Safe Routes to School Staff

 

Tina Panza, Director

Oversees SCBC SRTS Program and staff and provides Education & Encouragement technical support to schools across Sonoma County.  Tina, a former teacher, began her journey with Safe Routes to School before she started working for SCBC, when her then 4th grade son begged her to start letting him walk to school on International Walk & Roll to School Day 2007.  Soon after, he began bicycling to school.  He was a big part of Tina's inspiration to teach all students and families about the benefits of walking and bicycling safely to school and in their neighborhoods - and helping to facilitate improved conditions for walking and bicycling to Sonoma County Schools. 
email Tina

Michelle Nikolayew, SRTS Education Program Manager, League of American Bicyclist Certified Instructor

Manages SRTS Education Program. Responsible for scheduling & coordinang in-class education and bicycle rodeo services at schools countywide, supervising our Education Contractor staff, and coordinating and supervising education outreach events.  Street Skills & Family Bicycling Clinic instructor.  Michelle, aka “Coach Mic,” is passionate about coaching, teaching, and instilling confidence in youth.  She loves working with kids, building community partnerships, and teaching bike education.  When she isn’t organizing bike events, you can find her teaching bike safety.  She has several bikes to choose from as she commutes regularly by bike, runs errands, often pulling her dog, Duzer, in a carrier, and rides for fitness and fun on both road and mountain.  One of her commutes takes her to a batting cage, where she fosters her love of confidence building, teaching and coaching as a softball hitting and skills instructor.

email Michelle

Sarah Hadler, SRTS Program Manager, League of American Bicyclist Certified Instructor

Provides Education and Encouragement Technical Support & Program Management services to schools countywide, Street Skills & Family Bicycling Clinic instructor.  Sarah fell in love with bicycling as transportation on a self-supported four month bicycle tour through Mexico.  Upon return, she soon started working with the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and she feels very lucky to have a job that she is so passionate about.  She loves riding around Sonoma County with her young son, Sylvester, on her sweet, blue cargo bike and being an ambassador for all things bicycle!"

email Sarah

Danielle McElwee, SRTS Eduction Coordinator

Danielle has worked with children of all ages for over 20 years. Once her daughter was school-aged, she began working as an educator. As a Safe Routes Instructor she brings fun and enthusiasm into the classroom. An avid walker, and biker, you've probably already seen her, with her daughter and husband, walking or biking about Santa Rosa - they're a hard family to miss. Once you meet her you'll find out why.

Cindy O'Grady, SRTS Bilingual Eduction Coordinator (not pictured)

Provides Education and Encouragement Technical Support & Program Management services to schools countywide.