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.

LTC Ombudsman Program Coordinator

 

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.

Julie Oldfield- Staff Ombudsman