Our Board of Directors

David Wong, MD, CPPS
Kaiser Permanente

Dr. David Wong is the Physician Risk and Patient Safety Director at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center and has served as the Physician-in-Charge for the Santa Clarita Medical Offices for over 12 years. With more than three decades of experience in healthcare, Dr. Wong brings deep knowledge in patient safety, leadership, and community-based care to his role as Board Chair for the Child & Family Center.

A graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1990, Dr. Wong completed his residency at the UCLA-affiliated program, where he served as Chief Resident before joining Kaiser Permanente in 1994. Since then, he has worked extensively in the Santa Clarita Valley, building strong relationships within the community and dedicating his time to improving the health and well-being of local families.

In addition to his clinical and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Wong is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and actively contributes to regional health efforts, including his service on the Patient Care Committee at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. His commitment to holistic care extends beyond physical health, as he advocates strongly for mental and behavioral health services.

As Chair of the Child & Family Center’s Board of Directors, Dr. Wong is a passionate champion for the Center’s mission to build a healthy community where children, families, and individuals can thrive. He believes that mental health is an essential component of community wellness:

“If we can provide mental health support to our children and families before they are in crisis, then their health will be in a better state. Like yin and yang, the mind affects the body, and the body affects the mind.”

Dr. Wong’s leadership is guided by compassion, integrity, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of prevention and early intervention. His service on the board reflects his ongoing dedication to enhancing the lives of those in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.

Mike Berger
Senior Vice-President, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Mr. Berger began his career with EF Hutton & Company in 1981, the predecessor to Morgan Stanley. He is currently a Senior Vice President and Family Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Valencia, CA.

Mike has found great pleasure in giving back to the community. Over the last 40 years, he has sat on the board of many non-profit organizations, including Child & Family Center, Santa Clarita Rotary Club, SCV Chamber of Commerce, College of the Canyons Foundation, Michael Hoefflin Children’s Cancer Foundation and Barlow Respiratory Hospital. Mr. Berger was also appointed to three terms as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Clarita and is a former Trustee for the College of the Canyons, which he served for over 12 years. He has been awarded the Santa Clarita Valley Man of the Year and the prestigious Silver Spur award.

Giving back has always been Mike’s priority. He has said, ‘The Santa Clarita Valley is where I launched my professional career, and my wife and I have made our home, so I’m honored to do what I can for a place that has meant so much to me.’ His contributions have significantly impacted the Santa Clarita Valley, enhancing the lives of many residents.

With a remarkable track record of over 25 years of involvement and dedication to the Center, Mike serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Center’s Board of Directors, as well as the Internal Affairs, Audit, Retirement, and Investment Advisory Committees.

Thomas B. Cole
Department of Economic Development, City of Santa Clarita

Tom Cole joined the City of Santa Clarita in December 2012 as a Community Development Director, where he managed the City’s Planning, Economic Development, Community Preservation, and Redevelopment operations.

In July 2022, Tom became the director of the newly formed Department of Economic Development. In this position, he manages the City’s Arts and Events, Economic Development, and Transit Divisions.

Before joining the City of Santa Clarita, Tom served as Chief Operations Officer for the William S. Hart Union School District and has held several local leadership roles, including Vice President and Director of Construction at Highland Development Company, Director of Development at LNR Property, and Senior Project Manager with Newhall Land and Farming.

Tom received a bachelor’s degree in Geography, with an emphasis in Urban Planning, from California State University, Fullerton.

Tom’s deep-rooted connection to Santa Clarita is evident in his 30 years of living and working in the city. His active involvement in the community, serving in various organizations such as the Rotary Club and the YMCA boards, reflects his commitment.

Tom serves as the Treasurer on the Center’s Executive Board and is Chairperson of the Internal Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Center’s Audit and Investment Planning Committees, further demonstrating his dedication to the community and the Center.

Cristy Collins-Parker
Vice President of Licensing at McFarlane Toy Company

Ms. Collins-Parker is a UCLA graduate and earne her MBA at California State University, Northridge. She holds the position of Vice President of Licensing and Development at McFarlane Toys. As a 20+ year toy industry veteran, Ms. Collins-Parker has spent her career focused on the wellness of children and families. Throughout her tenure in the toy industry, Cristy has served as a mentor to women and students as a way to “pay forward” the mentorship she received early in her career. Cristy’s desire to broaden her efforts to help others eventually led her to the Child & Family Center, where she helps support the mission and vision of the agency. Cristy also serves on the External Affairs Committee for the Center.

