Board of Directors

Members are the driving force of SDHF, but it is the Board of Directors and staff that are at the core of its effectiveness and leadership. Directors may serve two consecutive three-year terms. They are elected by the membership at the SDHF’s annual meeting.

Directors

JIMMY sILVERWOOD

Affirmed Housing

Chair

Jimmy Silverwood oversees Affirmed Housing’s development and acquisition departments, focusing heavily on business development and managing overall operations for the Company. He specializes in identifying new acquisition sites and funding opportunities in jurisdictions throughout California. His expertise spans all phases of the development process, including site selection, underwriting, due diligence, planning and entitlements, community outreach, social services planning, relocation, consultant and general contractor selection, architectural design, budgets, contracts and closings.

JEanette temple

Atlantis Group

Vice Chair

Jeannette Temple has over twenty-five years in land use and development as a consultant and within the public sector at the City and County of San Diego.

The majority of Ms. Temple’s land use work was gained as a Supervising Development Project Manager at the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department, responsible for shepherding development projects through the hearing process at all levels of decision makers. Some of her more notable projects have included Civita (Quarry Falls) mixed use community, Sycamore Landfill Expansion, and the Castlerock residential project.

kevin hawkins

US Bank

Treasurer

Kevin Hawkins serves as a Senior Asset Manager for US Bancorp Impact Finance. After joining the bank in 2016 and leading the construction financing department for small business banking, he transitioned to affordable housing in 2022 in which he manages a portfolio of debt and tax credit investments for affordable housing developments in California. He works closely with developers throughout the development process, stabilized operations, and permanent loan conversion.

Dani Halton

Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation

Secretary

Dani Halton is a long-time advocate for affordable housing with over a decade of experience planning, building, and operating affordable and supportive housing.

Ms. Halton’s career includes multiple roles with the San Diego Housing Commission, where she worked to allocate local and federal dollars to over 800 units of affordable housing and played an integral role in designing Housing First – San Diego, an action plan to create permanent housing solutions in San Diego. In her current role as a Senior Project Manager for Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, she oversees the development of affordable and permanent supportive housing communities from the earliest stages of pre-development through completion. Prior to joining the Wakeland team, Halton worked as a Development Associate at Chelsea Investment Corporation.

Ms. Halton also serves as the Board Chair for Wesley House Student Residence, a non-profit committed to providing affordable housing and supportive services for low-income college students.

jonathan castillo

PATH

Member

Jonathan Castillo serves as PATH’s Chief Regional Officer (CRO). As the CRO he is responsible for the operations of PATH in San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Jose, and Sacramento. His key responsibilities include administration, program development, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and strategic planning. His tenure in homeless and human services give him invaluable and diverse expertise from his time working in homeless services, healthcare services, and child welfare. Jonathan’s drive and passion are fueled by a need to serve those who are marginalized and unable to advocate for themselves. He strives to identify and fill gaps within communities by expanding programs that respond to the needs that exist.

charles e. davis

Urban West Development

Member

Charles E. Davis is the principal of Urban West Development, which was founded in 1996 specializing in supporting owners, investors and non-profits with the development of real estate. Charles Davis has been in involved in over 800 million dollars in development and construction. Charles experiences include the management of housing, retail, industrial, environmental and commercial projects from acquisition, planning, development, construction and operations.

Diep Do

California Housing Partnership

Member

Diep is the Director-San Diego Region for California Housing Partnership Corporation. She provides financial consulting, technical assistance and training to nonprofit and government clients throughout Southern California. Diep has 20 years of experience in affordable housing finance and development. Diep was previously the Director of Housing Development for Satellite Housing and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation. At TNDC, Diep oversaw the development of more than 1,600 affordable homes for San Francisco’s lowest income residents, totaling more than $600 million in financing.

