Board of Directors & Staff
Thomas Kelem
Board Chair
I moved to Chico about 3 years ago. LGBTQ community building has been a passion of mine for over 20 years.
In the Bay Area, I was involved in many LGBTQ community organizations. Being on the Board at Stonewall
has given me a great opportunity to help make great things happen in Chico. I think of Chico as the
LGBTQ'est city in the world and everyone I meet is LGBTQ until they prove themselves otherwise. I am a
licensed marriage family therapist and also on the Board of Chico Regional CAMFT. I believe in personal
growth and aspire to be the best me I can and I help others do the same.
Jillian Ruddell
Vice Chair
Jillian is a Senior at CSU, Chico, studying Multicultural & Gender Studies and Sexual Diversity. Jillian
has participated in activist work since her high school years and has continued to advocate for diversity
issues throughout her college career. She thrives on educating others, making an impact, and fighting for
social justice. When she isn’t at a rally, planning committee or special event, you may find her curled
up with her cat, Sirius, reading about LGBTQs in the news, or watching a horror flick. Jillian loves
stimulating conversations with friends, hugs, and high fives!
Tony Shafer
Secretary
Tony Shafer grew up in Southern California. At the age of 19, Tony enlisted into the U.S. Army where he
spent 4 years in Germany. After an honorable discharge, he returned to his job with AT&T. After 17 years
with AT&T, he left to become an IT Systems Engineer for a leading Fortune 500 company. Tony moved to
Chico in 2001 to be close to family and eventually formed many great friendships. Tony lives in Butte Creek
Canyon with his partner. Tony enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with many nieces, nephews,
and other close family. Tony has been a SAC BOD member for 3 years now and enjoys serving the community.
You may contact Tony at (530) 864-0429.
Cristian Monarrez
Treasurer
Cristian loves traveling with his husband of 8 years, Brandon, and exploring new places. They have 2 boxers,
Boston and Mali who partake in some of the adventures when they aren't being spoiled by grandma. He also
enjoys reading, trying new foods, and watching TV. He loves wine too. He hasn't met a wine he doesn't
enjoy. He is originally from Chicago, but went to school at Texas-El Paso and moved to Chico in May 2010.
Tray Robinson
Board Member
I was born in Los Angeles, but raised in Compton, California. I currently serve as the Director of
University Diversity Programs and Inclusion at Chico State University. My passion is working with people;
I enjoy learning about our differences and commonalities. GLBT issues are dear and important to my heart.
I maintain a commitment to fight for equality and contribute to various efforts to make our world a more
loving, kind, and inclusive place for future generations. You may contact me at (530) 521-4083.
Jessica Erdahl
Board Member
My name is Jessica Erdahl, and I am pleased to be a new member of the Stonewall Board of Directors. As a
longtime resident of Chico, I have been involved in a variety of community and volunteer organizations
including Soroptimist International of Chico and Habitat for Humanity. Contributing to and supporting the
Chico community is especially important to me and I look forward to the new opportunities and experiences
I will have as a part of Stonewall. Stonewall is a vital resource to the LGBTTQQIA population, and I am
excited to be a part of this organization. My hope is to be a resource and to assist with the continued
development of the organization by bring new and innovative ideas to the table.
Katrina Craton
Board Member
Katrina was born in Southern California and raised in Chico since 1995. She recently graduated from
C.O.R.E. Butte Charter School while concurrently enrolled at Butte Community College. She has been a
volunteer at the Chico Peace and Justice Center for a year and a half. She has been heavily involved with
Fair Trade, Counter-Recruitment, and the Peaceful Action newsletter. Katrina created and co-hosts the
Issues International program on KZFR (90.1 FM) community radio. Katrina is a full-time student at Butte
Community College and plans to transfer to U.C. Berkeley with the long term goal of working with the
United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits relating to peace and social
justice activism and human rights.
Maia Illa
Board Member
Maia became a board member of the SAC in June of 2011. She is local to Butte County and has lived in the
Chico community for almost 10 years. She works as a clinician at another local non-profit agency
providing school based mental health services for youth and their respective families. She relaxes by
volunteering at the 1078 Gallery, restoring her 1965 Mustang, spending time with her family and dogs,
listening to music, dancing, and traveling.
Ange Bledsoe-Briggs
PEI Program Coordinator
I moved to the Chico area in July 2011 with my partner, Lindsay. I’m a Chico State Geography student with a
focus on human/urban planning and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). When I’m not in class or at work,
I enjoy spending time outdoors with our five dogs, hanging out with friends, being a book worm, and cooking
different foods. I have three nephews who I absolutely adore. My passion is traveling and I visit West
Africa at least once a year to participate in international development. I will happily share any of my life
experiences with you. Stop by and say “hi” anytime!
Natalie Gregory
Youth Program Support
I am a young woman who is full of energy and passion for many things. I am a mother, daughter, sister, and
friend to many. I love to encourage people in my work and personal life to be the best they can be. I
have the hope they will return the sentiments. I have spent the last 20 years being a student of life and
the last 5 years serving in a peer support role to young people in mental health, juvenile justice, and
child welfare services. I believe that everyone has the capacity to love, be loved, and thrive. I want to
empower others to use their voice to be heard. I want universal equality.
Dan Whitehead-Regur
MSW Intern
Dan moved to Chico when he was a teenager and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School. He originally
grew up in the Monterey Bay area. Dan is currently studying to get his master’s degree in Social Work at
CSU, Chico. Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Chico State as well. When he’s not
playing with his two dogs, he enjoys art, music, swimming in the creek, and spending time with his
husband. Some of Dan’s passions include equality, understanding social problems, and creating change in
the world. You can reach Dan at (530) 518-3208.
Aydin Kennedy
Aydin is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work from California State University, Chico.
Through sharing his own personal experiences of being a transexual man, Aydin spends much of his time
doing community education and providing training to local colleges, businesses, and agencies about
systems of oppression as it relates to the transgender/transexual/gender non-conforming community. In
addition to his community education work, he facilitates the monthly Trans Stonewall meetings and
works with survivors of domestic violence and people with disordered eating. When Aydin isn't in the
classroom or speaking to groups of people he loves to spend time with his wife, Christia and their
two dogs Rylee and Olivia.