Gateway Staff Bios
Barbara Williams, MSW - Gateway Program Manager
I am from New York State and hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from UC Berkeley. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of aging, with over 20 years working in the non-profit sector here in the Bay Area. I am passionate about working at the community level with older adults because that's where I can make a strong human connection and make it count. In my free time, I enjoy the creative arts, baking and gardening. I live with my husband and dog Gracie.
Melissa Roman, CTRS, RTC - Gateway Planner
I have over 30 years of experience working with older adults and people with dementia in the Bay Area. I am a Nationally certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Adult Education Instructor. I am a compassionate advocate when working with people to enhance their quality of life and in finding innovative solutions to mitigate challenges. I am also a Matter of Balance Fall Prevention coach, an avid yoga participant and instructor, and travel whenever time allows.
Ron Nardinelli - Gateway Planner
I love working with people and have worked with many organizations including Family Survivor Project for Brain Damaged Adults, Veteran Employment and Veteran Advocacy, Florence Crittenton Services for Pregnant Teenagers, and the Family Services Agency of San Francisco. As a senior, I am acutely aware of the challenges that aging presents. I thoroughly enjoy the Gateway conversations where I can problem solve with other seniors and learn from them too. I have a B.S. in Human Relations and Organizational Behaviors and am a Licensed Psychiatric Technician. I also graduated from the California Culinary Academy and am a retired chef. I enjoy cooking and playing Pickleball with my six year old granddaughter.
Juliette Blake - Gateway Planner
I became a Gateway Planner in July, 2019. Before that, I worked in the Berkeley Senior Centers as a member and volunteer since 2002. I have been a member of the Advisory Council since 2009. I work diligently to advocate for seniors by being caring and patient, going on outings as a chaperone, and helping where needed. At my local church I also work with senior members to identify and address their needs and especially as an advocate for healthcare coverage. I am a graduate of University of Phoenix 2005 with a B.S. in Business Administration. I live in Albany and I am the mother of two sons and have two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. I love working with seniors and children.