Aruna doddapaneni

Eden Housing

Member

Aruna joined Eden Housing in July 2023 as Senior Vice President of Development. Prior to Eden, she worked at BRIDGE Housing, where she oversaw development activities throughout Oregon and Southern California as the senior vice president of development. Aruna joined BRIDGE Housing in 2010 and was instrumental in growing both regions for BRIDGE during her tenure.

Her work with Celadon at 9th & Broadway, a 250-unit, 17-story apartment community located in downtown San Diego, led to multiple awards and accolades. Doddapaneni led efforts to pilot a new financing structure by combining 9% and 4% low-income housing tax credits in a single high-rise building. Celadon was the first development in California to use this groundbreaking financing structure, which has since been replicated throughout the country. Both the innovative financing and building design have won multiple awards including the prestigious Urban Land Institute Global Award of Excellence in 2016.

Aruna was honored by Biznow as one of Southern California’s Women Leading Real Estate in 2022.

michael mchale

St. Paul’s Senior Services

Member

Michael is a healthcare leader with over twenty-five years of proven experience in hospice care, palliative care and senior healthcare services. Direct experience in operational and fiscal management, strategic planning, market development and program growth. Demonstrated success in leading organizations to financial health through the creation of operational efficiencies, innovative care delivery, and strategic partnerships. Consistently successful in developing, coordinating and implementing programs to enhance the quality of care, as well as positioning the organization for leadership excellence in the community. Outstanding communication, presentation, negotiation and leadership skills.

Mary Jane Jadgozinski

BRIDGE Housing

Member

Mary Jane Jagodzinski joined BRIDGE Housing in July 2023 as Senior Vice President of Development responsible for leading development in Southern California and Washington. Prior to joining BRIDGE, she held leadership roles in affordable housing development with Community HousingWorks (CHW), whereas Senior Vice President of Housing and Real Estate Development, she headed the acquisition and development team, expanded CHW’s footprint across California and into Texas, and led the development of 3,400 affordable apartments. She is a member of: Urban Land Institute and holds a seat on the national Urban Revitalization product council; and, Lambda International- San Diego.

Arnulfo Manriquez

MAAC Project

Member

Arnulfo is a 20-year veteran of the non-profit sector and began his career with MAAC in 2003. He left briefly to lead the Chicano Federation and returned to MAAC in February 2012 to serve as President & CEO.

Arnulfo has dedicated his career to working directly with underserved individuals, households, and communities of San Diego County by promoting self-sufficiency through housing, economic, educational, and employment programs. He is a community-focused individual with over two decades of experience working in diverse and multicultural settings as a leader, participant, panelist, speaker, and trainer.

Ted Miyahara

San Diego Community Housing Corporation

Member

Ted Miyahara oversees all operations of San Diego Community Housing Corporation (SDCHC) including housing production, management and organizational activities. Prior to joining SDCHC, Ted was Vice President of Multifamily Housing Finance at the San Diego Housing Commission where he oversaw multifamily housing development lending activities, the issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds, and asset management of the multifamily loan and bond portfolio. Ted also served as a project manager for two nonprofit affordable housing developers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Orange County.

Kwofi Reed

San Diego Habitat for Humanity

Member

Kwofi Reed is the President and Chief Executive Officer of San Diego Habitat for Humanity where he oversees all operations, including new home construction, home repair, retail, and neighborhood revitalization programs that support Habitat’s mission of providing safe, healthy affordable homeownership solutions to San Diego families. Kwofi has demonstrated a true commitment to the pursuit of making affordable housing accessible for everyone. Prior to joining Habitat in December 2021, he served as the Manager of Programs and Operations for LISC National Housing, leading creation of homeownership strategy for its 37 local field offices as part of the $1B Project 10X Initiative. He has extensive housing finance expertise honed at positions at LISC San Diego, The San Diego Housing Commission, and the Department of Housing and Community Development in Washington, D.C.

michelle sites

ConAm Management Corporation

Member

Michelle Sites is currently oversees the operations of multiple apartment communities within San Diego County. She began working in the affordable housing industry in 1997 and remains committed to providing quality affordable housing within the region. Michelle has worked at ConAm Management for over 13 years and been instrumental in implementing policies and procedures, managing a team and focusing on achieving goals.

