Board of Directors

Sr. Sherry Dolan is a Sister of Mercy with a long history of leadership and service in the Bakersfield community. She brings 20 years of professional experience in human resources, providing Casa Esperanza with extensive knowledge in organizational leadership, personnel development, and nonprofit governance.

Her community service includes 15 years on hospital boards within the Dignity and Trinity healthcare systems, as well as leadership and involvement with nonprofit and community organizations throughout Bakersfield. As a longtime leader with Casa Esperanza, Sr. Sherry has helped guide the organization while remaining deeply committed to its mission of providing women and children experiencing homelessness with the support and opportunities needed to build stable, self-sufficient lives.

Her combination of professional experience, community leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service continues to provide valuable perspective to Casa Esperanza and the women and families it serves.

Julie Cesare brings years of experience in fundraising, marketing, community organization, and nonprofit service to her role as Vice President of the Casa Esperanza Board of Directors. She has served in board leadership for many years, helping guide the organization while supporting its fundraising efforts, community relationships, and mission.

Her commitment to women, children, and families extends beyond Casa Esperanza. Julie has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), advocating for children involved in the court system and helping ensure their needs and interests are represented.

With a professional background in real estate and business, Julie brings practical experience in relationship building, marketing, and community engagement to the Board of Directors. Her combination of business experience and hands-on community service provides Casa Esperanza with valuable perspective as the organization works to strengthen resources and opportunities for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Lisa King brings financial expertise, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to community service to the Casa Esperanza Board of Directors. With a professional background in accounting and finance, she provides valuable guidance in financial oversight, planning, and responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources.

As CFO of Casa Esperanza, Lisa helps support the financial accountability and long-term sustainability necessary for the organization to fulfill its mission. Her experience also includes extensive service on educational boards, giving her a broad perspective on governance, organizational leadership, and community needs.

Lisa’s combination of financial knowledge, board experience, and community involvement helps Casa Esperanza continue building a strong foundation for serving women and children experiencing homelessness.

Lauraine Cook brings a career in education and counseling, along with extensive experience in community service and volunteer leadership, to the Casa Esperanza Board of Directors. Her background in child development and community planning provides valuable perspective on the needs of women, children, and families working toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.

A longtime supporter of Casa Esperanza, Lauraine has served in board leadership, including as Secretary, and has contributed her time and experience to supporting the organization’s programs and continued development.

Lauraine is also active in the Bakersfield community and has dedicated much of her professional and volunteer life to helping others. Her experience as an educator, counselor, community volunteer, and board leader continues to support Casa Esperanza’s mission and the women and children it serves.

Greg DeWitt is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of GoGo Marketing LLC. He brings more than two decades of experience in marketing, technology, business development, and digital strategy, including work in B2B, DTC, and international markets.

A member of Casa Esperanza’s Board of Directors since 2019, Greg supports the organization’s marketing and communications efforts and manages its digital presence, including the development and ongoing stewardship of the Casa Esperanza website.

Greg is also a U.S. Navy veteran and remains active in several Bakersfield community and professional organizations. He is committed to using his experience to strengthen Casa Esperanza’s visibility, community connections, and long-term ability to serve women and children experiencing homelessness.

Gianna Lutje brings professional experience in healthcare and behavioral health to the Casa Esperanza Board of Directors. Her work with vulnerable populations provides valuable perspective on the complex challenges that can contribute to housing instability and homelessness.

With experience in care transitions and community-based support, Gianna understands the importance of connecting individuals and families with appropriate services and resources as they move toward greater stability. Her healthcare background also provides the Board with insight into the behavioral health and support needs that can affect women and children experiencing homelessness.

Gianna’s professional experience and commitment to serving vulnerable populations strengthen Casa Esperanza’s ability to understand the needs of the women and families it serves and support the organization’s mission of helping them build safer, more self-sufficient lives.

Dave Packer is a Bakersfield native, longtime custom home builder, and dedicated community volunteer who brings decades of construction and business experience to the Casa Esperanza Board of Directors. He has built custom homes in the Bakersfield community since 1990 and has consistently found ways to put that experience to work for others.

Dave also serves on the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees, where he has contributed his construction knowledge to support the organization’s facilities and mission. His community service has included donating his company’s expertise to the construction of specially adapted homes for local military veterans and their families through the Gary Sinise Foundation and Homes for Our Troops.

At Casa Esperanza, Dave brings a practical, hands-on perspective to maintaining and improving the homes and facilities that provide women and children with a safe and stable place to rebuild their lives. His willingness to quietly contribute his time, experience, and expertise reflects a longstanding commitment to the Bakersfield community.

Coleen Peters brings decades of business experience, community involvement, and a deep commitment to helping others to the Casa Esperanza Board of Directors. A longtime Bakersfield Realtor, Coleen has spent more than 40 years helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most important transitions, building her career on relationships, integrity, and service.

A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Business Administration, Coleen brings extensive experience in real estate, negotiation, relationship building, and community development to Casa Esperanza. Her professional career has earned recognition within the real estate industry, while her community involvement reflects a longstanding commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Coleen is also a passionate advocate for mental health and understands the importance of strong, sustainable support systems for women and families facing difficult circumstances. At Casa Esperanza, she combines that compassion with decades of practical business experience to help strengthen the organization, its community relationships, and its mission to help women and children build stable, self-sufficient lives.