Our Board of Directors
Better Choices, Inc./Ready for Life's board of directors is composed of highly-experienced and capable individuals who deeply care about foster children and families.
Lonnie Julius Martin, M.A., (President) Lonnie has her Masters in Psychology/Counseling where she has become familiar with assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, Medi Cal billing, and family therapy. In addition, she has experience as a Marriage and Family therapist providing one-on-one counseling services for clients and working in the field of school-based counseling where she worked with at-risk youth age 5-18.
Lonnie is married to Guy and they have a son. In her spare time, she enjoys all the nuances of motherhood along with spending time traveling. She has had the privilege of traveling to 22 countries and 19 states. Of the things she has experienced, Lonnie says that investing in the life of people is her greatest joy. Her warm and fun personality makes everyone feel welcome. Previously, she worked for several local foster family agencies serving in various capacities and has a strong understanding of the service population and programs and services for foster youth including transitional housing, family visitation, Independent Living Program, and Intensive Treatment Foster Care services.
Lonnie joined the Board for Ready for Life because she believes in the mission, vision, and values. “I love the heart and leadership of Nena, CEO/Administrator, and stand behind her 100%. I adopted my child and therefore adoptions and child welfare are a passion of mine.” I have been on the board since July 2015 and became the board chair in late 2018.
Nena Panza, Chief Executive Officer (Advisory Member) for Ready for Life Foster Family Agency, has more than 30 years experience in foster family agency management and administration. In addition, she was a foster parent for ten years and had more than thirty children, ages 18 months to 18 years live in her home. Her vision is to see foster children be socially, vocationally and spiritually Ready for Life. She is dedicated to seeing children succeed and be responsible young adults.
Ray Holden recently started an employment opportunity with Interstate oil. Ray graduated Shasta College in 2019 with a certificate in Ag. Equipment operations and maintenance. Ray grew up in the foster care system and has had to overcome hurdles in his life to become successful. He is the father of 2 girls and 2 boys.
“As a child that grew up in many foster homes. I hope to bring new insight to the table from someone who has been there before. I am so grateful to be a part of Ready for Life Foster Family Agency board, spreading hope to children and families in the surrounding areas.”
Ken Iwamura and his wife have been residents of Redding since 2014 and have two grown boys. He received his BS from CSU Fresno and works for the City of Redding Public Works Department. He also currently serves on the board of the California Land Surveyors Association Cascade Chapter and the Boys Scouts of America Northern Rivers District.
Devin Ketel was born and raised in the community served by Ready For Life. He has a deep-rooted connection to the mission of supporting foster youth and families. As a police officer, he works directly with individuals impacted by the child welfare system and has personally referred clients to the services provided by Ready For Life. I’ve seen the powerful, positive outcomes that result when youth and families are surrounded by consistent, proactive support. I’m honored to serve on the board and help advance the organization’s mission to empower and uplift those who need it most.
Megan Metz and her husband Daniel have three children. She received her BA in Psychology and MA in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. She works alongside her husband on investments in real estate after working in the non-profit sector for many years. Megan also currently serves as a board member of the Shasta Library Foundation.
Tyler Rowley works as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Redding, CA. Tyler has lived in Redding for over 20 years, and he is married to his wife Summer. They have one child together. Tyler is deeply committed to empowering youth in the community, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive and build meaningful futures."
IN MEMORIAM: Susan Guiton was a member of our Board of Directors since July of 2017. Her happy positive spirit, a heart for the children of Ready for Life, and fervent prayer for the children and families we serve will be remembered. At times she wouldn't be feeling well but still attended the meetings because she wanted to stay involved and hear about the kids. We will forever be grateful for her knowledge, positivity, smile, concern for our families and children, and her friendship on our board. She will be greatly missed!
