Board Member Bios
MEET YOUR SONA VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS
Geoff Black, President: Geoff and his wife Jodi Black have enjoyed Sierra Oaks for 15 years with their twin daughters. Geoff operates as the SONA President working on various projects and as a sounding board and advocate for the group. By day Geoff has been a mortgage lender for 16 years serving the greater Sacramento area. His favorite things about Sierra Oaks are the friendly people, walkability, access to the American River Bike Trail, and the holiday celebrations from the 4th of July to Halloween and beyond.
Ian Barlow, Vice President: Ian and his wife, Kirsten, moved to the Sierra Oaks neighborhood (Morley Way) approximately six years ago. Their two sons, Myles and Bennett, attend school at Sierra Oaks K-8 and Ian works as an attorney at an office located in the Sierra Oaks community. He is pleased to have the opportunity to serve on SONA's Board and to help contribute to the neighborhood, including by facilitating community services, events, and connections among our schools, families, and neighbors. 
Todd Aquilina, Treasurer: Todd has lived in Sierra Oaks since 2011 with his wife Jennifer and two sons Eli and Noah. He’s served on the SONA board since 2018 and is responsible for the over-site of the organization's finances. Todd loves the strong sense of community in Sierra Oaks. From school to sports to strong connections with neighbors, Todd and his family are proud to be part of such a great neighborhood. 
Juanell Hefner, Public Safety & Patrols: Juanell has lived in Sierra Oaks for 2 years. As a native of Sacramento, she has been enjoying the American River Parkway for many years and continues to do so with her mini poodle Gracie. Gracie is a champion kayaker! Juanell’s favorite things about the neighborhood are the people in the community and the easy access to many restaurants, and stores.
Jacqueline Gage, Membership: Jacqueline grew up in the Sierra Oaks neighborhood, and was just recently able to return to her roots when she and her husband Chad bought a house in the neighborhood last summer. By day Jacqueline is a realtor serving the various neighborhoods of Sacramento, and educating people through her youtube channel Living in Sacramento. She is excited to help build the membership of SONA while getting to know more people in the community. Her favorite things about Sierra Oaks include the close proximity to the river and the California Ranch and Mid-Century style architecture.
Rob Sandman, Flood Safety: Rob has lived in Sierra Oaks for 17 years with Ali, his wife, and two teenage children. This is his first year on the SONA Board after previously serving on the Sierra Oaks Soccer Board and Sierra Oaks School PTA. Rob's focus is flooding and neighborhood safety, working with the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency and the County of Sacramento on those issues. Rob and Ali love Sierra Oaks for the warm and welcoming environment, excellent schools, easy access to stores and restaurants, and fun walks with their two dogs, Skippy and Kona.
Darcey Schmelzer, Events: Darcey, her husband, and two sons enjoy the Sierra Oaks neighborhood. She can often be found organizing events and bringing her neighbors together. In her free time, Darcey and her family enjoy backpacking in our beautiful state!
Heather Ward, Communications: Heather has lived in Sierra Oaks since 2011 with her husband Steve and two children, Taylor and Dylan (both attend Sierra Oaks School). She can often be spotted along the parkway with the family's two dogs or chatting with neighbors when walking the kids home from school. As a marketing professional, she is looking forward to helping SONA stay in touch with its members. 
Steve Ward, Parks & River Parkway: Steve has lived in Sierra Oaks since 2011 with his wife Heather and two children, Taylor and Dylan (both attend Sierra Oaks School). He enjoys working with SONA members/residents regarding our neighborhood parks and American River Parkway. Steve and his family are grateful to have such wonderful amenities available within close proximity to home! Bike ride to Folsom anyone?
Sarina Fat, Member at Large: Sarina has lived in Sierra Oaks for 14 years with her husband and their three children. She has been serving as a SONA Volunteer for several years and is excited to be a part of the positive progress that has been made by the SONA Board in recent years. Sarina’s husband was raised in Sierra Oaks and has fond memories of growing up in this community and she would like the same for her children. Her family enjoys spending time with their neighborhood friends and walking their family dog along the safe and beautiful tree-lined streets. 
Wendy Hall, Member at Large: Wendy has lived in the Sierra Oaks neighborhood for 24 years with her two daughters and believes there is no better neighborhood in Sacramento to live and raise children. Her favorite things about Sierra Oaks are its sense of community, safety, good schools, and offers great proximity to downtown, the river, local restaurants, and shopping. Her family enjoys visiting with neighbors and walking their adopted Labrador around the neighborhood or to the river.