Leadership Team

Luana assumed her role as CEO in 2013, during this time BI has experienced significant organizational growth accompanied by a variety of positive outcomes for the clients it serves. Luana’s innovative mindset, program and business expansions has inspired individuals, foundations, and businesses to invest in Becoming Independent. Since Luana assumed the role of CEO, BI has experienced annual double digit increases in fundraising, helping to further fuel program growth and innovation. Luana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Master’s in Business Administration, and is also a graduate of the University of Delaware’s National Leadership Institute on Developmental Disabilities. She is a recipient of The North Bay Business Journal’s (NBBJ) Nonprofit Leadership Award as well as their 40 Under 40 Award and most recently their 2020 Women in Business Award. Luana was also awarded the Jefferson Award for civic duty and engagement. Luana is a member of the North Bay Leadership Council and a graduate of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Leadership Santa Rosa – Class 37.

Jeff joined BI with over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance across multiple industries. Having spent the last two decades in leadership capacities, he has helped to steward operational and financial growth, within each business, through strategic and innovative initiatives. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, and earned his CPA license in the public accounting sector after graduation. After relocating to Santa Rosa 10 years ago, he has worked mainly with smaller startup companies in Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Jeff lives here in Santa Rosa with his wife and two daughters.

Taima joined BI in 1997 as a Direct Support Professional. She has since served in a variety of management and leadership capacities. Taima’s background in the field of human services spans over 25 years. She began her career in residential care facilities, supporting individuals with a wide variety of health, physical and behavioral. Since joining BI, Taima has been a champion for quality person-centered services. She serves as a key liaison for stakeholders across the organization, which include individuals served, their circles of support, and staff. She has helped to steward the transformation of program services over the years and, more recently, was an integral part of the Program Leadership team that developed our robust Virtual Day Program. Taima is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities through the University of Delaware.

Tiffany joined BI in 2010 as a Direct Support Professional before transitioning to BI’s management team in 2013.  Since joining BI, Tiffany’s expertise and focus has been on workforce development, helping the individuals served acquire meaningful work opportunities and develop their skills in jobs ranging from contract work and volunteer opportunities to competitive integrated employment. Tiffany is a strong advocate for employment of individuals with IDD, understanding that employment adds to one’s sense of identity and self-worth, allowing each person the opportunity to contribute and be recognized. She has established and stewarded strong partnerships with community employers to facilitate these opportunities, helping employers to understand the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Tiffany holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University, where she also completed the Collaborative Autism Training & Support service learning program. She also holds a Human Resources Certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College, and is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities program through the University of Delaware.