Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego


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Staff

Leadership

Charles Day

Charles E. Day

President & CEO

Chuck assumed leadership of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in December 2010. He came to the Ronald McDonald House with a wealth of experience in non-profit fund development and leadership, most recently his 15 years at Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center. He is active in the Kiwanis Club of San Diego, Estate Planning Council of San Diego and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where he received the 2009 Outstanding Development Professional Award. Chuck was named 2015 Most Admired CEO by San Diego Business Journal in the small nonprofit category. He is recognized for fostering a culture where volunteers, staff, and donors work together to meet the needs of the nearly 15,000 family members who come to us each year for a “home away from home” during their child’s hospitalization. Chuck is a Chula Vista native and has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands. 858-598-2420 CDay@rmhcsd.org

Nicole DeBerg

Chief Financial Officer

Nicole joined the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego team in March 2018 with extensive financial leadership and executive experience in various non-profit, for-profit and grant-funded organizations, including the J. Craig Venter Institute, the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, the San Diego Housing Commission, Altair Therapeutics and Kalysps, Inc. Nicole is a CPA and worked for the public accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche before starting her career in industry. She has further served many San Diego non-profit organizations as a board member and member of the finance or audit committee. Nicole is responsible for all financial management and planning at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. 858-598-2431 NDeBerg@rmhcsd.org

Oscar Gomez

Chief Operations Officer

Oscar joined RMHC-San Diego in October 2021. As COO, Oscar brings cross-functional teams together, providing leadership to House operations, guest services, staffing, organizational budgeting, and volunteer engagement. With 15 years of leadership and operational experience in government and non-profit sectors, Oscar currently serves on the steering committee for the Alliance for Regional Solutions. He has also served on various boards and commissions for anti-poverty programs, veteran services, child development, and 2gen initiatives. Oscar moved to San Diego from Northern California in 2005 when stationed on Camp Pendleton as a United States Marine. He enjoys spending time outdoors, especially camping and off-roading with his family. Oscar holds a master’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. 858-598-2429 ogomez@rmhcsd.org

photo of Mindy Collins

Melinda “Mindy” Collins

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Mindy joined us in 2017 with a strong background in marketing and public relations and a wealth of fundraising, event planning and leadership experience, including 11 years at Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. Since moving to San Diego in 2000, she has volunteered and served on 30 boards and sub-committees. Mindy is a native of northern Michigan and enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, camping, and spending time with her family. 858-598-2402  mcollins@rmhcsd.org

House & Guest Services

Edward Alvarez

Facilities Manager

Edward Alvarez assumed the role of Facilities Manager at RMHC-SD in December 2022. He oversees the daily operations of the house and provides maintenance assistance to families and our in-house team. Edward brings more than 17 years of experience in facilities management, including apartment complexes, hotels, and housing. Edward takes joy in bringing light to the house through his work, especially seeing families and team members leave with smiles on their faces. In his free time, Edward can be found with family enjoying the outdoors.

Gabriela Farias

House Manager

As House Manager, Gabriela ensures the House is organized, clean and ready for visitors, and she oversees guest services to make sure families have everything they need during their stay. Gabriela was a political science major at San Francisco State University and holds an MPA from Guadalajara, Mexico. She has a strong passion for social work and volunteers at local food banks. Her hobbies include hiking, taking her son surfing at local beaches, and playing with her ten dogs.

Ivana Ramirez

House & Guest Services Supervisor

Ivana comes to RMHC San Diego with over 8 years’ experience in the service and hospitality industry. She focuses on supporting house and guest services, helping ensure guests have everything they may need to feel at home during their stay. Outside of work, Ivana volunteers at food banks and enjoys giving back to the community, as well as spending time with her dog and cat.  

Charlotte Reed

Charlotte Reed

House Services Supervisor

Charlotte joined us in 2019 and is responsible for managing evening operations for both the North House and Main House.  She also supports Guest Services so our families always have what they need, even during after hours.  Charlotte has many years of experience in the service and hospitality industry.  Outside of her busy job, she loves exploring and going on adventures with her son, as well as traveling and experiencing new cultures.

