CFILC Staff

Karla Leon is a CFILC Program Coordinator. Karla joined the CFILC team in July 2022. Karla’s role is to provide cross-programmatic support of Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Digital Access Project (DAP), Ability Tools (AT), and any other areas in need.

Karla has worked for a variety of different companies, closely working with our community. Her Latin roots have taught her the importance of hard work and compassion. She is super excited to work for the community and bring her knowledge of marketing and administration to CFILC.

Chania Brodie is the Operations Manager for the CFILC team.

Chania has served the board and committees of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) since May of 2013, starting as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and is currently an Executive Associate to the board and committee(s). Prior to C4A, Chania worked in the Bishop’s Office of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California supporting the program managers for five separate diocesan programs. Chania has been in the Capitol over a number of years and has worked for and within large corporations to small family-owned businesses.

In May 2020, Chania received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and has plans to obtain her Master’s soon.

Chania loves to travel, learn the history of other cultures, and is fascinated with high-tech.

As the Statewide Community Organizer at CFILC, I work to:

• Assist and support 28 ILCs (the IL Network) in building their community organizing capacity through grassroots advocacy groups, and other methods of base-building.
• Participate in statewide disability and/or intersectional coalitions.
• Develop community organizing campaigns for systems change, including priority issues outlined in California’s State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), in coordination with the IL Network and allies.
• Organize regional and statewide community organizing events.

I have a history in Advocacy. Prior to CFILC I worked with an Independent Living Center for over 5 years and have more than 20 years combined advocacy a experience. I have been a member of CFILC’s (DOnetwork) Disability Organizing Network since 2018.

I am currently a member of an (IHSS) In Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee since February 2018.

I consider CFILC the “ILC-Mothership” for statewide advocates and organizers. I look forward to supporting changes in our communities, focusing on empowering our choices and options for continued Independence.

My Moto is to (ACCEPT, ADAPT, and ADJUST) = the main keys to our survival.

Each 1 teach 1 someday soon we all my reach One…

Kathrine is the Program Manager for CFILC. Her role is to raise public awareness about access to AT and provide technical assistance and training to Independent Living Centers and community members to improve programs and ultimately outcomes for our consumers who use AT.

Kathrine attended University of California, Davis (UCD) and obtained bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and English with a minor in psychology. Before attending UCD, her early life and career was spent participating and advocating with the Disability community. At UCD, she was able to continue her passion by participating in various activities impacting marginalized communities. She studied and interviewed a wide scope of groups, ultimately studying abroad in Ecuador. She lived with indigenous communities and learned about their struggle for autonomy in the wake of government and corporate attempts to strip and mine their lands. This experience taught her much about the strength of community organizing and what a collection of determined individuals can accomplish together.

Kathrine enjoys traveling, with the goal of visiting all seven continents in order to beat her father’s record of having visited six. She enjoys hiking, white water rafting, swimming, reading, solving puzzles and playing board games with her husband, sisters and nephew. She and her husband have adapted many of their board games in order to make family game night a seamlessly accessible event for her sister Becka, who has Down syndrome.

Brett is the Executive Director for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers as of March 2023. His former position was with the Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) and with his leadership, BILS grew by more than 300%.  Brett has created and implemented numerous programs including employment training, youth services, diversity and inclusion training, and more. Brett spent several years at AIG leading their Disability Initiatives. As Disability Coordinator, he led AIG’s Disability Initiative programs in various areas including recruitment and retention, corporate affairs, assistive technology, and products and services. He created programs whereby AIG is able to focus on the disabled population to better serve their needs and the needs of AIG. 

Over his career Brett has also been appointed to several statewide councils including the New York State Independent Living Council, State Rehabilitation Council, and the Commissioners Advisory Panel.  Brett’s extensive involvement and outreach to assist people with disabilities in finding employment goes beyond his daily work. Brett has not only served on the local organizing committee for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), but he was also Co-Chair for the Mentor Recruitment sub-committee for several years. In addition, he has previously contributed his time, talent and energy as a member of six Business Advisory Councils, including Abilities, Inc., Just One Break, Inc. (JOB), and Fedcap.  Brett holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting with a concentration in Management from Nova Southeastern University. In 2008 Brett received the prestigious Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Award.

