The Flockworks team is a passionate group of artists, educators and individuals who are dedicated to building community through creativity. They lead collaborative art projects, youth programs, and exhibitions that
make the arts accessible and impactful across the Mendocino Coast.
Also meet our Founding Families and Community Artists, whose vision, creativity, and
ongoing support are an essential part of the Flockworks community.
Board of Directors
Stacy Pollina Millen Vice President Mendocino Coast Clinics Stacy's BIo
Stacy Pollina serves as Vice President of the Flockworks Board, bringing a deep commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement. In addition to her role at Flockworks, Stacy is the Reproductive Health Program Manager at Mendocino Coast Clinics, where she oversees the Blue Door program. This vital initiative provides confidential healthcare services to teens and young adults, including birth control information, supplies, and behavioral health counseling, all as part of the clinic’s mission to build a healthy community through quality, patient-centered care. Under Stacy’s leadership, Blue Door has expanded its impact, ensuring students are safe and supported while addressing the need for accessible healthcare in the community. Stacy’s dedication to public health and her passion for creative community initiatives make her an invaluable asset to Flockworks and the Mendocino Coast. 
Christine Samas Member Psychotherapy Cristine's Bio
Christine has lived on the Mendocino Coast for most of her life, having moved here when she was nine years old. This community is deeply meaningful to her, and she feels fortunate to have built her career, developed lifelong friendships, and raised her daughter in such a unique and connected place. Christine is a psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience working with parents and families. She earned her Master of Social Work from California State University, Sacramento, with an emphasis on families and community, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Art. Throughout her career, Christine has been dedicated to supporting the well-being of children, parents, and families. Christine is also a lifelong artist and craftsperson. Creative work is a daily practice for her and an important source of balance, connection, and renewal in her own life and within her family. She has extensive experience in fiber arts and is an accomplished Nordic-style Fair Isle knitter. She also quilts and embroiders and is currently expanding her creative practice through ceramics classes at Mendocino College. Christine’s connection to Flockworks began through her granddaughter’s participation in the Kudos program at Redwood Elementary School, where she witnessed firsthand the impact that accessible, community-based arts programming can have on children and families. Her granddaughter also attended the very first Flockworks Summer Camp, which was an extraordinary experience. Seeing the joy, confidence, and sense of belonging fostered through these programs deepened Christine’s appreciation for Flockworks’ mission and the vital role the arts play in strengthening the community. Christine believes that creative expression is one of humanity’s greatest strengths. It is a source of joy, wonder, resilience, and connection, and one of the most meaningful ways we learn, grow, and relate to one another. She is committed to supporting opportunities that make the arts accessible to as many members of the community as possible, ensuring that people of all ages can experience the creativity, confidence, and connection that the arts inspire. |
Sally Rodriguez treasurer Noyo High School Sally's Bio
Sally has served as an acting board member since November 2023, contributing to various community events. She is now the Treasurer. Currently, Sally teaches Art at Noyo High School, where she has worked for five years. She cherishes the opportunity to engage with her students, collaborating alongside them and witnessing the transformative power of art. As a self-taught artist and painter, Sally began her creative journey in 2003 while living in Missoula, Montana. Her professional background has always centered around community art. She started teaching at Walnut Creek Civic Arts in 2005 and has worked with various communities, from Missoula to Guanajuato, Mexico. Sally has also led workshops in Burlington, Vermont, Hot Springs, Montana, and Martinez, California. She has a particular interest in connecting with homeschoolers and underrepresented youth. Always interested in art and creative expression, Sally enjoys hobbies such as bone dowsing and building small forts. She appreciates the interactions with fellow Flockworks members and the sense of connection within the community. Flockworks was the first organization she sought out when she arrived on the coast in 2019, and as a Martinez/Concord Delta native, she felt at home among like-minded individuals. A fun fact is Sally has a unique talent, being able to whistle in 11 different ways and skip a rock an impressive 22 times. 
