Suzanne Stone-Executive Director

Suzanne has over thirty years’ experience as an executive director of Therapeutic Treatment Programs for youth, and as the administrator of Long-term Care Facilities including Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Communities. She began her professional career as a social worker in an adolescent mental health treatment program and quickly rose to the position of executive director. She expanded the program to include a homeless youth residential program and a collaboration with what is now Encompass Services. She also developed an intensive treatment foster care component of the agency’s foster care program which enabled children with serious mental health diagnosis to live with families rather than be institutionalized. She has served as an officer on various state and local and nonprofit agency boards. Her entire professional career has been devoted to serving the needs of vulnerable populations from children to seniors. Her vast experience in the mental health field, as well as Senior Living Communities, has been a great asset in leading Advocacy Inc. as its executive director.

Marnie Sobalvarro- Administrative Assistant

Marnie joined Advocacy, Inc in 2019. She has a passion for helping the elderly and found Advocacy, Inc. a good fit. She enjoys biking, reading and playing the cajon with the local Santa Cruz ukulele group.

George Carvalho-Patient Rights Advocate

I was hired by the Patient Rights Advocate program in 1992, I gave that program a two-year commitment over twenty plus years ago. Time indeed, does fly. It’s been a privilege to work with individuals in the mental health system to resolve, complaints concerns, or ongoing issues. Prior to this, I worked with the homeless population for Supportive Outreach Services, assisting individuals to navigate the social security administration as well as local government funding, in so doing, I experienced firsthand the hardships people face in an attempt to seek food or housing I love Santa Cruz County. It is a tremendous privilege to assist in empowering individuals in the exercise their rights within the Mental Health System.

Davi Schill-Patient Rights Advocate

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Davi has worked with Advocacy, Inc as a Patient Rights Advocate since 2000. She received her B.A. degree in Sociology from UCSC and has her graduate degree in Educational Counseling from San Jose State University. She is passionate about Advocacy and serving the Mental Health community in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties by ensuring that consumers of Mental Health services are informed of and assisted in making sure their civil, legal and human rights are upheld.

Steven Matzie-LTC Ombudsman Program Coordinator

Steven joined the Advocacy, Inc. team in June 2021, and brings with him several years of experience working in aging services. He graduated from Humboldt State University in 2017 with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work, focusing on LGBTQ+ aging. Steven is passionate about our community's older adults, especially those more marginalized and vulnerable. He understands the challenges faced by residents of long-term care facilities, and is committed to to helping ensure they live the highest quality of life regardless of where they are in their aging process. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties and holds a seat on their finance committee. Steven's philosophy of advocacy is one of expressed wish and collaboration, and believes that together we can help effect systemic change at the local and national levels by raising our collective voices.  

Patsy Pence- Staff Ombudsman

Hi, my name is Patsy Pence. I was born, raised, got my AA degree in Humanities from Gavlin College, married, worked and had my family in San Benito County. I was active in 4-H, school activities, and church. Even though we left San Benito County in 1986, my husband and I returned for good in 1998. I started my training as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman with Advocacy, Inc. in the fall of 2003, becoming a certified LTC Ombudsman in March 2004. I work in both San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. Prior to my work with Advocacy, I was appointed by the San Benito County Board of Supervisors to the In-Home Supportive Services Program in August of 2001. This program worked to plan and design the Public Authority Registry of San Benito County. I was an appointed member of the In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee in August 2003.  During my time on this committee, I also served as a Vice Chair & Chair person. I now serve on the San Benito County Aging and Long-Term Care Commission (ALTCC) being appointed approximately in 2004-2005.  I have held the office of Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chairperson while on the ALTCC. I am an active member of my church, serving on committees, councils and other activities and programs.

Sarah Eddings- Staff Ombudsman

Sarah joined Advocacy, Inc. in July of 2021 and is grateful to be a part of the Advocacy team. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in 2019 with the goal of helping others through empowerment and support. With prior experience working in Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities as a Business Office Manager, Sarah enjoys putting her industry experience to work for the Long-Term Care residents here in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. She feels strongly that every person has a right to be treated with dignity and respect and considers it an honor to serve as an Ombudsman for our vulnerable yet abundantly valuable senior population.