Dean's Advisory Council

CEO, Career Technical Education Foundation (CTE)

Kathy Goodacre has led CTE Foundation since its inception and is recognized throughout the community for her leadership in advocating for the Foundation’s mission. Having raised two children with different learning styles, Kathy has a personal passion for ensuring all students see a viable education and career path out of high school. By engaging employers, Kathy is committed to a “grow our own” philosophy to ensure our young people can be trained here, go to work here and most importantly have fulfilling lives here in Sonoma County. Learn more about Kathy Goodacre.

CEO, KAL Consulting LLC

Kirstyne is a native of San Diego, CA where she served on San Diego City Councils’ 4th District Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to help curb the rampant gang violence. YAB allowed Kirstyne and other high school leaders to design peer and community outreach events promoting positive changes. Kirstyne received her master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from Sonoma State University, and was a founding board member of the Sonoma County IOLERO–CAC (Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach Community Advisory Council), advocating for safer policing and sheriff oversight to help improve policies. Learn more about Kirstyne Lange.

Managing Partner, Liberty Company Insurance Brokers

Mike brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in providing strategic risk management, insurance and corporate culture leadership solutions for top-tier, multi-location and high-growth companies. As an outsource risk architect, Mike helps organizations determine their biggest risk factors and subsequently develops a strategy to maximize their protection and reduce cost drivers. Learn more about Mike Lopez.

Urjita (Jita) Parekh graduated from the SSU Master's in Counseling Program in 2009 with a dual-track emphasis in both school and clinical mental health counseling. Jita is passionate about the need for integrated mental health services within schools and has focused on the intersection between academic and social-emotional functioning throughout her career. She has supported students and families in K-12, postsecondary, and online adult learner environments. Jita was instrumental in developing and piloting the school-based therapy program within Santa Rosa City Schools, and currently serves as a school-based therapist and Wellness Coordinator for Santa Rosa High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Grinnell College, holds a Pupil Personnel Services credential in School Counseling, and is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Learn more about Urjita Parekh.

Project Coordinator, Education Services, Marin County Office of Education

Robin is an educator with expertise in social impact leadership, educational equity, and nonprofit management. A Bay Area native, he grew up in the public schools in Vallejo and San Rafael, California witnessing the inequity and injustice of our education system. Prior to joining the Marin County Office of Education, Robin served in various positions in a diverse array of public schools, including as a teacher and administrator. He then spent 13 years founding and leading Thinking Beyond Borders, an educational institution developing social impact leaders rooted in critical consciousness. Robin holds a BA in international development studies from UCLA and an EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Director, Early Childhood Education, Santa Rosa Junior College

Maleese has a master's in early childhood development from Ashford University in San Diego and a master's in studio fine arts from the University of Arts in Philadelphia. Maleese was most recently with the California Rural Tribal Health Board where she served as the program supervisor and head preschool teacher in Point Arena.  She has taught art at the College of the Redwoods in Fort Bragg and was an art teacher for the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District.  She has a program supervisor permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  Learn more about Maleese Warner.