Our Board of Directors
Better Choices, Inc./Ready for Life's board of directors is composed of highly-experienced and capable individuals who deeply care about foster children and families.
Lonnie Julius Martin, M.A., (President) works and is part owner at the Railroad Park
RV and Resort along with her husband, Guy and son. This new adventure in her life started after working at MD Imaging in the Marketing and Business Development Department. Lonnie also has her Masters in Psychology/Counseling where she has become familiar with assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, MediCal billing, and family therapy. In addition, she has experience as a Marriage and Family therapist providing one-on-one counseling services for clients and working in the field of school-based counseling where she worked with at-risk youth age 5-18.
Lonnie is the proud mother of a son. In her spare time, she enjoys all the nuances of motherhood along with spending time traveling. She has had the privilege of traveling to 22 countries and 19 states. Of the things she has experienced, Lonnie says that investing in the life of people is her greatest joy. Her warm and fun personality makes everyone feel welcome. Previously, she worked for several local foster family agencies serving in various capacities and has a strong understanding of the service population and programs and services for foster youth including transitional housing, family visitation, Independent Living Program, and Intensive Treatment Foster Care services.
Lonnie joined the Board for Ready for Life because she believes in the mission, vision, and values. “I love the heart and leadership of Nena, CEO/Administrator, and stand behind her 100%. I adopted my child and therefore adoptions and child welfare are a passion of mine.” I have been on the board since July 2015 and became the board chair in late 2018.
Nena Panza, Chief Executive Officer (Advisory Member) for Ready for Life Foster Family Agency, has more than 20 years experience in foster family agency management and administration. In addition, she was a foster parent for ten years and had more than thirty children, ages 18 months to 18 years live in her home. Her vision is to see foster children be socially, vocationally and spiritually Ready for Life. She is dedicated to seeing children succeed and be responsible young adults.
Stephanie McCollum is the Executive Assistant to the Public Works Director at the City of Redding. Stephanie has been with the City for 15 years and enjoys serving the community as related to Public Works projects and RABA.
Stephanie has been married to her husband, Steve, for 32 years. They have two grown children and one grand child. Being a grandparent really is the best thing!
I joined the Ready for Life Board because I believe in the mission and values they profess. I believe in promoting the best welfare of children and providing enrichment through proper placement of children in loving nurturing environment. I am excited to be a part of something so beneficial to our community and the children in which they serve.
Ray Holden recently started an employment opportunity with Interstate oil. Ray graduated Shasta College in 2019 with a certificate in Ag. Equipment operations and maintenance. Ray grew up in the foster care system and has had to overcome hurdles in his life to become successful. He is the father of 2 girls and 2 boys.
“As a child that grew up in many foster homes. I hope to bring new insight to the table from someone who has been there before. I am so grateful to be a part of Ready for Life Foster Family Agency board, spreading hope to children and families in the surrounding areas.”
Susie Baugh is an Anderson native, an Anderson High School graduate, and currently serves on the City Council. She is a small business owner, has been very active in assorted school committees, was the vice-chair while on the Anderson Planning Commission, and a member of the Anderson Chamber of Commerce. Susie is co-founder of the Anderson Community Garden which supplies tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to food banks, seniors and those in need throughout the South County at no cost. She currently serves as the Director of Women’s Ministries at Anderson Community Church, and is a mentor for junior and senior high school girls. Susie joined the Ready for Life Foster Family Agency Board in 2020. She and her husband, Les, were licensed foster parents for many years and adopted their youngest daughter from foster care.
Ken Iwamura and his wife have been residents of Redding since 2014 and have two grown boys. He received his BS from CSU Fresno and works for the City of Redding Public Works Department. He also currently serves on the board of the California Land Surveyors Association Cascade Chapter and the Boys Scouts of America Northern Rivers District.
Joseph Labbe and his wife have two boys, whom were adopted through foster care. He is currently employed by the Redding Police Department, where he has served in various capacities since 2007. He brings with him not only his experiences as a foster and adoptive parent: but also professional experience working with vulnerable populations in his law enforcement assignments. He serves on the fundraising committee for Pathways to Hope for Children and has also been a staff member for Camp Hope. When he is not working Joseph enjoys the outdoors including camping and fishing. Joseph joined the Ready for Life board in September of 2022.
IN MEMORIAM: Susan Guiton was a member of our Board of Directors since July of 2017. Her happy positive spirit, a heart for the children of Ready for Life, and fervent prayer for the children and families we serve will be remembered. At times she wouldn't be feeling well but still attended the meetings because she wanted to stay involved and hear about the kids. We will forever be grateful for her knowledge, positivity, smile, concern for our families and children, and her friendship on our board. She will be greatly missed!