William Cooper
Elected Official, Santa Clarita Valley Water

Bill Cooper is a long-time water professional, having worked for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for 40 years. During that time, he held various posts, including the Water Treatment Section Manager, overseeing the operations and maintenance of all five Metropolitan Water Treatment Plants that supply about one-half of the water to the 19 million people in Southern California.

Mr. Cooper, who managed some of the largest water treatment plants in the United States, was an adjunct Professor at the College of the Canyons, teaching the Environmental Technologies Water Treatment Program.

Mr. Cooper was the inaugural President of the newly formed SCV Water Agency for two years. He served on the former CLWA Board for several years and was Board President for five years. He has served on various committees and boards and continues to Chair the Planning and Engineering Committee, which provides oversight of the Agency’s multimillion Capital Improvement Program. He is also a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, which was chartered to develop a plan for the long-term use of our local groundwater.

Mr. Cooper now serves as the president of the Association of California Water Agencies in the Los Angeles region, representing water agencies throughout LA County. He is an active member of the American Water Works Association and the Association of California Water Agencies.

A veteran of the US Navy, Mr. Cooper served five years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington CVS-20, including three tours of duty in Vietnam between 1965 and 1969.

An active participant in the Santa Clarita Valley community, Mr. Cooper is the Chairman of the Child & Family Center. And is also a member of the Center’s Executive, Internal, and External Affairs Committees, as well as the Investment Advisory Committee and the Fund Development Ad-Hoc Committee.

Noely Allevato
Management Analyst, City of Santa Clarita

Noely is a dedicated professional with a strong academic background and a deep passion for public service and child development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. Currently, she serves as the Management Analyst for the City of Santa Clarita’s Recreation and Community Services Department. In her continued pursuit of learning and leadership, Noely is also earning her Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge. She has a long history of volunteering to support high school programs and food and toy drives.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Noely is an avid runner, a lover of historical fiction, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Chester. She is also a self-published author of three children’s books, with plans to continue writing and publishing stories that uplift and empower young readers.

Noely is deeply passionate about supporting children and their development. She believes in the power of public administration to shape inclusive and nurturing environments where every child can thrive. Her ongoing support and enthusiasm for the mission of Child & Family Center are evident, and she is honored and excited to contribute to the vital work the Center does in strengthening families and transforming lives across the community.

Rick Garcia
Retired Los Angeles News Anchor &
Communications Executive

Rick Garcia is a seasoned communications professional and longtime advocate for community well-being. As Director of Communications at Lee Andrews Group, Rick managed internal and external crisis communications, supervised staff, developed strategic communication plans, and served as the organization’s primary media contact. He also provided media training and executive communications support to C-suite leaders and political candidates, including drafting speeches and talking points for both private and public sector clients.

Before transitioning to communications consulting, Rick had a distinguished career in broadcasting that spanned over 30 years. He is a multiple Emmy Award-winning news and sports anchor, with prominent roles at KCBS-TV, KCAL-TV, and KTTV. His reporting has covered major events ranging from natural disasters and elections to championship sports seasons, earning him a trusted reputation in Southern California media.  

Rick has served on the Executive Committee in the past as the Secretary of the Child & Family Center’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Board’s Internal Affairs Committee. He is proud to support the Center’s mission and the work being done throughout the community. His commitment to service and excellence in communication helps elevate awareness of the Center’s vital work throughout the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.

Dr. Leticia Hernandez
Superintendent, Newhall School District

Born and raised in Santa Clarita, Dr. Leticia Hernandez is a passionate and visionary educator with nearly three decades of experience transforming learning communities across California. Since 2022, she has proudly served as Superintendent of the Newhall School District, where she leads ten elementary schools and supports the academic and social-emotional growth of over 6,000 students.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hernandez has been recognized as a collaborative and equity-driven leader dedicated to empowering all students and closing achievement gaps. Her commitment to excellence in education is evident in the impactful roles she has held—beginning as a bilingual and dual immersion classroom teacher and advancing through positions such as academic coach, assistant principal, principal, Director of Human Resources, and ultimately Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in San Diego County.

In addition to her leadership within school systems, Dr. Hernandez has actively served on numerous educational and community-based committees focused on student achievement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She was honored with the prestigious ONE Hart Award from the William S. Hart Union High School District, recognizing her outstanding contributions to public education and youth development.

Dr. Hernandez also lends her expertise to higher education, serving since 2022 as an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership at both San Diego State University and National University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University.