Victor joined CFILC in July 2021. As Program Coordinator, Victor’s role is to provide information and referrals to individuals who contact the Digital Access Project (DAP) and Ability Tools (AT) programs.

Victor was born in San Clemente, CA, and moved to Sacramento in 2017 to pursue his education. Victor attended CSU Sacramento and received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. “Sociology made me aware of social issues that affect minority groups which made me step out of my comfort zone and become an advocate for people who are disproportionately affected by social, and political issues,” said Victor.

In his free time, Victor enjoys reading about history, writing poetry, and cooking.

Jessica Riestra joins CFILC as the Statewide Youth Organizer. Her role is to support disabled youth (16-28) to be educated, connect with one another, and to organize for their rights to be heard. Jessica has history in organizing. Prior to CFILC, Jessica was a Regional Organizing Director for March for Our Lives in which she oversaw the West Coast Region. She additionally has history with campaigning having worked for the California Democratic Party.

Jessica was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, and attended Sacramento State University in Sacramento, California, where she earned two degrees in Political Science and Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Chicanx Studies. Jessica loves working in the nonprofit realm and contributing back to her community. Moreover, she is stoked to make a positive impact within the CFILC community.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys dancing, hiking, traveling, and learning new languages.

Lisa Austin is the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Assistant Manager for CFILC.

Lisa was born in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Walnut Creek, CA in 1974 where she spent the remainder of her childhood and early adulthood. Lisa attended college at California State University Hayward studying Human Development, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Her passion to have a positive influence and be an advocate for young children, Lisa’s professional career started in the childcare industry. She was introduced to the meeting planning profession in 1999. She enjoys the excitement of meeting new people, traveling around the country and using her skills to create and support many successful events. She has previously worked in the non-profit industry with California Peace Officers Association and The California Pharmacists Association.

Growing up, most of Lisa’s time was spent competing in sports such as tennis, swimming, soccer and softball. At the collegiate level, she competed in soccer and softball. As a team captain and starting goalkeeper she finished her competitive career by winning the Division II, NCAA Soccer Championship. She enjoys the outdoors, photography, spending time with friends, and traveling. Her biggest joy is spending with her family most importantly her 4 nieces and 3 nephews.

Michelle Rosado is a Program Coordinator II at CFILC, having joined the organization in March 2023. With over six years of experience as an AT and ILS Advocate, Michelle has served people with disabilities in more than six Counties in Central Valley and Motherlode regions before joining CFILC. In 2013 Michelle acquired her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and has always been drawn to advocating for people’s rights on a professional and personal level.

She is most proud of her work at Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL) in assisting hundreds of consumers with securing benefits to maintain financial stability, acquiring low-income housing vouchers, and most of all assisting consumers navigate home modifications to improve accessibility. Michelle has expertise in leveraging funding grants and loans, as well as providing tips and tricks for selecting contractors to ensure her consumers have safe and accessible homes. In her current role, Michelle provides support to the Ability Tools suite of programs and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family, acrylic painting, home renovation, and travel.

Justin Caton Bookkeeper officially joined the CFILC staff in 2022. Justin has over 18 years of experience in accounting and business management. Justin’s prior experience includes Accounting/Human Resource management in the Manufacturing, Construction and Data Storage industries.

Justin is a former professional wrestler.

Alyson “Aly” Feldmeir joined the CFILC team as the Disability Disaster Access & Resources Manager in May of 2022. Her role is to support the DDAR programs.

