MEET OUR TEAM

Dr. Susan Cooper is a 1977 graduate of UCLA School of Dentistry. She retired from private practice in 2004 after practicing for 26 years as a general dentist in and began volunteering in CAP's community dental programs. Dr. Cooper came to recognize the lack of dental services for families and began to develop community oral health programs. After working at CAP as the Director of the Health, Education and Promotion Division and the Healthy Communities Director of Programs she was promoted to Deputy Director in 2016. In March 2017 she stepped into the position of Interim Executive Director and was hired as the Executive Director in December of 2017. What a way to retire!

Rupi began her public accounting career in 2007 in the Bay Area with Frank Rimmerman & CO, LLP after graduating from San Jose State University. She has provided accounting and consulting services to businesses in the North Bay since 2013 and is a certified CPA. Rupi plays a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team as CAP Sonoma continues to enhance its programs throughout Sonoma County. She is an active member of the Sikh temple where she teaches kids Punjabi language every Sunday. After work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.

Mary is currently is the Deputy Director where she gets to work on the execution and operations of services for low income families. Mary has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Sonoma State University. Mary spent her entire childhood on stage performing musical theatre where she learned passion and empathy in which she carries through her work today. She lives in Santa Rosa with her husband Greg, and during her free time, she enjoys traveling the world and exploring all the things Sonoma County has to offer.

Mr. Harper came to Sonoma County to attend Sonoma State University in 1986 and graduated with a B.A. in Management. He began working with youth as a volunteer at the South Park Youth Center in 1991 and in 1992, became an employee of Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County. Over the next twenty-six years, he has served in a variety of positions and currently holds the title of Director of Community Engagement. He has received numerous awards including the Sonoma State University Alumni Distinguished Alumni Award, Sonoma County Jefferson Award, PDI Hero Award, the Bob Tunks Peace Award, and many others. When he is not in the office you will definitely see Vince on a bike trail getting his miles in.

Lisa has been in Early Care and Education for over two decades. Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County and Head Start are her passion and she is so proud to be the Director of this important program. Lisa is in awe of the work the program does for children and families each and is interested in all of the ways that community can be part of the solutions to the challenges we see. She sits on the Board of Directors for Head Start California to ensure that the voice of Sonoma County is heard at the state level. Lisa is grateful to live in Sonoma County and raise her teenage son in such a vibrant and beautiful place.

Marta graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Art History, but always knew she wanted to work with young children. She has a California Multi-Subject Teaching Credential with a CLAD certificate for teaching English Learners and has taught K-2. She completed the Masters of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley, with the goal of working in a non-profit serving children. Marta has worked at CAP as Assistant Director for School Readiness Programs since 2004 and developed an educational play group program, Pasitos, currently serving 300 families in 27 groups county-wide. She also oversees the implementation of AVANCE and the Family Resource Center at Via Esperanza.

Kathy Kane, RDHAP is a 1991 graduate of Loma Linda University and a 2004 graduate of University of the Pacific's Registered Dental Hygienist Program. For the past 13 years, Kathy has owned On The Go Dental Hygiene, a mobile dental hygiene practice that provides preventative dental hygiene services. She has worked for Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County since 2012 as the Assistant Director of Programs for the Health and Wellness Department and the Financial Stability Department. Kathy oversees program development, implementation, grant writing and reporting for the nine programs within her departments.

Marcus comes to Community Action with 15 years of community development experience. After receiving his Graduate Degree from University of California Berkeley in City Planning, he primarily implemented business attraction and retention programs in the cities of San Francisco, San Mateo and Detroit. At CAP, Marcus manages the fundraising and agency communications activities. He is a proud Montgomery High School graduate and Sonoma County native. For fun he likes fishing, camping and playing basketball, while hoping he won’t turn an ankle at his age.

With over 15 years experience in Operations and Human Resources Management, Michael focuses on consistent positive employee and employer interactions. In his 15 year career he has created multiple workspace programs to increase retention, workplace safety and audit compliance. His main goal is to create a consistent and fair environment for every employee in a caring and thoughtful way. In his free time, you will usually find Mike trail running, kayaking, camping or playing with his two dogs and cats.

Katie was born in San Francisco, grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Sonoma County three years ago. She holds a BA in Literature from California State University Northridge and a Theatre Degree from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. With over 10 years of marketing and communications experience and her background in theatre and production, Katie is grateful to be a part of the communications team and helping to tell the stories of this important, change making agency.

Elizabeth Price has lived here in Sonoma County her whole life. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College, transferred to Sonoma State and ultimately graduated with a BA in Sociology. She chose to major in Sociology because she knew it would be a great foundation for working with people, as she ultimately wanted to do. Liz enjoys working behind the scenes and supporting a great group of leaders in our community. Before CAP, she was working in hospitality, which gave her a deep love of culinary, food, and travel. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Sonoma county and everything this region has to offer.