Our Team
Building community is at the heart of everything we do. Our team brings decades of experience across the arts, education, health, housing, and philanthropy.
Joe Altepeter
CEO
Joe brings to his CEO role a wealth of experience accumulated over nearly two decades of dedicated executive leadership in the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors. Known for his visionary approach and commitment to impactful change, Joe’s career has spanned critical areas such as homelessness, affordable housing, social enterprises, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
With a proven record in community development, Joe has consistently fostered collaborations that led to substantial investments in community initiatives and systemic change. His strategic planning and fund development expertise have led to sustained growth and deepened impact within the communities he serves.
As a member of Los Angeles City’s Workforce Development Board’s Task Force on Under-Represented Populations, his insights have been instrumental in developing services for chronically unemployed and unhoused women. His leadership extended to his role as President of the Social Enterprise Alliance – Los Angeles Chapter, where he spearheaded a coalition of social entrepreneurs striving toward an inclusive and just economy. Additionally, as a co-founder of Pasadena’s Pride organization, Joe has been a prominent figure in advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion and advocacy in San Gabriel Valley and across Los Angeles County.
Joe’s unique blend of business acumen, program innovation, and commitment to social justice fuels his vision for realizing a more equitable future for low-income families and older adults through EngAGE’s mission.
CandyJoe Dahlstrom
Program Director
CandyJoe is a multidisciplinary artist with professional experience in the fields of theater, dance, make-up, costume design, graphic design, and film editing. She has a passion for building community though the arts, exploring the natural world, and learning new skills. CandyJoe enjoys volunteering at her local library and watching baseball with her husband and children.
Dorsi Diaz
Program Director
Dorsi is a lifelong artist, arts educator, and, in addition to her role at EngAGE, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Sun Gallery in Hayward, CA. A graduate of Chabot College, Dorsi is studying nonprofit management at CSU East Bay and, in her free time, takes photos of her dog Zoey Van Goey, a pup influencer and working model. Dorsi lives by the motto is “Life is Service” and loves helping people of all ages find their talents and purpose. She feels she has found her creative home at EngAGE.
Jennifer Fallon
Administrative Assistant & Analyst
Jennifer graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Education and a specialization in Psychology. After teaching elementary school for more than ten years, she discovered a second love working with older adults. Jenn worked as a Program Director for seven years and is now the Administrative Assistant focused on data, evaluation, marketing, and communications. A military spouse for 30 years, Jenn and her husband have three grown sons and a puppy named Bowen.
Chloe Ford
Program Director
Chloe holds a B.A. in Critical Theory and Social Justice from Occidental College. She has experience coordinating youth art programs and community-driven murals across LA County. Chloe strongly believes that engaging in the arts strengthens identity formation, increases social-emotional awareness, and reduces the risk of depression. She looks forward to carrying out EngAGE’s mission and providing exciting, collaborative programming for EngAGE residents. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Chloe now resides in Los Angeles and enjoys cooking new recipes, spending time with friends and family, and hiking.
Prajwala Ghate
Program Director
Prajwala, known to most as PJ grew up in India and brings her cultural warmth and creativity to EngAGE. Before joining the team, she worked with the community as an independent contractor teaching Arts and Crafts and building close connections with residents. Stepping into the Program Director role felt like a natural progression allowing her to expand her impact and foster a vibrant, supportive environment. Though she holds a degree in finance, her passion lies in writing and storytelling. In her spare time, PJ enjoys reading, crafting, gardening, and travelling.
Jessica Hayward
Program Director
Jessica has a deep love for the arts. She graduated with honors from the University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. She is continuing her education with a Master’s in Psychology and plans to intertwine art into her studies. Jessica translates her interests into her role as a Program Director by also teaching art classes for older adult residents.
