Lindsey Leonard, Executive Director
Lindsey joined TBCF in March 2012 with a decade of non-profit experience in program administration, fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, and facility management. Before joining TBCF, she worked at Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, a local nonprofit environmental organization, serving as a development director. Before joining the Foundation, she was the vice president of operations at Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley in Ventura County, and she served as a branch director and a state licensed child care center director at United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.
Lindsey has devoted much of her professional career to making a positive impact in families' lives through education, mentorship and constructive social interactions. She has built her career on the philosophy that "the sky is the limit," and that every family can be great given an opportunity and the support they need. She believes openness to creating a positive work environment and collaborative participation is paramount to build a healthy organization; particularly in small communities such as Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura.
Lindsey holds an M.A. in education from National University, a B.A. in sociology from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a multiple-subject teaching credential.
Eryn Shugart, Senior Development Director
Eryn (Eckert) Shugart is a Santa Barbara native who received her BA in Psychology from Chapman University, and her MA and PhD in Research Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. Eryn began her career as a social worker, working with foster children and subsequently adults with cognitive impairment.
She has worked in non-profit administration in Santa Barbara for the past 13 years, having held positions as Program and Family Services Director, Director of Operations, Executive Director and Development Director; while also serving as an Adjunct Faculty in Psychology and Health Education at Santa Barbara City College for 5 years. Eryn is married with a grown son and daughter, and loves to run and hike in her spare time.
Becca Solodon, Program Director
Becca is a cancer survivor and one of TBCF’s first recipients. Her positive attitude in the face of adversity has been an inspiration and example to children currently in treatment. "Visiting kids in treatment at Cottage Hospital is one of the best experiences I have ever had," she says, describing her work with TBCF, "their smiles are priceless."
In 2005, she began working part-time assisting with program administration and as a spokesperson for the organization, and in 2009 she became a full-time team member. In addition to her role at TBCF, Becca works with the American Cancer Society, Hugs for Cubs, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Kendall Klein, Creative Director
Kendall always knew she would do something creative as a profession. She looks at everything from outside the box and sees at everything with a marketing eye. After graduating high school in Tallahassee, Florida she attended Brook Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara where she received a B.A in digital/graphic design.
Kendall has many creative skills, qualities, and a deep passion for helping and giving back to others. She has volunteered at many local non-profits and has developed a profound commitment for non-profit causes, especially those helping children and families in need. She is a mother to an amazing little girl Vivi, who is also started to volunteer with Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Kendall’s favorite thing to do in the office is to make people smile.
Kathy Kelley, Development Director, Special Events
Kathy knew early on she had a passion for organizing events and helping those in need. At the age of 12, she began organizing neighborhood carnivals to raise money for Multiple Dystrophy. Since then, her career has led her to work in education and program development. Additionally, she has managed several businesses, including her own. Kathy has worked with various non-profits and organized numerous events, including multiple youth theater productions, Kids Expos and TBCF events. In her free time she loves to travel, swim and spend time at the beach. Originally from Upstate N.Y., Kathy has lived in Santa Barbara for over 30 years. She has two daughters and three rescue Chihuahuas.
Gisselle Lopez-Tello, Family Resource Specialist
Gisselle Lopez-Tello joined TBCF in October 2016. Gisselle received her B.A. in Sociology and minor in Applied Psychology. In 2011, she received her M.A. in Education and Cultural Perspectives at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While attending UCSB as an undergraduate and graduate student, she began doing research work in the Sociology and Education department where she identified and analyzed gaps in the community.
During this time, Gisselle also worked for Fun in the Sun as a Program Leader for United Way. After graduating from UCSB with her masters, Gisselle started working for Planned Parenthood in Santa Barbara County as a Health Education and Community Engagement Coordinator. During her time in Santa Barbara, Gisselle has worked extensively with many community members collaborating in various ways to help the community. Her passion and dedication to help the community will be a great asset to TBCF.
Email Gisselle or call 805-308-9941
Kirsten Stuart, Donor Relations Associate
Kirsten Stuart moved to Santa Barbara from Pasadena, CA where she worked as a pediatric Speech and Language therapist in private practice. Kirsten's passions lie in non-profit work as she has been involved in non-profit educational facilities, the Rare Diseases Network and at Peabody Charter School, where she is the 2017/2018 PTSO Secretary. Kirsten served for two years on the Santa Barbara Unified Special Education Parent Action Committee, and sits on the board of directors for the Weidemann-Steiner Syndrome Foundation which funds research into rare genetic disorders.
Email Kirsten or call 805-962-7466
Tessa Boyce , Volunteer Coordinator
Tessa Boyce joined the TBCF family in October 2017. Tessa received her B.A. in International Affairs and French from the University of Colorado in 2012 and relocated to Santa Barbara in 2015. She is a cancer survivor and her experience fostered close ties to many other individuals going through treatment and to the cancer community as a whole. She wants to use her experience to help families going through a similar situation.
In her spare time, Tessa is either riding a bike, planning her next international trip, or speculating about upcoming events in the next 'Game of Thrones.'
Email Tessa or call 805-962-7466