Stephen Swiecicki

Community HousingWorks

Bio to come.

tara matthews

RSG, Inc.

Member

Tara Matthews, a San Diego native, is a well-respected housing expert with over 20 years of experience focused primarily on affordable housing. Tara is Vice President of RSG, Inc., a leading community development firm working with well over 100 jurisdictions across California to build and implement strategies around housing, economic development, real estate, and fiscal health. She is driven by the passion to improve the lives of all sectors of a community and navigates her work with a comprehensive knowledge of affordable housing and community development.

Jamil Wade

Chelsea Investment Corporation

Member

Jamil has been involved in real estate development since 2015 and is especially passionate about developing affordable housing for families. He currently serves as an Acquisitions & Development Associate with Chelsea Investment Corporation, which he has been a member of since 2018. He works closely with both the Finance and Development teams to identify new opportunities and help shape projects as they progress through design and entitlement. Jamil's other areas of expertise include site feasibility analysis and pipeline management. Jamil graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Administration from the University of San Diego. He is also a licensed CA real estate salesperson. Jamil enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with his family.

Staff

STEPHEN RUSSELl

President & CEO

Stephen Russell

A 2010 graduate of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design, Stephen has a 23-year history working in community and economic development in the Mid-City region of San Diego. He served as Executive Director of the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement District, where he was responsible for implementing an economic development strategy for an aging commercial district. He later served as an advisor to then-San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins on issues related to redevelopment, infrastructure financing, small business support, and the City’s General Plan (the “City of Villages”.) Since then he has served as volunteer board member and President of the City Heights Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, employment opportunities, and quality neighborhoods in the community of City Heights from 2005 to 2015. Stephen has served on the New School Foundation Board since 2009, and is currently a Board Member of Civic San Diego, Housing California, and the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Prior to joining the Federation as its Executive Director, Stephen was a member of the firm Platt / Whitelaw Architects, Inc., a full-service architecture firm specializing in sustainable design.

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SARAH BUCHANAN

Executive Vice President

Sarah Buchanan

Sarah Buchanan grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, where she learned first-hand the importance of serving the community through volunteerism, empathy, and creativity. Known for her dedication and hard work, Sarah tackles challenges with positive energy and insightful solutions. Sarah serves as the Executive Vice President for the San Diego Housing Federation where she utilizes her skills in organizational strategy and effectiveness, strategic partnerships, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and board governance. Sarah understands that we all have the desire to be seen, heard, and appreciated and she offers this to everyone she meets with joy. She is known for creating an organizational culture that thrives on authenticity, kindness, vulnerability, and transparency. Sarah believes that focusing on her team's well-being drives positive experiences for the sector. Giving back is a priority for Sarah. She devotes significant time to serving the community through volunteerism, curating fundraising events, and music instruction for youth in the foster care system. Sarah has cultivated relationships with nonprofit organizations across the country and has organized more than 400 opportunities to give back through donations and volunteerism. When she is not serving the community, she spends her time exploring with her dog, Lola, creating in any form, and connecting with others. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Boards Service • Circulate San Diego, Immediate Past Chair • Volunteer with Cheli • University of San Diego’s 2024 Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge • ICON National Cares Foundation Awards and recognition • San Diego Equality Business Association’s Community Leader of the Year 2024 • City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission’s Distinguished Citizen 2024 • San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Equality Business Association’s Top 50 LGBTQ+ Leaders 2023 and 2024 • San Diego Business Journal’s – 40 Under 40 Finalist 2022 and Honoree in 2024 • San Diego Housing Federation's Ruby Awards – Hearth Stone Award 2022 • Bring the Music Initiative’s – Mentor of the Year 2021 • San Diego Metro’s – 40 Under 40 Award 2020 • San Diego Metro’s – Woman of Influence 2020 • Women of Influence – Woman to Watch 2020

