More About Jessica Candela, MPA…

Experience

As a Community Development Senior Project Manager at Housing Tools, Jessica brings expertise in project management, community engagement, and program development to her work facilitating a wide array of projects in rural communities. In her previous roles at Migrant Clinicians Network and Butte County Office of Education, Jessica was involved in all stages of planning, implementing, and reporting on community projects. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Chico.

Jessica has experience with community engagement, consolidated plans, grant administration, housing elements, fair housing assessments, housing needs studies, and supportive services plans. She has managed successful funding applications for the Homekey, Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP), and Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) programs. Jessica specializes in providing Zoom technical assistance to Housing Tools clients and facilitating virtual events for community engagement. These projects have included community conversations on permanent supportive housing in Amador County, a specific plan in the City of Salinas, and Housing Element development for the Cities of Biggs, Chico, Orland, Oroville, and Willows.

Project Experience Highlights

• Butte County Medical Respite Plan (2021)
• City of Biggs 2022-2030 Housing Element Update (2021-present)
• City of Chico 2022-2030 Housing Element Update (2020-present)
• City of Chico 2020-2024 HUD Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (2020)
• City of Orland 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (2021-present)
• City of Oroville 2022-2030 Housing Element Update (2021-present)
• City of Salinas Homekey Application (2020)
• City of Willows 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (2020-2021)
• City of Willows HOME Administrative Subcontractor for Sycamore Ridge Apartments (2020-2022)
• Humboldt County Community Engagement Programs (2021-present)
• No Place Like Home Technical Assistance for Amador and Siskiyou Counties (2020-present)
• Permanent Local Housing Allocation Plans and Applications for Glenn, Plumas, Sierra, and Siskiyou Counties (2020-2021)

Career Highlights

Community Development Senior Project Manager, Housing Tools 2020 to Present

Project Coordinator, Development & Outreach, Migrant Clinicians Network 2019 to 2020

Project Coordinator, Butte County Office of Education 2017

Education

Master of Public Administration: Health Administration, California State University, Chico 2019

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Multicultural & Gender Studies, California State University, Chico 2017

More About Cassie Showalter…

Experience

Cassie has over 10 years of combined experience in case management and public health at the nonprofit and County level, where she has served as a Health Educator, Case Manager, and Program Coordinator for Butte County Public Health Department, Butte County Continuum of Care, Caminar, and We Care a Lot Foundation. During her tenure with the Butte County Public Health, she led several department programs which required outreach and case management to individuals experiencing homelessness, including the County’s HIV, Hepatitis C and STD programs. As a freelance consultant she has directed outreach and case management teams to identify housing options for those displaced by the Camp Fire in Butte County who were temporarily housed at the Red Cross Shelter. Since joining Housing Tools in early 2019, she has worked with a number of rural northern California counties on stakeholder engagement and strategic planning to address homelessness, and data analysis through primary data sources and surveys to help communities understand the scope and needs of those experiencing homelessness. In her most recent experience with Housing Tools, Cassie has worked with numerous counties on housing needs studies, plans to address homelessness, and has supported community education sessions on the need for affordable housing and homeless services

Cassie specializes in data and is known for creating graphicly appealing substantive reports. She brings a skillset in relationship-building with policy makers, stakeholders and community members, a deep understanding of barriers and strengths rural communities experience in addressing housing and homelessness related issues, and innovative community engagement strategies that meet the unique needs of each community.

Project Experience Highlights

• City of Chico 2020-2024 HUD Consolidated Plan
• Housing Needs Studies for Amador, Glenn, Plumas, and Sierra Counties (2019-2020)
• No Place Like Home Plans to Address Homelessness for Amador, Del Norte, Glenn, Lassen, Siskiyou, Plumas, and Sierra Counties (2019-2020)
• Butte County CoC Longitudinal Assessment (2020-2021)

Career

Community Development Project Specialist, Housing Tools 2019 to present

Project Manager, Freelance Consultant 2018 to 2019

Senior Health Educator, Public Health, County of Butte 2014 to 2018

Program Coordinator, We Care a Lot Foundation 2012 to 2014

Case Manager, Caminar 2010 to 2012

Education

Bachelor of Science, Health Science, California State University Chico 2012

More About Sareena Rai…

Experience

Sareena has a background as a Project Manager and Transportation Planner for nonprofit agencies with extensive experience working with underrepresented communities to identify physical, cultural, and financial barriers in access to resources and to develop community-identified solutions. Her expertise is in planning, project management, and program development. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and traveling with her dog, Charlie Brown. She holds a Master’s of Science in Urban Land Development degree from Sacramento State University.

