Nena has more than 20 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.

Nena Panza

Chief Executive Office

Megan has over twelve years experience in the foster care system. She began her time at Ready for Life as Administrative Assistant, later becoming a Support Counselor where she worked with a number of Intensive Treatment Foster Children and now works as Administrator and Supervising Social Worker. Megan recently started the Host Homes program, which serves housing unstable young adults (ages 18-24) in Shasta County. Megan graduated from Chico State where she received Master's in Social Work. Megan is passionate about the children and families of Ready for Life and has devoted her life’s work to loving and supporting them. She joined the Ready for Life family in 2008.

Megan Preller, M. S. W.

Executive Director

Karin joined the Ready for Life team in 2025. She has over 10 years of experience in non-profit operations, programming and development management. Karin has her Master’s from Cal State Northridge and she moved to Yosemite National Park for work, where she met her husband. She is excited to bring her experience to the Ready for Life team!

Karin O’Coy

Operations Manager

Shelly joined the Ready For Life team in 2024. She is dedicated to providing resources, support, and a safe space for the guests in our Host Home Program.

Shelly Halverson

Host Homes Manager

Adele joined the Ready for Life family in 2021. She has been married to her husband, a physical therapist, for 29 years and a stay at home mom for 22 years. She has been very active in church and volunteered in childcare and women's ministry. She also volunteered and worked part time at a private Christian school. She enjoys the outdoors (gardening, camping, hiking, boating) and loves cooking and redecorating spaces. She is excited to be a part of the RFL team!

Adele Earle

Administrative Assistant & Records Coordinator

Sean joined the Ready for Life Team in 2023. He is dedicated to serving the youth who visit our Resource Center. Sean assists the team by providing the visitors with valuable resources, and creating a safe, welcoming space for them to spend time.

Sean Griffiths

Resource Center Coordinator

Meet Our Team