Supportive Housing and Health Services, Northern CA
Name: Aleta Manuel
Position: Intensive Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: June 5, 2024
Birth date and Birthplace: October 27 / San Francisco, CA
About You: Born in San Francisco, I graduated from high school in Hayward. I have three children and am the oldest of five siblings. My favorite activities include hanging out with family, playing board games, and enjoying Bingo.
Favorite Quote: “It’s freedom for everybody, or freedom for nobody” – Malcolm X
Interests or Hobbies: Explore the world and experience all its aspects: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Innovation: This is my favorite LifeSTEPS Skill because the world and humans constantly change, requiring us to adapt and adjust to meet our clients’ needs in a relevant and supportive way. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Alicia Rowe
Position: Director of Social Services
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: February 5, 2018
Birth date and Birthplace: August 29 / Oakland, CA
About You: I am a wife, and I have been married for 18 years, together with my husband, Kenyatta, for 20 years. I am a mother of seven; I gave birth to three children and helped raise four others. I am also a proud “glam” mother to my amazing grandson. I am a very spiritual person and attend church regularly. Overall, I am a non-confrontational individual, but I will stand up for myself when necessary. I truly love the work that I do, especially because I get to collaborate with people from my community, having been born and raised in Oakland, CA.
Favorite Quote: God grant me the SERENITY to accept things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.
Interests or Hobbies: My interests and hobbies include self-care, camping, spending time with my girlfriends, and going to church.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: ‘We believe community development is built ‘One STEP at a time.’ Our vision is that every person served by LifeSTEPS will be empowered with the skills, resources, and support needed to maintain stable housing and break the cycle of poverty.” As a Direct Support Specialist (DSS) and Intensive Case Management Specialist (ICMS), I meet people I’ve never encountered before and work to gain their trust so I can help them. It is gratifying to give back to the community that raised me and support my people through every step of their journey.
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Name: Andranee Nabors
Position: Housing Navigator/Intensive Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: May 20, 2024
Birth date and Birthplace: July 10 / California
About You: I am passionate about helping others and finding fulfillment in contributing to their positive growth. I love nature; you can often find me hiking each week. I also enjoy learning, especially through travel.
Favorite Quote: “Your future self will thank you for it.”
Interests or Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, reading, real estate investing, and personal development.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Respect: We are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of respect. We achieve this by embracing the diversity of our staff, clients, and partners, recognizing that our success as an agency relies on the talent, skills, and expertise of our team. This commitment ensures that both our employees and clients feel valued and recognized as more than just a number. Each person’s experience contributes something meaningful to our organization.
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Name: Cassandra Broadway
Position: Housing Navigator/Intensive Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: May 13, 2024
Birth date and Birthplace: December 12, 1990 / Oakland, CA
About You: As a humanitarian, I enjoy helping people become self-sufficient. I have always advocated for those who cannot speak for themselves, which is why I am passionate about supporting the homeless.
Favorite Quote: “it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation” – Herman Melville
Interests or Hobbies: I enjoy writing poetry, traveling, cooking, and reading.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why:
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Name: Galena Soper
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: April 2, 2024
Birth date and Birthplace: September 29 / Reno, NV
About You: I have been in the social services field for almost two years. I am currently studying to obtain my degree in social services. I am a mom to five amazing and beautiful kids.
Favorite Quote: “I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light”- Helen Keller
Interests or Hobbies: I love to spend time with my family and bake.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Respect: Respecting one another is the foundation for stronger connections and empowering those around us, including coworkers and clients.
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Name: James Eskridge
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: November 29, 2022
Birth date and Birthplace: January 8 / Knoxville, TN
About You: As a father of six, including triplets, I am a licensed Notary Public with a degree in Behavioral Social Science. I also played baseball in college at Indiana Tech.
Favorite Quote: “Everyone should believe in something; I believe I’ll do fishing.” – Henry David Thoreau
Interests or Hobbies: Fishing and camping. Although sometimes I go camping and fishing. Or just fishing. Concerts in the park, social activities, and live sports events.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Respect: The veterans we serve have given so much and ask for little in return. They have made sacrifices for all of us and deserve our respect.