Sareena’s work in the field of inclusive, equitable development and social justice initiatives is what drew her to the Community Development Planner position. Her experience involves initiating and developing programs to encourage community engagement, workforce development, and accessibility to resources necessary for communities to thrive. This has involved facilitating interorganizational partnerships and collaboration between nonprofit and government agencies, identifying and securing diverse funding sources, building community relationships, and developing innovative solutions. She developed and managed a zero-emission, community-based microtransit program for an underserved community in Sacramento and worked on the planning, permitting, and development of Sacramento’s first mobility hub.

Project Experience Highlights

• Green Tech Mobility hub Microtransit Program Development (2020-2021)
• Del Paso Heights Transportation Needs Study and Transportation Options (2019-2021)
• Awarded Clean Mobility Transportation Needs Assessment Voucher for the Sacramento Public Library (2019)
• Awarded Clean Mobility Transportation Needs Assessment Voucher for the Community Resource Project (2019)
• Awarded SMUD Shine Grant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure (2020)

Career Highlights

Community Development Planner, Housing Tools 2021 to present

Project Manager, Green Technical Education and Employment 2020 to 2021

Community Development and Transportation Planner, Aura Planning  2020

Education

Master’s of Science in Urban Land Development, Sacramento State University 2021

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California Davis 2017

More About Nadine Mendoza…

Experience

Nadine has over 20 years of experience in customer service-related positions. The majority of this time was spent in the insurance industry. For Esurance, Nadine managed the company’s sales compliance department and ran a team of 20 employees across the United States. She ensured adherence to company underwriting guidelines as well as state and federal regulations. By conducting root cause analysis, she was able to determine areas of opportunity and identify various change initiatives. Through research of processes and guidelines, she developed courses of action and partnered with senior management to work through implementation. Her experience, attention to detail, and knowledge provided her with the tools needed to review, modify, and updated the company sales manual.

In her role as an Executive Assistant at Kodiak Roofing, Nadine provided routine and confidential support to the CEO and COO-VP. She created company manuals where she identified workflow processes, guidelines, and training material. Through research she was able to compile data and statistical reports to grow the company.

Nadine has also had the opportunity to own and manage a graphic design company. Again, attention to detail plays a key part in designing custom graphic artwork for businesses and individuals. Part of her responsibilities were to promote the company through social media and special events.

Career

Administrative Assistant, Housing Tools 2020 to Present

Owner / Graphic Design, Dirt DNA 2017 to 2019

Executive Assistant, Kodiak Roofing 2017 to 2017

Manager Sales Compliance and Sales Operation Analyst, Esurance 2006 to 2017

Education

Paralegal, MTI College – Actively pursuing an AA in Paralegal Studies

Licensed Doula

Various courses in QuickBooks and Microsoft applications

More About James Coles…

Experience

As a consultant for government and nonprofit agencies, James offers practical expertise gained as an affordable housing developer and a municipal manager. He has extensive experience in developing, funding, implementing, and managing housing and community development programs and projects. This has included initiatives to end homelessness, housing trust funds, HOME and CDBG programs, self-help and first-time homebuyer efforts, home rehabilitation programs, rental assistance, community facilities, and rental projects. Successful program implementation is rooted in planning processes that are highly collaborative, leverage local strengths, and address community needs. By taking this approach, James has directed the completion of a variety of successful planning efforts, including housing element updates, HUD consolidated plans, homelessness plans, Continuum of Care policy development, and strategic housing plans. His knowledge of the nuts and bolts of affordable housing development informs his government planning and policy work in a way that produces results.

