JANET MILHOUS, Founder, Director of Business Administration – Janet is one of the five founders of Mountain Valley Child and Family Services (MVCFS).
She has filled many roles at MVCFS in her many years of work and service. “We strive to always provide a home-like setting for all of our clients and staff. We do our best to make everyone feel safe, cared for, motivated to learn, to love themselves, treat others with respect, and to have a place to call home.”
KAMIKO LUCAS, LMFT, Senior Program Director / Nevada City (Ranch), Sacramento & Concord – Kamiko has more than 26 years of experience in mental health and residential treatment. She started as a Clinician/Clinical Supervisor, was promoted to Therapeutic Behavioral Services Coordinator and director, and is now the Senior Program Director. Kamiko is a certified Group Home and STRTP Administrator. As Senior Program Director, Kamiko is responsible for the overall operations of the campus, including the Mental Health Department, the Mountain Valley School, Residential Care, and Community Based Services. Kamiko oversees all Residential/School program admissions as well.
TERESA PETRIE, Director of Contracts – Teresa was born and raised on the Nevada City ranch. She officially joined the MVCFS staff in 1988. She has spent her life and career working with children and has held many positions at Mountain Valley from kitchen crew to administrative positions over 30 years. The growth and expansion of Mountain Valley have provided Teresa with increasing opportunities to put her education and skills in Business Administration to excellent use.
BRIAN MILHOUS, Director of Operations/Facilities (U/R) – Brian moved to Nevada County in the l960’s along with other members of the Milhous family and was raised on the Nevada City ranch. He was attracted early on to the maintenance side of the business and holds a Class B contractor license. Brian feels that along with other MVCFS staff, helping clients to have a safe, supportive family environment is the best part of his work. He gets much satisfaction from helping others redirect their lives for more self-reliance and a better future.
AL PETRIE, PH.D., Director of Program Development – Al is a graduate of the University of California. He has been with Mountain Valley since 2007. He began his career as a mental health worker in the Outdoor Program. He later worked as the Outdoor Coordinator and Mental Health Worker Supervisor. Al has been the Director of Program Development since 2015.
RUTH ZILCH, Director of Schools, School Principal, Sacramento & Nevada City. Ruth attended California State University in Sacramento where she majored in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Science. She also received an Education Specialist credential for Mild to Moderate disabilities from Brandman University.
Ruth began her teaching career as a Substitute Teacher at Pleasant Ridge School District before transitioning full-time to Mountain Valley Academy where she integrates science concepts with outdoor activities. Her students are always the first to make name signs in the woodshop and start beans and tomatoes in the garden.
Her commitment to students at Mountain Valley evolved into the administrative role she holds today as Director of Schools. Her strategy is to apply what she has learned to help mentor MV teachers. Her core belief is that a strong administrative staff is the foundation of an effective school.
TARA SILAFAU, Program Director / Nevada City (Ranch) & Sacramento – Tara has more than 15 years of experience in residential treatment. Tara began on the graveyard shift and was promoted to Supervisor and Program Manager. She is currently the Program Director. Tara is a certified STRTP Administrator and is responsible for overseeing the Residential Treatment Programs in Sacramento and Nevada City (Ranch).
MISTY JACKSON, B.S., Program Manager, Sacramento – Misty has over 17 years of experience in residential treatment. Misty started as a House Supervisor and was promoted to her current position as Program Manager. Misty is a Certified STRTP Administrator and is responsible for overseeing the Sacramento Residential Program.
ANTOINETTE STALLWORTH, LMFT, Clinical Manager (Concord) – Antoinette has over 10 years of experience in the mental health/residential field. She started her tenure with MVCFS as an MFT trainee and served as a clinician in our residential program. Antoinette was later promoted to Therapeutic Behavioral Services Coordinator (TBS). She is now Clinical Program Manager for community-based services in Concord, California. She oversees the Concord TBS Program along with our community-based therapeutic services.