Volunteer Engagement & Meals Program

smiling woman

Micki Hickox

Volunteer Services Supervisor

Micki joined us in early 2022 with 17 years of experience engaging volunteers through nonprofit organizations, local government offices, and colleges and universities in the San Diego region. Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, she worked in technical publications and training, marketing, and human resources for the high-tech industry prior to moving to southern California. An avid swimmer and enthusiastic foodie, Micki is excited to foster a vibrant volunteer team to support House guests and operations. 858-598-2414 Volunteer@rmhcsd.org

 

Eric Guerrerro-Diaz

Eric Guerrerro-Diaz

Food Services Manager

Eric was born in Tijuana, Mexico and moved to San Diego in 2000. He started as a volunteer with us in 2013 and a short time later was hired to work at the House. He’s been working full time in the kitchen since 2015 and is proud to have graduated with a degree in culinary arts in 2020. He enjoys spending free time with his wife of 20 years and their four daughters. For Eric, cooking at our Ronald McDonald House feels like he’s cooking for family.

Community Engagement & Fundraising

Christina Jordan

Director of Individual Giving

Christina joined the House in 2022 with a strong background in and passion for the art, science, and business of philanthropy. For 17 years, Christina served Sharp HealthCare Foundation in many roles including a lead role in individual philanthropy for Sharp Mary Birch and Sharp Mesa Vista. Christina was raised in San Diego and has a passion for serving the community that gave her so much. As such, she serves her community as an active member of many boards. On weekends, Christina can be found cheering for her boys at basketball, football, and lacrosse games. Christina can be reached at cjordan@rmhcsd.org at 858.598.2461.

Allegra Sonza

Allegra Sonza Gratianne

Philanthropy Officer

Allegra began working closely with our guests in 2013 as our Family Care Coordinator. Since 2015, she has been facilitating activities to engage donors in the life-changing care of families at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. Allegra was born and raised in El Centro, California, and maintains close connections in both San Diego and Imperial Valley. 858-598-2417 ASonza@rmhcsd.org

Kim Mercado

Director of Corporate and Community Philanthropy

Kim Mercado joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in February 2023 with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit events, marketing, and fundraising. Some of her experience includes producing galas, festivals, award ceremonies, and conferences with an emphasis on partnering with businesses to raise awareness and funds for local nonprofits. Kim most recently led events and marketing initiatives at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. She is a University of California, Santa Barbara alumna and moved to San Diego in 2020. 858-598-2428  kmercado@rmhcsd.org

 

Halle Aiken

Halle Aiken

Corporate & Community Philanthropy Officer

Halle facilitates corporate and community group engagement events at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. A San Diego native, Halle received her bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University while being a part of the Division I volleyball team. 858-598-2447

Kaylee Bosse

Corporate and Community Philanthropy Coordinator

Kaylee joined the Corporate and Community Philanthropy team in March 2023 to assist with annual events, grow philanthropic revenue, and provide administrative support. Kaylee previously worked at A Step Beyond, a nonprofit after-school dance program for underserved youth, and at Home Base, where she planned fun family events for veterans healing from the invisible wounds of war. A San Diego native, she earned B.A. degrees in English and Dance from Gonzaga University. 858-380-5222 kbosse@rmhcsd.org

Diana Witte

Diana Witte

Philanthropy Coordinator

Originally from Chicago, Diana started with us as an event volunteer. Since 2014, she has supported a range of events including golf and Red Shoe Day. She now manages online fundraising tools and assists individuals and groups in using them in support of our family care programs. Diana enjoys visiting her sons at college, live music, and hiking with her dog.  858-598-2421 DWitte@rmhcsd.org

Carly Harty

Carly Harty

Digital Media Coordinator & Graphic Designer

Since 2017, Carly has held roles with RMHC San Diego in marketing and corporate and community philanthropy. Since 2019, she has managed the House’s social media platforms and now also provides graphic design support for its special events. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Carly first engaged with Ronald McDonald Houses when she was in middle school. She enjoys cooking, crafting and keeping up with her toddler.

