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.
Lisa Argenziano
Program Director
Lisa has a BA in Arts Administration, and an MA in Psychology. At EngAGE, Lisa uses her diverse skillset to build community and support a positive and meaningful experience for residents of the North Hollywood Senior Arts Colony. Lisa has worked in New York and Los Angeles performing on stage and television, and enjoys writing and creating artwork in her spare time. A Burbank resident since 1988, Lisa has three grown children who also work in the arts.
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.
Megan Eldridge
Program Director
Megan joined the EngAGE team in 2022, and brings with her an eclectic mix of professional and life experiences, including aquatics instruction for students of all ages, boutique management, and most recently, home staging for an interior design company. Her friendly nature and creative spirit make her a wonderful fit for the role of Program Director in Orange County, CA. Megan has lived in several states across the U.S. as well as in Okinawa, Japan.
Jennifer Fallon
Administrative Assistant
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.
Cynthia Friedlob
Websites & Social Media Manager
Cynthia keeps EngAGE in the public eye by generating informative and entertaining content for our websites, blog, and social media. She was formerly a writer/story editor for children’s television and family feature films and has numerous credits for work for Hanna-Barbera, Marvel, Warner Bros., and Disney. She served as a host and producer of Experience Talks on KPFK-FM and has been an exhibiting fine artist for over 30 years. She is the author of In Praise of the Smaller Life: a journal of memories and musings, which advocates skipping the bucket list of exotic adventures and savoring the joys of life close to home. A longtime LA resident, Cynthia earned her BA in Sociology and MA in Mass Communications from the University of Denver.
Nancy Goodhart
Chief Operations Officer
Nancy supports operations and staff, supervises programs, and works closely with developers and partners. She has been with EngAGE since its very early days and is passionate about promoting health for older adults through movement and creative expression, which she believes manifests in all areas of life. She is the co-author of “The Essentials of Aging,” a 12-week introduction to the EngAGE model and has taught fitness and recreation to students of all ages in Maryland, New York, and California. She holds a BA in Recreation Program Planning & Physical Education from the University of Maryland, a teaching credential in Physical Fitness, Health and Safety for Older Adults from CSU Long Beach, and is certified in Falls Prevention Training.
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.
Claudia Hernandez
Program Director
Claudia started as a volunteer with EngAGE in 2014. She is a certified Substance Abuse Counselor and has worked with middle school and high school students for over six years. She has also been a social worker helping people fill out Medi-Cal forms and apply for housing, food, clothing, and financial assistance. In her free time, she has a small business as a graphic designer making custom cups, tumblers, shirts, decals, and other items.
Meloney Morse
Regional Program Director
Meloney began as a volunteer with EngAGE in the summer of 2007 and joined our staff in 2009. As a Regional Program Director, Meloney provides social services to residents in need, coordinates food distribution programs, and ensures the delivery of diverse arts and wellness programming across several EngAGE communities. She earned her BS in Psychology from Cal State University at Long Beach and has more than 15 years of experience working with older adults.
Miles Morse
Orange County 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.
Maitreyi Purandare
Program Director
Maitreyi hails from India where she began her professional journey as an Education Program Manager. In the U.S., she received a master’s degree in project management at Northeastern University, Silicon Valley. Maitreyi has a deep appreciation for the arts. She is trained in Hindustani classical music and honed her skills in method acting in Mumbai. She co-founded a theatre company with friends in the Bay Area. Maitreyi enjoys quality time with friends, playing badminton, and trying new cuisines.
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.
Lizzy Von Der Ahe
Program Director
Lizzy is originally from Austin, Texas. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Art Therapy at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Lizzy is passionate about fostering a strong sense of community and supporting residents' well-being. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact by creating inclusive, engaging, and creative opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.
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
Manager of Finance & Administration
Alma joined EngAGE in 2014 with a background in the arts, interior design, and photography. She has always loved working with her hands and has tried everything from portrait drawing to reupholstering old furniture. Alma uses her impressive creative skills as an art instructor at one of our communities, and she is responsible for most human resource and accounts payable tasks for the finance/accounting team. She earned her Associate of Arts Degree with emphasis in Advertising and Graphic Design from Pasadena City College.
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.