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Community (Practicum) Projects
Each year, class participants work in teams to challenge and strengthen their leadership skills and create a project to benefit the local Napa Valley community. | Below are some of the projects that LNV Practicum groups have worked together on. |
CHECK OUT A FEW PROJECTS OUR LNV CLASSES HAVE DONE
CLASS 38 (2025-2026) Building the Future of Teacher Resources in the North Bay Momentum! partnered with the Teacher Resource Center of the North Bay to support the strategic relocation and reimagination of the organization as a more accessible, sustainable, and community centered resource for educators. Through research, planning, and stakeholder engagement, team Momentum! developed recommendations to strengthen both the physical space and operating model, expanding access to classroom supplies, educational resources, and support services for teachers across the region. By helping the Teacher Resource Center increase its reach and long-term impact, the project advances educational equity, supports classroom success, and invests in the educators who help shape the next generation of leaders. Group members: Carlos Martinez, CJ Roby, Leah Doyle-Stevens, Megan Cassady THANK YOU TO: Teacher Resource Center of the North Bay and First & Main Property Management
Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley: The Great Futures Workforce Pathway Cheers to Change developed the Great Futures Workforce Pathway with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley to connect youth with real career opportunities through meaningful engagement with local professionals. The nine-month program serves young people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to explore college or career pathways. The program provides monthly exposure to leaders across more than 15 industry sectors. The belief that young people can become what they see, it emphasizes visibility, representation, and access while helping them to broaden their view of what is possible. Group members: Ashley Walker, Bob Magnani, Fatima Sosa Ortiz, Hannah Sconzo, Kirkaldy Myers THANK YOU TO: Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Education Foundation
CanDo's Food Project Expansion High Fives’ goal was to double food collection through CanDo’s Napa Food Project for the food bank. This was accomplished through the creation of the new “Community Coordinator” program, refreshing the brand materials, and expanding outreach to diverse communities. This new program redefines the role to focus on food collection in one centralized location using large green collector bags (“big green bags”) in organizations and other community gathering locations. Participating organizations can encourage their “community”, to drop off non-perishable foods to the big green bags and generate buzz for both the organization and giving back to the community. Group members: Brendan Hurley, Cassan Macaraig, Juana Lezama Bautista, Katie Stith, Yuri DeLeon THANK YOU TO: Community Action of Napa Valley (CANV) and Napa Valley CanDo
Workforce Inclusion: Napa's Employer Guide to Hiring Adults with Disabilities Napa Valley Visionaries partnered with Napa Valley Support Services to address a growing need among local employers for practical guidance on inclusive hiring. While many businesses recognize the value of hiring adults with disabilities, they often face uncertainty around recruitment, accommodations, onboarding, and retention. Through employer surveys, community research, and stakeholder engagement, the team developed an Inclusive Hiring Toolkit that provides actionable strategies, best practices, and local resources to support employers throughout the hiring process. By helping businesses access an underutilized talent pool and build more inclusive workplaces, the project creates meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities while strengthening Napa County’s workforce and community. Group members: Andre Napolitano, Justin Tharp, Kim Truong, Xiomara Ramos Villasenor THANK YOU TO: Napa Valley Support Services
