Advisory Committee

The First 5 Sacramento Advisory Committee is tasked with providing technical and professional expertise to the First 5 Sacramento Commission. The role of the Advisory Committee is to advise the Commission on local issues impacting children ages 0-5 in Sacramento County. Duties include reviewing funding proposals and researching best practice models of programs.

Learn more about the Committee. 

Meeting Dates and Agendas

Meetings are scheduled for the second Friday of even months, except as noted, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at First 5 Sacramento, 2750 Gateway Oaks, Suite 330, Sacramento, CA 95833.​​​

The meetings are open to the public, and input is welcome.

  • ​February 20, 2026​
  • April 10, 2026
  • ​June 12, 2026
  • August 14, 2026
  • October 9, 2026​
  • ​November 13, 2026

 

Advisory Committee Members

The Committee comprises Commissioners and Advisory Committee Members.

Members

Javeed Ahmad
Immigrant Populations
E-mail: javeedahmad8538@gmail.c​om​​

Robin Blanks
Oral Health
E-mail: rblanksguster@yahoo.com

Kairis Chaiji
Lactation Consultant
E-mail: doula_in_heel​s@l​​ive.com​​​

Carolyn Curtis
Education & Early Care
E-mail: carolynrichcurtis@gmail.com

Junior Goris, Chair
Faith Community
E-mail: juniorgoris@me.com

Janea Hackett-Little
Nutrition
E-mail: Janeahackettlittle@gmail.com

Kesha Harris
Mental Health Advisory Board
E-mail: heartstreasure06@gmail.com

Heidi Keiser
Parents
E-mail: heidi.keiser@childaction.org

Maria Lopez
Childcare Provider/New Mother
E-mail: chayoscare@gmail.com​

Fatima Malik
New Parent
E-mail: rootcellarcommunity@gmail.com

Bukola Gbadamosi
Parks & Recreations
E-mail: bbgprotoco​l@yahoo.com

Jennifer Mohammed - Vice Chair
Preschool
E-mail: jennifershaista@gmail.com

Silvia Rodriguez, Chair
Mental Health Advisory Board
E-mail: silvia.rodriguez@pitzer.edu

Chase Smith
Public Health Advisory Board
E-mail: chase.smith235@gm​ail.com​

Tony Smith
Medical & Health Provider
E-mail: uniquesmith23@hotmail.com​

Linda Hernandez
Children with Special Needs
E-mail: linda@warmlinrfrc.org

Myel Thelen
Grandparents
E-mail: myelj@att.net

​Darsey Varnedoe
Health Plan Representative
E-mail: darsey.varnedoe@cahealthwellness.com

Darla Williams
Neighborhood Groups
E-mail: darlatheteacher@gmail.com

Walter Wyniarczuk
Foster Care
E-mail: walterwy​niarczuk@comcast.net​

Vacant Seats

Adult & Aging Commission
Alcohol & Drug Advisory
Children's Coalition
Disability Advisory Commission
Human Services Coordinating Council

First 5 Sacramento Commission Staff​

Julie Gallelo, Executive Director
(916) 876-5867
E-mail: galleloj@sac​county.gov

Lindsay Dunckel, Equity and Early Learning Manager
(916) 876-6683
Email: dunckell@saccounty​.gov

Maria Hammill, Administrative Services Officer I 
(916) 875-2945
Email: Hammillma@saccounty.gov