Our Team

Sahmina McGregor
Presentation Coordinator/ Presenter

Sahmina McGregor
Presentation Coordinator/ Presenter
I am the Presentation Coordinator and a Presenter for Common Ground Society. As a parent of a child with a disability, I understand the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of inclusion. It brings me absolute joy to make connections with students during our presentations.
- Email:[email protected]

Leigh Magnani
Presenter

Leigh Magnani
Presenter
Leigh Magnani works as a Realtor in Petaluma and lives with her husband Dominic, son Ryan and daughter Olivia. Olivia was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 2. Leigh is an advocate for providing awareness around disabilities in an effort to shift the mindset for us to focus on our similarities instead of our differences. In her spare time she works as an Independent Wine Ambassador for the Boisset Collection and serves as a board member for The Fabulous Women of Petaluma and the Waugh School District PTO.

Taelynn Knutson
Development Specialist

Simone Barnard
Americorps VIP

Bella Martinez
Americorps VIP

Melissa Staggs
Presenter

Melissa Staggs
Presenter
Melissa was born and raised in Sebastopol. Her son AJ was born in 2014 and diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome- a rare condition caused by a random gene mutation.
Since then, she’s become a passionate advocate for the CdLS Foundation serving as a regional coordinator, as well as volunteering and fundraising for other local nonprofits that serve those with special needs.

Kate Westrich
Presenter

Kate Westrich
Presenter
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."

Harmony Harvell
Presenter

Harmony Harvell
Presenter
Harmony has been an educator since 2003 and is currently an administrator in Rincon Valley. Erik, Harmony’s husband, left his tech sales job after August, their son, was diagnosed with autism and expressive speech delay. Erik is a stay at home dad, so Harmony could continue her education and advocacy work.
Harmony has 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.