Celebrating ICS’ History

DONNA LEMMON
FOUNDER

IRENE KLEIN
RETIRED Behavioral Health Programs Director

abby@connectICS.org

ABBY YIM
on sabbatical Until 1/1/25


Board of Directors

 
 
 
 

Isaac Haney-Owens
Analyst
The Kelsey

Karen Herz
Founder and Principal
Impartial Investigations, PC

Debbie Kim
Digital Health Care Integration, Program Manager
Stanford Health

Alexis Lynch
Owner/Principal
Law Office of Alexis Lynch 

Janet Miller, Board President
Senior VP Production Operations
Republic Indemnity

Erin O'Malley
Attorney
Civil and Disability Rights

Leigh Oshirak Schuberth
Strategic Business Advisor

Kari Peterson
Visualization Developer Consultant
Accenture

Kevin Price,
Board Vice President

Retired Partner
Ernst & Young

Patti Stadlin
Community Volunteer & Fundraiser
Multiple Programs

Alexis Weiss
Managing Partner
LightBox Collaborative


Management Team

Keira Pelletier
Interim Executive Director

"Diversity opens the door to new perspectives, fuels innovation and strengthens our communities. That's at the core of our mission and one of the things I love most about ICS, how we bring our community together and create an inclusive space where everyone can thrive."

From AmeriCorps, to teaching job-readiness skills to individuals experiencing homelessness, to directing strategy and development at ICS, Keira’s passion for empowering others is foremost in her career. Joining the team in 2016, Keira has put her studies in marketing and english from the University of Florida to use; harnessing the resources in our community to create lasting, meaningful impact for the people ICS serves. A lover of travel, house plant enthusiast and amateur rockhound, Keira always has an adventure up her sleeve.

keira@connectICS.org

 
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LISA NEWMARK
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS Director

"Working with the disability community has been a part of my life for many years. I am proud to work for an organization whose mission it is to strengthen this community while encouraging those unfamiliar with disability to see the beauty and brilliance in diversity."

Lisa received her BA from UCLA in Jewish Studies, and her MS in Counseling from San Francisco State, with specializations in both Rehabilitation and Marriage and Family. Prior to joining the ICS team, Lisa facilitated support groups for parents of children with disabilities at Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center. Lisa joined ICS in 1999 as a key figure in the Employment Services program, which she now directs. After work and on weekends Lisa enjoys the outdoors and hiking.

lisa@connectICS.org

 
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MICHAEL PINKERTON
LIVING SKILLS PROGRAMS director

"There are many barriers to and difficulties in living in the community for people with disabilities. What is especially exciting about the work here is that we are often a part of big changes in people's lives, such as moving out and getting a first job. It is very satisfying to help people undertake these transitions, and to see how much they can grow from their endeavors."

Michael's received his BA in Psychology from Oberlin College, then went on to obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West. For 7 years Michael worked at Lifehouse as the Supported Living Program Manager, all the while retaining a part time Chiropractic practice. Michael is currently attending Northcentral University working towards his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, and has been part of ICS since 2013. In winter you can find Michael skiing, a hobby which he hopes to teach his children as they get older.

michael@connectICS.org

 
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Kathy Roshan Moreno
Director of SLS Case Management

“I am so proud to be a part of the ICS team, where we strive to build an inclusive community, we value diversity and we work together to eliminate discrimination. It is so important that each person has the ability to be a part of their own decision making process, empowering them to foster and develop their unique abilities.”  

Kathy graduated from Humboldt State University with a BA in International Studies. It was there that she found her passion for working in the non-profit sector and began her work with individuals with disabilities. After working as a Program Manager for the ARC of Contra Costa for several years, Kathy found ICS by luck of meeting an ICS client and job coach out in the community in 2010, and she’s been in the ICS family ever since. Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, being out in nature and checking out the art and music events that the Bay Area has to offer.

kathy@connectICS.org 

 
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Amanda Barnes
OPERATIONS Manager

"I've always believed that every person you meet in life has something to teach you, and ICS' value of equity is so in line with that. Recognizing an individual with a disability as a whole person with valuable knowledge and experience is the cornerstone to seeing real integration. I am proud to work for an organization that sincerely believes in this." 

Amanda has been an advocate for individuals with disabilities all of her life. From volunteering at summer camps to working as a teacher's assistant in special education classes, her passion for empowering the disability community has been with her since her little sister was born. Amanda began her administrative career in the private sector before she had the opportunity to work for a nonprofit. She brought her skills in operations to ICS in 2017. Come summertime you'll always find Amanda out on a boat with her family enjoying all that nature has to offer.

amanda@connectICS.org

 

MELANIE HUTCHENS, LCSW
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS Manager

“ICS is an incredible organization that supports diversity and inclusiveness with both clients served and with staff. Being part of a team that supports people who have a variety of disabilities in the community is meaningful and important, and I couldn't be more honored and excited to be able to work with and support so many inspiring people."