A proud community advocate, Dr. Hernandez is a former board member of the YMCA and remains deeply committed to partnerships that uplift families and promote healthy, thriving communities. Her strong support for the mission of Child & Family Center reflects her belief in the transformative power of collaboration between schools, families, and community-based organizations. She is a steadfast advocate for ensuring all children have access to the comprehensive care and support they need to succeed.
Dr. Hernandez brings energy, empathy, and leadership to everything she does—making a lasting impact on the lives of students, educators, and families in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.

Kris Huber
Registered Veterinary Technician, Retired

Kris Huber has been a proud resident of the Santa Clarita Valley for over twenty years. Alongside her husband, Mike, she has enjoyed raising their two children in the Saugus school system, remaining actively involved in their academic, scouting, and athletic pursuits. With both children now graduated from college and embarking on their adult lives, Kris has shifted her focus to community service and giving back to the place she has long called home.  

A retired Registered Veterinary Technician and dedicated stay-at-home mother, Kris brings the same level of care and commitment to her volunteer work as she did to her professional and family life. She currently serves as a valued member of the Board of Directors for the Child & Family Center, where she is deeply committed to supporting the Center’s mission to build a healthy community for children and families. 

Kris is an active member of the External Affairs Committee and plays a key role in the planning and success of Taste of the Town, the Center’s signature fundraising event. Her passion for the Center’s cause is evident in her hands-on involvement and her dedication to raising critical funds that enable the Center to continue providing life-changing services to those in need. She finds great fulfillment in supporting the children and families who rely on the Center’s programs, including behavioral health, substance use treatment, and domestic violence services. 

When she’s not volunteering or contributing her time to Center events and initiatives, Kris enjoys traveling, horseback riding, crafting, sewing, and gardening. She’s honored to serve on the Board and be part of an organization that makes a lasting difference in the lives of many in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.

Jean LaCorte-Kiczek
Event Management, Retired

Ms. Jean LaCorte-Kiczek brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion to her role as External Affairs Committee Chair for the Child & Family Center. Now retired, Jean was the Founder and President of The Compass Group Inc., an event management company she successfully led for 28 years. Her extensive expertise in planning and event execution continues to be a tremendous asset to the Center’s fundraising and community engagement efforts.

After moving to the Santa Clarita Valley in 2015, Jean quickly felt a strong connection to the Child & Family Center and its mission. The Center’s focus on building a healthy community where children, families, and individuals thrive resonated deeply with her personal values. With family being a cornerstone of her life, Jean is committed to using her time, talent, and experience to help transform the lives of those served by the Center.

As Chair of the External Affairs Committee, Jean leads with enthusiasm and dedication, overseeing key fundraising initiatives. She has Chaired Taste of the Town—the Center’s signature fundraising event—for several years, helping to raise essential funds that sustain the Center’s critical programs. In addition, Jean serves on the Fund Development Ad-Hoc Committee and actively supports the Events Planning Committee in collaboration with Center staff. Her passion for the mission and her professional background make her an invaluable member of the team.

Jean is married and a proud grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren, with whom she cherishes spending time. She considers it a true privilege to serve on the Board of Directors and to give back to the community she loves through her work with the Child & Family Center.

Rev. Christopher Montella
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

The Very Rev. Christopher Montella has been serving the people of the Santa Clarita Valley as the Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church since March 2019. Christopher is deeply devoted to living out his baptismal vows to seek and serve Christ in all people, strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.

Through his ministry, he is especially committed to sharing the unconditional love of God and to ensuring that all people, especially our children and youth, grow in faith knowing that they are loved by God.

Christopher received a Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA and a Diploma of Theology from Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont. After a 25-year career in the fashion industry Christopher transitioned into full-time ministry in 2017.

Georgia Rios
Communications Specialist City of Santa Clarita

Georgia Rios is a dedicated communications professional with a passion for public service, community engagement, and making a meaningful impact. She currently serves as a Communications Specialist for the City of Santa Clarita, where she develops public information campaigns and supports outreach strategies to keep residents informed, connected, and engaged.

Georgia holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and a Master’s degree in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University (ASU). With a strong foundation in journalism, marketing, and nonprofit communications, she brings valuable expertise in crafting strategic messaging that resonates with diverse audiences and drives community awareness.

Raised in Santa Clarita, Georgia, she is proud to give back to the community she calls home. She is honored and excited to join the Child & Family Center Board of Directors. She looks forward to supporting the Center’s vital mission of building a healthy community where children and families thrive. She is committed to helping make a difference in the lives of children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond through collaboration and service.

