Meet the staff
JENNIFER BASSETT
Founder/Executive Director
It all started with a simple idea. I wanted to inspire my two sons to give back, show compassion and grow to be responsible individuals who look beyond themselves and aspire to make this a better world. This was the foundation for creating Hands4Hope. I am proud and honored to lead an amazing team of individuals who share my passion of empowering youth.
Phone: 916-919-5695 | Email:
NICOLE CRAINE
Program Director
Our Program Director oversees the development and implementation of our Education and Community Engagement programs in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email:
YOKO KONO
Community Engagement Coordinator
Our Community Engagement Coordinator provides oversight to the Community Engagement program, and the youth and adult volunteers who participate in all of our outreach events.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email:
KATHY VAN SAUN
Education Program Coordinator
Our Education Program Coordinator provides oversight and mentorship to youth-led service learning clubs and committees for youth in 8-12th grades in Folsom, El Dorado Hills and Shingle Springs.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email:
MELISSA PLACEK
Education Program Coordinator
Our Education Program Coordinator provides oversight and mentorship to youth-led, after-school service learning committees for youth in 8-12th grades in our El Dorado Hills and *Placerville Youth Centers (*pending opening).
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email:
SHIZUKA WIRE
Office and IT Manager
Our Office & IT Manager is the administrator for our data systems and provides administrative, clerical, and basic technical support, as well as acting as the liaison between our bookkeeper and staff.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email:
Steve Backers, Chair
Professor
William Jessup University - School of Business
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Andrea Howard, Vice Chair
Principal Planner, Parker Development Company
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Estee Horn, Treasurer
CPA
Horn Fulton Inc. CPAs
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Heather Edwards, Director
Attorney at Law, Girard, Edwards, Stevens & Tucker LLP​
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Pam Bartlett, Director
Director of Special Education
El Dorado Union High School District
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Evangeline Scott, Director
Certified Mortgage Planner
Finance of America Mortgage, Team Scott
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Maureen Gagliardi, Director
Substitute Teacher
Folsom Cordova Unified School District
Monique Baxter, Director
Vice President, Business Initiatives Manager
Wells Fargo, Consumer Banking Control
Scott Spriggs, Director
Senior Product Manager
Progressive Insurance Co.
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Meredith Wharton, Director
Health Coach & Personal Trainer
Mama Bootcamp
Youth Board Representatives
Alyssa Coutryman
President, Youth Board
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Pavitra Dobaria
Vice President, Youth Board
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Elise Taylor
Hands4Hope Intern, Youth Board
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