Melanie received a BA in Sociology and BA in Psychology from University of California at Davis, and her Master’s in Social Work from San Jose State University. Melanie joined the ICS team in 2022 with over 15 years of experience working as a Direct Support Person, Case Manager and as a Social Worker, including 10 years at Golden Gate Regional Center. In her free time, you can find Melanie spending time with her family and friends camping, enjoying day trips around the Bay, and enjoying live music at outside venues.

melanie@connectics.org

 

ERIK O’KEADY
LIVING SKILLS PROGRAM Manager

"At ICS, the most rewarding part of my work is seeing the individuals we support flourish in confidence, independence, and happiness. By embracing self-advocacy, collaboration, and empowerment, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate community. It's an honor to work alongside such remarkable individuals on this journey of growth and transformation."

With 20 years of experience in production at Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company, and 2K Sports, Erik transitioned to Marin Ventures in 2017, where he received strong mentorship and education in a person-centered approach. This became the foundation of his new career, and he joined ICS in 2020, grateful to grow with the agency and be part of its future. In the alternate universe known as “afterhours,” Erik is a devoted fan of New Wave Music and can often be found spinning vinyl’s from artists like Devo, Elvis, and Morrissey. He's also a skilled Muay Thai practitioner, and avid rabbit owner. Erik's dedication to his community extends beyond his work, as he's also been an EMT, volunteer fireman, and like any good hobbit, he enjoys a fine meal, warm fire, and the freedom to wander.

eriko@connectics.org

 

NICOLE SHEEHAN
SLS High Hours Manager

"I knew I wanted a career that would involve helping people, I just wasnt sure in what form that would be. Since being in this field, I cannot express enough how much more gratitude it’s given my life. It has brought a new form of openness, perspective, awareness, and growth. It's been said to “not take your work home with you”, but I feel there are many positive things that’s helped condition me into just living a more meaningful way of life. I really look up to not only my job but also those who receive services.”

Nicole attended school to study being a CMA/CNA/EMT, and has had practice in that field and as well as experience being a cook. Nicole enjoys observing people's transformations as they become confident in who they are, witnessing the moment when they’ve reached an understanding for their own personal journey.

nicole@connectics.org

 

Lillian Rangel
TDS Program Manager

"Empowering others through access, support, and recognition of their uniqueness not only strengthens individuals but also inspires them to reach their highest potential. This is the daily mission at ICS, making it an extraordinary organization. Being part of this team means dedicating ourselves to enabling inclusive access to communities, ensuring that every individual can lead a richer and fuller life."

Lillian's unique journey, from earning a double BA in English and Political Science at the University of CA Davis, to then unexpectedly becoming an ILS Trainer, Job Coach, and Transitional Housing staff at ICS, highlights the unpredictable nature of career paths. Despite her initial trajectory towards a legal career, Lillian's experience at ICS redirected her focus, leading to a decade-long commitment to supporting social work efforts within disability communities across diverse regions. After working with various entities on the East Coast and in the Northwest, Lillian made a meaningful return to ICS. Her dedication lies in advocating for the rights and well-being of the disability community. Outside her professional endeavors, she takes joy in spending time with friends and family, appreciating the beauty of the Bay Area.

lillian@connectics.org


Sarah Blunt
GEM PROGRAM Manager

As the Program Manager at GEM, it is Sarah’s passion to support people in finding healing and peace while spending time in the garden. In her role, she uses the garden as a classroom to teach the soft and hard skills that are needed for clients to gain competitive employment. 

In the 90’s, Sarah owned a landscape design business in the Sacramento area, where she mentored her children in growing a business. In the 2000’s, she became a Youth Correctional Counselor and created healing gardens with for therapy practice. She then moved to Pennsylvania in 2013 and created a garden program at a home for autistic young adults where they built social skills while participating in gardening workshops. When she returned to California, she studied the art of creating herbal medicine at the California School of Herbal Studies. With her background in landscaping, counseling, working with people with disabilities and creating herbal medicine, she is excited to share the culmination of her life’s work while managing the program at GEM. 

Sarah is a mother of 5 and a grandmother of 2. In her personal time she enjoys hiking, beach combing, gardening, yoga, and spending time with her amazing family. 

sarahb@connectics.org