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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: 916-294-7426 | 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

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CASEY HANSON

Operations Director

Our Operations Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization with a focus on resource management and the improvement of organizational processes.

Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: casey@hands4hopeyouth.org 

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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

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KAREN BROWN

Communication & Fundraising Coordinator

Our Communication & Fundraising Coordinator supports Hands4Hope fundraisers, event planning, stakeholder communication, community outreach and all marketing efforts.

Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: karen@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

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KERRI SHULL

Community Engagement Assistant

Our Community Engagement Assistant provides support to the Community Engagement program, and the youth and adult volunteers who participate in all of our outreach events.

Phone: 916-294-7426  | Email: kerri@hands4hopeyouth.org

KATHY VAN SAUN

Development Director

Our Development Director oversees our Donor Relations, Fundraising and Community

Engagement activities.

Phone: 916-294-7426 | Email: kathy@hands4hopeyouth.org

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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 

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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

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LARA DAVIS

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: lara@hands4hopeyouth.org 

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SAM FERRAND

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: sam@hands4hopeyouth.org

Hands4Hope Staff

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrea Howard, Chair

Principal Planner

Parker Development Company

Heather Edwards, Vice Chair

Attorney at Law

Edwards, Stevens & Tucker LLP

Monique Baxter, Secretary

Vice President/Business Initiatives Manager

Wells Fargo Bank

Estee Horn, Treasurer

CPA

Horn Fulton Inc. CPAs

Steve Backers, Immediate Past Chair
Professor

William Jessup University - School of Business

Pam Bartlett, Emeritus Board Director

Director of Special Education 
El Dorado Union High School District

Adam Kint, Director

Regional Director, Financial Advisor

Allworth Financial

 

Dolly Wager, Director

Owner

DSW & Associates

Meredith Wharton, Director

Health Coach & Personal Trainer

Mama Bootcamp

Scott Spriggs, Director

Retired Senior Product Manager

Progressive Insurance Co.

Youth Representatives:

Simone Caruthers - President, Youth Board

Mishti Shah - Vice President, Youth Board

Jennifer Cole - Community Engagement Ambassador-
Folsom

Ian Hunt - Community Engagement Ambassador-
El Dorado Hills 

Jayce Kaldunski - Community Engagement Ambassador- Placerville 

Board Of Directors
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