Amy has over 15 years of experience working in non-profits and government agencies in the fields of communications, marketing, community engagement, and policy. She was the Media Relations Manager at Oakland-based Save The Bay before returning to her hometown of Santa Rosa in 2012. She worked briefly as a Communications Coordinator at the Redwood Empire Food Bank before joining Sonoma County Ag + Open Space in 2014. She currently leads the Community Resources program, which provides information, technical assistance, and funding to the community through outreach and communications, grants, and other supportive programs. She is passionate about the environment, community service, and social equity. When she’s not at work or board meetings, you can find her hiking, watching soccer, cheering on the Warriors, traveling with her family, or enjoying a good meal with friends.

Caitlin Hamilton was raised in Sonoma County and graduated from Sonoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. She is a certified public accountant at a local accounting firm, Pisenti & Brinker LLP, where she is a Tax Manager. Caitlin provides corporate, partnership, and individual tax preparation and planning services. During the summer, she coaches her firm’s slow pitch softball team. If her off time, you can find her deep in a good book or traveling with her husband and daughter.

Justin is a Program Manager and Engineer at Deposition Sciences, Inc., a Santa Rosa based thin film coating company. Over the last 20 years with DSI, Justin has participated in and led teams in the development of thin film coating solutions for the Aerospace, Lighting, Automotive, and Medical industries. A Sonoma County native, born in Santa Rosa and raised in the west county, Justin had the opportunity to benefit from one The Center’s outreach programs as a teenager, where he worked with a team of teens to paint houses for disadvantaged and elderly homeowners in Healdsburg. Justin went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Physics with minors in Computer Science and Mathematics from CSU, Chico and returned to Santa Rosa to start a family with the love of his life, Julie. One of Justin’s main joys has been to share his love of science and technology with his three children through volunteering in their school STEM programs.

Monique is an Oakland native who has spent over sixteen years serving diverse families and at-promise youth throughout the Bay Area. She brings an impressive track record of growth and success in program management and development – at Old Skool Cafe, Conservation Corps North Bay, Girls Inc. of Alameda County, and Urban Services YMCA.  Throughout her experience, she has overseen dozens of staff, developed and facilitated trainings, managed county contract deliverables, and advocated for organizational change with a lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has deep-rooted compassion for the challenges inherent in the culturally sensitive work of her current employer, DayBreak Adult Care, where she serves as the Executive Director. Monique's unwavering commitment to creating positive change lies in serving the members of her community, especially those who have been marginalized by systemic inequities.

Robert Brownlee is the Chief of Police for the Santa Rosa Junior College Police Department and has worked there for over 17 years.  He has spent his professional career in public service working previously for the California Highway Patrol and the United States Coast Guard.  Robert holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from the University of San Francisco.  Robert and his wife, both originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Sonoma County in the early 1990s and have raised their son and daughter here.  He values the many communities in the County they were fortunate to be part of and serve over the years.

Chris Ryan is the Director of Rehabilitation Services for Providence Santa Rosa Memorial and Petaluma Valley Hospital and has worked for first St. Joseph and now Providence for 26.5 years.  Chris oversees the PT OT ST programs, the SRMH acute rehab unit, and supports the cardiopulmonary/sleep and urgent care operations. He is trained as a physical therapist and holds a bachelor's degree in biology from The University of Washington, a master's in physical therapy from University of the Pacific, a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana, and recently completed an Executive MBA thru Quantic.  He has overseen operations in several departments and assisted with hospital operations during fires/COVID.  He is blessed to be married to his lovely wife Lori, and father to Caden and Elise. Chris is passionate about being of service to the community, especially around improving the safety of local youth.

Gwenyth Shears grew up in Sebastopol and, as an adult, lived in Oakland for many years after spending time in South Korea teaching English as a foreign language. She returned to Sebastopol to raise her now-grown daughter as a single parent. Gwenyth has an AA in general education from the Santa Rosa Junior College and a BA in biology from Sonoma State University. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 25 years and was a personal chef for 6 years (while still holding a full-time nonprofit job). She currently works for Community Matters, an organization that focuses on bullying prevention and restorative practices in schools. In her free time, Gwenyth loves to garden; spend time in nature; have long talks with her daughter; laugh at comedy shows; and dance to live music, DJs, and whatever she puts on a playlist.

Our Leadership Team

Kristi Toprakci is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#50108), holds a masters degree in clinical psychology, and has completed post-graduate coursework in business administration and human resources management.  Kristi has worked in health and human services for over 23 years in a variety of roles and settings, with over 12 years of management and supervisory experience in nonprofit organizations, including community behavioral health programs, workforce development programs, probation and diversion programs, independent living skills programs for youth and adults, supportive housing programs, and ecological restoration programs. Kristi is from a multicultural background. Kristi has worked with Circuit Rider Community Services in the role of Chief Operating Officer, and now Chief Executive Officer.  Outside of work, Kristi enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, time with friends and family, and time spent on, in, or near the ocean.

Juan Avila-Perez has been our Probation Programs Manager since he came to the agency in 2008.  Juan was one of the founding staff of The Vista Academy Program, Sonoma County Juvenile Probation’s evening reporting center, and has worked in every program at Circuit Rider since he came to the organization.  Juan immigrated to the United States in 1991, and has lived in Sonoma County since.  In his free time Juan enjoys hiking and camping, as well as a passion for photography in the great outdoors.

Favian Flores is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a passion for environmental impact. Favian is pursuing licenses and certifications in contracting and arboriculture to contribute to sustainability efforts. Joining Circuit Rider Community Services, Favian brought a fresh perspective and eagerness to learn. Favian's journey at Circuit Rider Community Services started as a Crew Member in 2020, where he quickly excelled and was promoted to a Crew Leader position. His commitment and skills were further recognized, leading to another promotion into the Ecological Programs Coordinator role. His love for nature has fueled his professional journey, where he skillfully uses a chainsaw to nurture green spaces. Outside of work, Favian finds inspiration in nature, spending time at the beach and hiking. With his dedication and skills, Favian strives to make a positive difference in the world.

Karina Zappa is a Sonoma County native with a BA from Hampshire College in Massachusetts. Karina worked at Circuit Rider (when it was The Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship) as the SonomaWORKS Employment Specialist from 2018-2021 and has also previously coordinated the Windsor Wheels Senior Volunteer Driving Program.

Karina’s career has largely been in human services, working with people from many walks of life- from adults and seniors with severe and persistent mental illness to youth with autism. Karina enjoys listening to audiobooks, watercolor painting, and spending time at home with her husband and two dogs.

Dave has over 30 years’ experience as CFO for non-profit social service agencies in Sonoma and Santa Cruz Counties, and has a BS in Business Management. Dave’s objective is to demystify accounting concepts and make financial reports easy to understand.  He is into yoga and likes to hike, garden, and kayak on calm water.