as a Board Member, Officer and Landscape Campaign Chair for the La Mesa History Center. Additional past community work includes Secretary of the Board of Directors and Master Plan Committee Chair for the Mt. Helix Park Foundation, Chair of the Grossmont High School Site Council, Board Member/Co-Chair Outreach for My Girlfriend’s Closet, and more PTA, Little League and AYSO positions that she can name!
Stotz lives with her husband, Bob, on Mt. Helix. She is an avid runner whose goal is to run a half or full marathon in all 50 states. She has two children – one in law school and one working as a photographer – and two dogs.
Jan Bernardy
Jan Bernardy was born and raised in mid-western Canada. She graduated from Regina General Hospital as a Registered Nurse and immediately made her way to Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, she moved to San Diego where she worked for nine years at Hillside Hospital.
Jan left hospital nursing in 1974 and went into Management at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. In 1979, she moved to Thousand Oaks, CA and began her career in Renal Care. She worked at Los Robles Regional Medical Center as a dialysis nurse until the dialysis unit was sold to Fresenius Medical Care. They then built a free standing unit on the hospital campus where she was Clinic Manager over this unit and later a second unit in Camarillo, CA.
In 1990, Jan was transferred to The Regional Office of Fresenius Medical Care located in Phoenix, AZ, where she worked as a Clinical and Regulatory Manager until 2000. She oversaw all Fresenius clinics in the Western Region making sure they were following company policies and procedures and the Federal Regulations governing dialysis clinics.
In the summer of 2000, she joined five corporate managers from Fresenius who had broken away from the company a year prior to start a new company called American Renal Associates (ARA). ARA did joint ventures with physicians to build and manage dialysis clinics across the nation. Jan was the first Clinical and Regulatory person hired with the company, located in Beverly, MA. She wrote 17 manuals and they opened their first clinic in December of 2000. As the workload of a new company increased, she moved to Manchester by the Sea, MA. In 2003, she was promoted to Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Services. In April 2016, ARA went public. She retired from the company in April of 2017; at the time they had 240+ clinics across the USA.
Jan joined LA Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary in July, 2017. Besides her love for Rotary, Jan enjoys gardening, and is a member of the San Diego Horticultural Society, crocheting, traveling, reading and spending time with her grandson.
Jan is married, and after the birth of their grandson, they decided to move back to San Diego and now live in the UTC area.
Frank S. Hoffstadt
Frank discovered San Diego Oasis by becoming a trained Oasis Intergenerational Tutor. He is a caregiver, a cancer survivor, a passionate advocate for changing the conversation around aging and the value of intergenerational community service. Frank holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the University of Central Missouri and brings extensive experience from the hospitality sector. His community service includes Membership Committee at the University Club atop Symphony Towers.
William York
William York | As the Executive Vice President of 2-1-1 San Diego, William operates one the most successful 2-1-1 providers in the nation. With his diverse expertise and knowledge in business management, care coordination service, and funding models, coupled with his spirit of collaboration and partnership, William has successfully secured 94% the organization’s $13 million budget in fee-for-service contracts and business partnerships. Committed to improving access to services for active duty military, veterans, and their families, William is a strong local and national advocate for this community. In 2011, he worked with the County of San Diego, Mental Health Systems, Veterans Village, and the San Diego Veterans Coalition to launch Courage to Call, the first program sustainably funded by the County of San Diego through Mental Health Service Act funding. Most recently William led the region’s collaborative development of SD United, the region’s first military and veteran care coordination technology platform powered by 2-1-1’s Community Information Exchange that today is viewed as a national model for collaboration. William is the Co-chair of the Governing Council for the Military Transition Support Project that oversees Zero8Hundred, a transition program for our military and Veteran community. He also served as one of the principle founders of the San Diego Veterans Coaliton and served as the Chair of the Board for two terms, building a 150-member group to enhance the support of Veteran community, and remains a dedicated member of the board.