United in Vision: Our Board’s Dedication to Empowering Lives and Building a Stronger Community.
Board of Directors
Julie Cesare, Chairperson
Julie Cesare, the Board President of Casa Esperanza Transitional Home for Women and Children, brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, marketing, organizing, real estate, and business. Her dedication to addressing homelessness among women and children in Kern County is rooted in her extensive work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). This experience has reinforced her belief in the vital need for initiatives like Casa Esperanza in the community.
A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California, Julie has spent most of her life in Bakersfield. Her diverse skill set and deep understanding of the community’s needs play a crucial role in leading the multi-faceted efforts to fund and launch Casa Esperanza, making her an invaluable asset to the organization.
Sr. Sherry Dolan
Sr. Sherry Dolan joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1996 and has since held several notable roles. She served as the Associate Director of University Ministry at the University of San Francisco and was elected to the Leadership Council for the Sisters of Mercy. In 2009, she moved to Bakersfield to establish the Art for Healing program at Mercy Hospital. Her prior experience includes roles such as Director of Human Resources at Kern Medical, Assistant Director of the Kern County Personnel Department, and managing a federally funded program for the elderly at Bakersfield College.
With over 25 years of experience on hospital boards, Sr. Sherry has made significant contributions to healthcare and community service. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Biology from Hayward State University and a Master’s in Theological Studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. In her personal time, Sr. Sherry enjoys painting, playing golf, reading, and traveling.
Lauraine Cook
Lauraine (Fanucchi) Cook, a Bakersfield native with deep Italian roots, boasts an extensive background in education and community service. She holds degrees from Bakersfield College, Cal State University Bakersfield (BA in Psychology), and University of LaVerne (MS in Counseling). With over three decades of experience in high school and community college services, Lauraine’s skills span research, staffing analysis, district-wide planning, and child development programs, among others.
Her commitment to her community is evident in her active participation in various organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Community Connection for Child Care, and the Italian Catholic Federation. Lauraine, along with her husband Jerry, daughter, and two grandchildren, is deeply involved in charitable services, focusing on supporting women and children. She enjoys camping and traveling, embracing life’s adventures. As a devoted member of her church and local organizations, Lauraine has also co-chaired the Casa Esperanza’s Hearts of Hope fundraiser, further highlighting her dedication to community betterment.
Greg DeWitt
Greg is a marketing and business development leader in the global agribusiness sector. A Bakersfield native with a diverse background in marketeing management across government and private sectors since 1995, Greg’s extensive experience spans marketing, logistics, supply chain management, and information technology, making him a versatile and resourceful professional. Greg also served honorably in the U.S. Navy.
Greg’s journey with Casa Esperanza began in 2017, where he collaborated with Sister Marie Schroepfer to enhance the organization’s online presence and promoting the first annual Hearts of Hope Fundraiser. In addition, Greg, alongside his wife Gail, co-founded a digital marketing company, offering a wide range of services in various marketing disciplines and online entrepreneurial ventures.
Holding degrees in Marketing Management and Health Administration, Greg is dedicated to using his extensive skills for community benefit. His passion for making a meaningful impact is evident through his professional and volunteer efforts, including drumming with various worship teams at The Mission at Kern and his ongoing contributions to Casa Esperanza’s mission and growth.
Kathy Fenn
Kathy Fenn, a resident of Bakersfield since 2010 and a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist, brings a unique perspective to Casa Esperanza. Before settling in Bakersfield, Kathy and her family lived in Egypt, enriching her life experiences. She is a mother to four adult children, which adds depth to her understanding of family dynamics.
Her involvement with Casa Esperanza is deeply personal and professionally relevant. In her therapy work, Kathy often encounters women who unexpectedly become single parents, struggling to navigate the challenges of sustaining their families. This firsthand experience fuels her commitment to Casa Esperanza’s vision of aiding these women in their transition to productive and independent lives. Kathy’s empathy and expertise are invaluable to the mission of empowering women facing difficult circumstances, embodying the spirit of resilience and support that Casa Esperanza stands for.
Lisa King
Lisa King, deeply rooted in Bakersfield, has dedicated her life to serving her community. A CSU Bakersfield business graduate, Lisa has primarily worked in accounting throughout her career. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with various local organizations such as Garces Memorial High School, Friends of Mercy Foundation, and CSU Bakersfield. Additionally, she has served 12 years on the Rosedale Union School District Board of Education, showcasing her dedication to educational advancement.
Drawn to Casa Esperanza by its mission to help women overcome homelessness through education, job training, and support, Lisa has been an active supporter. Her work with the Hearts of Hope Fundraiser demonstrates her commitment to the cause. Recently, she deepened her involvement by joining the Board, bringing her financial expertise and passion for community service to further the organization’s goals. Lisa’s extensive experience and dedication make her a valuable asset to Casa Esperanza.
