Executive Director

Jacqueline Jaffee is an attorney who has committed herself to community and service. She received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. Jacqueline and her husband, Ian, enjoy all the activities that come with raising their three children in Marin County.

(415) 456-7805 x.1007

Program Manager

Jasmine Martinez is a Bilingual Resource Counselor at Adopt A Family of Marin. She provides case management, advocacy, support, and referrals to low-income families living in Marin County. Jasmine has years of experience serving low-income and high-risk communities, working with individuals in crisis, at-risk youth, and in community health. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies from Dominican University of California. Her passion for social justice issues including women’s rights, poverty, child welfare and educational equity was sparked from a very young age. Born and raised in San Francisco, Jasmine is an avid Giants and Forty-Niners fan. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

(415) 456-7805 x. 1004

Case Manager

Patty Duran is a bilingual, first generation college student. She received her AA in Sociology from College of Marin and her BA in sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies at Sonoma State University in the Spring of 2023. Patty has worked for over three years in the county helping homeless families and low income families in need of support. Her passion to help others started when she was little. Working towards social justice and equity is very important to Patty. In her free time, she likes spending time with her dogs, family and friends.

(415) 456-7805 x.1003

Case Manager/Communications

Samuel Ridgley is Case Manager who also assists the organization with communications and social media. He graduated from Dominican University of California with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Media Studies in the Spring of 2023. Sam has experience working with individuals struggling with substance abuse along with a background in sociology. He has a passion for helping others and is grateful to be able to help out the families of Marin through his work at AAF. Born and raised in Davis, California, Sam is a huge fan of the Sacramento Kings. In his free time he likes to spend time with his family, play sports and go to concerts.

(415) 456-7805 x. 1005

Case Manager

Wanda Melendez is a bilingual, first generation college student. She received her AA in Communication Studies from College of Marin and her BA in Media Studies with a minor in Journalism at UC Berkeley. Wanda has experience working with youth and low income families in Marin County. She is grateful to be supporting families through her work at AAF. Wanda's passion is to support her community and work towards social justice and equity. In her free time, she likes traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

(415) 456-7805 x. 1001

Board President

Cynthia (Cyndi) Weingard has 35 years of experience securing funding for nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth development, hunger, and access to higher education. She currently is involved in nonprofit and philanthropic consulting and serving her community.

Cyndi was Executive Director of Foundation and Corporation Relations at Samuel Merritt University; Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations at Dominican University of California; and Development Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay, Sterne School, and the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

She earned her BA in Communication Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara, and her MBA at Dominican University of California. Cyndi enjoys volunteering for nonprofit agencies in San Rafael, California where she raised her two daughters and is proud to be on the Adopt A Family Board of Directors.

Vice President

Mark has been in higher education for 40 years working in Student Life, Advancement, Alumni and Family Relations, as well as coordinating community outreach programs in support of students and community partners. He is also an Integrative Coach, supporting students in transitioning to college, achieving personal and academic success and enhancing their sense of belonging and connectedness. Mark has worked at both Saint Mary’s College of California and Dominican University of California.

Mark has a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Mark believes that giving back to your community is not only gratifying and essential but, more importantly, fundamental to ensuring that we build the world in which we want to be a part. Mark and his wife reside in San Rafael and they have two children.

Treasurer

David Short is a Regional Manager at Bank of Marin, overseeing 8 retail branches in Sonoma & Marin counties. Beginning his banking career 17 years ago with Bank of Marin as a teller in Petaluma, David is a four-time President’s Club winner, a 2018 Forty Under 40 recipient and a graduate of the Western Bankers Association’s Executive Development Program. He attributes success to strong relationships he works to develop within his organization and community. David is a firm believer in giving back, and has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, notably as Board President for both Petaluma People Services Center and Novato Human Needs Center. Born and raised in Petaluma, he currently resides in Santa Rosa with his wife of 18 years, Brittany, their 11-year-old son Brody and 8-year-old daughter Kennedy. He enjoys playing golf and baseball as well as spending time outdoors with his family. David believes more important than doing well, is doing good.

Secretary

Caren is a child psychologist and the Associate Director of Behavioral Health at Marin Community Clinics. Prior to MCC she was Director of Clinical Services at Child and Adolescent Services at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. She specializes in childhood trauma and has had a 20+ year career working with underserved children and families. Caren received her BA in Psychology at Boston College, and her Doctor of Psychology at CSPP. She was appointed to the Marin Childcare Commission, and has held various volunteer positions in the Foundation for Reed Schools, Huckleberry Youth Programs, and National League of Young Men.

Caren was born and raised in Marin and spends most of her free time cheering on her two teenagers at their various sporting events.

Leigh is a dedicated business owner and community leader with a passion for giving back. As the co-owner of City Carpets, a family-run flooring company in Marin County, she has spent over three decades helping homeowners and businesses find high-quality, sustainable flooring solutions. Leigh’s commitment to service extends beyond her business—she actively supports local economic growth through her work with the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and is excited to serve on the board of Adopt A Family. A Marin native, she values collaboration, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen the community. When she’s not working, Leigh enjoys spending time with her family, including her grandchildren and her beloved Pyrenees mix, Casper.  

Lisa was a member of RVWL from 2009 to 2016 where she held a variety of leadership and board positions including serving as President in 2013. Along with her daughters, she was an active member of National Charity League from 2008 to 2015 also holding a variety of leadership and board positions.

Currently, Lisa is involved in home construction and real estate property management. She was previously in the jewelry business.  Her first internship was at Harry Winston in NYC.  Lisa moved to Santa Monica CA to attend the Gemological Institute of America where her studies led her to become a Gemologist.  She worked at Kazanjian Jewels on Rodeo Drive, then became a stone buyer for a prominent jewelry manufacturer and finally worked in retail and private jewelry sales.  

Lisa received her BA in Business and French from Skidmore College and played Division III Tennis for the Thoroughbreds.  

Currently, Lisa volunteers at the Mill Valley Library’s Book Store.  She is very excited to be involved with Adopt A Family.

Jennie joined the Adopt A Family of Marin Board in 2017 and served as Treasurer for two years before serving as Board President. Jennie is currently a strategic marketing consultant advising financial and consumer/small businesses on their growth strategies. Previously she worked in senior leadership positions at a number of financial organizations including American Express, Wells Fargo and Rabobank, as well as at several start-ups. A lifelong community supporter, Jennie has held a board seat on a not for profit board, she has been a member of the Ross Valley Women’s League where she held several leadership positions, and has worked as a volunteer with numerous other organizations. Jennie received a BA from Middlebury College in Vermont, and her MBA from Amos Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College.

Susan joined the Adopt A Family (AAF) Board in 2018 as Liaison between the AAF and Ross Valley Women's League (RVWL) boards. Susan was an active member of RVWL from 2015-2020 in a variety of leadership roles before transitioning to the AAF Board in 2020.

Susan had a long career in marketing and business management for large companies such as Carnation, Nestle, and Wells Fargo after graduating from the University of Iowa. These companies afforded her the opportunity to strategically lead, promote, and manage businesses in excess of 100 million dollars. After retiring, she remained involved in community and philanthropic organizations including the San Francisco Symphony, Bay Area Discovery Museum, various school boards and National Charity League.

Susan lives in Mill Valley and is an avid hiker and world traveler. She enjoys spending time with her husband (Fritz) and two adult children. She is proud to be a part of the Adopt A Family Board and is passionate about the AAF Mission to help local families in crisis.