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 our clients and our 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 – Kamiko has more than 20 years of experience as a mental health services provider. As a Clinical Supervisor, she provides oversight, training, and supervision to MVCFS trainee’s, associates, and licensed clinicians. Kamiko also oversees MVCFS mental health service programming and service delivery.
“I have a passion for mental health in reducing stigma, ensuring access to mental health services, and providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed treatment. I enjoy working at MVCFS because it allows me to be a part of the healing process for the children and families in our care. I enjoy working with such a great and diverse staff with all of their various talents and gifts…”
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 contractors license. Brian feels that helping clients, along with other MVCFS staff, to have a safe, supportive family environment is the best part of his work. He gets much satisfaction from helping others to 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.
MICHELLE MILHOUS, Director of Human Resources – Michelle has worked for MVCFS since 1990. She began working in staffing support and later became the Director of Office Administration. She now serves on the Safety Committee and has recently been promoted to Director of Human Resources.
TARA SILAFAU, Program Director / Sacramento – Tara began working with Mountain Valley in 2008. She began on the graveyard shift and over the next 12 years of working at MVCFS, she has honed her leadership, communication, and education skills in many areas. Tara says that she feels fortunate to be able to share so many wonderful journeys with the MVCFS children, staff, and…animals too.
MICHELLE BONNER, Psy.D., LMFT, Program Director / Nevada City – Michelle has more than 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has been with MVCFS for more than 7 years. She was recently promoted to Program Director for the Nevada City Campus. Michelle is responsible for the overall operations of the campus, including the Mental Health Department, the Mountain Valley School, and Residential Care.
RENE VAN DER MEER, Program Manager / Nevada City – Rene was born and raised in the Netherlands and has worked and coached teenagers in Nevada County for nearly 20 years. He is a licensed soccer coach and has served on the Gold Country Soccer Board for five years as the Coach Coordinator for 120 coaches. He has worked at Mountain Valley for nearly ten years. Rene has also worked as a California State Humane Officer and has an array of experience with wildlife regulations and investigations.
MISTY JACKSON, B.S., House Administrator, Sacramento – Misty has spent her career working with community youth. She is a graduate of Sacramento State University where she majored in Criminal Justice. She began her professional career at the Sacramento Receiving Home. Over the years, she has developed her expertise in working with children, families, foster youth, and emergency placements. Since she began working at MVCFS, she has effectively been able to bring her commitment, dedication, and creativity to the young people in her care as House Administrator.
ANTOINETTE STALLWORTH, LMFT, Clinical Manager (Sacramento & Concord) – Antoinette has worked for MVCFS for 8 years. She started her tenure as a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and later worked as the Therapeutic Behavioral Services Coordinator. She is currently the Clinical Manager at the Sacramento and Concord facilities.
