Mark Heine
President
School Social Worker and Child/Family Psychotherapist,
Nevada Joint Union School District
Mark has more than 15 years of experience in social work. Before joining the Nevada Joint Union High School District, Mark worked with Nevada County Children’s Behavioral Health Department, the Grass Valley School District and with nonprofit organizations. Mark has hiked the entire 2,658 miles Pacific Crest Trail and is married to Judith Kautz, a clinical social worker with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital whom he met hiking the trail. They have two children. A native of Chicago, Mark moved from the Bay Area in 2013 to Nevada County, where his twin brother, Scott Mikal-Heine, also lives and works for Nevada Joint Union. Mark earned a Master’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley.
“Growing up in a working-class family in south Chicago provided me with a clear view of the hardships youth of all stripes often face. Youth in rural California also deal with many issues. Fortunately, I also discovered a vibrant ecosystem of public agencies collaborating with youth-centered nonprofits in Nevada County. After working for years with Friendship Club girls and NEO-connected youth, I am truly honored to be on the Board of Bright Futures for Youth in making a difference for the young people of Nevada County.”
Cliff Brown
Vice President
Strategy and Sustainability Consultant
Cliff provides consulting services to corporate and private-equity clients on issues of strategy and sustainability. His clientele has included Credit Suisse, Nestle and Clorox. Cliff worked as an engineer in the Silicon Valley before becoming a consultant. He relocated to Grass Valley in 2003 and his community service has focused on many youth and education-related activities, including coaching youth soccer and softball. He also volunteers with the Nevada County Sheriff Search and Rescue team and serves on the Board of the Sacramento Stanford Association. Cliff served as vice president of the NEO Board of Directors.
“I dedicate my time and admire this organization’s success in providing a safe and positive environment for youth to thrive and develop into independent, productive citizens with its unique ‘of the youth, by the youth, for the youth’ approach. I am inspired to do my part to rally this community behind a united effort to develop a comprehensive youth and community center.”
Carrie Featherston
Treasurer
Branch Vice President, Sierra Central Credit Union
Carrie is a seasoned Credit Union Executive with over 20 years of experience helping members achieve financial literacy, security, and personalized success. Carrie features an extensive background involving tailored initiative planning, 360-degree financial services, and the art of turning every financial situation/goal into a viable path forward. Carrie is passionate about forming meaningful relationships with members, inspiring positive workplace cultures, and ultimately fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and open-door communication. A servant leader by nature, Carrie enjoys guiding others toward reaching their unique versions of success and finding solutions for each member. Carrie is an industry thought leader who values the integrity of people and process and demonstrates that any financial goal can be achieved with the right guidance, resources, and stints of encouraging motivation. In addition, she innately understands that the best outcomes stem from the formation of strong, shared-value teams. When Carrie is not supporting both new and existing Sierra Central members, you will typically find her competing as a Blackbelt in Taekwondo alongside her husband, Jeff, her son, Zachary and her daughter, Courtney.
“I’m so excited to partner with Bright Futures for Youth to help young people shine with confidence and manage their finances. Together, we can make learning about money fun, empowering and a key to building a bright and successful future.
Nanci Mason
Secretary
Retired Graphic Design Services Manager, Cisco Systems
Nanci is one of the first 200 employees at Cisco Systems, where she worked for 11 years. She was promoted five times and her last position was Corporate Identity Manager. Nanci relocated to Grass Valley in 1995 and telecommuted for Cisco before retiring in 2000 to build a house, work with horses and volunteer in the community. Prior to Cisco, Nanci operated a graphic design firm and won several awards while working for advertising agencies. Nanci, a fourth-generation Californian, began volunteering with The Friendship Club in 2006 – from creating art and teaching cooking classes to serving as a mentor. She was named Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and 2019.
“The Friendship Club’s level of professionalism is impressive and their heartfelt commitment to the girls is what compelled me to get involved. I knew there was magic happening right here, bringing positive change through education, resources, kindness and growth for youth.”
Jim Amaral
Executive Director, Project HEART, Inc.
Jim Amaral is a community leader with more than two decades of experience serving youth, families, and justice-involved populations. During his 21-year career in law enforcement, Jim worked closely with juvenile justice programs, youth diversion efforts, and community partnerships focused on prevention, accountability, and helping young people make positive life choices. Following his law enforcement career, Jim continued his commitment to youth development by serving in leadership roles with Rite of Passage, where he oversaw juvenile programs designed to support youth through mentorship, structure, treatment, education, and skill development. His experience includes program leadership, staff development, community collaboration, and implementing evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for vulnerable youth. Jim currently serves as Executive Director of Project HEART, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on reentry services, substance use recovery support, case management, and community-based solutions. Throughout his career, Jim has remained dedicated to the belief that every young person has the potential to succeed when provided with positive relationships, guidance, accountability, and meaningful opportunities.