Gianna Lutje
Gianna Lutje, a Bakersfield resident since 2015, has transitioned from the medical device industry to a role in Johnson and Johnson’s neuroscience division, supporting behavioral health departments across the Central Valley. With a BS in Biology and a minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, her academic background complements her professional endeavors.
In her current position, Gianna collaborates with care teams assisting patients in homeless or unstable conditions. This experience has given her valuable insights into the challenges faced by these individuals, particularly in the Bakersfield community. Her involvement with Casa Esperanza stems from witnessing these challenges firsthand, recognizing the importance of providing alternative care transitions for women and children. Gianna’s unique blend of scientific knowledge and practical experience in the healthcare sector makes her a vital contributor to Casa Esperanza, offering innovative perspectives on care and support for those in need.
Darlene Mohlke
Darlene is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Castle & Cooke California, renowned for developing country club, resort, and residential communities from Hawaii to Florida. Since 1995, she has overseen community relations, governmental affairs, residential development, and sales and marketing for the Castle & Cooke Mainland Division. Her role includes managing community non-profit alliances, serving as the corporate broker for California residential properties, and obtaining public reports through the California Department of Real Estate.
Darlene’s extensive experience encompasses marketing commercial and residential developments, including brand management across social media, print, billboard, television, and radio. She successfully launched Highgate at Seven Oaks, an extension of the legacy Seven Oaks brand, and has enhanced brand engagement through events and fundraisers. Additionally, she develops Homeowner Associations, represents Castle & Cooke on over 20 associations, and manages custom lot programs and architectural control procedures within each community.
Dave Packer
Dave Packer, a lifelong Bakersfield resident, has been shaping the local landscape as a custom home builder since 1990. A California State University, Sacramento alumnus with a degree in Business Administration and Real Estate, Dave’s career began in finance, working as an analyst for Getty Oil Company and later as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District.
Dave’s commitment to community service is evident in his extensive volunteer work. He has generously offered his construction expertise to build specially adapted homes for military veterans through partnerships with the Gary Sinise Foundation and Homes for Our Troops. His dedication extends to creating unique playhouses for charity fundraisers, benefiting organizations like the U.S. Marine Corp. Toys for Tots program and Habitat for Humanity.
Serving on the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees and the Kern Home Building Association Board of Directors, as well as being an Industry Advisor/Partner for the Kern High School District Construction Traded program, Dave actively contributes his skills and knowledge to better his community. His work is a testament to his belief in giving back and sharing his passion for building with others.
Coleen Peters
Coleen Peters, with over 35 years of experience as a Realtor at Coldwell Banker, Preferred Realtors, has established a notable career in real estate and property management. A graduate of Cal Poly, SLO in Business Administration, Coleen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her profession. Her commitment to mental health advocacy is demonstrated through her previous service on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) State Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010, where she played a pivotal role in initiating the STAR Mental Health court in Kern County.
Driven by a passion to empower women and positively influence their lives and those of their children, Coleen is dedicated to developing sustainable systems of support. Her vision is to create replicable models of success that can be adopted broadly, amplifying the impact on numerous families. Coleen’s combination of professional acumen and deep commitment to social change underscores her valuable contribution to empowering women and fostering community growth.
Diana Prather
Dianna Prather, a dedicated Bakersfield resident, boasts over 30 years of experience in advertising with the Buck Owens Production company. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-own D&E Oil Well Tools and currently assist with commercial contracts and financing at Prather Drywall & Plastering Inc. Her extensive professional background is matched by her active community involvement, serving on the Seven Oaks Membership Committee and the Seven Oak Country Club Board of Directors.
Dianna’s commitment to her community extends to various charitable causes, including Bikes for Bakersfield, BCHS Key Event, and Heart for Hope. Alongside her husband, Brett, she has dedicated the past 14 years to philanthropic efforts such as remodeling the Ronald McDonald House and building Saint Jude dream homes.
Dianna is enthusiastic about her role with Casa Esperanza, where she aims to contribute significantly to the wellbeing of homeless women and their children in Bakersfield. Her passion for philanthropy and community service is a driving force in her efforts to effect positive change.
Lisa Elzy-Watson
Lisa Watson, CEO and Founder of Lightwave Education, has dedicated over two decades to the fields of education, mentoring, and community outreach. As a speaker, author, and growth counselor, she leverages her extensive study in human development and personal experiences to facilitate transformative growth in others.
In 2016, Lisa broadened her professional scope by becoming the Managing Director of a local transportation company. There, she successfully enhanced various business aspects, including marketing, operational restructuring, and customer service improvements, which elevated customer satisfaction to 95%.
A University of Michigan alumna, Lisa chose California for its vibrant environment. Her global travels, exploring diverse cultures and religions, have deepened her commitment to community service. Lisa is particularly passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of women and children, driven by her desire to contribute meaningfully to societal betterment. Her diverse skills and experiences, coupled with her dedication to service, highlight her unique approach to leadership and community engagement.
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