Victoria Franco-Anaya Member Mendocino County Office of Education Victoria's Bio
Victoria Franco Anaya serves with the Mendocino County Office of Education and is a dedicated leader in expanded learning, youth development, and community engagement. With a strong commitment to creating inclusive, high-quality opportunities for children and families, she has played a key role in strengthening after-school and enrichment programs throughout Mendocino County. As Director of Flockworks' KUDOS after-school program, Victoria provided leadership across multiple school sites, supporting staff development, program quality, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. She worked closely with the California Department of Education, the Mendocino County Office of Education, Fort Bragg Unified School District, and local partners to ensure programs met state standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of the community. Victoria's dedication to educational equity and expanded learning has earned statewide recognition. In 2025, she was selected to serve on the California AfterSchool Network's Strategic Design Team, helping shape the future of expanded learning across California. This appointment reflects her collaborative leadership, innovative approach, and commitment to ensuring every young person has access to safe, engaging, and enriching learning experiences. Known for building strong relationships with students, families, educators, and community partners, Victoria believes that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom. Her work continues to focus on creating environments where creativity, belonging, and opportunity empower young people to thrive. |
Cassandra Robbers Member Fort Bragg Unified School Disctrict Cassandra's Bio
Cassandra (Sand) is a creative leader with a passion for community. Currently, she is a Reading Intervention Teacher and after-school Kudos instructor at Fort Bragg Middle School. In Kudos, she has taught sewing, reading, and is currently helping students write and design their own puppet show. She enjoys working at the middle school because, “The students are enthusiastic, energetic, and they love to learn!” Her goal is to build confidence and joy in reading for each student. Although she grew up in CA, she spent many years living in NY. It was there that she discovered her love for community, and earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration, summa cum laude, at Alfred State College. She moved back to California and chose Fort Bragg as home because her family lives here, “...and it is the best place on earth!” Her experience in the art world includes Art Walk Manager for the Cohen Gallery in Alfred, NY, Marketing Coordinator for the Allegany Artisans, and Project Designer for an art car titled “Civic Engagement” in which she painted a car and made magnetic words with students from two rival schools in Allegany County in a project called “Living Poetree” that allowed people in the community to interact and make their own poetry on her car. Additionally, Sand worked from 2002-2015 as a full-time fiber artist selling her creations online, at festivals, and at several stores throughout New York and New Jersey. Her background also includes experience in Human Resources, Web Design, Career Services, and Customer Service. |
Administrative Leadership
Jeff Totsch Executive director JEff's BIo
As the new Executive Director of Flockworks, Jeff is excited to contribute to the mission of fostering creativity and collaboration within the community. His family recently relocated to Fort Bragg, drawn by its stunning natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and the opportunity to spend more time together. |
Morgan Brewer Administrative Director Morgan's BIo
Morgan serves as the Administrative Director at Flockworks, where he focuses on protecting and providing for team members. He manages the routine administrative tasks that keep the organization operational. With a diverse professional background in solar energy, software, regenerative agriculture, and sheep ranching, Morgan brings a wealth of experience to his role. In his personal life, Morgan enjoys biking, gardening, and spending time in or on the ocean. He also loves playing Magic: The Gathering and cherishes moments with his one-year-old and family on the farm. What Morgan enjoys most about working at Flockworks is empowering creative individuals to provide engaging enrichment activities and helping to create good jobs for local families. A fun fact about Morgan is that he raced downhill mountain bikes for about ten years. |
Tanya Ayala Communications and Outreach Director Tanya's BIO
Tanya is a Fort Bragg local with a strong passion for education and social services. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Westmont College and began her career as a Prevention Education Advocate with Project Sanctuary. This role sparked her commitment to supporting families and children and deepened her love for education. Tanya further honed her skills as an Early Learning Family Advocate with AmeriCorps, continuing her work with Project Sanctuary with the opportunity to also working with various organizations, including Safe Passage Family Resource Center. She later transitioned to roles with FIRST 5 Mendocino and the Mendocino Coast Children's Fund. During her time working in this community, Tanya became a Primary Care Practitioner through the Triple P program and a California Certified Crisis Counselor, further strengthening her ability to support families with care and compassion. Her journey took an international turn when she moved to Morocco to volunteer, helping at an orphanage and teaching English at a preschool. She then continued her adventure in Spain, serving as an English language educator in elementary schools and later helped develop and coordinate an after-school English language program for children. During her time abroad, she also earned her master’s degree from the University of Granada in Peace Culture, Conflict, Education, and Human Rights. A passionate advocate for children and families, Tanya is also deeply committed to social justice and environmental protection. She enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, and traveling. After her international experiences, she returned to Fort Bragg to be close to her family, which she values above all else. |
Program Leadership
Kate Taylor Kudos director Kate's Bio
Kate Taylor most recently served as the Site Coordinator at Redwood Elementary, where she was responsible for staffing, training, overseeing classes and lesson plans, liaising with the principal and teachers, ordering supplies, enrolling students, managing payroll, and handling various administrative tasks along with April Wood. With a professional background rooted in education, Kate has spent most of her career in this field. She began as a teacher, advanced to the role of principal, and ultimately became a regional director overseeing the operations of ten schools in California and Texas. Kate transitioned out of education when she and her husband decided to live in the area and purchased the Joshua Grindle Inn in Mendocino in 2019. After five years of managing the inn, she realized her passion for education was still strong and applied for a position with Flockworks. In her personal life, Kate enjoys reading, walking, painting, and attending live music events. What she loves most about working at Flockworks is collaborating with students and staff to ensure the afterschool program is beneficial to the community and the students who participate. A fun fact about Kate is that she plays both the guitar and piano, and she once went skydiving with the CEO of her previous company on a dare. |
