Our Staff, Presenters and Board of Directors at Common Ground Society are a passionate and deeply committed group of individuals who bring a wealth of experience, insight, and heart to our organization.

Each person offers a unique perspective—many with lived experience or direct ties to the disability community—ensuring that our mission and vision are always rooted in real needs and meaningful impact. Their dedication helps guide our programs, supports our growth, and fosters inclusive connections throughout Sonoma County and beyond. With a shared dedication to equity, advocacy, and education, every person in our organization plays a vital role in shaping a more compassionate and empowered community for all.

Our Team

Common Ground Society is proud to have a dedicated staff who go above and beyond to serve our community. Each of these women come to this work with their own personal stories and experiences that lead them to be the daily driving force behind keeping our mission moving forward.

  • Larkin is a Sonoma County native, has been a credentialed teacher since 2004. Larkin has taught various grades from preschool to middle school until she resigned to care for her son in 2020. She’s currently serving as a Voting Member for the Sonoma CAC, on the Santa Rosa Police Chief Advisory Committee, the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Common Ground Society. James, her son, was born on St. Patrick’s day in 2014, and is Larkin’s inspiration to create change. He is a goofy, fun-loving, friendly, sassy little guy who happens to have Down syndrome. He has a little sister, JuneBelle who we all adore. Larkin believes in the importance of inclusion for all people and is on a mission to change the narrative. Her tagline is, “you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know," which she explains in her TEDx Talk, "Fostering Differences on Common Ground.

  • Colleen is a lifelong Santa Rosa native and passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, and unique needs. Currently, she proudly serves as the volunteer Area Director for Special Olympics, where she believes in fostering inclusivity through sports, team work and social connections. Her commitment to empowering those with unique needs has led her to align with Common Ground Society (CGS). Inspired by their mission, she aims to leverage her corporate and nonprofit experience to help CGS expand its impact and drive meaningful change in our community and beyond.

  • Bella Martinez is the Executive Assistant at Common Ground Society. While earning her degree at Sonoma State, Bella worked as an ABA therapist in Sonoma County. Through her direct work with families, she saw firsthand the systemic gaps they faced and how many of those same families found strength and support through Common Ground Society.

    Drawn by a desire to better utilize her efforts, Bella joined the organization to support the community in a new way. She served as an AmeriCorps VIP member from 2023 to 2024, stepping into the Volunteer Coordinator position. Now working alongside the Executive Director, Bella remains driven by the belief that the community is truly the heart of the work.

  • Simran Gill is originally from Mumbai, India and she now lives with her husband, Gurman and their two children, Ruhani and Nihal in Rohnert Park. Ruhani is 14 and she’s a freshman at Technology High School in Rohnert Park and a passionate ballet dancer. Nihal is a 6th grader at Corona Creek School in Petaluma. He is on the Autism Spectrum and attends the special education classroom at Corona Creek. As a parent of a neurotypical and neurodivergent child, Simran gets to see the world through two different lenses. She believes that because we are all wired differently, we think and behave and achieve our goals in different ways. Through CGS, she advocates for people with disabilities to belong in the community despite their differences.

  • Heidi Wood lives in Santa Rosa with her husband Justin, daughter Abby, dog, cat and six chickens. Abby is Autistic and has Cystic Fibrosis, ADHD and Intellectual Disability. Her family loves camping, gardening and building Legos. She says: “I am honored and blessed to work for the Common Ground Society. When my husband and I started our journey as the parents of a child with disabilities we were so lost and isolated. It wasn’t until we started meeting other parents who had similar experiences that we started to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. My goal as the Family Support Coordinator is to make sure that all of the parents, caregivers and family members of those with disabilities or unique needs also find a welcoming community where they feel like they belong.”

Our Presenters

Fueling our presentations are a dedicated team of women who bring their own life experience and use their lived experience expertise to help educate the wider community on what it means to build a world with belonging at the forefront.

  • Keely lives in San Anselmo with her husband, Mario, and their two children, West and Gus. Gus began receiving services at age 2, but was not officially diagnosed with autism until age 6. Keely knows the challenges of advocating for a child without a clear diagnosis or who does not neatly fit a label. Keely returned to school and earned a M.S. in Special Education to effect change and help other families. Keely has been an invited speaker at Dominican University, Marin County Inclusion Inspiration Series, many parent groups, and is now proud to be a presenter with Common Ground Society. She is a certified facilitator of Sibshops and provides support to siblings of people with disabilities, serves on the board of Dedication to Special Education, is a former member of the Marin County SELPA SEAC and CAPTAIN Cadre.

