The Meals That Connect Team

People are the most valuable asset of any organization, and our team(s) are no exception

People are the most valuable asset of any organization, and our team(s) are no exception

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Board of Directors

Introducing the governing body of talent that works behind the scenes.

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Alissa Maddren

Member Since May 2023

A California native, Alissa received her bachelor’s degree in fine art from UCSB in 1986 and continues to practice art in a variety of forms.

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Kristian Emrich

Vice President

Member since Jan. 2020

Kristian, a native of SLO County, is the owner of Solarponics Inc., a successful solar company that recently marked its 36th anniversary.

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James Jackson

Member Since May 2023

A SLO County native & Cal Poly graduate, James has worked locally as a Financial Advisor since 2007.

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Justin Vanderlinden

Treasurer; Secretary
Member Since Jan 2023

As Vice President/Relationship Manager at Banc of California, Justin provides excellent financial oversight for the company.

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Christopher Fasse

Board President
Member since March 2015

Chris has been a dedicated and generous board member for nine years, serving in different roles. Since December 2023, he has been the president of MTC.

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Board Opportunity Open Position

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Admin Team

Introducing our staff team of administrative professionals working behind the scenes.

Kitchen Director

Irene Palacios

Kitchen Director

irene@mealsthatconnect.org

Brandee

Brandee Brown-Puett

Deputy Director

brandee@mealsthatconnect.org

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Laura Edwards

Executive Director

laura@mealsthatconnect.org

Rene Johnson

Rene Johnson

Data Admin Coordinator

dataadmin@mealsthatconnect.org

Fanny

Fanny Arenas

Program Manager

pm@mealsthatconnect.org

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Ashley Murphy

Data Admin Manager

ashley@mealsthatconnect.org

Cathy

Cathy Giardina

Staff Accountant

accounting@mealsthatconnect.org

Barbara

Barbara Horne

Program Nutritionist

barbara@mealsthatconnect.org

Dining Site Staff

We are grateful for this most amazing and diverse talent!

Irene Palacios

Dining Site Volunteers

We are forever grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who deliver meals, serve food, greet fellow senior clients, and help in so many other ways.

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"Selfless action is a source of strength."

- Mahatma Gandhi

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Volunteer Testimonials

"My name is Harvest. I started volunteering in September 2021 after my husband passed away. I needed something to do and a reason to get up each morning. I'm a 'service to others' type of gal, and this is my outlet. We have a great team and I enjoy working with Marlene."

- Harvest

"I enjoy working with fellow volunteers and have for 7 years. I get a good feeling about all the homebound people who get a good meal and friendly greeting from our drivers."

- Mignon

"What gets me up each morning to come down and serve meals, is knowing the folks at home need us so much."

- Mimi

"I have been delivering meals for 11 years. I know what would happen to our seniors if this program weren't around."

- Randy

"Our company is responsible for the same route on Monday of each week. When it is my turn to deliver meals, it is my favorite time of the day. It is a very rewarding experience for me."

- Cathy

"My wife and I drive the same route every week. We are retired and it gives us something meaningful to do together. It also reminds us how fortunate we are to still have each other."

- Fred

"Driving food to seniors is life changing. I love my seniors and worry about them when they don't answer the door. They all inspire me."

- Tom