Jennifer Raye ASSESTs director Jennifer's Bio
Jennifer’s journey as the Site Coordinator for the ASSETs After School program at Fort Bragg High School began in the 2008-09 school year—its inaugural year. This marks her 17th year running this federally-funded program. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in painting from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jennifer later pursued graduate studies in the M.F.A. printmaking program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, although she was unable to complete her master’s degree due to the sudden passing of her husband while in graduate school. Working with teens is incredibly dynamic, and the after-school program at Fort Bragg High School is designed to adapt to the ever-changing interests and needs of students. With Flockworks employing all after-school staff, she finds herself— for the first time in her adult life—working for an arts organization as an artist. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, making art, and recently, sewing. She is currently on an adventure designing patterns for fabric and custom clothing. Originally from the Detroit area, she cherishes her creative journey here. |
Jess Green Camp director Jess' Bio
JESS IS A DEDICATED EDUCATOR, THEATER DIRECTOR, AND COMMUNITY BUILDER WHO BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF CREATIVITY, CONNECTION, AND COLLECTIVE GROWTH. AS A 5TH GRADE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER AND THEATER CLUB DIRECTOR, SHE BRINGS A DYNAMIC, EXPRESSIVE APPROACH TO LEARNING THAT ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO EXPLORE THEIR VOICES BOTH ON AND OFF THE STAGE. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, JESS IS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, GARDENER, AND MOTHER WHO IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN NURTURING THE PEOPLE AND SPACES AROUND HER. HER WORK IS GUIDED BY A STRONG COMMITMENT TO CARE, COLLABORATION, AND CULTIVATING ENVIRONMENTS WHERE EVERY INDIVIDUAL CAN THRIVE. KNOWN FOR HER WARM, ENTHUSIASTIC SPIRIT, JESS HAS A NATURAL GIFT FOR BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND CREATING SPACES WHERE KIDS FEEL SEEN, SUPPORTED, AND INSPIRED. SHE DRAWS ON HER EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING TO FOSTER CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING IN EVERY PROGRAM SHE LEADS. JESS IS THRILLED TO BRING HER ENERGY, COMPASSION, AND LOVE FOR THE ARTS TO HER ROLE AS A CAMP FLOCKWORKS DIRECTOR, AND LOOKS FORWARD TO BUILDING A JOYFUL, INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL CAMPERS THIS SUMMER. |
Creative Center Team
Julie Karlonas Education Director Julie's bio
Born and raised in San Francisco, Julie Karlonas is a working artist who currently lives in Fort Bragg, California. Her two great passions in life are Art and education. She has been an artist for as long as she can remember, and has been sharing art with children and adults for over thirty-five years. She holds an MA in Montessori Education, Montessori Elementary Teaching credentials from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, CA., and a BA in Printmaking from Sonoma State University. Julie has taught art in private and public schools, institutions, and colleges throughout Northern California. She is also a Montessori Teacher Trainer who has trained teachers to teach art to children throughout the world. She is the founder of Art Work, a company committed to developing art curricula for children. She has written four books and accompanying materials on sharing art with children. Her books and materials are used internationally. |
Joe DeGeorge Creative Center Manager Joe's BIo
Joe is a dynamic professional with more than 15 years of experience in management, client relations, event coordination, and business operations. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for creating exceptional customer experiences, managing complex operations, and fostering strong professional relationships. Joe's diverse background includes managing creative professionals and coordinating events as Shop Manager at Main Street Tattoo, where he oversaw daily operations, artist scheduling, exhibitions, and promotional activities. For the past several years, Joe has worked as a Mortgage Broker with West One Capital, refining his skills in communication, negotiation, independent project management, and client service. His earlier experience as a small business owner further strengthened his expertise in budgeting, marketing, vendor relations, and operational leadership. Passionate about the arts and community engagement, Joe is dedicated to creating welcoming, memorable experiences for artists, collectors, and visitors alike. He brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach, combining professionalism, adaptability, and a genuine appreciation for creative expression. |
School Leadership
April Wood Kudos Site Coordinator Redwood Elementary April's bio
April Wood serves as the Site Coordinator at Redwood Elementary, where she is responsible for staffing, training, overseeing classes and lesson plans, liaising with the principal and teachers, ordering supplies, enrolling students, managing payroll, and handling various administrative tasks. |
Alison Feliciano Kudos Site coordinator Dana Gray Elementary Alison's bio
Alison serves as the Site Coordinator for Dana Gray Kudos, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the program and leads a team of twelve fantastic instructors and aides. With over twenty-five years of experience in elementary education, Alison has spent much of her career in after-school programs. She has also worked as a librarian, a volunteer coordinator at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, and even as a full-time nanny for five toddlers at once! Most weekends, you can find Alison working on projects at her home, which is situated on an acre alongside the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, or enjoying a book on her deck. She loves spending time with her husband, Joaquin, and their dog, Buddy. Alison is also the mother of three grown children, ages 28, 26, and 23. The highlight of Alison's work at Kudos is interacting with the children, as they ensure that every day is a new adventure. She also appreciates the sense of community that comes with working at a school and loves seeing so many familiar faces around town. A fun fact about Alison is that she is the seventh of nine children! She grew up living in a one-room schoolhouse in the Sutter Buttes, the world’s smallest mountain range. |
Jose gonzalez Kudos Site coordinator Fort Bragg Middle School Jose's bio
Jose is an integral member of our Kudos team, providing leadership of Fort Bragg Middle School student programs. He is responsible for staffing, training, overseeing classes and lesson plans, liaising with the principal and teachers, ordering supplies, enrolling students, managing payroll, and handling various administrative tasks. |