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Name: Jean Marie V. Nshimiyimana
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: May 18, 2023
Birth date and Birthplace: December 11 / Kigali, Rwanda
About You: I am a devoted husband and a proud father of two wonderful daughters. Family time is very important to me. I enjoy connecting with people and feel fortunate to have experienced various cultures through my travels. Along the way, I have made friends in several countries. These experiences have greatly enriched my life and helped me feel deeply connected to the world.
Favorite Quote: “You never run out of dreams, you only run out of time”
Interests or Hobbies: I play soccer and rarely miss my Sunday pick-up games.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Empowerment: As an Intensive Case Manager, I have various roles, but the one I enjoy most is empowering and supporting my clients to reach their full potential and achieve independence.
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Name: Jose G. Ocampo III
Position: SHHS Regional Director – Northern CA
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: September 4, 2024
Birth date and Birthplace: April 20 / Philippines
About You: I have dedicated nearly 30 years to the non-profit sector, beginning my journey as an AmeriCorps worker at Youth and Families Assistance, where I supported runaway youth. This experience ignited my passion for community work and helping individuals overcome significant barriers to living healthy lives.
Throughout my career, I have held various roles, including providing intensive case management services to the most vulnerable children and youth in San Francisco County and managing a therapeutic mentoring program for youth involved in SF’s Children System of Care.
For the past 18 years, I have been with Edgewood Center for Children and Families, where I have focused on developing and managing programs for Transitional Age Youth and Kinship families. My passion lies in improving how we engage and support youth and families who have experienced significant trauma and lack access to essential resources, helping them recover and thrive.
Favorite Quote: When “I” is replaced with “We”, even the illness becomes wellness. – Malcom X
Interests or Hobbies: I’m an avid Bay Area sports fan, passionately following the Giants, Niners, and Warriors throughout their seasons. I also have a deep love for music, enjoying various genres and often blasting my favorite tunes during my commute. Additionally, I have a profound interest in social justice and find immense joy in witnessing trauma-affected communities become healthier and overcome their challenges.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Integrity: I believe that integrity is the cornerstone of a positive and productive work environment, greatly benefiting our clients. Embracing integrity means approaching our work with honesty and transparency, which builds trust among colleagues and those we serve. This, in turn, fosters an atmosphere of respect and fairness.
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Name: Juan Ospina
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: May 7, 2014
Birth date and Birthplace: September 30 / Bogota, Colombia
About You: I spent my youth in Colombia, and when I was seventeen, my family moved to New York. I built my life there and feel a sense of identity as a New Yorker, but I have always dreamed of living in California. I worked for both the State and Federal Government for most of my career until I had the opportunity to relocate to California. My wife was offered a job on this side of the country, so we decided to leap. She continued to pursue her career while I began doing what I love the most: helping others. That’s how my wife and I met—through our shared passion for helping people.
I worked as an advocate against domestic violence for several years in the Lake Tahoe area, and then I was fortunate enough to join a wraparound services agency called LifeSTePS. Here, I have been able to utilize all my experience and knowledge effectively.
Favorite Quote: “Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living” – Einstein
Interests or Hobbies: I love watching soccer games. Riding motorcycles is my best form of self-care (it’s like big savings on therapy, lol). My wife and I enjoy reading books to each other and listening to investing strategy podcasts..
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Integrity: It is essential for every person, especially when working for an agency that empowers and provides services to those who are less fortunate. Many rely on you for guidance to help them find the right path.
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Name: Karen Traylor
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: November 27, 2023
Birth date and Birthplace: May 11 / California
About You: Kind, responsible, considerate, reliable, caring, and truthful person. I enjoy working with people in Human Services, assisting with conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Favorite Quote: Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.
Interests or Hobbies: Peace, Hope, Happiness, and Gardening
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Effective educational and supportive services maximize individual strengths and build resilient communities. In today’s world, the education and provision of supportive services within communities and states can rebuild lives and bring stability to families.
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Name: Leslie Donato
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: November 16, 2021
Birth date and Birthplace: October 5 / Yuma, AZ
About You: I am a mother of two wonderful daughters, and I love spending quality time with them. I enjoy working out, exploring new adventures, and traveling with my family. I have a kind heart and take great satisfaction in helping others, making a positive difference in their lives. I come from a family that values integrity, and I always strive to do my best.
Favorite Quotes:
- “If there is no Sacrifice, no benefit at the end of the day.”