Aly was raised in Encinitas, CA and attended California State University, Chico (CSUC). She obtained a bachelors in Political Science: Legal Studies and her paralegal certification. She spent time as an undergraduate providing free legal services in both family and disability law. She later went on to earn her certification as a Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor and volunteer at her local shelter. When her community of Butte County became impacted by the Campfire in 2018, Aly joined United Way as their Disaster Program Specialist to provide direct services and to manage disaster programs rooted in mental health and long term recovery. As her surrounding communities experienced more devastating wildfires, Aly’s role regionalized within the Northern California footprint. She has assisted thousands of households by providing disaster services from the preparation and relief phase, all the way to long term recovery, while leaning in to addressing barriers that impact minority groups and their experience of disaster resiliency.

Aly considers herself, first and foremost, to be a public servant; and she is an advocate for providing equitable services for marginalized communities. She is thrilled to continue her work with CFILC and is excited for new opportunities to provide impactful supportive services.

In Aly’s free time, she enjoys gardening and collecting houseplants. As well as hiking and exploring California’s national forests with her partner and two dogs.

Dan Okenfuss is CFILC’s Public Policy Manager. Based in Sacramento, Dan’s role is to ensure CFILC’s voice is heard in the halls of the State Capitol.

Dan has an exciting career in public service and was honored to have worked for many distinguished legislators, including current Assembly Member Tim Grayson and former Assembly Members Susan Bonilla, Jared Huffman, Ted Lieu, and Dario Frommer. Dan has also worked for former State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and served on the department’s Disability Advisory Council.

Before moving to California, Dan worked in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Congressman David Mann, and later for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and State Net. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Dan attended college nearby at the University of Dayton (“Go Flyers!”).

Outside of CFILC, Dan is a board member for Little People of America – a nonprofit organization for people with dwarfism. In his spare time, Dan also loves to play golf, swim, ride bicycles, and even brew beer. Dan lives in Sacramento with his wife, two sons, and two dogs.

Inae Mendoza joined CFILC in October 2022 as a Program Specialist. Inae’s role is to specialize in Information and Assistance and aid individuals who contact the Ability Tools (AT) program and Digital Access Project (DAP). Inae has previously worked in education and has experienced the fulfillment of helping others. She takes pride in being an advocate for marginalized communities. When we all benefit, we all benefit.

She graduated from Cosumnes River College in July 2021 with an associate’s degree in Sociology and is now attending Sacramento State University in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Outside of work, Inae likes to spend time with her family, friends, and hairless dog, Toltec. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and trying new restaurants.

Jacob Monka joined the CFILC team as their Communications and Marketing Coordinator in October of 2022. His role is to promote all programs and policies under the CFILC family and raise awareness, news, and celebrate people with disabilities in the community. His main drive with his academic background and recent work experiences are directed to help those who may feel their voices are not being heard and to show the progress of this civil rights movement. “I’m beyond excited to be back where I grew up and have my family experience the community Sacramento offers. Joining CFILC is a great honor and the opportunity to work with a community that continues to fight for equity and equality will be my main drive to ensure people with disabilities have all access to resources they are entitled to.”

Originally from Los Angeles, Jacob grew up in the Sacramento area and attended elementary through high school in the Carmichael area. For higher education, he attended American River College for his general education and later transferred to UC Davis to complete his bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He has worked in the workmen’s compensation industry and ventured into journalism with local publications. Jacob then moved to Phoenix, AZ where he completed his master’s degree in Communication Studies at Arizona State University West (ASU West). He spent his time with ASU West constructing a podcast network for students to record and discuss new discoveries within communications, public relations and qualitative data. After graduating in 2021, Jacob worked in various fields in public relations such as the San Diego restaurant scene, medical testing in Tempe and the homeless community in Downtown Phoenix.

When he isn’t working, he enjoys his time with his wife, son and Australian shepherd. Jacob also enjoys cooking at home, going to Sacramento Republic FC matches, reading, collecting (too much) vinyl, and staying active outside with hiking, soccer and jogging.

Phil Thompson, Administrative and Accounting Director first worked at CFILC in 2005 and officially joined the CFILC staff in 2006.

Phil has over 20 years of experience in both accounting and business management. Phil’s prior experience includes Real Estate / Hotel Property Management, Restaurant Management and State & Federal Tax preparation.