Prior to founding Housing Tools, James worked as a Project Manager and Development Director for Resources for Community Development (RCD) from 2000 to 2007. At RCD, he managed the production of multiple affordable housing projects from site feasibility and financial structuring to lease-up and transition to operations. James also held a position as the Housing Manager for the City of Chico from 2007 to 2014. In this role, he managed a wide range of housing and community development programs.

Project Experience Highlights

• City of Chico 2014-2022 Housing Element Update
• City of Chico 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 HUD Consolidated Plans and

• City of Lincoln Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (2020)
• City of Elk Grove RHNA Sites Analysis (2020)
• No Place Like Home Site Feasibility Studies for Amador, Del

• Tehama County 10-Year Plan to Address Homelessness (2018)
• Butte County 10-Year Strategy to End Homelessness (2014)
• Founder and Director of the North Valley Housing Trust (2012-2017)

Career

Housing Tools Owner and Principal 2012 to present

City of Chico Housing Manager 2007 to 2012

RCD Project Manager 2000 to 2007

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning, University of Utah1994 to 1997

Master of Urban Planning, College of Urban Planning and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago 1998 to 2000

More About Sherry Morgando…

Experience

Sherry has over 25 years of combined experience in community development, housing and public health at the City and County level, where she has served as the Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services for the City of Chico, Assistant Director for the Butte County Public Health Department, and Senior Community Development Specialist for the City of Modesto. During her tenures with the City of Modesto and the City of Chico, she managed all aspects of the CDBG and HOME entitlement programs, which encompassed strategic planning through Consolidated and Annual Plans, establishing budgets, setting up contracts, implementing programs and projects,
administration and adherence to federal requirements such as NEPA and federal labor standards, and reporting to HUD. At the City of Chico, he directly oversaw the use of Redevelopment Agency’s Low-and Moderate-Income Housing funds, which averaged $6 million annually, and facilitated the development of over 500 units of affordable housing. As a consultant over the past two years, Sherry has assisted local governments with HOME and CDBG compliance, documentation, and monitoring.

In her most recent experience with Housing Tools, Sherry has worked with numerous counties on housing needs studies, plans to address homelessness, and has led community education sessions on the need for affordable housing and homeless services. She specializes in community engagement and is known to our clients as an effective listener and facilitator. She brings a vast knowledge of housing and community development resources, an understanding of community dynamics, and sensitivity to the challenges inherent in developing affordable housing to each interaction with policy/decision makers, stakeholders, and community members.

Project Experience Highlights

• City of Chico 2009-2014 Housing Element Update
• City of Chico 2020-2024 HUD Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
• Housing Needs Studies for Amador, Glenn, Plumas, and Sierra Counties (2018-2020)
• No Place Like Home Plans to Address Homelessness for Amador, Del Norte, Glenn, Lassen, Siskiyou,
  Plumas, and Sierra Counties (2019-2020)
• Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Plans and Applications for Glenn, Siskiyou, and Plumas
  Counties (2020)
• City of Willows HOME Administrative Subcontractor for Sycamore Ridge Apartments (2020)
• City of Biggs and City of Corning CDBG and HOME Grants Administrative Subcontractor (2019-2020)
• Butte County Update to 10-Year Strategy to End Homelessness (2018)

Career

Community Development Manager, Housing Tools 2018 to present

Assistant Director, Public Health, County of Butte 2016 to 2018

Director, Housing & Neighborhood Services, City of Chico 2006 to 2013

Senior Community Development Specialist, City of Modesto 2000 to 2004

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and International Relations, California State University Stanislaus 1985

