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. "What makes my job so rewarding is working with dedicated staff who strive every day to improve the lives of others. The real pleasure comes in seeing the children, who have been so powerless and unhappy, start to smile and thrive and gain self confidence."

» Top

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."

» Top

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."

» Top

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."

» Top

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."

» Top

Tonya McGahan Maintenance and Donations
Tonya started at the Esplanade House as a volunteer and was hired as maintenance and donations support in September 2006. She supervises the donation center and coordinates the maintenance of the apartments on campus. "I feel very lucky to be able to help people start their lives over, watch them grow and rebuild their families."

» Top

Stephanie Gibbs Substance Abuse Counselor
Stephanie has an Addiction Studies Certificate, AA in Social and Behavioral Science and an AS in Addiction Studies. In the past she has had the opportunity to gain experience as a case manager in a residential treatment facility. "Substance abuse often has a direct connection to homelessness. I get the privilege to help residents gain tools vital to changing their lives. It is a great honor to be even a small part in helping people make big changes in their lives."

» Top

Catherine Moore Substance Abuse Counselor
Catherine joined the Esplanade House as a Substance Abuse Counselor on Nov. 30, 2009. Catherine worked for six years as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor II for Tehama County Drug and Alcohol Division with various populations including Adolescents and Pregnant and Parenting Families who struggled with the diseases of Addiction and Alcoholism. Catherine completed the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program @ Butte College and worked in the Butte College Counseling and Advising Office assisting students with their educational goals. Cathy is from the S.F. Bay Area and has a large family who has migrated to the North State. “I am very excited to be working here at the Esplanade House where we have the opportunity to assist clients in developing the skills necessary to become stable and contributing members of society. It is an Honor for me to be a part of this team”.

» Top

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."

» Top

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. 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.

» Top

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."

» Top

Lexi Grier Resource Specialist
Lexi came to the Esplanade House in February 2008 as a Resource Specialist. She is the volunteer coordinator and is responsible for fundraising events for the Child Development Center. Lexi retired in 2003 from AT&T and moved from San Diego to Chico to be near her grandchildren. "I'm very grateful to be part of the team at the Esplanade House. The staff is united in supporting our families with the resources to change their lives and make a difference in their children's future."

» Top

Jan Owen Case Manager
Jan came to Esplanade House as a part-time Case Manager in the summer of 2007. She has a BA in Religious Studies and an MS is Psychology with a Marriage, and Child Counseling focus. "I am grateful to Gloria Rodgers and the folks within CAA who have allowed me to be part of the Esplanade House."

» Top

Roxanna Istrate Assistant Teacher
Roxanna has been with the Esplanade House since fall 2007. She has a BA in Liberal Studies from Chico State and has worked with kids from various backgrounds. Roxanna says "The Esplanade House provides an opportunity for change and I enjoy the challenge and hope it brings. I love working for the purpose of making a difference in children's lives."

» Top

Rose Anderson Security Monitor
Rose came to the Esplanade House as an intern of the Drug and Alcohol Studies program at Butte College in 2004. She volunteered for a short time and then was hired as security monitor. In the mean time she has received her certificates for Alcohol and Drug Studies program and went on to receive her Associates of Science degree. "I’m here to see that the families and facilities remain safe and secure."

» Top

Alana Taylor Assistant Teacher
Alana started with Community Action Agency as a parent volunteer in 1998. She came to the Esplanade House in October 2000 with 15 years of experience working with children. "As a mother of four children, I enjoy working with the families at the Esplanade and making a difference in the children’s development."

» Top

Judy Jones Transportation and Childcare
Judy came to the Esplanade House in 2006 and participates in two areas of service. She assists in the Child Development Center by creating balanced and nutritional meals and helps with the needs of the children by providing a loving and knowledgeable approach to their care. She shares responsibility for the safety and efficiency of client transportation and occasionally she can be found serving as receptionist at the front desk.

» Top