Nelson Leal
Program Director
Nelson is a Los Angeles-based artist and educator with a background in fine art, illustration, and graphic design. Raised in a Spanish-speaking, working-class community in LA, his upbringing has shaped his perspective on creativity, accessibility, and community connection. Before joining EngAGE in 2023, he spent more than four years working in higher education and community-based arts programs. Nelson now teaches art across properties throughout L.A. County and Orange County. In his free time, you might find him in museums, concert venues, or at home working on creative projects.
Sophie McDonald
Program Director
Sophie holds a B.A. in Peace and Justice with an emphasis in Human Rights Law and a minor in Sociology. She has experience working as a paralegal and teaching incarcerated youth in Riverside. Sophie plans to attend law school and become a criminal defense or human rights attorney. She’s passionate about creating true and lasting peace and justice, both on an interstate/national and interpersonal level. Sophie fosters small animals and also takes care of her house plants in her free time.
Meloney Morse
Director of Services
Meloney began volunteering with EngAGE in the summer of 2007 teaching aqua aerobics and ZUMBA classes, and joined the staff in 2009 as a Site Leader and Instructor.
In 2014, she was promoted to Regional Program Director, where she provided support services to residents in need, facilitated arts classes, coordinated food distribution programs, and oversaw and supported the delivery of diverse creativity, wellness, and lifelong learning programming across multiple EngAGE communities.
In her new role as Director of Services, Meloney will focus on strengthening program support across all 37 California communities while supervising 17 Program Directors. Transitioning from direct program implementation to organization-wide oversight and support, she will help guide program design, evaluation, and community impact initiatives.
With 18 years of experience at EngAGE, Meloney brings deep institutional knowledge, compassion, and a strong understanding of resident and community needs. As someone who has grown with EngAGE, Meloney is excited to continue expanding her expertise in program development, strategic oversight, and service delivery. Working firsthand with residents, hearing their stories, and seeing the impact of the amazing work that EngAGE does in their everyday lives inspires and fuels her every day.
Meloney earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and has more than 15 years of experience working with older adults in the affordable and supportive housing sectors.
Miles Morse
Food Program Assistant
Miles joined the EngAGE team in 2016 and brings with him a passion for health, nutrition, and active living. He facilitates the delivery of fresh produce and pantry staples at several sites across Orange County and, using his keen technology skills, offers training and support for all older adult and family communities. He is a continuing student at Santiago Canyon College where he is studying Business Administration.
Rosa Murillo
Program Director
Rosa grew up in a bilingual, multigenerational household in Southern California where she developed a strong sense of service. Prior to joining EngAGE, Rosa worked with youth and adults with disabilities in California, Colorado, and Nebraska, and is now delighted to use her creativity to connect, empower and encourage residents of all ages at EngAGE. She earned her BA in Psychology in 2011 and, in her spare time, enjoys gardening, hiking, running, reading, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
Nirvan Patnaik
Program Director
Nirvan, an actor of South Asian descent, grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and studied theatre performance at the University of Southern California and the British American Drama Academy. He believes in making art and creativity more accessible to all and strives to incorporate it in every aspect of life. He finds working for EngAGE to be creative, challenging, and ultimately rewarding.
LaShanna Robinson
Program Director
LaShanna graduated from Murray State University with a BS in Business and has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit and education sectors. Her passion for serving and supporting others was one of the motivations that led her to become founder of a nonprofit that provides basic essential resources to neighbors throughout San Diego County. She is excited to join the EngAGE team and looks forward to applying this passion to deliver meaningful programs. In her spare time. She enjoys hiking, working out and attending live music events.
Alivia Schaffer
Intergenerational Program Director
Liv received her BFA from Dominican University of California, and has since designed a career that weaves together her own artistic practice with arts accessibility, education, and community engagement. She works as a professional dancer — performing, choreographing, and teaching locally and nationally, and as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco where she directs Dance Generators. Originally from Chicago, Liv now resides in Oakland, California, and loves strong coffee, live music, taking walks, and cooking with friends.
Arnold Schmidt
Program Director
Originally from Germany, Arnold has been teaching and making music in the Los Angeles area for more than 30 years. A graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and ardent supporter of arts education, Arnold works with local schools to create and promote music programs and events, and as an Artistic Consultant for musicians seeking to increase their reach. Arnold is enthusiastic about lifelong learning, especially in the areas of music and technology.