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
- “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Interests or Hobbies: Gardening and working out are my passions. I particularly love the treadmill; I can run for days! Cleaning brings me peace, and my favorite hobby is decorating and renovating my home, as it allows me to be creative while anticipating the results.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Empathy and Integrity: Being an intensive case manager requires me to deeply understand and relate to my clients’ experiences, which is rooted in empathy. At the same time, I must always be honest and transparent in my actions and decisions, reflecting integrity. Both empathy and integrity allow me to provide genuine support and maintain trust, ensuring that clients feel respected and cared for while knowing they can rely on me.
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Name: Mark Richardson
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: May 22, 2024
Birth date and Birthplace: October 8 / Oakland, CA
About You: I am a family man who loves his wife and kids. I have been working in this field since 2010, starting at a homeless shelter that served mental health clients. I have noticed that at every organization I work for, I leave a positive impact on the clients, which is what this work is all about in the end.
Favorite Quote: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision” – Helen Keller
Interests or Hobbies: I am a family man who loves his wife and kids. I have been working in this field since 2010, starting at a homeless shelter that served mental health clients. I have noticed that at every organization I work for, I leave a positive impact on the clients, which is what this work is all about in the end.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: I appreciate that LifeSTEPS is taking initiative to improve living conditions for the homeless population in our community. This is important because the residents will become more self-sufficient and positive through the life skills and support that LifeSTEPS provides.
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Name: Melba Madsen
Position: Project Supervisor / Intensive Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: October 10, 2019
Birth date and Birthplace: January 24 / Fort Collins, CO
About You: I enjoy going to movies, and I love the ocean. I like reading, but I usually just listen to Audible.
Favorite Quote: Sorrow is knowledge: they who know the most must mourn the deepest o’er the fatal truth, the Tree of Knowledge is not that of Life. – Lord Byron
Interests or Hobbies: I love going to the ocean and walking in the woods. I love animals and plants. I enjoy going to the movies with friends, family, or by myself.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: I love the concept of “See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It.” I appreciate that LifeSTEPS gives its employees the freedom to identify what needs to be done and take care of it.
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Name: Shaira Gordon
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: September 6, 2023
Birth date and Birthplace: October 20 / Alameda
About You: I am passionate about empowering others, particularly in Intensive Case Management and Entrepreneurship. I have a bright 6-year-old who aspires to be a scientist one day, so I definitely have my hands full. I pursued my education in Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counseling, completing an internship working with former foster youth. I have also worked as a domestic violence advocate and a case manager for individuals who have been incarcerated. As the owner of a photo booth company, I use my platform to educate and mentor young people aspiring to become successful entrepreneurs. Currently, I am fulfilling my passion and purpose with LifeSTEPS, where I truly enjoy the work I do each day.
Favorite Quote: “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chrisholm
Interests or Hobbies: I enjoy painting, hiking, and having lovely brunch gatherings. I also appreciate tea and poetry.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Empowerment: It promotes confidence, autonomy, and self-determination, allowing individuals and communities to take control of their lives and make informed decisions. This empowerment helps people recognize their potential and overcome limitations. When individuals feel empowered, they are better prepared to face challenges and advocate for themselves and others.
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Name: Tiffany Stewart
Position: Housing Navigator/Intensive Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: December 1, 2022
Birth date and Birthplace: July 18 / Houston, TX
About You: The ability of a person to maintain their core purpose and integrity despite dramatically changed circumstances, as well as the capacity to overcome setbacks and move forward. Resilience sums me up.
Favorite Quote: You are the greatest project you’ll ever work on ~Restart. Reset. Refocus.~ As many times as you need, just don’t give up!
Interests or Hobbies: Engaging in games of Spades and playing golf.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why:
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Name: Xavier Balteara
Position: Case Manager
LifeSTEPS Anniversary Date: May 22, 2023
Birth date and Birthplace: March 11 / Sacramento, CA
About You: Hello everyone, I’m Xavier. I enjoy going to the beach and spending quality time with my family and friends. As a pastor, I help people at my church and get involved in church activities whenever I can. When I’m not doing that, you can usually find me hanging out with my wife and our daughter or enjoying time with our extended family.
Favorite Quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
Interests or Hobbies: My interests include baseball games, reading, and cooking.
Favorite LifeSTEPS Value and Why: Respect: We strive to understand experiences, emotions, and needs. When working with others from different aspects of life, respecting one another is a foundation for providing services.
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