Executive Team
Our Executive Team provides leadership that keeps our programs and services focused on Epiphany Center’s Mission and Values, and on moving forward to benefit all those it serves.
Sister Betty Marie Dunkel
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sister Betty Marie Dunkel, D.C., MSW, MPA, is returning to Epiphany Center in 2017 as the Executive Director, after having served as Assistant Executive Director for three years beginning in 1977. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration, she brings nearly 50 years of supervisory experience in social service agencies to the program. Prior to rejoining Epiphany Center, she was the Councillor of Social Ministries where the Daughters of Charity have works in four states including California, Arizona, Utah, and Alaska, assuring that the services provided to the children and families were of the highest quality and carried out with respect and compassion. She also served as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, overseeing operations of six local Catholic Charities offices that provide services to people in need. Throughout her career, Sister Betty Marie has garnered several honors including Outstanding Woman of the Year in Santa Barbara, and Outstanding Woman of the 24th Senate District, Los Angeles, California.
Suzi Desmond
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER / ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Suzi Desmond, M.S., joined Epiphany Center in 2014 in the capacity of Adult Services Program Director. Suzi has a Master’s of Science Degree in counseling (MFT) with significant coursework in research psychology and criminal justice. Suzi’s professional experience includes working with highly complex, co-occurring cases involving substance abuse and mental health disorders. She has worked with this population in London, England as well as throughout Northern and Southern California.
Suzi’s belief is that addiction is usually a symptom of underlying trauma, she embraces trauma-informed care and a holistic approach in the addiction recovery process. Suzi has presented at a National Symposium addressing issues of recidivism and preventive strategies targeted at reducing recidivism rates. Suzi has served as an expert panelist on Human Trafficking in the Bay Area. Further, she has authored published works on trauma, addiction, and recidivism. She has also contributed to published work on the importance of recovery programs for those struggling with addiction and was cited in a recently published guidebook for prison ministry.
Linda Perez
CLINICAL DIRECTOR, FAMILY TREATMENT PROGRAM
Linda Perez, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Education at Mills College is co-director of the Mills Infant Mental Health Program and Clinical Director of the Epiphany Center Family Treatment Program. Her teaching and clinical practice is informed by 35 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience. Dr. Perez has a profound interest in serving low-income mothers with psychiatric and substance abuse problems and our growing population of infants and young children with a range of special needs enduring traumatic stress and living in impoverished or dangerous environments.
Mary Rhoades
DIRECTOR, FUND DEVELOPMENT
Mary Rhoades has over 15 years of leadership and executive experience in both the nonprofit and corporate sector. Mary joined Epiphany Center in 2014 as the Director of Fund Development. Before entering the nonprofit sector, Mary worked in corporate accounting and management. Mary is an organization and fund development professional with extensive experience in fundraising, event management, branding, strategic planning and marketing. Mary has a great passion for social justice and Epiphany’s mission. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals..
Diane Sutton
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Diane Sutton joined the Epiphany Center in 2015 as the Director of Human Resources. Diane has over 15 years of human resources, benefits and payroll experience working with companies in the retail, printing, public relations and solar industries. Diane has managed human resources for employees located in several states and global locations such as India, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Panama and Brazil. Diane graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is affiliated with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Northern California Human Resources Association (NCHRA). Diane also serves on the board of directors for a faith-based non-profit in Oakland, California which mentors and teaches leadership skills to at-risk children and youth.
Deborah L. White
DIRECTOR OF IN-HOME PARENTING EDUCATION & SUPPORT
Deborah L. White served as Program Coordinator of Epiphany Center’s In-Home Services Programs from 2008 to 2014, when she was promoted to the position of Director, In-Home Services. She has 14 years of experience in nonprofit social services and proven effectiveness in the management of prevention and early intervention family strengthening programs. Deborah graduated with honors from Holy Names University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. She is a member of the National Honor Society in Psychology.