The Rianda House: From Senior Isolation to Community Connection V.I.B.E.S. partnered with Rianda House to tackle senior isolation through a multi-faceted approach that blends high-impact community events with data-driven strategy. Launching a peer-led Ambassador Program and elevating the Rianda Rally car show, the project created immediate, joyful pathways for seniors to participate and reconnect with their community. The team also modernized the organization’s data quality and analytics to ensure these social interventions are measurable, scalable, and effectively reaching those most at risk of loneliness. This comprehensive initiative builds on top of the existing Rianda House foundation to further strengthen the social fabric of St. Helena and UpValley communities, ensuring every senior has a reliable bridge to engagement and support. Group members: Chloe Tyer, Geremy Ferguson, Jessica Lowe, Julia Newberry, Marcus Sitzman, Virginia Salter THANK YOU TO: Rianda House, UpValley Family Centers, Napa Valley Car Club
Aldea Amplified: Expanding Awareness and Impact Nickel Squad created in partnership with Aldea to strengthen its presence and visibility within the community. Through research and conversations, many people were aware of Aldea by name but did not fully understand the depth of services and support Aldea provides. The team identified opportunities to increase awareness, deepen community connections, and build trust through more intentional engagement, resulting in practical tools, insights, and recommendations that Aldea can use to expand its reach and continue growing its impact throughout Napa County. Group members: Damian Bennett, Erin Callahan, Gannon Laidlaw, Hannah Redding, Stephanie Bailey THANK YOU TO: Aldea and Napa Farmers Market CLASS 37 (2024-2025) CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Video Grapes of Glory partnered with Napa County CERT to create a dynamic video showcasing the importance of community emergency preparedness. The video aims to increase public awareness of CERT’s lifesaving training and inspire residents of all ages to participate. By boosting recognition and engagement, we hope to strengthen CERT’s integration with Napa city and county services for lasting community resilience. Group members: Liliana Estrada, Katie Horne, John Houser, Taryn Hunter, Colton Maher
Molly's Angels Senior Van Service B.O.A.T. 37 partnered with Molly’s Angels to expand their offerings to include a free curb-to-curb van service for seniors living in Napa County. The initiative aims to combat social isolation and improve quality of life by offering seniors reliable transportation to community hubs, such as the library, farmers market, senior center, and various shopping centers. Starting with a single van on a targeted route, the aim is to expand in response to community needs and feedback. Group members: Ana Baber, Jolie Baumgardner, Rigo Nava, Natalia Ramirez Guzman, Anne Retterer
NEWS Summer Camp Catnap Chagents partnered with NEWS staff to offer children meaningful life experiences that combine skill-building activities designed to benefit them well into the future. This initial pilot program, Camp Camino, marks the beginning of an annual summer camp created in collaboration with NEWS to make a lasting impact on our community for years to come. Together with trained counselors, Catnap Chagents will help launch this camp, playing a key role in its success. We’re committed to fostering an environment of growth, support, and lasting positive change for the youth we serve. Group members: Dalton Goo, Harmony Plenty, Tracy Mayne, Casey Rockwood
Play Ball with The Tug McGraw Foundation & Yountville Veterans Home Roots and Shoots reconnected residents at the Yountville Veterans Home, the home base of the Tug McGraw Foundation. By addressing the deepened isolation caused by COVID-19, grounded in research and direct input from veterans, the team designed a community-driven engagement strategy that reignited connection. Their work expanded existing programs, revitalized the Foundation’s cherished Mixed Nutts baseball team, and created new pathways for veterans and the greater Napa Valley community to come together. Group members: Amanda Cole, Teresa Coleman, Matt Davis, Sarah Moore, MJ Tueros
Pollinator Habitat Plan: Trail Pilot Location Team IMPACT! revitalized a section of the Vine Trail with strategic native plantings designed to attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This effort fosters biodiversity, enhances ecological resilience, and beautifies the trail for the community. Our pilot serves as a blueprint for expanding pollinator habitats throughout the Vine Trail system. By promoting environmental stewardship, we aim to strengthen the connection between people and nature. Group members: Ksenia Evdokimova, Michele Grupe, Davet "Dee" Mohammed, Fabio Rodriguez, Marcela Rodriguez
