MEET OUR 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: jbassett@hands4hopeyouth.org
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: nicole@hands4hopeyouth.org
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: shizuka@hands4hopeyouth.org
Jennypher Doan
Fundraising and Communication Coordinator
Our Fundraising and Development Coordinator supports Hands4Hope fundraisers, event planning, stakeholder communication, community outreach and all marketing efforts.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: jennypher@hands4hopeyouth.org
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: yoko@hands4hopeyouth.org
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 6-12th grades at schools in Folsom and at our El Dorado Hills Youth Center.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: kathy@hands4hopeyouth.org
LORI WHITTLE
Education Program Coordinator
Our Education Program Coordinator provides oversight and mentorship to youth-led service-learning clubs and committees for youth in 6-12th grades at schools in the greater Placerville area and at our Placerville Youth Center.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: lori@hands4hopeyouth.org
MELISSA PLACEK
Education Program Coordinator
Our Education Program Coordinator provides oversight and mentorship to youth-led service-learning clubs and committees for youth in 6-12th grades at schools in the greater Shingle Springs area and at our Placerville Youth Center.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: melissap@hands4hopeyouth.org
KATHY GERSTLE
Education Program Coordinator
Our Education Program Coordinator provides oversight and mentorship to youth-led service-learning clubs and committees for youth in 6-12th grades at schools in El Dorado Hills and at our El Dorado Hills Youth Center.
Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: kgerstle@hands4hopeyouth.org
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrea Howard, Chair
Principal Planner
Parker Development Company
Heather Edwards, Vice Chair
Attorney at Law
Girard, Edwards, Stevens & Tucker LLP
Monique Baxter, Secretarty
Vice President/Business Initiatives Manager
Wells Fargo Bank
Estee Horn, Treasurer
CPA
Horn Fulton Inc. CPAs
Pam Bartlett, Director
Director of Special Education
El Dorado Union High School District
Adam Kint, Director
Regional Director, Financial Advisor
Allworth Financial
Evangeline Scott, Director
Certified Mortgage Planner
Finance of America, Team Scott
Scott Spriggs, Director
Retired Senior Product Manager
Progressive Insurance Co.
Dolly Wager, Director
Owner
DSW & Associates
Meredith Wharton, Director
Health Coach & Personal Trainer
Mama Bootcamp
Steve Backers, Retired Chair
Professor
William Jessup University - School of Business
Youth Representatives:
Meghna Sehrawat, President, Youth Board
Grace Brasil, Vice President, Youth Board
Nivi Sudhir Kumar, Program Inter/Folsom Liaison
Liv Craine, Program Inter/El Dorado Hills Liaison
Jayce Kalfunski, Program Inter/Placerville Liaison