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Shelby thomas

Senior Director of Programs and Community Engagement

Shelby Thomas

Shelby brings a results-oriented approach and a deep commitment to social justice to her role as Senior Director of Programs and Community Engagement at the San Diego Housing Federation. Since joining SDHF in March 2023, she has leveraged her 7+ years of experience in the non-profit and social service sector to spearhead the organization's advocacy and workforce development initiatives. With a background in program development and expansion, Shelby possesses a proven track record of creating positive change. Prior to SDHF, she championed diverse causes, advocating for veterans, seniors, and animal welfare. Most recently to SDHF, Shelby served as Program Director at Zero8Hundred, a San Diego nonprofit supporting transitioning military members. In her role she oversaw both the military transition support program and the organization's internship program, where she mentored over 25 social work students (earning SDSU's "Above and Beyond" Field Instructor award in 2022). In her current role, Shelby leads all aspects of SDHF's advocacy and workforce development programs, including fundraising and strategic partnerships. Her dedication to community engagement ensures these programs are directly responsive to San Diego's housing needs, propelling SDHF towards its vision of a just and equitable housing landscape. Shelby holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master of Social Work with an emphasis in community-based impact from the University of Southern California. She is also a graduate of LEAD San Diego’s 2022 Advance Cohort.

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Dante Golden

Senior Director of Policy

Dante Golden

Dante is our Senior Director of Policy at the San Diego Housing Federation where he is responsible for directing and leading SDHF’s federal, state and local advocacy strategy; he provides key staff support to the organization in the areas of public policy, strategic planning, legislative and regulatory advocacy, as well as builds relationships with coalition members and key decision makers across the political spectrum. His advocacy journey began during his undergraduate years where he interned at Health Access, a consumer advocacy organization championing affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare for Californians. There, he investigated public disclosures of 25 insurance companies regarding their medical loss ratio, contributing directly to legislation curbing excessive health insurance premiums for patients and administrative costs in line with federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations. Demonstrating a commitment to broader community health, he also served as Field Data Collection Director for the Responsible Retailing Forum, a research-based 501(c)(3) non-profit. In this role, he managed a compliance program overseeing 30+ paid actors who measured the prevalence of alcohol over-service across three college towns in Northern California. This experience broadened his understanding of community health issues beyond healthcare access. Prior to joining SDHF, he honed his advocacy skills for several years within the California State Legislature, serving as a legislative staffer to numerous Senators. Beginning as an intern in Senator Holly J. Mitchell's office, his talent propelled him into the prestigious Capitol Fellows program. This program provided him with invaluable experience working in the office of Senator Scott D. Wiener where he negotiated and guided legislation relating to housing, social services, and mental health. He transitioned into as a Senior Legislative Aide role in the Office of Senator John S. Laird. In this previous position, he collaborated closely with Senate and Assembly leadership, as well as budget consultants, to analyze, recommend, and shepherd critical budget proposals impacting California's child care, pre-K, K-12, and higher education systems. Since joining SDHF, he's continued his advocacy efforts with impressive results. He spearheaded the organization's legislative agenda, drafting Senate Bill 713 (Chapter 784, Statutes of 2023) – our first sponsored bill – which ensures developers can utilize the state Density Bonus Law unencumbered by local initiatives. He furthered the organization's mission to protect public land for affordable housing development by co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 480 (Chapter 788, Statutes of 2023). On these endeavors, he concurrently formulated statewide political strategies, fostered bipartisan support, and led a coalition of over 50 diverse pro-housing advocacy organizations, including representatives from the Housing and Community Development Department, legislative offices, and multiple strategic collaborators. Dante also manages our monthly Policy Committee meetings which educates members on critical issues affecting the affordable housing community by monitoring land-use policies and relevant proposed legislation at all levels of government.   At a young age, Dante was a competitive baseball player. In High School, he played for the Dodgers and Red Sox travel ball scout teams, before deciding to transition away from sports and into community organizing during his undergraduate years. In 2020, he received a graduate certificate in Applied Public Policy and Government from California State University, Sacramento, and in 2019 earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis.  

