Our Team
Lonnie VanMeter, DSW-C, LSW, ASW
Founder and Board President of Building Bridges to Family Recovery
Lonnie VanMeter is the founder of Building Bridges to Family Recovery, a nonprofit rooted in the belief that healing from substance use begins with the family. A woman in recovery herself, Lonnie brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work with families in Humboldt County. She is a Doctor of Social Work candidate at California Baptist University (graduating August 2025), specializing in family bonding and addiction recovery in rural communities. Lonnie holds an MSW and BSW from Cal Poly Humboldt, a certificate in public health with UCSF and CPH, and multiple associate degrees from College of the Redwoods. Currently a LSW in Hawaii and an ASW in California, Lonnie has spent over 35 years serving her community through social work, advocacy, and outreach, particularly with Veterans and families facing addiction, trauma, and housing insecurity. Her mission is to interrupt cycles of intergenerational trauma by fostering recovery, family bonding, and healthier futures, while working to reduce ACEs scores and strengthen long-term outcomes. Lonnie is also a wife of nearly 30 years, a mom, a proud grandmother, and deeply committed to building a stronger, more connected Humboldt County for future generations.
Edward (Eddie) Castillo Sr. Treasurer Building Bridges to Family Recovery
Edward Castillo Sr. brings wisdom, humility, and a powerful testimony of transformation to his role at Building Bridges to Family Recovery. An Army veteran and retired professional from the cable and communications industry, Eddie also contributed his time and skills to Redwood National Parks, where he supported efforts to preserve the beauty and accessibility of one of Humboldt County’s most treasured landscapes. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Eddie is in long-term recovery from substance use and other addictions. He shares openly that his life was once chaotic and broken—until he encountered the love of God and found healing through recovery. Today, Eddie lives as a true new creation in recovery, committed to walking alongside others as they begin their own journey toward freedom and restoration. He serves as President of the Ezekiel’s Wheels Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, leading with faith, integrity, and a deep love for community outreach. A gifted drummer and percussionist, Eddie uses music to inspire and connect—believing strongly in its ability to heal hearts and lift spirits. As Treasurer of Building Bridges to Family Recovery, Eddie offers both financial stewardship and spiritual encouragement. His life is a testament to the power of faith, recovery, and second chances—and he’s passionate about helping individuals and families experience the same life-changing grace.
Stephanie Roberts Vice President Building Bridges to Family Recovery.
Stephanie Roberts brings over 20 years of dedication to the field of social work, deeply rooted in her lifelong connection to the Humboldt County community. Born and raised locally, Stephanie has committed her career to supporting individuals and families through compassionate care, advocacy, and empowerment. Her journey began at College of the Redwoods and continued at Humboldt State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work. She is currently completing her Master of Social Work at Walden University, further deepening her knowledge and expanding her impact in the field. Stephanie’s professional experience spans a wide range of services. She has worked as a lead counselor in a residential drug and alcohol treatment program, guided clients through recovery, and served as Executive Director for an Indigenous-centered nonprofit supporting mothers and children. Her work has also included serving individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities, always ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and support they need. With a heart for healing and a passion for community, Stephanie brings both leadership and lived commitment to Building Bridges Family Recovery. Whether working directly with families or shaping the direction of services, she remains focused on creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive
Kellie Jack, CPS, ITE, Grandma Programming Committee Officer
With over 20 years of experience in recovery and mental health, Kellie Jack is a trainer, advocate, and community organizer. She has worked extensively to support individuals and families, gaining firsthand insight into how both services—and the gaps in them—impact communities. As a passionate educator, Kellie has played a key role in training businesses, agencies, and Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) on the importance of mental health advocacy and recovery. Her commitment to building a thriving community is evident in her work, as she focuses on holistic, family-centered support. Dedicated to systemic change and grassroots advocacy, Kellie continues to lead initiatives that promote wellness, resilience, and stronger support networks for all. Joining this board allows her to help bridge critical community gaps through preventive strategies—ensuring families don’t just survive, but truly thrive.
Leticia Garcia
Founding Board Member Building Bridges to Family Recovery
Leticia Garcia is a proud mom, wife, and lifelong member of the Humboldt County community. Her passion for helping others is deeply personal and rooted in her own family’s journey through the struggles of addiction. With multiple loved ones impacted by substance use, Leticia's hope is to be part of the change she wishes to see, not just for her family, but for the entire community.
Leticia’s dream is to one day welcome her big sister home and witness her find lasting recovery. That vision fuels her dedication to helping build a strong, supportive environment where healing is possible for all families.
A graduate of Alder Grove Charter School and former student at Academy of the Redwoods, Leticia went on to attend College of the Redwoods. She also brings valuable experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities; a role that reflects her lifelong commitment to empathy, care, and inclusion.
Leticia is guided by love for her family and a belief that recovery is not only possible, but contagious. Through her work with Building Bridges to Family Recovery, she hopes to help more families find the healing and connection that has changed the course of her own.
Don Johnson CADC-III, M-RAS Finance Committee Officer
I am Don Johnson; I have lived in this community for a few decades. For some of those decades I took from the community as a homeless person with a heavy addiction issue. However, over the last 26 years I have been allowed to live in a home and free from active addiction due primarily to the fact that a good friend of mine and the community, Jim VanMeter, opened a safe place where people who had addiction issues could go and talk about life on its terms, where we were able to work out ways of living free. Recovery is in my heart and is my life. Without the people in this community, the recovery community within this community—I do not know where I would be, or if I would be. Without organizations like this—people like me could be lost.
Sally Stewart ASW, MSW Board Secretary Building Bridges to Family Recovery
I have worked in a variety of professions and capacities throughout my life, including traveling the US for 20 years as a military spouse, working as a cosmetologist, and serving as a school secretary. In my pursuit to increase my hireability and further my education, I earned an AA in Liberal Arts from Trident Technical College in SC, a BS in Human Services from Shorter University in GA, and a Master’s in Social Work from Cal Poly Humboldt, CA. My professional experience includes working as a counselor with individuals who have survived trauma, and I am deeply interested in learning more about the epigenetic factors that contribute to recovery and resilience. As a mother to three and a grandmother to four, I bring a strong sense of empathy and a holistic approach to my work. Currently, I am on family leave, caring for my elder mother, which has provided me with a renewed perspective on the importance of family, care, and resilience in all stages of life.
Raven McIntire Board Member Building Bridges to Family Recovery
Raven McIntire is a dedicated community advocate who brings integrity, leadership, and a strong sense of service to her role at Building Bridges to Family Recovery. A graduate of College of the Redwoods, she has built a foundation in public safety, crisis response, and community engagement, using her skills to promote safety, connection, and well-being throughout Humboldt County. Born and raised in the region, Raven has deep roots in the community and a personal investment in its future. She is especially passionate about reducing addiction rates and supporting families on their path to healing. Her lived experience and local insight give her a unique perspective on the challenges many families face—and the importance of meeting those challenges with empathy, support, and strong community networks. At Building Bridges to Family Recovery, Raven brings a thoughtful, compassionate presence to the board, contributing to the vision of holistic, family-centered care. She is proud to support an organization that values family connection and community resilience, and she remains committed to helping create more pathways to recovery, stability, and hope for those who call Humboldt County home.
Programming Committee Officer Charlie Hernandez
Pic and Bio coming soon