Renee Spiekermann
Attorney at Law, RLS Law Corporation

Renee Spieckermann is the owner of RLS Law Corporation, a trusts and estates law firm based in Stevenson Ranch. With over two decades of experience in the legal field, Renee began her career as a file clerk and advanced through the ranks to paralegal before earning her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 2011. She went on to found her own practice, following several years at a boutique trusts and estates firm in the South Bay.

Renee is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation. A strong commitment to community service matches her professional expertise. She currently serves on the Executive Boards of WEWIL Collaborative Inc. and Circle of Hope Inc. and is an active supporter of numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Clarita.

Since moving to the Santa Clarita Valley in 2017, Renee has become deeply involved in the community, drawn by its spirit of connection, compassion, and volunteerism. She is the proud mother of two elementary-aged daughters who keep her active with soccer, gymnastics, rock climbing, and even skateboarding. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach or in Mammoth and cherishes quality time with family and friends. A loyal UCLA alumna, Renee keeps the Bruin spirit alive—especially during friendly rivalries with her USC-supporting husband.

Di Thompson
PRIME Real Estate

Di Thompson has been a dedicated resident of the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) since 2000. She has been married to Jeffrey for 27 years, and together, they have raised both their daughters within the SCV community.

Di’s passion lies in facilitating families’ and individuals’ dreams of homeownership. She is a strong advocate for and educator of underserved communities on the process and benefits of creating generational wealth through homeownership. Di is an entrepreneur who has been working to establish her own real estate brand, Thompson Realty Advisors, specializing in residential and investment properties, brokered by Equity Union Real Estate.

Di is deeply committed to serving her community and was recently appointed as Commissioner on the City of Santa Clarita Parks & Recreation Commission. She is involved with the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and will serve as the 2025 Chair-Elect, where she currently sits on the Board of Directors. Additionally, Di serves as the inaugural Chair of the Black Business Council and co-chair of InfluenceHER with the Chamber.

In addition to her leadership roles, Di is an active member of various community organizations, including SCV Zonta and Soroptimists of Greater SCV. She currently co-chairs the Dream It Be It program, which provides invaluable support and resources for high school students’ college and career readiness. Through her continuous personal development and exemplary leadership, Di remains steadfast in her commitment to improving the lives of others.

Di wholeheartedly supports the mission championed by Child & Family Center. She is proud of the work and shares the Center’s commitment to the community, which aligns with her values. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Di also participates in the External Affairs Committee of the Board.

Lee Thompson
President of Signarama, Santa Clarita

Lee Thompson brings a unique blend of public service expertise and private sector experience. As President of Signarama in Santa Clarita for 17 years, she has provided local schools, businesses, and organizations with graphic design services and signage, while also securing high-profile accounts, including the NFL, the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission, and Walt Disney.

Before transitioning to the sign industry, Lee built a distinguished career as a Senior Analyst with the U.S. Government, where she conducted performance audits and operational analyses for the U.S. Congress, in critical areas such as Education, Defense, and Acquisition Management.

A long-time SCV resident, Lee is deeply invested in both business development and community service. She is an active member of the Santa Clarita Valley Business Group and an enthusiastic advocate for local causes. Her community involvement includes long-standing support of the Child & Family Center and other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Heroes, and the Northeast Valley Health Corporation, where she has served as a volunteer, donor, and vendor partner. Lee was also a member of Soroptimist International of America.

Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She balances her professional and civic activities, with devotion to family and is a proud mother of two amazing sons.

Lee is passionate about causes that advocate for the health and well-being of children. She is honored to contribute her time and expertise to further Child & Family Center’s mission to support children and families in need.

Aida Weinstein
Accounting Manager, Retired

Aida Weinstein is a proud graduate of the University of London and a retired Accounting Manager from Wesco Aircraft, where she dedicated 23 years of service. Since retiring, Aida has committed her time and energy to giving back to the Santa Clarita community through her volunteer work with the Child & Family Center and Soroptimist International of Santa Clarita.

Aida has been a passionate and active supporter of the Child & Family Center’s mission to build a healthy community where children, families, and individuals thrive. She has served as the past Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee and as Treasurer of the Board of Directors. In addition, she has played key leadership roles in the Center’s major fundraising events, including serving as Chair of the 5K Purple Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness and as Co-Chair of the 2024 Taste of the Town event—both of which are vital to sustaining the Center’s programs and services.  

Currently, Aida continues to lend her expertise and leadership by serving on the Center’s Internal Affairs Committee, Audit Advisory Committee, and Investment Advisory Committee. Her dedication and service reflect a deep commitment to the Center’s mission and the life-changing impact it has on children and families every day.