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Mixed Delivery Marketing Plan Hive 5 worked with the Napa County Office of Education to develop a mixed delivery marketing plan for Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) programs available to parents/guardians in Napa County. The goal of these materials is to provide parents/guardians with the information to make the right choice for their family, culture and life. To do this, we developed a brand (logo), website, digital booklet, physical brochures, radio ads, social media post templates, videos and promotional items. Group members: Andrew Bradley, Zachariah Geyer, Allison Musvosvi, Brett Van Emst, Linda Weinreich CLASS 36 (2023-2024) Napa Humane Animal Welfare Community Awareness Campaign The FAB 5 Worked with Napa Humane to identify opportunities to help them raise community awareness and provide clarification on not only the services that Napa Humane provides, and also the various animal welfare services and resources available throughout the Napa community. This included updates to Napa Humane’s webpage and voicemail, addition of Spanish translation, creation of an informational resource guide with a QR code, promotional t-shirt design, and educational magnets. Group members: Tiffany Carranza, Chuck Meibeyer, Ed Moreno, Robin Nielsen, Jessica Silverman
Napa Valley School Traffic Safety Improvement Recommendation The need for a comprehensive traffic circulation plans around schools to improve safety and reduce congestion is critical. Napa ranks 11th out of 105 Napa to similar sized cities for children under 15 injured or killed in traffic. Risky Business developed a school circulation plan implementation process and an ask of the Napa Valley Unified School District to recommend the development of a circulation plan at each school district-wide. Group members: Stephanie DiStefano, Elizabeth Hecock, Pattie James, Jennifer Liebsack, Burt Teaff
Napa Parks & Recreation Foundation: Friends of the Park Program Friends of the Park is designed for members of the Napa community to come together and participate in the upkeep of a park or project where they are most passionate and interested. SPNCT provided guidance, research, and recommendations for Napa Parks & Recreation Foundation to execute a successful Friends of the Park program. Group members: Savannah Austin Antuzzi, Paul Krsek, Nichole Peterson, Cameron Shaw, Tony Valadez
Mentis: Room in Madison House De La Gators created an inviting community space in a group home that will help foster the growth of peer relationships and reduce self-isolation. The client residents are in outpatient mental-illness therapy programs and are classified as low-to-very low income. The room is lighter, brighter and more inviting, with comfortable chairs, a coffee table, games and resources for their use and enjoyment including a new shared computer they can use for job searches. Group members: Laura Abbott, Alejandra Mendieta Bedolla, Ginni Hill, Mallory McEligot, Domingo Rodriguez, Linda Zaiss
Community Resources for Children, Advancing Childcare in the Napa Valley and Developing a Family Friendly Business Certification Program The 5th Element explored employer supported childcare models and opportunities in Napa. An outcome of this collective work was the development of a pilot “Family Friendly Business Certification” to educate both the private and public sector on the need for accommodations and considerations for working families to advance our economy and community.Group members: Shana Bagley, Tracy Lamb, Jonny Karpuk, Douglas Marriott, Rose Sheehan
Share the Care Office Space Reorganization and the First Annual Gala Fundraiser Task Force Three 6 Mafia helped Share the Care meet the growing demands of the aging Napa population by helping with an office space reorganization for medical equipment donations as well as assisting in the creation of Share the Care’s first annual gala fundraiser on July 27, 2024.Group members: Christine Briceno, Kendra Bruno, Alexis Everett, Andriana Ochoa, Freddy Salam, Richard Tippitt | CLASS 35 (2022-2023) At Your Service Created a community outreach group whose mission is to aid Abode Services (South Napa Shelter) and their clients experiencing homelessness by connecting them with services, resources and partnerships to reduce barriers to housing and independence. Group members: Mimi Adams, Harold Collins, Emily Darlington, Kelly Engel, Ervin Hechavarria, Kecia Lind