Beth van Eetveldt

Campaign Director

Beth van Eetveldt joined the Ronald McDonald House team in 2015 with a focus on growing the organization’s major gift program. A San Diego native with a master’s degree in organizational leadership, Beth brings a wealth of experience gained through 20 years of working in the nonprofit sector. Beth is passionate about building sustainable sources of support and care for families and children in need. 858-598-2435  beth@rmhcsd.org

Grants, Board & Donor Communications

Marcy Rodin

Marcy Rodin

Director of Grants and Publications

Marcy develops funding proposals and manages a range of communications including From the Heart magazine, e-newsletters, and this website. Marcy is a Minnesota native and Boston transplant. She joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego shortly after it opened its expanded facility in 2009. She has been striving to promote its mission ever since. 858-598-2432

Alternative Media & Raffle Programs

Thien Giang

Thien Giang

Director of Multimedia & Alternative Resources

Thien fosters community connections on social media and manages the logistics and promotion of our raffle fundraisers. Thien is an avid golfer and rabid supporter of all things Cal Bears.

Brittany La Flam

Development & Alternative Resources Coordinator

Brittany joined our team in January 2022 to support event fundraisers, including raffles. She is a San Diego native, leaving briefly to earn her bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Brittany performed alto saxophone as a member of the Cal Band and continues to enjoy all things creative including painting and music.

Accounting, Administration & Database

Heather Hocking

Heather Hocking

Senior Accountant

Heather is a San Diego native who received her bachelor of science from San Diego State University in business administration with emphasis in accounting. She began working with Ronald McDonald House families in 2014 as a front desk volunteer. She then transitioned to volunteering in the accounting department, and in 2016 she became our senior accountant. 858-598-2457

Ken Tran

CRM Coordinator

Ken is a San Diego native who started as a Database Assistant with Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in 2022 and has since been promoted to CRM Coordinator. He collaborates with various teams to ensure accurate recording, acknowledgment, and reporting of contributions. In his free time, Ken is an avid car enthusiast and enjoys exploring graphic design and learning new skills.

Alicia McGee

Accounting and HR Assistant

Alicia joined RMHC-SD December of 2022 after moving from Seattle, WA. She started here as an Executive Assistant for our CFO and COO, and was quickly promoted to our Accounting and HR Assistant after discovering a strong interest in finance. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Krista Traxinger

Data Manager

Krista joined Ronald McDonald House in 2022 believing that the best investment one can make is an investment in their community. Originally from New Jersey, Krista moved to San Diego in 2013 to attend UCSD where she facilitated clinical research, and, in early 2016, obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. With over eight years of data management and social, emotional, and behavioral service provision experience, Krista serves as the House’s system administrator and data-driven quality improvement pioneer.

Volunteer Be Our Guest Give

Events & Ways to Help

Red Shoe Day: Give Today!
May 24, 2023
Red Shoe Day: Give Today!
Nov 1, 2022 Snacks Needed Between Meal Services
Mar 27, 2023 Support our Day Visitors
Mar 27, 2023 Host a Holiday Activity
Jul 22, 2023 Ride for a Cause
Sep 18, 2023 32nd Golf Invitational
See All Events

Around The House

Celebrating our RMCHSD Volunteers
Celebrating our RMCHSD Volunteers

We were excited to celebrate our incredible Ronald McDonald House volunteers in April! Vol …

2022 at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House
2022 at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House

Thank you to everyone who gave and volunteered their time in 2022 to help our San Diego Ro …

New Cargo Van Supports Meals for Families
New Cargo Van Supports Meals for Families

Families caring for hospitalized children may come to our House for complimentary breakfas …

See All News

Stories From Our Families

A New Chance at Life
A New Chance at Life
Together from Day One
Together from Day One
Emma Joy’s Journey
Emma Joy’s Journey
Declan’s Crew
Declan’s Crew
Together with Valeria
Together with Valeria
Cheering for Kayla
Cheering for Kayla
See More Stories

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Wells Fargo

Helix Electric

Bama

Brady SoCal, Inc.

Signature Flight Support

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Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego
2929 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123

©RMHC.
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.