Laura Spidell
Executive Director, EngAGE Northwest
Laura graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a double major in Sociology and Environmental Studies and went on to earn a Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning from Portland State University. Prior to joining EngAGE, Laura worked as a city planner with a focus on housing access and with several nonprofits. She is an an active community volunteer with her local neighborhood association, farmer’s market, schools, and food pantries. In her free time, Laura is an avid reader and loves to spend time camping and hiking with family and friends.
Ernie Silva
Program Director
Ernie has extensive experience performing stand-up comedy and is also an accomplished musician. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Acting from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and an MFA from the University of Southern California. During his time at USC, Ernie developed his award-winning, and world-traveled solo stage show entitled, Heavy Like the Weight of a Flame.
Henry Sotelo
Regional Program Director
Henry is responsible for providing direct services and curated programming to residents in EngAGE arts colonies and communities supporting individuals re-emerging out of homelessness. Prior to joining EngAGE, Henry developed and directed AmeriCorps Seniors Federal Grants/Programs for underserved older adults. He earned his BA in Film & Electronic Arts from CSU Long Beach and an MA in 3D Animation from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. In his free time, you can find him enjoying live music and hiking/biking the Coastal Trail with friends and family.
Sandra Vargas
Regional Program Director
Sandra joined EngAGE in 2011, after more than 13 years with the LA Unified School District where she delivered afterschool programs for children of working parents. An alumna of CSU Long Beach, Sandra also holds a certificate in Child Development from East Los Angeles College and is a certified Substance Abuse Counselor. In her free time, Sandra loves to help her son with his nonprofit project “No One Left Cold,” which collects unwanted blankets, clothes, and shoes throughout the year for semi-annual distributions to LA’s Skid Row Community.
Sandra Wareing
Program Director
Sandra received her BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and shortly thereafter moved to London, England, for work in computer graphics. She then moved to Los Angeles where she worked for 30 years in Human Resources and as an Executive Assistant in the entertainment industry. Sandra now resides in Orange County and, in her spare time, enjoys volunteering as a tutor for adults through the Newport Beach Public Library Adult Literacy Program.
Alma Wright
Director of Operations
Alma joined EngAGE in 2014 with a background in the arts, interior design, and photography. She began as a Site Leader and Art Instructor in San Bernardino, where she witnessed firsthand how deeply the organization could shape lives, not only through programs, but through the care, structure, and intention behind them.
In 2017, Alma’s work shifted to finance and human resources, gaining a deep understanding of how the organization operates and how meaningful change can happen from within.
In her new role, as Director of Operations, Alma focuses on the work that happens behind the scenes but makes everything else possible. From financial stewardship and internal systems to supporting staff and strengthening processes, she helps ensure that the organization remains stable, transparent, and prepared to grow.
What continues to drive Alma is the belief that operations are not just about efficiency, they’re about trust. When staff feel supported, resources are used thoughtfully, and systems are clear, EngAGE’s mission can fully come to life. With a people‑centered approach, Alma brings both heart and accountability to her role, helping the organization serve its community with consistency and care.
Michelle Yu
Program Director
Originally from Hong Kong, Michelle grew up in a bi-lingual environment and appreciates the complexity and creativity in listening. She has experience researching homeless policy, managing art programs for homeless people with mental illness, and creating educational programs for older adults. From 2006 to 2019, Michelle worked for EngAGE in various capacities. She has returned to serve as Program Director at two communities. Michelle also teaches spiritual development/meditation and enjoys drawing, painting, and gardening. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Public Health.
Tim Carpenter
Founder
Tim Carpenter retired from his position as CEO in 2024. He founded EngAGE in 1999 and helped it grow to become a leading model for creative aging and resident services in affordable housing. Tim was a frequent speaker nationally and internationally and received numerous awards for his social entrepreneurship.