our board
Shelly Bokman, Founder & Executive Director
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I'm Shelly Bokman, I have a Masters degree in Human Development. I opened my first preschool in 1979, and have worked in the early childhood education field all these years, I continue as co-owner of two preschool today. I was also co-founder and editor of Sacramento Parent Magazine for over 20 years. I have been a foster parent for the past 13 years. During that time, I saw the struggles young people went through when they aged-out of the system and learned of the frightening statistics including the vulnerability to human trafficking these youth faced. I want to make a difference in the outcomes for former foster and at-risk youth so I founded Blossom Place. Creating safe, comfortable homes and walking alongside young women as they transition to thriving adults is a challenge I thoroughly enjoy. |
Rachele Scott, Secretary
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I'm Rachele Scott, a Senior Financial Analyst with more than 15 years of experience working alongside leaders from a Fortune 200 transportation company, and an independent business owner. I hold a bachelors degree in Business Finance from Jackson State University and an MBA from Bellevue University with an emphasis in HR and MIS.
I continually challenge myself whether it be completing a half marathon, starting a business, or becoming a foster parent to teenaged girls. My passion for helping others is represented in every area of my life especially serving those less fortunate. I continually live by an honest, fair, and faith based creed to treat others the way God treats them, with love. |
Jody Summers, Fundraising Chair
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I'm Jody Summers and I've always had a heart for foster youth and young people. When the opportunity came to support Blossom Place I jumped at the chance. I love that the girls not only have a place to live, but to learn and grow with multiple pillars of support. My passions include Jesus, coffee, hot yoga, coffee, bubble baths, sunshine, lipgloss and coffee. Another great love and passion is holistic health. With a Bachelors in Dietetics and Food Science, Masters in Healthcare as well as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner I help people bridge the gap between mainstream medicine and holistic healing. When not spending time with my granddaughter, I am also a Placer County CASA and Placer County Community Chaplain.
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Roxanne Gibbens, Board Member
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My name is Roxanne Gibbens, I graduated from the University of Pacific with a BA of Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. I worked in Real Estate Construction finance for over 10 years, my last position as a VP at Bank of America. I was a member of the Junior League of San Jose where I developed a passion for fundraising. I've applied my fundraising skills to help several area non-profits. I am also the owner of boutique cottage food businesses, Spiced Artisan Nuts and Platters & Planks in the Bay Area. My passions are entertaining, traveling, and playing tennis. I bring my background in fundraising, entertaining, and building community to assist Blossom Place by identifying and achieving current and ongoing fundraising goals.
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RAkia Otoo, Board Member
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My name is Rakia Otoo. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. I obtained a Bachelors and Masters in Public Health I am currently working on my Doctorate in Health Sciences. I have a passion for helping others and truly believe it is my calling. From the age of 7 I had great mentors, and each one of them inspired my interest in mentoring children, teens, and young adults. I believe everyone has purpose and want to help others find theirs which is why I love my job as House Director for Blossom. My team here has truly become my extended family and care for the well-being of everyone who comes through our doors. Aside from mentoring, I am a Director of Volunteer Services and Community Outreach for a hospice company in Natomas.
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Lorena Argueta, Board Member
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My name is Lorena Argueta. I’m a former foster youth and a United States Navy Veteran. I am currently studying to become a social worker. My personal experience surviving trauma makes me uniquely qualified to be the Case Manager for Blossom. I can connect with and encourage our young women in a genuine, compassionate way because I have lived it myself. I am happy to be able to use all I’ve learned through my own struggles to help others overcome their challenges and live their best life. |
Cheryl foley, BOARD MEMBER
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Cheryl Foley here, I am a Sr Mortgage Loan Originator with a national mortgage company personally based in Auburn. I have lived and worked in the Auburn area for over 25 years. I am a native of California. I am a mom to two grown children and a grandmother to five beautiful grandchildren (including two sets of twins). I bring a business background with my primary goal being to help increase awareness and funding for an organization for which I have a tremendous heart. Blossom is closely aligned with my other passion Soroptimists. Both organizations focus on strengthening and enriching the lives of young women and girls. Educating and supporting a mom improves the whole family. Our goal is to do that one young woman at a time. Please join us in supporting them on their journey!
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Michelle Kopkash, BOARD MEMBER
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coming soon...
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our staff
Zekiya Otto, Mental Health Program Coordinator
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I am Zekiya Otoo. I was born and raised in Bronx, New York. I recently graduated with a double major in Health and Human Service and Psychology and a minor in African American Studies. I am now obtaining a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have spent a multitude of years mentoring and advising youth on their journey to adulthood; eventually, I fell in love with the helping profession. Just like everyone else on this team, my goal is to expose the beauties of life and how deserving we are of it. |
Larissa Gansberg, Program Assistant
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Coming Soon.
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