Cleaner Burn Developed a Cleaner Burn informational website including content from multiple organizations, community engagement, and political leaders with the goal to improve air quality, minimize pests, and reduce greenhouse gases for Napa Valley. Group members: Erica Ahmann Smithies, Bruce Barge, Jen Cantrell, Alison Christianson, Stephanie Solberg, Ryan Stetins
Musical Instrument Drive Organized a donation drive to provide musical instruments to students in need, and encouraged community members to donate their used instruments or make financial donations to support the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Music Connection program. Group Members: Amanda Frances Fisher, Liz Habkirk, Jenny Lockwood, Jesse Ramer, Jonathan Schellin, Brian Voynick
Napa's Historical Tour Re-Awakening Created a dedicated space for information on historical tours and events to expand awareness and access to historical tourism in Napa Valley. Group Members: Janette Brooks, Ben Horne, Wahu Oseso, Hayden Sims, Etta Williams, Pablo Zatarain
Street Smart Art Piloted the pathway for the public to use Street Smart Art as Crosswalks in collaboration with City of Napa’s Local Roadway Safety Plan and Napa Valley Transportation Authority’s 2030 Vision Zero county-wide initiative - zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries. Group Members: Natalie Aliga, Stephen Corley, Alberto Esqueda, Don Maiden, Josephine Palacios, Heather Ruiz CLASS 34 (2021-2022) S3 Six Seeking Solutions Description coming soon! Group members: Chuck Dell'Ario, Patty Friesen, Molly Hidgins, Amy Linn, Cristian Moldonado, Rebecca Rowan
Phenomenal Phour Description coming soon! Group members: Katie Anderson, Nancy Kerson, Susan Larson-Bouwer
North Star Description coming soon! Group members: Brenda Burke, Chris Cutler, Laura Meltzer, Isly San Pedro, Rebecca Shenck
LNV Prime Description coming soon! Group members: Kathy Cruz, Craig Finster, Sara Hutchens, Celia King, Emma Moyer, Ryan O'Connell
Just Keep Swimming Description coming soon! Group members: Marlen De La Cruz Torres, Justin Gomez, Sonya Luisoni, Matthew Reid, Liz Russell, Jill Wallace CLASS 33 (2019-2020)
Bright Futures Created a plan to update the Bright Futures (underutilized program under the Workforce Alliance North Bay) website and created a feasibility business plan. Covid put plans on hold. Group members: Nelson Cortez, Norma Feriz, Lon Gallagher, Carolyn Hamilton, Julissa Marcencia, Brendon Freeman
Building Resilience from the Block Up Planned to create a training for Low Income Housing Project residents to be ready for emergencies. Instead created Every Roll Counts to get much needed supplies to those in most need during Covid. Group Members: Marisol Vargas Josh Schultz, Mary Rezek, Jami Castro, Kevin Hanson, Bailie
Garden for Wildlife Animal Rescue Site Developed a garden at the wildlife rescue clinic for recuperating wildlife. This will provide a variety of produce, grains and greens to help feed the animals in Napa’s Wildlife Rescue’s care. Group Members: Tonya West, Matt Garcia, Woody Hedderman, Leslie Myers, Tiffany Iverson, Claudia Sonder
Wine Trail Signage and increased Accessibility Created a plan to increase signage to the Wine Trail access points and to make it easier to access. Covid put plans on hold. Group Members: Kate Mulligan, Heather Maloney, Linsey Gallagher, Nora McAuley, Scott Williams, Benjamin Penning
Shinning a Light on SpanishTown Developed a plan to raise public awareness of the old Spanishtown section of Napa though development and placement of interpretive signage highlighting the history of the area. Covid put plans on hold. Group Members: Julie Polson, Katelyn Duarte, Mark Vinella, Andrea Robinson, Jeff Tucker CLASS 32 (2018-2019) 100 Kids Who Care Napa Valley Established a new youth-centered fund-raising organization to inspire Napa kids to learn about philanthropy, build leadership skills, and collaborate to make a real difference. Group Members: Steven Miller, Preya Nixon, Tony Onorato, Val O’Pry, Jessica Penman, Devereaux Smith
