Members of the Board of Directors
Terry Scussel and his wife Denise Scussel have been devoted advocates for their daughter Chrissy, who participates in Marin Ventures programs. Terry brings to the Marin Ventures Board a lengthy business management background and long-term advocacy for people with disabilities. In his spare time, he is an avid photographer with a focus on social justice photojournalism and travel photography. Terry is a firm believer that professionals and business people should give back time, expertise and resources to community services organizations.
Lisa Barry Mathews
Lisa Barry Mathews has worked with and advocated for children and families both professionally and as a volunteer for many years. Lisa has a PhD in Social Work and has served on various boards; including the Reed Union School District, Marin General Hospital Volunteer Board, National Charity League and Tiburon Peninsula Soccer League. She became involved with Marin Ventures in 2012 when one of her four children, Kathryn, started at the program. Lisa wants to support the dedicated staff and wonderful participants of Marin Ventures so that they can be engaged in meaningful and enriching daily activities.
Stan Shepard
I became involved with Marin Ventures after my sister Susan began attending the day program in 2015. Susan had recently moved across the state to Marin County to be closer to me. Having seen multiple day programs options in Marin and other counties, I knew that Marin Ventures was a very special place. I was most struck by the highly motivated staff, and the rich diversity of program offerings. Joining the Marin Ventures board is my way of giving back to a program that has enriched my sister’s life. Since this is my first board position, I come to the experience with an open mind and a desire to learn as much about non-profits and the disability community as possible. With my background as lawyer, I hope to effect change through problem solving and creative thinking.
Josh Sullivan
Josh Sullivan began volunteering for Marin Ventures at the Art & Wine Social in 2014, and became an integral part of this annual fundraiser. He started working with people with developmental disabilities when he was a teenager, and has been in leadership positions with nonprofits and county government serving people with disabilities since 2004. In one of his roles as serving as the exec for an advocacy organization, he staffed on over 17 boards and committees, giving him a great deal of Board experience. Josh deeply believes in teaching and supporting people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities to take leadership roles in advocating for our system, themselves and their access to a full life of meaning and choice.
Ed Zander
Ed Zander starting working at Marin Ventures in 1997 as an Instructor. He later completed an MS in Special Education and worked in Lake County as a teacher, high school principal, and Special Education Director. Since his return to Marin County, he is the Assistant Director of Students Services for San Rafael City schools. He has created Integrated Sports programs for students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers in Lake and Marin counties. Ed has a real passion for his work with students with disabilities.
Leticia Wiesner
Leticia Wiesner is a passionate leader and advocate for working with people with disabilities. In her professional roles, she emphasizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and creating a caring and effective work environment for all. She has more than twenty years of experience working within the corporate sector and in nonprofits. Leticia is a workforce development professional with emphasis in supported employment and community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leticia provides a relevant and real-time resource as Director of Community Connections for a local day program.
Leadership
Jami Davis
Jami Davis previously worked at Marin Ventures for seven years as a founding employee. She returned in 2008 as Program Director and was promoted to Executive Director in 2011. Jami completed her MS and Ph.D. in Special Education at the University of Wisconsin and worked in staff training and development in Wisconsin and California prior to her return to Marin Ventures. She says the best thing about her work is her relationships with the participants and families at Marin Ventures.
Pete Konicek
Pete Konicek started working at Marin Ventures in 2008 as an Instructor. For about 20 years previously, Pete worked as a Counselor and Special Education Teacher in a residential treatment facility for Severely Emotionally Disturbed teens. Pete says he took an immediate liking to the clients and staff at Marin Ventures and accepted a promotion to Program Coordinator in his first year. Pete became Program Director in 2011. Pete finds his job always interesting and usually quite enjoyable.