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.”

Nelson Cortez was born and raised in Napa, attended McPherson Elementary, Redwood Middle School, and graduated from Vintage High School. His parents, immigrants from Michoacán, moved to Napa in the early 80s. Nelson’s widowed Mother is poised to retire after 15 years working as a custodian for Vintage High School.

Nelson joined Napa County as a Staff Assistant to the Board of Supervisors in July 2015. Nelson works closely with Supervisors Brad Wagenknecht, Diane Dillon and Alfredo Pedroza, assisting them with constituent matters, communications, and organizing community meetings to address specific community concerns. Nelson’s prior experience working in government includes employment as a Senate Fellow and later as a Legislative Aide to California State Senator Marty Block where he was the primary policy consultant on public safety, elder issues, human services, among others. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American and Latina/o Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

“Now more than ever we must work together to empower our community to be more civically engaged in order to improve our daily lives and combat inequities and injustices that surround underserved communities. I am pleased to serve on the Up Valley Family Centers’ board to advance its mission by engaging with decision makers and holding them accountable for people that often times are left out without a voice.”

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.”

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.

Caitlin was born and raised in Napa Valley and graduated from St. Helena High School before attending Colby College in Maine and earning a degree in Government. For nearly twenty years, she has worked with architects, non-profits, photographers, interior designers and vintners in San Francisco, Marin and Napa Valley. Key areas of expertise include working with the design and building community and managing clients’ charitable fundraising.

She is the Marketing Director for San Francisco design firm Butler Armsden Architects. Closer to home, she is collaborating on fire-, water-wise and pollinator-friendly garden initiatives in Napa Valley with a group that likes to laugh and call themselves “The Pollinator Posse”, and advising small companies and organizations on their marketing efforts.

Caitlin, her husband and their two children live in St. Helena.