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Michelle Pranger

Director of Development

Michelle Pranger

Michelle grew up on the East Coast, just outside Philadelphia PA where her journey in service ignited post high school. Venturing to Boston, she embarked on a transformative journey as part of the AmeriCorps program, City Year, working with underserved youth. Fueled by her passion for service, Michelle pursued higher education, earning her undergraduate degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and later pursued her master’s at National University. She has prior experience working in the nonprofit sector focused on supporting military personnel and their families. Embracing the challenges and adventures as a military family, Michelle has had the pleasure of living on the east and west coasts and overseas. Amidst the whirlwind of military life, Michelle finds solace and joy in her role as a devoted mother to two children. Michelle treasures time with her family, especially when they're enjoying sunny beach days or going on adventures.

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Jaylene Sanchez

Advocacy Program Manager

Jaylene Sanchez

Advocacy Program Manager (HEAL and RUN)

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Driven by lived experience, Jaylene Sanchez champions affordable housing advocacy at the San Diego Housing Federation. With a bachelor's degree in Global Health, she brings a holistic perspective to her role as Advocacy Program Manager. In her position, Jaylene manages two impactful programs: the Homeless Experienced Advocacy and Leadership Network (HEAL Network) and the Residents United Network (RUN). The HEAL Network empowers individuals with lived experience of homelessness to shape policy solutions in San Diego. Meanwhile, RUN focuses on statewide advocacy, engaging and empowering residents to advocate for affordable housing initiatives. Jaylene's personal journey has profoundly shaped her passion for advocacy. During her first year of college, she and her family of five faced eviction, encountering the harsh realities of the housing market. Despite these challenges, Jaylene's determination to continue her education remained unwavering. She found temporary housing with friends and family, eventually living in her car while attending classes. Through perseverance, she overcame homelessness and secured employment near her university. Jaylene leverages her lived experience to connect with empathy and understanding, fueling her commitment to fight for equitable housing solutions at the San Diego Housing Federation.

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Samantha mandel

Intern

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Bio

Samantha is a senior at the University of California, San Diego pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Planning. As a student interested in the ways that planning and housing contribute to the spatial equity of communities, she is motivated to draw insight from the affordable housing industry and engage with individuals negatively impacted by their housing circumstances. In her role as an intern working with the SDHF’s advocacy programs, she hopes to offer her support to these communities by uplifting their voices to create tangible changes. In her personal time, she dedicates her time as a member of the APA’s Young & Emerging Planners, the UCSD Mustard Seed Project, and the Mixed Student Union.

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Lacey Gribble

Workforce Development Program Manager

Lacey Gribble

Workforce Development Program Manager and Office Administrator

Lacey Gribble brings a wealth of experience and a passion for social justice to her role as Workforce Development Program Manager and Office Administrator at the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF). Prior to SDHF, Lacey honed her administrative and operational skills as Office Manager at Nicholas & Tomasevic, LLP, a small law firm focused on employment and class action law. For over a decade, she thrived in a fast-paced environment as a Manager of a large retailer, excelling in staff coaching and development, workplace culture cultivation, and overall operations management. Lacey's commitment to affordable housing was ignited during her graduate studies while interning as a survivor empowerment intern with Free to Thrive, a San Diego non-profit empowering human trafficking survivors through legal services, education, and policy advocacy. This experience exposed her to the critical need for secure and affordable housing as a foundation for survivors' healing and stability. As the first in her family to graduate from college, Lacey holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Justice from the University of San Diego's Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. Her undergraduate studies include a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Human Rights from the University of California, San Diego, and an Associate’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from San Diego City College. A native San Diegan with deep roots in University Heights and North Park, Lacey enjoys exploring the city's vibrant offerings with her husband and toddler. Their favorite spots currently include the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, and the New Children's Museum.

