About Us - Far Northern Regional Center

Far Northern Regional Center will provide services and supports that allows persons with developmental disabilities to live productive lives as welcomed members of their community.

The Board

The Far Northern Coordinating Council (FNCC) on Developmental Disabilities Board of Directors is comprised of members who participate in mapping the course and developing goals for Far Northern Regional Center. The Board is challenged to provide the Executive Director and staff with advice regarding the agency’s policies and procedures and the services it provides. The Board works to develop policies to ensure the organization meets its mandate and mission. The Board is also responsible for hiring and evaluating the Executive Director.

Board Documents

Board Application: ENG – ESP
Board Committees
Board Philosophy

Board Info

The next FNCC Board meeting is scheduled for March 27th via conference call (more details in board packet). You can download the current board packet here (updated 3/19/20)

Board Members

Colleen Ryberg

Trinity County

Ms. Ryberg served on the Board several years ago. She is retired as a former Administrative Assistant at the Trinity County Office of Education. Ms. Ryberg has also worked as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician at Sonoma State Developmental Disabilities Center; she was the Coordinator for Trinity County Youth Services; and she worked as a Para-Professional in the schools in Trinity County. Her hobbies include pottery, babysitting her grandchildren, taking walks to the river, and doing yoga.

William Battles

People First

Mr. Battles represents People First on the Board of Directors.

Kathryn McCreary

Glenn County

Ms. McCreary is a retired special education teacher. She was an SDC teacher in both Oregon and California for many years and was an RSP teacher for 8 years at the high school level in Chico. She writes curricula for a wide range of student populations. She enjoys writing and involvement in Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, the Retired Teachers Association, and ARP.

Leslie Coretto

Shasta County

Ms. Corletto’s family includes her husband, Werner, Sr., and her two children, Werner, Jr. and Suzette. She works as a Parent Bilingual Assistant for RFENC. Her special interests include helping her children on the way through life (a learning experience for her as well). She also enjoys reading and embroidery and confesses to being a “clean freak”!

Adam Beals

Siskiyou County

Mr. Beals family includes his father, mother, and sister. He is a client of the Siskiyou Opportunity Center. His special interests include art, computers, reading, and history. He wants to help the disabled in Siskiyou County by being their advocate.

Roger Dale Hatton

Shasta County

Mr. Hatton’s family includes his wife, four grown daughters, and his grandchildren. He is a Lifeguide for disabled adults. His special interests include: soccer, coaching, and football equipment manager at Shasta College… along with being a grandparent!

Daniel Strauss

Butte County

Mr. Strauss is a board member from Butte County. His is employed as a Project Manager and is married with one son. His special interests include the “Crisis Text Line”, Suicide Prevention, “Alex Project.org” and Healthy Communities for adults with Developmental Disabilities.

Deborah Anderson

Plumas County

Ms. Anderson is the representative from Plumas County. She is married and has two daughters. Recently retired from Plumas County Environmental Health, she now travels, gardens, rides her horses, and has a small ice cream business during the summer months.

Terry Morton

Tehama County

Ms. Morton is currently representing Tehama County. She enjoys advocating for the people Far Northern serves.

Ann Silcher

SPAC

Ms. Silcher is the current representative from the Service Provider Advisory Committee (SPAC). She is employed with Mains’l as the Director of the Chico office.

Andreas Economopoulos

Member-at-Large

Mr. Economopoulos is serving his second term on our Board of Directors. Previously he represented Siskiyou County, and now is a Member-at-Large. He works as a Peer Instructor and Grief Mentor with We Care A Lot Foundation.

Executive Staff

Melissa Gruhler

Executive Director

Melissa leads FNRC’s employees and reports directly to the Board of Directors. As the agency’s top executive, she is responsible for all aspects of the agency’s performance, directing the Executive Staff and ensuring that FNRC meets client and family needs in accordance with the Lanterman Act requirements and Board policy.

Cindy Presidio

Executive Assistant

Cindy provides support and assistance to the Executive Director as required.

Diana Anderson

Associate Director Community Services

Diana oversees FNRC’s resource development and quality assurance. Our Risk Assessment Specialist, Deflection Crisis Services Coordinator, and Developmental Center Specialist also report to Diana.

Mike Mintline

Associate Director of Administration

Mike is in charge of all of FNRC’s finances, including payments to service providers, fiscal reporting and audits, and information technology.

Kathy Jennings

H.R. Director

Kathy is responsible for the all aspects of the Human Resources Department for FNRC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ADA?

A: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was signed into law by President George Bush Senior on July 26, 1990 ( Public Law 336). The ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandated the establishment of the TDD/telephone relay services.

Q: What do you mean by “Person Centered Planning”?

A: "Person Centered Planning" is a service planning process centered around individual’s personal goals and preferences. Services and supports are designed and provided to meet long term expectations of the person and his/her family and friends. The person and his/her significant others have the same authority as service provider professional staff in choosing life goals in areas including work, school, home and social relationships. Funding and resources support integrated community living.

Q: What is a Medicaid Waiver?

A: A waiver is a funding mechanism which allows the state to offer community-based services as an alternative to institutional services. The term waiver specifically refers to two elements of home and community-based services:

First, the state applies to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a special waiver or a special allowance from the services typically included in the State Medicaid Plan. This waiver allows the state to use Medicaid funds to provide alternative community supports for a targeted population who is at risk for institutionalization.
Second, the individuals served waive the institutional services for which they are eligible in order to receive community-based supports.

Q: What type of services might I expect to get?

A: Possible services include:

In-home supports to help you live more independently.
Respite care to provide temporary relief to your caregiver.
Training programs and/or education support to teach you life and work skills.
Job coaches to help you succeed in the workplace.
Residential living arrangements to provide you with the security and care you need.
Adaptive equipment to make you more independent.
Other supports to improve your quality of life

Q: Can you tell me more about DDS?

A: As part of the Department of Developmental Services' (DDS) commitment to provide information to the general public, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and professionals in the field, DDS produces the Fact Book on an annual basis. The information presented in the Fact Book is intended to provide an overview of the DDS service delivery system and the persons served. You can view the current Fact Book at the DDS Fact Books website.