Leadership

Lindsey became Executive Director of Jodi House in February 2018. After earning her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2006, Lindsey began her career in the nonprofit sector at Gilda’s Club New York City, a worldwide cancer support community. She went on to attain her M.S. in Public Policy and Nonprofit Management from The New School in 2012, and after five long winters spent in New York City, Lindsey returned home to her sunny native Southern California in 2013. Lindsey is passionate about improving the health and outcomes of vulnerable and marginalized people and is thrilled to be the Executive Director of Jodi House, an organization doing such important work in the Santa Barbara community she loves.

Kelly was born and raised on the Central Coast before moving to Nashville, TN to earn her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at Belmont University. Upon graduating, Kelly worked as a staff writer for Sounds Like Nashville, a digital country music news publication. She returned to the Central Coast after two years and worked as a news producer for KSBY. Kelly has also worked in communications for Visit SLO CAL to promote tourism in San Luis Obispo County. Most recently, she worked in digital marketing for Hardy Diagnostics, a company specializing in microbiology manufacturing. Kelly is extremely excited about her new role with Jodi House and is passionate about helping people with brain injuries, as her mom and aunt both have been diagnosed with brain aneurysms. In her role at Jodi House, Kelly will lead marketing and communications efforts, manage special events, and assist with donor and foundation relations.

Megan Charney is a Northern California native, hailing from Napa Valley. She attended California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in viticulture. After working for a few years in the wine industry, she changed career paths and became a behavioral therapist for children on the autism spectrum. Megan heard about Jodi House and started volunteering in 2021 before becoming a case management intern in January 2022. Megan always enjoyed being able to sit in on classes with members, which led her to applying for the Program Specialist position.

Mikayla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and a Minor in Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2020. While in college, Mikayla was a passionate volunteer and active community member, often finding herself in various roles related to the mental health field. Mikayla helped create and lead the UCSB Cultural Ambassadors Program, where she served as a youth mentor and designed “global awareness” book bags to inspire curiosity of all cultures for K-12 students in Santa Barbara. Upon graduating, Mikayla found herself driven by helping others and worked as a Case Manager at a group home for survivors of human trafficking. After wanting to work with an adult population, Mikayla began working as the Case Manager for Jodi House. In her role at Jodi House, Mikayla provides one-on-one support and advocacy for members to reach individual goals. She is incredibly passionate about the mission of Jodi House and loves empowering members to reach their goals, whatever they may be.

Nicole Janikowski serves as Jodi House’s San Luis Obispo County Case Manager. Nicole has worked in the behavioral health field and non-profit sector for the past 16 years. Her diverse roles have included Residential Care Manager for individuals with developmental disabilities, Behavior Health Technician, Community Advocate, and Youth Engagement Specialist. She holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Practices and Integrated Care. She is passionate about helping others who are underserved.

Jennifer Martinez serves as Jodi House’s case manager in Ventura County, contracted through the Independent Living Resource Center. She has worked with, and for, people with all disabilities for the past eight years. Jennifer is proud of being born and raised in Military City, USA and it’s countless opportunities to befriend service men and women with TBI and PTSD; this ignited her passion for working with brain injury survivors to reach their maximum independence and self-sufficiency goals.

Manvir graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2019. During college, Manvir volunteered with PeerBuddies, an organization that focuses on socializing with individuals on the autism spectrum. Upon graduation, Manvir wanted to continue in a role where she could provide support to those in need. As Program Specialist at Jodi House, Manvir facilitates classes in the day program, coordinates instructors and volunteers, and provides direct support to members.