Youth Leadership Academy of Napa Collaborated with the Youth Leadership Academy, during its pilot, to create a marketing tool kit they will use to grow the program. Group Members: Ellen Bermingham, Janet Brown, Adam Ghisletta, Matthew McEvoy, Joy Riesenberg, Lea Ronald
Napa Neighbor Network: Stay Connected, Stay Strong Developed a packet of information that empowers people to connect with their neighbors in order to be self-reliant during a catastrophic event. Group Members: Jon Crawford, Kerri Dorman, Christine Hannah, Angela Hoxsey, Suzi Hubbard, Chris Meza
Welcome to Napa In collaboration with Napa Kiwanis we are creating an updated and iconic “Welcome to Napa” sign. We have commissioned Gordon Huether to showcase Napa service clubs. Group Members: Rina Faletti, Wendy Lombardi, Jeremy Mostafanejad, Paul Oseso, Monica Stevens, Laila Subaie
Senior Moments Partnered with Queen of the Valley Community Benefit and CANV to provide information to Napa Valley seniors about community services and activities through ”Senior Moments”, a weekly radio segment airing live and podcasted at KVON.com. Group Members: Bonnie MacMaster Andersen, Natalie Griffin, Tammy Manning, Will Marcencia, Kim Brown Sims, Bob Van Der VeldeCLASS 31 (2017-2018) Team PhoenixIn collaboration with Teens Connect, organized a robust effort to connect teens and volunteer activities through the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) website.Group Members: Elizabeth Cabell, Jerry Curiel, Jennifer Goodrich, Marcia Hadeler, Liz Marks, Paul Martinez Everett Partnered with Land Trust Napa County to build awareness for its work to preserve and protect the beauty of Napa Valley for all of us to enjoy through an annual “Get Out and Hike” celebration day. Group Members: Jarrett Anderson, Becky Merry-Barrango, Lorna Barker, Miryam Chae, Allison Haley, Scott Owens
Partnered with Redwood Credit Union and Napa Valley high schools to promote financial literacy to teens. Group Members: Shannon Halikas, Choowle Kalulu, Katarina Mezeiova, Wes Salter, Shawn Smith, Corinne Weaver
Be Prepared! Take Action! Get CERT-ified! Partnered with the Office of Emergency Services and CVNL to increase the number of trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members in Napa County by raising awareness and streamlining the volunteer pathways. Group Members: Roland Cavanagh, Linda Fine, Gary Hercules, Marie Matz, Christine McMillan, Margaret Niland
Promoted unity and positivity amongst middle school students by creating an inspirational art installation in Harvest Middle School bathrooms. Group Members: Quinn Arntsen, David Busby, Michele Dahlberg, Peg Maddocks, Courtney Murray, Molly Rattigan CLASS 30 (2016-2017) Napa Valley Community Connections Created a sustainable mentorship program to provide hope, inspiration and guidance to students from Napa County’s Court and Community Schools, and laid the foundation to create a three-year plan. Group Members: Ely Aguayo, Angela Jackson, Stefan Jezycki, Veronika Martinez, Thwani Satten, Joe Tagliaboschi
Food Samaritans of Napa Valley Created a sustainable program that addresses food insecurity by connecting local restaurants to homeless families providing monthly dinners to the Samaritan House. Group Members: Lisa Augustine, Julie Baldia, Betsy Cipriano, Michele Farhat, Jay Lang, Laura Orozco
Art For Safe Routes Furthered pedestrian safety education for Phillips Elementary students who are impacted by the lack of sidewalks and lighting in their neighborhood. They also created a “safety” inspired arts installation at the Napa Valley Transportation Authority. Group Members: Steve Brassfield, Jenny Gass, Sonya Milton, Bernie Narvaez, Keri Rose Akemi-Bezayiff
Assisted in jump-starting a countywide food access network, Waste Not Napa, and created a food resource guide for those in need and those who can donate. Group Members: Carlos Barragan, Roman Block, Megan Dominici, Molly Moran, Sarah Marshall, Betsy Van Dyne
This is My Brave - Napa Valley Worked to reduce mental health stigma by producing a performance featuring local people sharing their personal stories of mental health recovery through touching essays, original music, comedy, dance and poetry. Group Members: Chris DeNatale, Kristine Haataja, Brian Henricksen, Beth Nelsen, Kelsey Morrison, Stacy Preiser |