LEADERSHIP TEAM
Beth Southorn
Executive Director
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Beth Southorn, Executive Director
Beth Southorn is the Executive Director of LifeSTEPS, a Sacramento-based, mission-driven organization providing comprehensive social services in the affordable and supportive housing sectors. Since joining LifeSTEPS in 2001, Beth has been instrumental in growing the organization into one of the nation’s leading resident services providers, now supporting more than 46,000 affordable homes and over 120,000 residents statewide.
Under Beth’s leadership, LifeSTEPS launched a first‑of‑its‑kind eviction prevention model in 2002, achieving a documented success rate exceeding 90 percent. Designed to stabilize households while also protecting property performance, the model has since been adopted nationwide and has helped prevent evictions for hundreds of thousands of residents, demonstrating how proactive, service‑driven interventions strengthen both housing stability and owner outcomes.
Beth has also led the development of innovative education and family-focused initiatives that address systemic barriers to long‑term stability. In 2016, she launched a LifeSTEPS summer reading program to combat the “summer slide,” a well‑documented learning loss experienced disproportionately by children from low‑income households. The program quickly became a national model, with 97 percent of participating children maintaining or improving their reading levels, reinforcing LifeSTEPS’ commitment to early intervention and whole-family success.
A core focus of Beth’s leadership has been positioning LifeSTEPS at the intersection of housing, health, and economic stability. One flagship initiative is the LifeSTEPS Community Health Program (formerly the RN Program), which integrates health and housing to support older adults and residents with complex needs. The program earned the HUD Secretary’s Healthy Homes Award in 2020 and partners with universities throughout the greater Sacramento region to provide hands‑on clinical training for future Registered Nurses while enabling residents to age in place with dignity through access to preventive and supportive healthcare.
Statewide, LifeSTEPS also delivers CalAIM services, including Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, to eligible low‑income residents across its housing portfolio. The organization currently contracts with five managed care plans and two county health services departments, serving thousands of individuals through coordinated, person‑centered care. Reflecting the strength of these integrated services, LifeSTEPS holds a 98 percent housing stability rate for formerly unhoused individuals and families one year after move‑in.
With more than 35 years of experience and a master’s degree in counseling psychology, Beth brings a deep, interdisciplinary perspective to her work, integrating vocational rehabilitation, supportive services, and affordable housing strategy. She is a sought‑after speaker at major housing and social services conferences, serves on multiple nonprofit boards, and is a recurring national trainer—sharing LifeSTEPS’ proven approaches and advancing best practices across the housing and services field.
Pam Moore
Chief Operating Officer
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Pam Moore, Chief Operating Officer
Pam’s career has been anchored in a simple belief: meaningful change happens when people feel seen, supported, and connected. As Chief Operating Officer, she leads statewide operations and strategic growth, building strong partnerships and driving programs that improve the lives of at-risk and underserved residents. Her leadership has transformed the organization’s data systems and reporting into a performance engine that helps staff measure progress and celebrate impact.
Pam believes that impact happens through people. She excels at bringing teams together, honoring individual strengths, and creating a culture where collaboration fuels results.
For more than 20 years, Pam has also partnered with The Community College Foundation to create employment pathways for young adults with disabilities. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Director for Ride to Walk, supporting therapeutic horseback riding programs for children with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.
Pam earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/Organizational Behavior. She lives in Rocklin with her husband and son, where she enjoys nature photography, time outdoors, and the simple joy of being surrounded by family and open space.
MaryAnn Paschka
Chief Financial Officer
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MaryAnn Paschka, Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer of LifeSTEPS, MaryAnn Paschka brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership, strategic consulting and process improvement. With more than two decades of expertise, she has played a key role in guiding organizations across industries -including healthcare, staffing, engineering and consulting – toward financial stability and operational excellence.
Throughout her career, MaryAnn has successfully led finance teams, streamlined operations, and managed complex budgets, all while ensuring compliance and financial integrity. Her expertise spans executive leadership, financial planning and analysis, auditing and process implementation.
Before joining LifeSTEPS, MaryAnn served as Corporate Controller/Accounting Director for a group of healthcare companies, including a Medical Network Managed Service Organization (MSO) that administered various health plans, including its own, Meritage Health Plan. In this role, she oversaw financial operations across multiple legal entities with annual revenues of $300 million.
MaryAnn has also held leadership positions at TotalMed Group, a network of five staffing companies with $250 million in annual revenues, and Rise Medical Staffing, where she played a key role in the company’s rapid growth prior to its acquisition. Additionally, at KBC Accounting Firm, she provided strategic financial oversight, managed high-profile mergers and acquisitions, and optimized accounting processes to drive efficiency and scalability.
MaryAnn earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Accounting with a minor in Business Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Passionate about mentorship, continuous improvement and community service, she dedicates her time to volunteering at her church and local shelters. An avid runner and indoor cycling enthusiast, she is also a proud mother of two adult sons and a dedicated dog mom to three Yorkies.
Tracy Garcia
Director of Human Resources
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Tracy Garcia, Director of Human Resources
Tracy is a seasoned Human Resources professional, who began her career with LifeSTEPS in 2013, and has served in the organization’s Human Resources Department for the past six years. She is motivated and driven by her passion to serve employees, who are the center and heartbeat of every successful organization. As the HR Director for LifeSTEPS, Tracy is responsible for providing guidance and leadership in all aspects of Human Resources, including driving key talent management, engagement and retention strategies, establishing, managing, and maintaining compliance with core human resource policies and procedures, and fostering an environment that is committed to valuing its employees’ health, growth and development, and diversity.