“I believe investing in young people is one of the most important investments we can make in our community. I am passionate about helping create opportunities, providing support and ensuring youth have the resources and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.”
Greg Bulanti
Realtor, Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty
Greg is a Real Estate Broker who has lived in Nevada County since 2010, when he and his wife, Dee, relocated from Sierra County to open their Grass Valley office. In 1990, Greg and Dee moved from the Bay Area to Downieville and started Sierra County Realty. Greg serves on the City of Grass Valley Planning Commission. He volunteers with the Music in the Mountains Alliance and Gold Country Celtic Society and is Uncle Sam in the Marching Presidents society. Greg is past state director of the California Association of Realtors and past president of the Nevada County Association of Realtors.
“This program makes a huge difference in the precious lives of young girls and boys who have so much untapped potential. They learn many skills and form healthy relationships in a non-threatening environment, and build the foundation to be successful and achieve their dreams.”
Polly Conley, PNP
Medical Director/Pediatric Director, Western Sierra Medical Clinic
Polly, a longtime resident of Nevada County and a graduate of Nevada Union High School, has more than two decades of experience in health care, with an emphasis in pediatrics. Polly joined the Grass Valley-based Western Sierra Medical Clinic – the largest outpatient health provider in Nevada County – in August 2016. She also serves as a medical advisor to Nevada County school nurses and serves on several county task forces and committees, including childhood immunizations, Covid response, the breastfeeding coalition and the eating disorder task force. She also served on the Board of Directors of KARE Crisis Nursery. Polly, who lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Nevada City, earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in Nursing-Pediatrics from the University of California, San Francisco.
“Bright Futures for Youth ties closely into many of the issues that I feel strongly about. I primarily take care of underprivileged children … and try to coordinate the best care possible for them. My goal is to help as many children as possible in Nevada County. Bright Futures is a good match for my particular interests and skill sets.”
Josh Crisosto
Financial Advisor, Zion Capital
Josh has15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He most recently served as Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Prior to joining the Dignity Health system care team, Josh worked in both the Providence and Adventist healthcare systems. He has played a pivotal role in ensuring high quality diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic services. Additionally, Josh served on the SUI MRI and Radiologic Program Advisory Board. Josh lives with his wife Elyssa and three young children. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from National University.
“I am proud to support and further Bright Futures for Youth’s remarkable mission. I feel a strong conviction to support, encourage and grow the youth of our community.”
Clydene Hohenrieder, Ph.D.
Co-owner and CEO of Lustre-Cal Corp.
and a California Licensed Clinical Psychologist (inactive)
As a CEO and clinical psychologist, Clydene brings decades of unique experience and insight to Bright Futures for Youth and is deeply aware of the challenges and the opportunities that face young people. Clydene, who has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, was in private practice for the first half of her career. She is the former and co-owner and CEO of Lustre-Cal Corp., a Lodi-based manufacturer of high-quality custom labels, nameplates and other products. Clydene was appointed to The Presidents Committee for The Americans with Disabilities Act by President George H. W. Bush and was involved in its implementation under Presidents Bush and Clinton. She was raised in Concord and moved to Lake Wildwood in Penn Valley about a decade ago, where a friend introduced her to Bright Futures for Youth and she was very interested in the SAFE program, which helps young people experiencing homelessness. Clydene always encourages young people to embrace education and expand their skills. She also stresses the importance of ensuring basic needs – such as education, food and housing – and teaching lifelong skills to young people.
“I am committed to not just handing something to kids, but teaching them how to hope, have a vision, get on a path.”
Rick Kalb
Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
Rick started his career with Northwestern Mutual in San Francisco in 1983. Rick, a Wealth Management advisor with clients throughout the United States, moved to Nevada County in 1992. Rick serves on the Board of Directors for Hospice of the Foothills and is a member of the 49er Rotary Club and Gold Country Estate Planning Council. He is the founder of the Big Brothers Nevada City Mountain Endurance ride that occurred for 20 years.
“I volunteer because of my long-term commitment to give back to my community. I really like how Friendship Club helps young women achieve their goals and dreams. This will pay big dividends to our community.”
Wrynna Kohler
Owner of Native Wren, a boutique in downtown Grass Valley
Wrynna, born and raised in Grass Valley, is a mother of four and small-business owner of Native Wren. She graduated in Nevada County and then proceeded to study business, design and even massage therapy. Wyrnna has a great appreciation for the Bright Futures for Youth as she was a member of The Friendship Club at its beginning days. Wrynna attributes some of her business skills – and success – to her former Friendship Club mentor, Ingrid, another local small-business owner. She hopes to offer the perspective of a past Friendship Club member and utilize her range of skills to support the board.
