Sharon Martin

VP, Marketing

Sharon, a third-generation San Josean, holds a bachelors degree from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont and did her masters research in empirical psychology at San Jose State University. In 2008, she retired after 23 years as a program … Read More

Hester O’Gara

Librarian

Hester was born in Northern Ireland, grew up in Pennsylvania, and studied fine arts at Queens College in New York. She has been employed in art, television and film production, and law. She has served in civic and philanthropic work, … Read More

Patricia Vucurevich

Office Manager

Patricia was born in Boston and earned a B.S. in Marketing from New Hampshire College. She and her husband Ted came to California in 1993. Patricia has taken classes at the Institute since 2006, and her two sons, Adam and … Read More

Joan Niemeier

Chief Financial Officer

Joan holds a B.S. in Business (Accounting) from San Jose State University, and earned her CPA Certificate in 1991. She has worked with (and taken classes at) the Institute since 2001. She is in the office on Fridays, assisting us … Read More

Denise Lesondak

Office Associate

Denise moved here from upstate NY in 1993, and became a California girl in one week!  She has worked mainly as a full-time homemaker, interspersed with various part-time administrative assistant and other positions, including being a volunteer EMT. She keeps … Read More

Michele McCarthy

Publications Specialist

Michele McCarthy’s professional background includes more than 30 years communications experience in all kinds of media, including 9 years focused on nonprofits. After completing her undergraduate degree, she earned three postgraduate certificates in publications creation, interactive media design, and social … Read More

Grace Fagalde

Accountant

Grace is retired from Stanford University, where she worked in the School of Medicine. She came on board as the accountant for the Institute, and is now looking forward to delving into her new position as Chief Financial Officer.