Our Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to help ensure the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term sustainability, while our experienced staff works directly with youth and families to deliver compassionate services and meaningful support. Together they help Youth & Family Programs empower young people, strengthen families, and create brighter futures for foster youth and families across Northern California.
Meet Our Team
Staff Contacts
The staff at Youth & Family Programs are passionate professionals committed to supporting foster youth, families, and community partners across Shasta, Tehama, and Butte Counties. Our team brings together decades of experience in social services, youth development, program management, and community advocacy.
Michelle Dahlgren
Executive Director
Over the past 12 years, I have dedicated my career to youth and family programs, driven by my lived experience as a former foster youth and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. What began as a personal mission to give back has grown into a profession grounded in compassion, resilience, and advocacy. Throughout my journey, I have continually expanded my knowledge to better serve those in care and their families. I take pride in consistently showing up for our agency, families, children, young adults and community partners, supporting them with empathy and unwavering dedication as they navigate their individual paths.
Cristina Sierra
HR / Business Manager
I’ve been with Youth and Family Programs for 10 years and currently serve as the HR Manager and Business Manager. In my role, I help support our staff and oversee daily business operations to keep our programs running smoothly. I enjoy being part of a team that works hard to support youth and families in our community. It’s rewarding to contribute to work that makes a positive difference.
Stephanie Barrett
Foster Care Program Manager
I am Stephanie Barrett, a Program Manager for the foster care unit. I was a foster parent for fifteen years and had the incredible blessing of adopting my children through this agency. For the past 12 years, I have worked as a Social Worker and am currently serving as a Program Manager. My passion is supporting resource parents, honoring birth families, advocating for safe reunification, and recruiting foster parents. My desire is that every child who enters care, can experience the safety and stability of a nurturing home while permanency is pursued.
Kari Barron
Foster Care and Transitional Housing Program Manager
I have worked in various roles at Youth and Family Programs for 23 years. I currently serve as the program manager for foster care and transitional housing in the Chico Office. I became a social worker to advocate for those who feel unseen and unheard. Everyone deserves someone in their corner to empower them and provide some of the tools to transform their own lives.
Carrie Graves
Transitional Housing Program Manager
I work with Youth and Family Programs because they share my commitment to walking alongside youth as they build stable, independent futures. I’ve been with the organization for six years, starting as a Transitional Housing Case Manager and now serving as the Transitional Housing Program Manager in Shasta County. I oversee program operations, support our staff, and help ensure our non-minor dependents have stable housing and guidance. I chose to work with teenagers because these years are critical, and I value being a steady, supportive presence as they move toward independence.
Colby Lee
Family Visitation Center Program Manager
My name is Colby Lee and I started with YFP in 2016 as a TH social worker. I moved to the Family Center in 2017 as the Program Manager. I got into this profession to help restore and empower individuals and families to be the best they can be.
Valerie Hartley
Shasta County ILP Coordinator
With 19 years of dedicated service, I serve as an ILP (Independent Living Program) Coordinator supporting foster youth as they prepare for adulthood. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with young people to help them build essential life skills, pursue education and career goals, and develop the confidence needed to thrive independently. I love my job because I get to witness resilience in action. Every day, I have the privilege of empowering youth to recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and create brighter futures for themselves. Being part of their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency is both meaningful and deeply rewarding.
Aireanna Reposa
Butte County ILP Coordinator
I am Aireanna Reposa and my role is the Butte County ILP Coordinator. Myself and my team of caseworkers work diligently to connect current and former-foster youth with the individualized services, resources and supports they are eligible to receive. Our program services adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 21 years old with additional aftercare services following progression from the ILP program. We aim to meet our youth where they are and scaffold them to where they want to be. Our youth deserve good things, and I want to be one of the good things they encounter along their path.
Janine LoBue
Tehama County ILP Coordinator
I have served as the independent living coordinator for the past five years, dedicating my work to empowering and supporting foster youth as they transition into adulthood. With a deep passion for service, I enjoy showing up every day to provide guidance, life-skills education, and mentorship to young people who are building independence and navigating their futures.
Kristin Durflinger
Redding Office Manager
I have been part of Youth and Family for a combined total of nearly six years. I began as a Visit Supervisor, later returned as support staff, and now serve as the Office Manager. Throughout my time with the agency, I have appreciated the respect and care shown to the children, families, and staff. The strong sense of support for everyone who walks through the doors is what makes me so happy to be here.
Rachelle Gillespie
Chico Office Manager
Since joining Youth and Family in January 2026, I have been passionate about supporting foster children and foster parents throughout our community. As the Office Manager at the Chico location, I supervise support staff, oversee incoming donations, and coordinate local community events. I am dedicated to strengthening connections and creating meaningful support systems for the families Youth and Family serves.
Meet Our Leadership
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Youth & Family Programs provides strategic guidance and leadership to ensure the organization continues to serve foster youth and families throughout Shasta, Tehama, and Butte Counties. Board members help uphold the mission, vision, and long-term sustainability of Youth & Family Programs while supporting the work of staff who deliver services directly to youth and families.
Michelle Dahlgren
Director
Cristina Sierra
Board Secretary
Kasey Stewart
Vice Chair
Daniel Lewandowski
Treasurer
Linda Lafferty
Chairperson
Eve Nash
Board Member
Casey Freeland
Board Member
How Can We Support You?
If you have questions about foster care services, becoming a foster parent, or ways you can support Youth & Family Programs, we would love to hear from you.