EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heather Kelnhofer has lived in Redding most of her life and enjoys working in the field of grant management and community development. Heather and her husband own an IT consulting company and her passion for community involvement is what led her to join Girls Inc. NSV as the Program Director.  Heather earned her B.A. of Business & Human Resource Management from Simpson University and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from CSU Dominguez Hills. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons camping, kayaking and playing around at their little ranch, Broken Arrow Ranch. 

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Nicole was first introduced to Girls Inc. NSV in 2017 when she applied to the student worker program through Shasta College and was hired as our Social Media Coordinator. After earning her Associates of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Development in 2018, she was offered the title of Marketing Manager, and was later promoted to Communications Manager in 2020 in response of her vast knowledge and skillset. Nicole works remotely from home, she homeschools her kindergarten and 2nd grade daughters, shares a passion for health and wellness by educating others about essential oils, and she also pursues portrait photography in her spare time.

PROGRAM LEADER

PAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | BOARD MEMBER

Kate O'Rorke moved to Redding in 2006 from the Bay Area. She is the Statewide Director for New World of Work, headquartered at Shasta College. Throughout her career, Kate has focused on the expansion and promotion of career development programs for students in K-12 and adult environments. Kate received her B.S. in Business Administration from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University. She was inspired to join the Girls Inc. team to help support girls living in the north state and to provide them with opportunities that may lead to a brighter future. She lives in the Redding area with her husband Kevin and two daughters and enjoys teaching cycling at the local YMCA during her free time.

PAST BOARD MEMBER

Ellen Hedfield has lived in Redding for 14 years and is an environmental engineer/project manager at CH2M HILL. During her time in Redding she has been involved with Leadership Redding and the Women’s Fund, served as a volunteer at Lassen Volcanic National Park, and served the Girls Inc. NSV board from July 2017 to June 2023. Prior to coming to Redding, Ellen lived in Michigan, Southern California, Alaska, and Idaho, jumping at opportunities and adventures that presented themselves. With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and M.S. in Geology, she is excited about encouraging girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and math. Ellen enjoys being outdoors – hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, skiing – and loves exploring the open road. She wants to help inspire our local girls to dream big and expand their horizons.

PAST BOARD MEMBER

Chris Fazzari has lived in Redding since 2001 when he moved from the Central Coast. He earned a degree in Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Chris currently works as a biologist and Environmental Planner for the State and is the father of two wonderful daughters. His oldest daughter is a talented illustrator and his youngest daughter, who participated in the Girls Inc. programs in elementary school, is now attending college. Chris enjoys volunteering for several local groups and being involved with the north state community. Chris volunteered for Girls Inc. NSV for several years before joining the Board of Directors in August of 2015. Although his term ended in July 2021, his commitment to our mission has continued through his participation in fundraising campaigns, time donated, and unwavering support of our team. Thank you, Chris, for investing in the Girls Inc. mission and for your dedication in helping local girls become strong, smart, and bold!

PAST BOARD MEMBER | FACILITATOR

Mandy Trusas is a proud mother of three children, a dental hygienist, and an owner/office manager of a dental practice alongside her husband Dr. Trusas. She has held numerous leadership roles in high school, college and in the workplace and she feels very passionate about teaching young girls to be strong, smart and bold. Mandy joined the Girls Inc. NSV board in the spring of 2016 to help young women find their direction in life and achieve their goals. Mandy enjoys keeping busy and has volunteered in many local organizations throughout the years. She also loves kayaking, yoga, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

After serving on the Board of Directors for 6 years, Mandy Trusas' term ended in April 2022. Mandy has tirelessly given her time + resources to our organization and we would be remiss if we did not thank her for the many contributions she has made to Girls Inc. of the Northern Sacramento Valley. We would like to thank Mandy for her hard work and dedication to our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold as she has been integral to the important advances we have made since she began volunteering with us. Thank you Mandy!

PAST BOARD MEMBER

Danna Prater returned to the Redding area in 2018 after moving away in 2008. She is a Compliance Officer for a community bank and has been in Banking for 16 years after working as a paralegal in Southern California. Danna joined the Board of Girls Inc. NSV in 2020 because she believes that girls should grow to be smart and independent. She was previously involved with United Way of Jackson County in Southern Oregon and currently participates on various compliance roundtables and working groups. Danna has three grown children as well as two granddaughters and a grandson. Their family enjoys boating and kayaking on the region’s wonderful lakes.