  • Harmony has been an educator since 2003; teacher for 15 years and is currently a principal in Sonoma County. She has two children, August (born in 2015), her son, and Lucille (born in 2018), her daughter. August was diagnosed with autism and expressive speech delay at 18 months; and through his years of growth has additionally an intellectual disability and ADHD. Harmony joined the team for our Inclusion in the Community series. She and Larkin have done numerous talks such as Inclusion in Motherhood, Inclusion in Parenthood, Inclusive Practices for SLPs, and Inclusion in Education.

  • Emily grew up in Sebastopol and now lives with her family in Petaluma. Her oldest, Megan, was born with Down syndrome in 2012. Paige was born in 2014 and Evan in 2016. Emily works part-time as a pension actuary. She is a current member of the Sonoma County SELPA CAC and former member of the Marin County SELPA SEAC. She is working to help fill gaps educating the community about disabilities. Emily started as a presenter with CGS in 2021 and became the CGS Treasurer in 2022.

  • Sahmina McGregor lives in Petaluma with her husband, John, and their two younger children, Jackson and Emma. Their oldest daughter, Maya, is attending college in Southern California. Emma was diagnosed with an ultra rare genetic disorder called KMT5B Syndrome. Emma has an intellectual disability and hypotonia (low muscle tone). As a parent of a child with a disability, Sahmina understands the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of inclusion. When she's not presenting, she substitutes as a special support aide at her children's school.

  • Larkin is a Sonoma County native, has been a credentialed teacher since 2004. Larkin has taught various grades from preschool to middle school until she resigned to care for her son in 2020. She’s currently serving as a Voting Member for the Sonoma CAC, and the Vice President Social Media Director of Common Ground Society as well as a presenter. James, her son, was born on St. Patrick’s day in 2014, is Larkin’s inspiration to create change. He is a goofy, fun-loving, friendly, sassy little guy who happens to have Down syndrome. He has a little sister, JuneBelle who we all adore. Larkin believes in the importance of inclusion for all people and is on a mission to change the narrative. Her tagline is, “you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know," which she explains in her TEDx Talk, "Fostering Differences on Common Ground.

  • Kate was the founding secretary of Common Ground Society™ and has now returned as a presenter. Her first presentation with us was the OGUSD professional development day in January. Here is why she chose to volunteer for Common Ground Society™: "As an educator since 1998, I share in the mission and vision of Common Ground Society™ that all people belong and must be welcomed and valued in all aspects of society. As a teacher and administrator, I have had the great fortune to help foster full-inclusion in multiple school environments. I am continually inspired by school cultures that welcome students with diverse backgrounds and abilities to learn, play, and create community together in supportive settings built on kindness, curiosity, positivity, and genuine caring for one another. My mission as an educator and Common Ground Society™ volunteer is to work toward the day when inclusive, welcoming, equitable, full-inclusion schools are the standard educational experience for all students."

  • Simran Gill is originally from Mumbai, India and she now lives with her husband, Gurman and their two children, Ruhani and Nihal in Rohnert Park. Ruhani is 14 and she’s a freshman at Technology High School in Rohnert Park and a passionate ballet dancer. Nihal is a 6th grader at Corona Creek School in Petaluma. He is on the Autism Spectrum and attends the special education classroom at Corona Creek. As a parent of a neurotypical and neurodivergent child, Simran gets to see the world through two different lenses. She believes that because we are all wired differently, we think and behave and achieve our goals in different ways. Through CGS, she advocates for people with disabilities to belong in the community despite their differences.

  • As a mom of Franco Vinueza (ASD and selective mutism), I am so happy that there is a place where we can have common ground. I also own Grand Central Petaluma which is an autism friendly business. Come stop by and say hi. You are not alone.

Board of Directors

We are proud to be supported by board members who believe in making the world a more inclusive place for everyone. Each member of our board brings their own expertise, community connections, and reason for why they have chosen to be a part of Common Ground Society.

  • Marbin Morales is a Vice President and Branch Manager at Exchange Bank, leading the Rohnert Park and Cotati branches. With over a decade of experience in banking, he has built his career on leadership, relationship-building, and driving growth for both individuals and businesses.

    Beyond the bank, Marbin is a dedicated community leader. He currently serves as President of Common Ground Society, after previously serving as Treasurer, and also sits on the board of NAMI Sonoma County. His commitment to service reflects his belief in showing up, leading with purpose, and making a lasting impact.

    Born in Texas and raised in El Salvador, Marbin carries a deep sense of resilience, culture, and pride into everything he does. Above all, he is a proud father to Kaleb and Kevin Morales. His greatest motivation and purpose.

