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
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: 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
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 - Program Intern/Folsom Liaison
Ian Hunt - Program Intern/El Dorado Hills Liaison
Jayce Kaldunski - Program Intern/Placerville Liaison