“I became involved in Brighter Futures for youth to give back to the community and its youth. I want to help ensure they have a wide range of opportunities to broaden their horizons and perspectives as The Friendship Club did for me.”
Machen MacDonald
Owner, ProBrilliance Leadership Institute
Machen began his financial services career with The Mutual of New York in 1989 in the San Francisco Bay Area. He pioneered performance and accountability coaching within the company before establishing the ProBrilliance Leadership Institute in 2003. Machen, a best-selling author of books on peak performance, writes a weekly column for The Union newspaper. He is a past president of the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce and the International Coaches Federation – Sacramento.
“Watching young women and men of Bright Futures for Youth find their way to greater confidence, growing self-efficacy and persevering resourcefulness is pure goodness in action.”
Maggie Merritt
Retired Public Policy Leader and currently an Executive Coach
Maggie has more than than 35 years of leadership in California’s public policy arena. Her career focused on education, health care, women’s rights and mental health systems reform. She served in the California State Capitol, led statewide advocacy efforts and served as the inaugural executive director of the Steinberg Institute, a nonprofit public policy institute dedicated to improving the mental health system in California. Maggie retired from public service in December 2024 and now works as an executive coach, supporting individuals and leaders committed to meaningful impact in their communities. Maggie first volunteered with The Friendship Club, now a program of Bright Futures for Youth, in 2012. After returning to Nevada County in June 2024, she is honored to reengage with Bright Futures as a member of the Board of Directors. She believes deeply in the power of community and in the responsibility adults share to ensure that all young people feel seen, supported and valued.
“Organizations like Bright Futures for Youth matter because no child thrives alone. I carry a deep sense of gratitude for the adults who showed up for me when I needed support. Serving on this board is my way of paying that forward and helping ensure that every young person in our community has someone in their corner.”
Shannan Moon
Sheriff, County of Nevada
Sheriff Shannan Moon has served as Nevada County Sheriff since January 2019. During her more than 30 years with the Sheriff’s Office, she has served numerous positions, including as a Correctional Officer, Major Crimes Detective, Narcotics Detective, Crisis Incident Negotiations Team member and Commander, and Deputy Sheriff.
Sheriff Moon is a lifelong resident of Nevada County whose father had a longtime law enforcement career. She has a track record in her everyday commitment to increasing the quality of services provided to the community at the Sheriff’s office.
Timothy Reid
Director of Pupil Services, Nevada Joint Union High School District
Tim previously served as an assistant principal at Nevada Union High School. He teaches agriculture business at Sierra College. His career in education includes teaching agriculture at Bear River High School, where he helped lead its three-pronged agriculture education program: directing more than 40 Supervising Agricultural Education (SAE) projects exhibited at the Nevada County Fair, serving as co-advisor for FFA and teaching more than 150 students in agriculture mechanics. Tim previously worked as a Quality Control Inspector for Markon, a produce company in the Salinas Valley. He is president of Nevada County Livestock Producers, involved in many community organizations and runs a commercial cow/calf operation. Tim served as secretary of the NEO Board of Directors.
“I really want students to find their calling. I see students every day struggle with acceptance and belonging. This organization helps them find their calling and sense of belonging, making them feel safe and our community better every day.”
Mimi Simmons
Real Estate Broker, Century 21 Cornerstone Realty Group
A fifth generation native of Nevada County, Mimi has been in real estate for more than 40 years and has been a community leader for many nonprofits in the area in Board positions and providing financial support and fund raising. Her Board service includes being President of Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Nevada County Board of Realtors. Mimi is founding Broker of Century 21 Cornerstone Realty Group. She is passionate about her hometown and continually strives to contribute to the quality of life so many enjoy.“
“Having the benefit of being raised in this community opened my eyes to the current need for our youth to strive and look forward to their adult years. Bright Futures for Youth has created a fantastic opportunity to provide support in so many avenues for the kids and give them direction for their future that they may not otherwise have.”
Katie Weisberg
Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships
Learner-Centered Collaborative
Katie started her career as a sixth-grade English teacher, and found herself gravitating toward students at the margins—those who learned differently, those who spoke multiple languages, and those who other teachers “warned” her about before they joined her class. These were the students who fueled her desire to reimagine the traditional system of schooling that is serving some while alienating and marginalizing others. After working as a special education teacher and Dean of Students, Katie directed special education programs for the High Tech High network of 16 K-12 charter schools in San Diego. She went on to direct the Master’s in Educational Leadership program at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Currently, Katie is Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships for Learner-Centered Collaborative, where she supports school and district partners to create education ecosystems where all learners know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves.
“I believe deeply in the power and potential of every young person, and in our shared responsibility to create the conditions for them to flourish.”