  • Jeannine Blankinship is an itinerant Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) teacher with the Sonoma County Office of Education, now in her 13th year. She holds a Master of Science in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from California Lutheran University and is a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (Auditory-Verbal Educator). Currently pursuing a doctorate in special education at the University of Northern Colorado, her research focuses on students with hearing loss and complex communication needs and universal design for learning. Jeannine lives in Rohnert Park with her partner of 13 years and their many pets, including two dogs, Jake and Stella, a cat named Niko, and a goldfish. Her stepson, Zachary, serves in the Navy. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring trails with her dogs.

  • Mr. Mendelson has maintained long established, deep roots in Sonoma County for over 35 years, and is proud to commit his time and efforts in serving his community. He has served as Vice President of the Board of Directors to a locally based non-profit, volunteered over 1,000 hours working with children on the autism spectrum, and has tutored law students attending his alma mater. Mr. Mendelson has also held positions as Advanced Research and Advanced Teaching Intern for the Collaborative Autism Training and Support program. Currently, Mr. Mendelson is a member of the General Board of Common Ground Society, and an Attorney at Smith Dollar, PC.

  • Emily grew up in Sebastopol and now lives with her family in Petaluma. Her oldest, Megan, was born with Down syndrome in 2012. Paige was born in 2014 and Evan in 2016. Emily works part-time as a pension actuary. She is a current member of the Sonoma County SELPA CAC and former member of the Marin County SELPA SEAC. She is working to help fill gaps educating the community about disabilities. Emily started as a presenter with CGS in 2021 and became the CGS Treasurer in 2022.

  • Rachel Brogdon is a Vice President and Senior Underwriter at Summit State Bank, bringing over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Sonoma State University and has been a resident of Sonoma County for more than 25 years. Deeply committed to supporting her community, Rachel is passionate about contributing to the success of this impactful non-profit organization. Inspired by her mom, a retired Occupational Therapist and special education Sunday school teacher, Rachel embraces the values of inclusion and acceptance—principles she actively nurtures in her two daughters, Hope (10) and Harmony (7). The Brogdon family is often seen volunteering together, including at the CGS Calming Tent. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Rachel enjoys trail running, pilates, traveling with her family, and supporting her daughters in their dance and soccer teams. She resides in Santa Rosa with her husband Alan, their daughters, and Pumpkin the cat.

  • Nathan Heagerty is on the Common Ground Society board because he wants to help people with disabilities have a fair shot in all aspects of life. He recently graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Financial Management. His involvement in the disability community is through programs he attended at the Swain Center and through the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).

  • Brian Barrett is a financial advisor with New York Life and Eagle Strategies. He started his career in finance at New York life in 2018, and holds several licenses, including the Series 7 and 66 as well as his life and health licenses. Brian primarily works with families on building wealth and using a holistic approach to ensuring they are set up for financial success. Brian is originally from Southern California, and spent his adolescent years in Monterey. He moved to Sonoma County to attend Sonoma State University in 2015, and graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. He stays active in his community with volunteering for several nonprofits that support youth and families throughout Sonoma County. He and his wife, Evelyn, enjoy getting outdoors and hiking, golfing, or being near water as much as possible. They currently live in Santa Rosa and are spending their time building a life around their new baby girl, Emma.

  • Jayce Kaldunski is a Disabled and neurodivergent advocate and community leader who serves as the Program Coordinator for the Disability Cultural Center at Santa Rosa Junior College. With a professional background in Adult Transition programs, Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) programs, and autism support services throughout Sonoma County, Jayce is passionate about disability inclusion, self-advocacy, and building accessible, community-centered spaces for Disabled people. Through his work with Common Ground Society, he is committed to fostering connection, empowerment, and equity for Disabled individuals and their families.

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  • Larkin is a Sonoma County native, has been a credentialed teacher since 2004. Larkin has taught various grades from preschool to middle school until she resigned to care for her son in 2020. She’s currently serving as a Voting Member for the Sonoma CAC, and the Vice President Social Media Director of Common Ground Society as well as a presenter. James, her son, was born on St. Patrick’s day in 2014, is Larkin’s inspiration to create change. He is a goofy, fun-loving, friendly, sassy little guy who happens to have Down syndrome. He has a little sister, JuneBelle who we all adore. Larkin believes in the importance of inclusion for all people and is on a mission to change the narrative. Her tagline is, “you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know," which she explains in her TEDx Talk, "Fostering Differences on Common Ground.

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Interested in Joining Our Team?

We currently have a few positions open and are looking for new team members to be a part of Common Ground Society as Staff Members, Volunteer Leaders and Board Members.

Common Ground Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnic background, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities; please let us know if you need accommodation for the interview process. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those with diverse backgrounds.

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