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: 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
ESTHER NORMOYLE
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: esther@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
Steve Backers, Chair
Professor
William Jessup University - School of Business
Andrea Howard, Vice Chair
Principal Planner, Parker Development Company
Estee Horn, Treasurer
CPA
Horn Fulton Inc. CPAs
Heather Edwards, Director
Attorney at Law, Girard, Edwards, Stevens & Tucker LLP
Pam Bartlett, Director
Director of Special Education
El Dorado Union High School District
Evangeline Scott, Director
Certified Mortgage Planner
Finance of America Mortgage, Team Scott
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.
Meredith Wharton, Director
Health Coach & Personal Trainer
Mama Bootcamp
Youth Board Representatives
Alyssa Coutryman
President, Youth Board
Pavitra Dobaria
Vice President, Youth Board
Elise Taylor
Hands4Hope Intern, Youth Board