Executive Board

Lisa Pidge

Co-founder / Executive Director 

Comedy Producer / Full-time Mom / Lifelong Athlete

Lisa Pidge is the founder and producer of The Laugh Cellar, a Sonoma Valley based comedy production company founded in 2014.  Lisa's daughter Gigi is on the autism spectrum, non verbal. She was diagnosed at age three. Lisa brings her whole-heart to the foundation as she understands firsthand how meaningful experiences in the arts and athletics have empowered her daughter in ways that are immeasurable. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University.  Lisa has been a  certified Yoga instructor for over 20 years with experience in Hatha (Rāja) and Bhakti Yoga. Lisa is also a certified Pickleball Coach through the Professional Pickleball Registry and is a member of USA Pickleball. ​

Carlee Pidge

Co-founder / Secretary 

Fitness Trainer / Full-time Mom / Future Nurse

​Carlee gave birth to daughter Gigi in 2017.  
She has spent four years advocating and researching support around her daughter's disability. It was Gigi's autism and epilepsy diagnosis and Carlee's personal research that led her to pursue a career in nursing.  She begins her course work in January 2024. 

Carlee is a certified fitness instructor and teaches SPIN, mat Pilates and bootcamp at SweatMood Group Fitness in Sonoma County.  

Barbara Russack

Treasurer 

Winery Director / Avid Hiker / Yogi

​Barbara brings 30 years experience in sales and management combined with operational, budget and customer service in the fields of mobile technology, wine and small family business.  Barbara has a passion for seeking out things to be grateful for, and she believes that thoughts become things, so choose good ones! 

Barbara is a long-time friend of the Pidge Family. She and her husband Jack were the first ones to hold Lisa and Carlee's daughter Gigi at birth; after Carlee and Lisa of course!  

Advisory Board

Anita Grant

Teaching Advisor

Retired Teacher / Avid Golfer / Garden Enthusiast

​Anita Grant is a retired teacher. She has over 34 years experience teaching, developing and coordinating  programs for individuals ages three to adulthood. She worked with multidisciplinary teams to provide services for individuals with a variety of challenges, including: autism, cerebral palsy, gifted and talented, English language learners, medically fragile, deaf and blind and mental health. Anita holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from San Jose State University, as well as credentials and certificates in: Standard Elementary, Resource Specialist, Mildly Handicapped, Severely Handicapped, English Language Development and ABA Therapy. ​

Kayla Grant, Esq.

Community

Attorney  / Yogi / Lover of the ocean

​Prior to practicing Estate Planning and Probate law, Ms. Grant had experience with bankruptcy, immigration law, workers’ compensation law, unlawful detainer and real estate law. She understands that for many people, facing financial and legal issues can be overwhelming. She takes the time to listen, understand your situation, and to explain all of your options to help you find the solution that best suits your needs. Kayla is well-known in San Francisco County, Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Lake County, Solano County, Marin County, Sonoma County, San Mateo County, and Santa Cruz County for the high-level of professional and personal service and attention that she offers her clients. Her goal is to provide individualized, caring and confidential legal services at a reasonable price to the community.