Coupled with her experience, Tracy achieved her Human Resources Professional Certification through UC Davis in 2020 and her Professional Certification with the Society of Human Resources Management in 2023. Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, and hobbies include indoor cycling, watching sports, hiking in the great outdoors, and photography.
Rachel Roguski
Director of Supportive Housing & Health Services
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Rachel Roguski, Director of Supportive and Health Services
Born and raised in Northern California, Rachel Roguski has dedicated over seven years to LifeSTEPS, beginning her career as a Resident Services Director in Affordable Housing. Her dedication and commitment have seen her rise through the ranks, serving as a Supervisor and Regional Director, before taking on her current role as the Director of Supportive Housing and Health Services.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brandman University, equipping her with extensive knowledge and skills in social services. She has a proven track record of working with diverse populations, addressing a wide range of needs. Rachel excels at fostering relationships with housing authorities, county agencies, and housing developers, ensuring the success of LifeSTEPS’ programs.
In her role as Director of Supportive Housing and Health Services, Rachel is committed to expanding the reach and impact of our programs across California. She focuses on building sustainable, effective supportive housing and health services, while continuing to cultivate impactful relationships that benefit the communities we serve.
Rachel’s journey with LifeSTEPS is a testament to her unwavering commitment to service, personal growth, and building resilient communities. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication inspire others to embrace their journey of growth and self-discovery, embodying the core values of LifeSTEPS.
Axel Diaz
Director of Fund Development
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With more than a decade of experience in fundraising, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Axel Diaz serves as the Director of Fund Development at LifeSTEPS, where he leads the organization’s fundraising, marketing, communications, and strategic partnership efforts.
Axel earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Latino Studies from San Francisco State University. He began his career in nonprofit development with MZA Events, supporting AIDS Walk Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Starting as an intern and later serving as Sponsorship Coordinator, he helped cultivate and steward corporate partnerships for one of the nation’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraising events.
He later joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles as Development Operations Coordinator, where he helped strengthen fundraising operations and support the growth of the newly formed organization. Prior to joining LifeSTEPS, Axel served as Development and Communications Manager for U.S.VETS, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations serving homeless and at-risk veterans, leading fundraising and communications initiatives and building relationships with community, corporate, and philanthropic partners.
Throughout his career, Axel has been passionate about building meaningful partnerships and leveraging philanthropy to expand opportunities for underserved communities. His expertise spans strategic fundraising, communications, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement, with a commitment to creating lasting impact through collaboration and community investment.
Zoila Parodi
Senior Regional Director of Social Services: LA South, Central, Northern, Inland Pacific
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coming soon
Rosa Hernandez
Senior Regional Director of Social Services: Bay Area, South Bay, Sacramento, LA Valley
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Rosa Hernandez is a dedicated and results-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in program development, staff leadership, and community-based services. As Senior Regional Director at LifeSTEPS, she oversees regional operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery, compliance, and continuous program improvement across multiple sites.
Rosa is known for her ability to build and lead high-performing teams, foster inclusive and collaborative work environments, and develop systems that support both staff success and resident outcomes. Her leadership approach emphasizes accountability, professional growth, and strong communication, enabling teams to effectively serve diverse communities with compassion and consistency.
Throughout her career, Rosa has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. She has extensive experience in staff development, training, and performance management, as well as in creating innovative, engaging programs that meet the evolving needs of residents. Her background in education and youth development further strengthens her ability to design impactful services and connect with individuals from all walks of life.
Rosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies and a California Teaching Credential from CSU Dominguez Hills. She brings a passion for service, a solutions-oriented mindset, and a deep investment in the mission of LifeSTEPS to every aspect of her work.
Aaron Zeelig
Manager of Business Development
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As Manager of Business Development at LifeSTEPS, Aaron leads collaboration and strategic partnerships with real estate developers, government agencies, and nonprofits to expand and strengthen supportive services in affordable housing communities.
Aaron’s journey with LifeSTEPS began in 2023, serving as Director of Social Services – designing, coordinating, and implementing programs and services for residents. His work throughout the Bay Area and Tri-Valley focused on improving access to financial stability, employment opportunities, healthcare, food security, and community safety.
Inspired by his experience in social services, Aaron was motivated to bring his expertise to the legislative front and prior to joining the Executive Team at LifeSTEPS, Aaron served as Council Policy & Legislative Advisor for the City of San José, where he supported the development of impactful policy, broadened community engagement, and worked to ensure constituent needs were addressed.
Aaron holds an M.A. in Sociology and Education, with a concentration in Education Policy, from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Sociology from UC Davis.
REGIONAL STAFF CONTACTS
Lynette Jones
Sacramento Regional Director of Social Services
Rebecca Cannara
Orange County/San Diego County/South LA County Regional Director of Social Services
LaTasha Walker
Northern Regional Director of Social Services
Candice Williams
Bay Area Regional Director of Social Services
Jocelyn Arteaga
South Bay Area Regional Director of Social Services
Lizette Chavez
Central California Regional Director of Social Services
Open Position
Northern CA Regional Director of Supportive Housing & Health Services
Shareca Swan
Southern CA Regional Director of Supportive Housing & Health Services
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