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Isabella Anderson

Communications and Events Manager

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Bio

Isabella was born and raised in Southern California, earning her undergraduate degree in Marketing and Business Administration with a minor in Spanish from the University of San Diego. Throughout her time at USD, she was heavily involved in her sorority, holding a position on the events planning committee, and was an active member of the USD American Marketing Association. From these experiences, her interest in marketing and events planning grew, fueling her desire to create meaningful connections and memorable experiences for others. Beyond her professional pursuits, Isabella is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her community. She devotes time each summer to volunteering at RAD Camp, a summer camp for adults and children with developmental disabilities. In her free time, you can find Isabella cheering on her favorite hockey team, reading a good book, or exploring all San Diego has to offer with her family and friends.

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Michelle Torby

Intern

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Michelle is passionate about the power of data to drive informed decision-making and public policy. While a graduate student at the University of Michigan’s School of Information, Michelle partnered with state government officials to assess the Michigan Department of State’s Returning Citizens Identification Initiative. She also had the opportunity to work with faculty at Michigan Medicine to analyze state funding policy related to care for patients with chronic health conditions. These experiences taught Michelle the value of partnering with community members to gain valuable insights and data, which can then inform policies that best meet community needs. As a recent transplant to San Diego, Michelle has come to realize the importance of housing policy to many other areas of public health and community well-being. During her internship with the San Diego Housing Federation, Michelle hopes to employ her past experiences with research and policy analysis to learn more about current affordable housing efforts in San Diego.

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Lola

Morale and Barketing Manager

Election Procedures

The San Diego Housing Federation annually, during the first quarter of the year, conducts an election for open seats on its Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Bylaws, the Governance and Nominations Committee select a slate of candidates to present to the Membership during its annual election. The slate is selected from all eligible candidates, subject to the limitations set forth in the Federation Bylaws and as consistent with the goals established by Governance and Nominations Committee annually. All Federation members in good standing are invited to submit their qualifications as a candidate for Board membership.

The Federation Board of Directors consists of eleven members. The Federation Bylaws require that no fewer than six Board members represent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that develop and/or operate affordable housing or provide support for affordable housing developers. Of those, no less than four seats must be occupied by nonprofit organizations that develop affordable housing. The remaining positions may be filled with any member in good standing.

In addition to the requirements established by the Bylaws, the Federation Governance and Nominations Committee has established criteria to assist in the selection of the slate of candidates to be presented to the Membership. It is the goal of the Governance and Nominations Committee to nominate a slate of potential directors that will promote diversity (including, but not limited to ethnic, geographic, and professional diversity) on the Board of Directors. In addition, the Committee strongly weighs candidates’ demonstrated commitment to the Federation (i.e., committee participation, financial support, or other commitment).

Those elected shall take office on April 1 of the applicable year.

2025 Board Election Application/Nomination Form

Please see the timeline for Board Elections in 2025:

Board Applications /Nominations Open (4 Open Seats)
- Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Board Application /Nominations close
- Friday, February 21, 2025
Full Slate Election Opens full membership will vote
- Monday, March 24, 2025
Election closes
- Monday, March 31, 2025 (5 pm PST)
Board Announced
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Directors

JIMMY sILVERWOOD

JEanette temple

kevin hawkins

Dani Halton

jonathan castillo

charles e. davis

Diep Do

Aruna doddapaneni

michael mchale

Mary Jane Jadgozinski

Arnulfo Manriquez

Ted Miyahara

Kwofi Reed

michelle sites

Stephen Swiecicki

tara matthews

Jamil Wade

STEPHEN RUSSELl

SARAH BUCHANAN

Shelby thomas

Dante Golden

Michelle Pranger

Jaylene Sanchez

Samantha mandel

Lacey Gribble

Isabella Anderson

Michelle Torby

Lola

© 2018 SDHF

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