BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kristen began her career managing Genentech’s Foundation for Biomedical Sciences. She then went on to work in venture capital and biotech investor relations before finding her way into the non-profit world. She has worked in venture philanthropy, fund development and has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Director. After graduating from the non-profit management program at Harvard Business School, she became the CEO of several non-profit agencies. Kristen worked on the merger team that brought together and formed the Up Valley Family Center and had the privilege of being its first Board President. She now spends her time with her husband raising their twins in St. Helena while volunteering and supporting the non-profits where she feels she can help make a difference.

“Supporting kids and families in our community has always been a core value of mine. Through their wide variety of programs and services, the Up Valley Family Centers offer so much to so many. I am proud to support an organization that continues to make our up valley towns a better and stronger place.”

Doug is the co-founder and general manager of Boeschen Vineyards, a small estate vineyard and winery in St. Helena that is celebrating its 25th year this fall.  Those 25 years represent profoundly impactful relationships with scores of employees and their families that have led Doug to his involvement with the Up-Valley community.  He is currently a commissioner with the St. Helena Park and Recreation Department, and works with Hand-In-Hand, a regional organization that advocates for rights and better working conditions for domestic workers.  Doug is beginning his seventh year as a tutor with the St. Helena elementary school, helps  community members apply for citizenship, and tutors others in their preparation to take the citizenship exam.

Doug was raised in a small town outside of Seattle, but came to the Bay Area to attend Stanford University to study International Policy and meet his wife, Deborah.  Doug and Deborah have lived in St. Helena since 2005, and have two boys who both now also attend Stanford.  In a previous life, Doug served with an international human rights organization in three different countries, and worked for eight years as a strategy consultant for technology companies.  He has lived in Poland, Romania, France, Spain, and Germany, but is happiest with his family and friends here in Napa Valley.

Terry’s career includes more than 25 years of corporate marketing and fundraising experience with social services, arts, education and health care nonprofits. Beginning in 2010, she was a fundraising consultant for nonprofits in Napa and Marin counties providing staff and boards with the tools necessary to create sustainable organizations. She consulted with the newly merged UVFC from July 2014 – July 2017 creating and implementing development plans and best fundraising practices while working with Board, staff and Jenny Ocon. She became the first UVFC Development Director from August 2017 – June 2018.

Terry is a native Californian and received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and Masters in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management. She worked in New York City, The Hague, Portland, Maine, Phoenix, and San Francisco before relocating to Napa Valley in 2010.

She retired in July 2018 and is married to Bob Fiddaman, one of the founding Board members of the Calistoga Family Center. When not actively engaged with various Napa Valley nonprofits, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their families including a combined total of 14 grandchildren! They live in Napa.

“Since 2014, I’ve seen first-hand, the positive community impact the Up Valley Family Centers’ program and organizational growth has had. Having nimbly responded to multiple fires and the pandemic, UVFC’s role as a critical “second responder” is unquestionable. UVFC’s vision of facilitating healthy relationships and networks of support so that all people in our community feel safe, valued and prepared, benefits all of Napa Valley. I share that vision.”

Julia Leza Gardner has lived and worked in the Napa Valley since 2007. Julia works for Serenity Knolls and is also employed as a District Agent with Modern Woodmen of America. She brings an array of experiences in human services, retail and business. Julia has served as Director of Utilization Management at Duffy’s Napa Valley Rehab, as a Paraprofessional at the Calistoga Elementary School, in management at St. Helena Safeway, and at Solage and previously with Modern Woodmen of America. Prior to moving to Calistoga, Julia was an Army Medic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC and served in the Army National Guard. Julia has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a certificate in accounting from the University of Phoenix. She is a Past President for the Rotary Club of Calistoga and is the Club’s past Treasurer. Julia and her husband have 5 wonderful children ranging from 8-15 years old.  They enjoy hiking and golfing and spending quality time together.

“The UpValley Family Center does so much for our community. I personally have been on the receiving end of services offered and the support, knowledge, and kindness provided to me speaks volumes. Being able to give back and support an organization that helps our youth and seniors, and everything in between, is an honor.”

Sam Martin is the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer of Kodo Inc./Dana Estates. Prior to this role, Sam had a long tenure working in the public accounting field, including experience as a Certified Fraud Examiner and helping companies develop policies and procedures to reduce exposure to fraud.  Sam holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University of Chico.

Sam is committed to strengthening the community through volunteer efforts. In addition to serving on the family center’s board of directors, Sam also serves on the boards of the Napa Valley Land Trust and the Napa Valley Masons.

Born and raised in Saltillo Mexico, Braulio is a first-generation immigrant. Before moving to the United States, Braulio attended law school and he is still a licensed attorney in Mexico. After law school, he joined the Attorney General’s Office in the federal government in Mexico City. He then decided to change the course of his life and went to the University of Texas to learn the English language.

Braulio then attended graduate school at Michigan State and obtained a Master’s in Public Law (LL.M.) and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). Braulio was a teaching assistant and while finishing the graduate programs he was a recipient of a student excellence award from the American Association of Public Administrators (ASPA). He later taught comparative/international law at one of the best private universities in Mexico.

He then relocated to the Bay Area and started working for a few well-known law firms. His parents retired as public employees, so the call for public service has always been part of his life. Braulio has worked as an investigator for the State Bar of California for the last 10 years. He currently works protecting the public while investigating claims of misconduct by attorneys in California that, in some cases, end up in disbarments.

Braulio, his wife Melissa, a SHHS teacher, and his two sons are active members of the St. Helena community. Braulio is in the Vestry at Grace Episcopal church and he is part of the outreach committee. He is also an active soccer coach and player.

His family, community service, sports, and spirituality are his passion in life.