Advisory Board

 

Julie Sims

Julie Ann Sims has spent more than 25 years working in journalism, communications and marketing. She began her career as a reporter for the Half Moon Bay Review before transitioning into politics, where she oversaw public relations for State Senator Quentin L. Kopp in San Francisco and San Mateo County and later became chief of staff for his district office. After that, she worked at Robert Half, a global specialized staffing firm, holding a number of roles, including vice president of communications strategy. In 2017, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector to oversee marketing and communications programs for Room to Read, a global nonprofit focused on creating a world free of illiteracy and gender inequality.

In addition to leading marketing and communications teams, Julie serves as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner in the town of Brisbane and is a member of the Brisbane Lions Club. In her free time, Julie does Zumba enthusiastically, but without a lot of finesse, and looks for opportunities to see whales and other wildlife. 

 

Mary Bier

Mary has been providing prevention services in Jefferson Union High School District since 2005 when an alcohol related accident took the lives of two Pacifica teenagers, one who was her nephew Jonathan. Her passion for this work has led to numerous grant funded programs and coalition based community work. She is most proud of all the work accomplished by the youth sector of the coalition: Be the Change Youth coalition (BTC). She has recently partnered with DCYHC to expand alcohol and other drug services (AOD) to include opportunities for youth to address their substance use in a holistic and restorative model.  A new program focusing on youth civic engagement will create a path for youth to participate in health equity campaigns and participate on local boards and commissions.  Mary is very excited to be part of the team at DCYHC!

 

Christine Thorsteinson

As SVCF's Director of Early Childhood Development, Christine Thorsteinson works to ensure that all young children in Silicon Valley have access to the care, education and resources they need to grow and flourish. Recognizing the critical importance of the first years of a child’s life, and the subsequent impact on future success, Christine strives to support local, state and federal efforts to dismantle the systemic barriers that stack the deck against our youngest and most vulnerable. Christine joined SVCF in 2016 and her earlier work included efforts to bridge the gaps between preschool and TK – 12 education systems and develop early learning leadership competencies.

 

Eddie Flores

With longtime roots in the community and a lifelong commitment to service, Eddie Flores represents the historic and diverse District 5 of South San Francisco on the city council. Councilmember Flores was first appointed to the Council in 2021 to serve in an at-large seat and was subsequently elected by a supportive majority of voters to represent District 5 in November 2022. Prior to joining council, Councilmember Flores was elected to the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees at-large in 2018. He served as Board President in 2020-2021. During his tenure, he graduated from the California School Board Association's Masters in Governance in 2019 and served as an elected delegate at-large for the California School Boards Association (CSBA) and the California Latino School Boards Association (CLSBA).

 

Jefferson Union High School District Board Members

Melissa Ambrose, LCSW/PPS

Melissa Ambrose is the Wellness Coordinator for Jefferson Union High School District in Daly City where she helps facilitate an amazing team of mental health professionals. She has been a teacher, Wellness Counselor and the Wellness Coordinator for JUHSD for 25 years. Melissa is passionate about social justice, equity and anti-racism; she believes the skills and theories of mindfulness, trauma informed practices and nervous system regulation are helpful for creating wellness, resilience and a humane and compassionate world. She has completed many teacher training programs related to mindfulness and nervous system regulation. She has been a Board Member of DCYHC for over 10 years and loves supporting a clinic devoted to the physical and mental health of our youth.

 

Kalimah Salahuddin

Kalimah Salahuddin currently serves on the Jefferson Union High School District Board of Education. She is a Past President of the San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA) where she served for two years and continues to serve as an area representative. At the County level, she served on the COVID-19 Recovery Council and is one of the founding members of the REACH Coalition, an advocacy group made up of elected officials and community leaders of color to increase equity and community health for all. She also currently serves on the Board of the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, Caminar, and previously served as a Board Member for Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco where she has been a regular site volunteer. She is currently employed at Exelixis as the DEI Community Programs Manager and is a mother to three wonderful adults.

 

Tina Van Raaphorst

Tina Van Raaphorst is Deputy Superintendent of Business Services for the Jefferson Union High School District, a position she has held since 2016. Tina has a BA in Mathematics and an MA in Educational Administration. She has over 25 years experience working in school districts as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and has been responsible for many aspects of central office operations.

 

Denise Shreve

Denise Shreve is the Career Technical Education Coordinator at JUHSD. She began her teaching career at Westmoor High School in August 2006, and is passionate about her commitment to students, staff, and in building a quality Career Technical Education (CTE) program for the Jefferson Union High School District (JUHSD). During her tenure she has been a CTE and Health teacher, Health Curriculum Lead, Instructional Coach, WASC Coordinator, and most recently the JUHSD CTE Coordinator. She is passionate about expanding access to health services for youth in San Mateo County.