More About Jamie McLeod…

Experience

Jamie offers practical expertise gained as a housing analyst and licensed real estate sales agent. He has extensive experience in developing, funding, implementing, and managing housing and community development programs and projects. This has included HOME and CDBG programs, Cal-HOME, BEGIN, HELP, Workforce Housing Grant Program, first-time homebuyer efforts, and inclusionary housing program implementation and management. Jamie has acted as project manager on new construction and acquisition-rehabilitation affordable housing projects. In this capacity he was the point of contact for City staff, public and private sector lenders, and other agencies addressing issues and concerns during the financing and construction phases of these projects. Jamie has been lead staff on the preparation of RFPs and RFQs for affordable housing projects and developers. This included developing the scope of work, writing and distribution of the RFP, review of applications, and award. Jamie has been responsible for writing documents required by various grant programs. This includes the HUD Consolidated Plan, HUD Action Plan, CAPER, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. As primary staff for the City of Woodland’s Inclusionary Housing Program, Jamie was responsible for the implementation of the program, qualification of eligible families, homebuyer education orientations, homebuyer lotteries for eligible units, and City loan documents and closings. Jamie was also asked to sit on the Sutter County Citizens Advisory Committee on Homelessness. This committee analyzed various sites in the County and made a recommendation on where to place a shelter for homeless individuals.

Prior to joining Housing Tools, Jamie worked as a Licensed Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker Commercial from 2014-2020. In this capacity he researched and analyzed potential projects for various affordable housing developers in which to construct or rehabilitate into deed-restricted units and also researched projects located in Federal Opportunity Zones. Jamie also served as a RedevelopmentHousing Analyst at the City of Woodland from 2005-2011. In this role he managed the affordable housing programs and projects for the City including the sale of 80 Inclusionary Housing units and the construction of two affordable housing rental projects.

Project Experience Highlights

• City of Woodland Inclusionary Housing Loan Program (2005-2011)
• City of Woodland 2005-2010 HUD Consolidated Plans and Analyses of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
• City of Woodland Terracina Springlake Project (2007)
• City of Woodland Rochdale Grange Project (2011)

Career

Project Manager, Housing Tools 2020 to present

Sales Agent, CBC 2014 to 2020

Redevelopment/Housing Analyst, City of Woodland 2005 to 2011

Education

Real Estate Salesperson License 2014

Certified Economic Development Financing Professional, National Development Council 2007

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, California State University Chico 1994

More About Tam Le…

Experience

Tam has over seven years in Project Management and Coordination experience in the Affordable Housing Development and Solar Industries. As Project Manager for Housing Tools, Tam Le has managed successful escrow closings and worked on or project managed over 40+ TCAC Tax Credit, CDLAC Bond Allocation, and State HCD funding applications. With these projects, Tam worked seamlessly with financial institutions and government agencies such as US Bank, JP Morgan Chase, CalHFA, HCD, and local governments. Additionally, she has collaborated with non-profit affordable housing development clients and construction contractors to produce various construction, planning, and due diligence documents. Tam Le has the technical skills necessary to coordinate timelines and budgets using project management tools, and the leadership skills to diplomatically spear-head weekly conference calls.

Before working at Housing Tools, Tam honed her skills as a project coordinator in the Solar Sales and Solar Commercial Project Management fields. Tam has over 10 years of non-profit experience. She has held leadership positions with various non-profits in the fields of adult daycare, adults with disabilities, elementary/ high Schools. Additionally, Tam has managed a department with 20+ staff members for a Chico non-profit.

Project Experience Highlights

• Escrow Closings: Burbank Housing’s Gravenstein Apartments, Eden Housing’s Vista Terrace and Coronado Terrace Apartments with development budgets ranging $20 million to $100 million. (2017, 2019)
• Tax Credit, CDLAC – 4%, 9% Competitive and Non-Competitive – 40+ with Development Budgets
  ranging from $12 million to $115 million. (2015- Present)
• HCD- IIG (Small and Large Jurisdictions), TOD, VHHP, MHP Applications (Spring 2020)
• Closing Deal Book, Place-In-Service Applications, non-profit formation, City Permit Applications, Solar Applications (for Chico Electric), Parking Surveys, Welfare Exemption applications

Career Highlights

Project Manager, Housing Tools 2015 to present

Project Coordinator in Commercial Solar, Chico Electric 2009 to 2011

Manager of Program for Adults w. Disabilities, Work Training Center 2000 to 2002

Education

B.S. in Biochemistry, Cum Laude, University of Massachusetts 1996

Rental Housing Development Finance Course from NDC Jan 2020

Various financing trainings from Housing California 2017 to 2019

PMP Exam Prep – Project Management Course by Joseph Phillips, Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting Oct 2020