About Us: Our Team
About Us: Team Bios
Executive Director
Thaïs Mazur, PhD
Growing up in a farming community and living on the north coast for over 20 years, I have first hand experience of the challenges facing rural areas. I believe communities who are connected through collaboration and a shared vision create healthy systems that support people of all ages and cultures. I hold a doctorate in Human Science and my work has been focused in the fields of organizational systems change, community wellness, and social transformation. I am grateful to be part of the Action Network team who is dedicated to fostering personal wellness, strengthening families, empowering youth, and supporting a healthy community.
Sienna Wetherington
Youth Programs Manager
I appreciate Action Network's strong commitment to ensuring a healthy way of living and I hope to see families in our community build healthy and sustainable lives. I am inspired by youth who choose to think critically, act as social change agents and I dream that together we can create a community where families can find safety, hope and success in life. In my position, I strive for youth to have the opportunity to express themselves and feel comfortable and confident enough to create positive change in the world around them.
Youth Family Advocate
Aiyana Robinson
I am a young Native American woman from the Manchester Band of Pomo Indians and Round Valley Indian Tribes. I am a first year college student majoring in business association. I take pride in my cultural practices and traditional ways that I was taught by my great grandmother. I have lived on the coast of Point Arena my whole life and reside on the Manchester Point Arena Reservation. My goal for the path that I walk is to help and give back to the teens and adults in my community, and to show the younger generation that there is help here for them and that they do have a purpose.
Programs Director
Emily McConnell
I joined the Action Network team in December 2020 and have lived on the coast for about 10 years. I moved here to follow my heart, live sustainably, and care for the Earth and our community while living in tune with nature. I have a BFA in Fine Arts, with a focus in Photography, am a certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic Health Counselor. My art and yoga foundation encourage me to stay present, to slow down, breathe and respond accordingly to life’s challenges. My intention is to create programs based in wellness, mindfulness, and awareness practices that can positively affect our community by empowering individuals, youth, and families.
Grants Administrator
Karen Heftmann
I moved to the area about 10 years ago after a career at the University of California, San Diego. There I worked in the School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics in grants development and management. I had a special interest in training junior faculty in the skills necessary to craft competitive applications that would advance their careers. I also worked with identifying and securing funding for programs that address the development and retention of faculty from underserved groups. Additionally, I worked closely with the Community Pediatrics group whose focus was health and wellness in the community. The mission of Action Network and its staff aligns with my interest in having community that is fair and representative with access and opportunity for all its members.
Community Outreach Advocate
Ann Sanchez
​
I am a Native woman, a mother, a student of life, an artist, and more. I am an enrolled member of Fort Bidwell Northern Paiute and also Tohono O'odhom/Omaha/Mexican. I have been on the coast since 2012 with my husband and family. I earned my BA in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State and am currently finishing a multiple subject teaching credential. I started working with Native youth in 2002 and in our public schools since 2014. I love art. Mediums I use include paint, beads, drawing, graphic design, sporadic poetry, and creative writing. I enjoy working with youth of all backgrounds and ages. During the school year, I teach 1st-8th grade art and I am the Native Liaison for k-12, as well as art for the after-school program. My goals as a youth advocate and educator are to share, create, and encourage youth and adults alike to explore their cultural identity, creativity, and build their self-confidence through art and engagement.
Clinical Supervisor - Therapist - Behavioral Health Coordinator
Miles Clark
I am a licensed marriage family therapist, LMFT, and part of the Action Network Counseling Team. I also have a certificate degree in conflict resolution from Sonoma State University and specialize in collaborative problem solving. With 15 years working as the behavioral health counselor in the Point Arena Schools, I have extensive experience working with students and their caregivers to navigate the academic and behavioral health support systems to help young people feel successful in social and academic settings. I particularly like working with couples to help them communicate and problem solve in ways that lead to satisfying relationships.
Linda Lawson
Administrative Assistant
I am a proud indigenous woman enrolled in Manchester Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians tribe. I am a mother of 6 who takes pride in my culture and teaching my children our traditional ways so they can carry on what my ancestors have taught me. My children and I moved to the coast 12 years ago. I love living and serving our small community and rural areas. I am excited to extend our services and offer my support through Action Network to our community member and families on and off the reservations.
Youth Environmental Steward - YES Project
Annalisse Eclipse
I am excited to join Action Network as the new Youth Environmental Steward. I graduated from Cornell University last year with a B.A. in Environment and Sustainability and a minor in Climate Change. During my time at Cornell, I discovered a passion for raising awareness of the intersection between environmental issues and social justice. As leader of the YES Project, I hope to empower and support local youth to take action on the climate and environmental issues that impact their communities.
Youth Support Services
Katy Frost
I am both proud and thrilled to be joining the Action Network team. I believe in Action Network and their programs. The health and well-being of my community and its families is important to me. I will be starting in Youth Support Services and eager for my position to develop and grow over time. I am currently studying psychology with end goal of Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy. Maybe Action Network will help me decide.
In my opinion, social and emotional support/tools are of the upmost importance in any relationship, especially the relationship with self. I plan to help bring this much needed support to the youth in our community, motivating them to meet their potential, with a focus on self-care and awareness. Having an adult who actively listens, validates what you’re going through, empowers you, and holds a safe place for you to express yourself and your needs is extra important during adolescent years. I am honored to be that person for our kids.
Audrey Lareau
Youth Community Coordinator
I grew up near a salt marsh by the beautiful San Francisco peninsula bay lands. As an undergraduate at UCSC, I majored in Environmental Studies and Education with the goal of combining my passion for nature with my love of working with children. Shortly after graduating, I began working at a school specializing in children with severe physical and health impairments which led me to pursuing my MA in Special Education at SFSU. I have a multi-subject teaching credential and moderate/severe credential, and have completed all 3 levels of the Academy of Forest Kindergarten's Teacher Training. I am inspired by restorative justice work, community building, and nature-connection.
Legal Services Advocate
Marutzzella Castro
I have been a paralegal for the past 20 years. At Action Network I assist community members with referrals and filling out legal paper work related to domestic violence/sexual assault issues; human trafficking; immigration; DACA and more. Please call the Action Network office or email me directly to make an appointment action.ayuda@gmail.com. I offer bilingual Spanish/English services.
Juan Dominguez
Community Outreach Advocate
I was raised on the Manchester/Point Arena reservation, practice traditional dancing and am slowly learning the central Pomo language. I created a podcast Burn the Wagon, to help amplify the voices of people of color. I am thrilled to be a part of the Action Network team, and look forward to contributing to the community.
Gabriella Coletta
Human Resources Consultant
I have joined the Action Network team to develop, motivate, and improve employee relations. As a Human Resource Professional focused on continuously improving culture and employee experience. Throughout my life experience, I have been fortunate to have worked in several fields that have ultimately driven me to focus on my current position. I am looking forward to contributing to the great work that Action Network is providing to the community.
MSW Intern
Ann Lester
It has been my privilege to be in community with teenagers for many years as an arts educator, and I am pleased to continue in that vein in my new role as a social emotional learning counselor with Action Network. I am also a Master’s of Social Welfare candidate at UC Berkeley, with an emphasis in community health. The Mendocino coast is a big part of my own health as I appreciate and attempt to live within its rhythms and beauty.
​