Meet Our Instructors

Glenn Basconcillo is the founder and president of GNB Consulting Inc., a human services solutions company based in California. With 40 years of public and tribal human services experience, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in human services delivery systems. Before starting GNB Consulting, Inc., he held the positions of chief operations officer, TANF director and TANF deputy director during a twelve-year career with the Owens Valley Career Development Center, a consortium based Tribal organization in California. Basconcillo also currently provides his professional support and services to the National Congress of American Indians TANF Task Force.

Nora Gerber is an instructor for CalWORKs, WIA, adult education, independent living and foster parent programs. She is the creator of "Welcome to TANF Town." The recipient of an Outstanding Service Award for Teaching from UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, Gerber also received the first Distinguished Service in Training Award from the National Staff Development and Training Association, an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association.

Karalee Joseph was raised on the Hopi and Navajo Reservation. She is a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. She has been an elementary school teacher, sports coach, project coordinator, program supervisor, manager, financial aid advisor for Northern Arizona University and most recently a director of development for American Indian Services. Joseph has over 20 years of experience in case management, in-home child and family supportive services, crisis intervention, developmental disabilities, workforce management, program management and in Tribal TANF. She was the first Native American to complete the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Program at Northern Arizona, along with her degree in Community and Commercial Recreation, and she is currently pursuing her master’s in Business Management and Organizational Leadership.

Lisa Martin, M.S.W., is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. She has over 14 years’ experience working in Tribal TANF and currently serves as a Regional Manager for California Tribal TANF Partnership, overseeing seven counties of service throughout Northern California. Prior to this, she was a Caseworker and Site Manager for the same program. Her various positions have provided her with an in-depth understanding of delivering direct services, case management practices, leadership and administrative responsibilities. Through her latest position, she enjoys working in the areas of data collection, inter-agency collaboration, program development and staff training.

Carl Rabun, Ph.D., has over 15 years of experience training and consulting various public and private sector employees. He holds a master’s degree in Instructional Design and a doctorate in Training and Performance Improvement. He previously held roles as an Employment Services Case Manager and Unit Supervisor for Kern County Department of Human Services. He has served as an instructor with UC Davis Human Services since 2007, specializing in leadership skills, work-shop facilitation, motivation and engagement, building life skills, customer service, addressing barriers, team dynamics, strength-based coaching, goal setting, and program development. He currently serves as the lead curricula development specialist for Tribal TANF programs and related family and children’s services programs.

Tiffany Salcido has been training employees, staff and foster youth for almost two decades. In a climate where training is seen more as a chore than an opportunity, Salcido brings fun and involvement to training so that participants enjoy the experience and learning happens at a deeper level. She teaches skills but works to help participants see the impact and importance of their learning.

Rubie Simonsen is a Filipina-native, farmer and yoga teacher who is passionate about shaping the future of communities to be more resilient and sovereign through farming and youth development. She holds a degree in sociology and is also a graduate of the Center for Land-based Learning Beginning Farmer Training program.  Simonsen launched a farm growing lavender and edible specialty herbs  in West Sacramento. She is committed to providing farming and micro-business technical assistance to Native communities throughout California and continues to farm throughout California in partnership with Tribal communities. She utilizes 10 years of nonprofit and political experience coaching executives in development, leadership and social entrepreneurship.

Ray Weaver, M.S.L., PCC, is a leadership coach, trainer and founder of ABOGE Coaching & Consulting. He seeks out opportunities, minds the strategic vision and models the way. Weaver holds a master’s degree in leadership. He is an ICF Professional Certified Coach and Mentor Coach. Weaver is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and transitioned into his post-military life in 2010, parlaying his skills as a trainer, lecturer, and coach at Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of the Air Force and UC Davis Human Services. His areas of expertise include organizational development, team building, conflict management and strategic planning. He helps individuals and agencies sustain healthy organizations, assess growth opportunities and develop actionable plans.