ABOUT US: Our Team
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 encourage programs based in wellness, mindfulness, and awareness practices that can positively affect our community by empowering individuals, youth, and families.
Bookkeeper & 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.
Events Coordinator
Kinzie Sippola
I've been working with Action Network since March of 2021 and love being a part of this team! I have always had a passion for being of service to others and I have always dreamed of working in a non-profit setting. Action Network is a place where I feel like I am a part of something bigger than just myself, where I feel supported to use my talents and help to make a difference and impact in our community. I am a Massage Therapist by trade, ESL teacher and aspiring Doula. With Action Network I serve as a Youth Programs Assistant, Teen Health & Bilingual Advocate, and Community Outreach Support. You'll find me in the Community Garden with the youth, at the Front Desk in Action Network or driving the Outreach Van around Point Arena & Gualala.
Child Supervisor / Bright Beginnings Teacher
Jaime Cook
I have lived in this area (Annapolis) for almost 30 years. I attended Horicon Elementary, Point Arena High School, and went on to attend Santa Rosa Junior College for a couple years. I stayed in this community because I loved the closeness of the people and the beauty. It was a place where I knew I wanted to raise my family, to have my children grow up in a quiet, rural area, and be able to experience the life that I had as a child in this community. After having my two children, I knew I wanted to work with children in this community more and to help provide them with fun, safe programs that they would remember for a long time.
Marriage Family Therapy Intern
As I am working towards my licensure as a marriage and family therapist, my current role involves working with couples, parents, kids, and families, under guidance of a licensed professional. I believe that in order to understand individuals, we must also understand the systems in which they live, such as their family, school or work, community, as well as historical and sociopolitical context. Rather than pathologize individuals and individual problems, I try to apply a multicultural lens and incorporate a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. I also believe that social justice work is an important part of my profession, and strive to be an advocate for my clients and community here on the coast.
Esther Slaman
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.
Ling Su
Administrative Assistant
I have been living in the community on the coast for over 13 years. As a mother of an 11 year old, Action Network has been a great service provider to our life in different ways. I am so honored to work with Action Network to give back to my community. Working as the Administrative Assistant allows me to support families, children and adults. I am passionate to be part of a non-profit organization to provide service for the needs of the community.
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.
Bilingual Advocate
Christian Diaz
I was born and raised here in Point Arena, but I went off to college in 2014 to explore life outside of the community. I graduated from California State University of Monterey Bay with a B.S. in Biology and Minor in Cinematography. During my time at Monterey Bay, I joined various organizations on and off campus, holding and helping with events for the community and campus life. Now that I’m back in my hometown, my goal is to bring what I learned and experienced to the community and help create programs for the youth and provide outreach to support families.
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.
Youth Intern
Alani Ethelbah
I am a senior in high school and attend Pacific Community Charter High in Point Arena. I am indigenous to this land, from Manchester Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians and the White River Lands in Arizona. I have attended Action Network Teen Action Project for about a year, participating in the different programs they provide. Other programs I have participated in are knitting days, beading circle, their community PRIDE in the Park event, and cultural activities led by local Natives. I am the first youth intern here and I’m excited to help bring more awareness to my community about the resources offered at Action Network.
Youth Intern
Ashlynne Laiwa
I am 17 years old and a senior at Point Arena High School. I was born and raised in Point Arena and have lived here my whole life. Once I graduate in 2023, I plan to attend Butte Community College in Chico, California to get my Associates degree and fulfill general education requirements. I am the second teen intern at Action Network working with the Teen Action Project. I have most work experience in a public setting in the service industry at local business in Point Arena, as well as in an office setting.
Community Outreach
Rosario Santillan
Bio coming soon....
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.
Child Supervisor Assistant - Bright Beginnings Program
Nicole Curtis
Growing up in a very rural area similar to the Redwood Coast has given me an understanding about the importance of resources for families. Action network has impacted my life tremendously by providing years of support to my family through various programs and services. These programs and local events have left us with unforgettable memories and positive change to my childrens' upbringing. I am thrilled to be joining the team and connecting with the community!
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.