Meet The Staff
Gloria Rodgers Program Operations Director
Gloria has worked for Community Action Agency of Butte County as the Director of the Esplanade House since 2004. She spent her childhood in Southern Illinois and is a graduate of the University of Illinois. Her career has been in human services, most often in a management role for non-profit organizations. Gloria was drawn to the Community Action Agency because she believes in their mission to end poverty. The Esplanade House program embodies this mission by providing opportunities for willing and committed homeless adults to change their lives and the lives of their children for the better."
Beth Porter Program Coordinator
Beth has worked in substance abuse programs for over 10 years. She came to the Esplanade House as a Case Manager in 2005. "I am met every day with a challenge on how I can best support an individual’s or family’s needs,” says Beth. “The joy in this is I see the miracle of an individual or a family achieving milestones that eventually will lead them to self sufficiency. Barriers that initially may have lead to a family's homelessness, in time become lessons on which to build their new foundation."
Lucia Navarro-Imsdahl Administrative Assistant
Lucia comes to us with an AS in Administration of Justice, AA in Business Office Technology and a BS in Criminal Justice. Lucia has been with Community Action Agency since 2003. “The staff here is amazing,” she says, "They are extremely dedicated to helping the residents achieve their goals, and likewise, our residents work very hard to overcome their past experiences. It’s a blessing to be part of this."
Candi Marsicano Office Assistant II
Candi Marsicano has worked as the Office Assistant at the Esplanade House since 2005. Prior to her hire date, Candi volunteered at the Esplanade House and is a graduate of the program. She is considered the "go to" person who knows first hand of the program. "I love it here and hope to continue to grow professionally."
Richard Day Case Manager
Prior to coming to the Esplanade House in 2006, Richard worked at the Skyway House in case management and staff support. He has completed the Alcohol and Drug Study program through Butte College. Richard says "After having worked here for three years, I feel it is the best job I have ever had. It’s wonderful to watch the lives of our families improve and provide the opportunity to change those same lives for a better future. I also love to watch the children develop and grow in a healthy environment."
Stephanie Gibbs Case Manager
Stephanie has an Addiction Studies Certificate, AA in Social and Behavioral Science/AS in Addiction Studies and is currently working towards a BA in Psychology. "Each family brings a unique story but all want a common theme, the goal of self sufficiency and to break the cycle of homelessness. I get the privilege to help residents gain tools vital to changing their lives.
Gary Cooper Maintenance
Gary works part time and does a little of everything here at the Esplanade House from maintaining the apartments to the grounds. "I enjoy my job, the staff and the residents. It’s inspiring to see how the clients are getting their lives together. The Esplanade House is a great place."
Heather Whitacre Children's Services Supervisor
Heather has worked in the child care field since 1998, and holds a BA in Child Development from Chico State. She has taught in our infant and toddler program since 2002, and absolutely loves working with young children and became supervisor in March of 2009 . She also loves photography, and the combination has resulted in some of the most poignant and beautiful photos that can be seen on a regular basis in our newsletters. As our "on-site photographer" Heather has been able to catch many great memories on film and share them with our families and staff. "Working at the Esplanade House has been challenging compared to private childcare, but also very rewarding," Heather says.
Aimee Phillips Teacher
In March 2003, Aimee was hired as a teacher at the Esplanade House working with the preschool children. She holds an AS in Early Child Development and is currently working on a second degree in Speech and Communication Disorders. Aimee says "Working with people who have such diverse backgrounds at the Esplanade House has made me very aware of the needs in our community. I enjoy seeing the positive effect our program has on our families’ lives."
Alanna Taylor Teacher
Alanna started with the Community Action Agency as a parent volunteer in 1998, then hired in October 2000. She came to the Esplanade House in October 2007 with 15 years of experience working with children. Alanna has two AA degrees from Butte College; one in Child Development and one in Social and Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis on children. She also has a certificate in Early Childhood Education. "As a single mother of four children, one of whom has special needs, I enjoy working with the families at the Esplanade House and making a difference in the children's development."
Kathleen Leggett Assistant Teacher
Kathleen has been working at the Esplanade House Child Development Center since September of 2007. She has an AA degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a single mother who home schools her two sons. "I really like to teach and I find it rewarding to see the children grow and learn every day".
Amber Gubbels Assistant Teacher
Amber came to the Esplanade House Child Development Center in February 2010 as an Assistant Teacher. She is currently taking Child Development classes at Butte College. "I absolutely love working with the children and feel so fortunate to have a job that I truly enjoy. The Esplanade House CDC is a great place to work"!
Christine Ruby Assistant Teacher
Christine started working at the Esplanade House Child Development Center in 2008. She has her Assistant Teacher permit and 16 Child Development units. Christine has worked with children for over 12 years and has three children of her own. "I enjoy serving the families at the Esplanade House"
Martin Blanco CADCII, NCAC I Substance Abuse Counselor
Martin came to the Esplanade House in April 2010 with 17 years experience in the field of Detox, Residential Treatment, and Outpatient Services. He is a Multi-Cultural facilitator that holds certifications in C.A.A.D.A.C., N.A.A.D.A.C., and C.D.V.F. California, National, & Domestic Violence Counselor. Martin says "I know my purpose in life is to serve others and I enjoy working with this population."
» Top