The Healing Services You Need...Right Here in Sonoma Valley
The CSS Story
Launched in 2015
Under a partnership between the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation and The North Bay Cancer Alliance, Cancer Support Sonoma was originally funded as a research study to assess the effects of complementary therapies on cancer patients. At that time, we were operating out of the hospital. When the study came to an end in October 2017, we had a choice to make: close our doors or find new funding sources and a new home so we could continue to serve our growing clientele. The feedback from patients and a glimpse at study results told us our work has made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. The request from patients and providers was heartfelt and unanimous: “Please keep Cancer Support Sonoma going.”
So, of course we did.
Our Mission...
... is to physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually support people in our community who are facing cancer treatment, celebrating recovery or entering their end of life due to cancer. We accomplish this by providing integrative, complementary therapies on a sliding scale.
A Home Of Our Own
In spring of 2024 we realized our dream of having our own space with individual treatment rooms as well as rooms for group classes and community events. We were excited to find just the right place, a block from Sonoma Plaza. This move enables us to expand the types of services we can provide, while reaching out to more folks who can benefit from having these services available locally.
The new location at 585 1st St. West is a warm, welcoming environment where clients can share experiences with others who are on their own cancer journey.
Meet Our Team
Client Navigator
Alison Kelly
Alison completed her master’s training in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2023 and a Certification in Health Navigation from Sonoma State University in 2016. A resident of Sonoma Valley for 25 years, her practice is focused on supporting the community of Sonoma. She is excited to be a part of the Cancer Support Sonoma team as Client Navigator, offering individualized assistance to CSS clients with their needs in supportive care.
Executive Director
Rachel Glitz
Rachel comes to us with an impressive background in healthcare law and nonprofit work. She began her career in politics and government in Washington, D.C., working to ensure access to reproductive healthcare. After returning to California and earning her law degree, Rachel spent over a decade practicing both healthcare and nonprofit law at the San Francisco office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and at McKesson Corporation. She then shifted her focus to the nonprofit world. Rachel brings extensive experience in program development and implementation, fundraising, and recruiting and managing volunteers. She has also served on numerous nonprofit boards and advised on strategic planning at independent schools and nonprofits in California as well as Indonesia, where she lived for seven years. “I am thrilled to join Cancer Support Sonoma and to serve alongside the remarkable people whose commitment has enabled the organization’s success to date. I hope to honor their dedication by ensuring CSS continues to thrive and grow, expanding its reach and its offerings.”
Clinic Manager
Sharon O'Neil
Sharon joined Cancer Support Sonoma after 15 years of working in the nonprofit sector in Santa Cruz County. Her passion for supporting nonprofits began when she was a program coordinator for Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, followed by an administrative role with Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support. Having worked with organizations that serve children with cancer and their families, she knows how important supportive services can be in the lives of cancer patients. “When my mother was in treatment for breast cancer in the 1960s, integrative medicine in oncology didn’t exist. The fact that she would have benefited from today’s complementary therapies inspires me to help those in our community facing cancer to feel cared for.
Lead Volunteer
Susan Murray
Susan received a master’s degree from Stanford University and worked for 15 years as a head teacher at Bing Nursery School, a laboratory/research facility on campus. After several years as a stay-at-home mom, she became a health educator for Planned Parenthood in the South Bay. There she was involved in the Prenatal Program before becoming the Breast Health Coordinator. In retirement she was a volunteer at Bay Area Cancer Connections in Palo Alto, a nonprofit organization that offers programs and services to people touched by breast and ovarian cancer. In 2015 Susan and her husband, Scott, moved to Sonoma — a dream come true for them. Becoming a volunteer with CSS was a natural fit.
End of Life Doula Coordinator
Willow Taraja
Willow is a trained end-of-life doula and death literacy community educator. She has completed comprehensive training with the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), Academy of Aid in Dying Medicine (AADM), Final Passages, National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA), and Hospice. She is an active community outreach educator with the statewide organization End of Life Choices CA and is a Compassion & Choices Death Literacy Community Educator. Willow supports individuals through the practical, logistical, social and emotional aspects of end-of-life, offering thoughtful and individualized support to the dying and their loved ones from initial diagnosis through bereavement. With years of experience as an end-of-life doula and community educator, Willow brings both professional training and deep personal calling to her work. She provides advance care planning resources and guidance, assists clients with legacy work, and provides holistic non-medical support for families and caregivers. What sets Willow apart is her calm, grounded presence and her ability to meet each situation with clarity, tenderness, and respect. She believes each person deserves a well-supported death and approaches her clients with warmth, deep listening, and a commitment to walking beside them along their journey.
Board of Directors
W. Scott Murray
Board President
Scott has 15+ years experience in the financial services industry, focusing on helping families achieve debt freedom and financial independence. He also has experience in public relations and advertising. He is active in a number of other Sonoma organizations, like Rotary and the United Methodist Church.
Alexis Alexandridis, MD FACS
Secretary
Dr. Alexis is a general surgeon with a focus on breast health and breast cancer care. She received her education all across the country, starting at Kalamazoo College for a B.A. in Health Sciences, then New York Medical College for her M.D., and Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland for internship and residency in General Surgery. She practiced in Grants Pass, OR, for 6.5 years prior to hanging her shingle in Sonoma in the fall of 2017. She launched a medical aesthetics service line (The Skin Clinic) at her practice in 2018. She lives with her husband Ryan, children Mason, Isabela, and Atticus, their cat Boo Radley, and an ever-growing collection of carnivorous plants. To learn more about Dr Alexis' surgical and aesthetics practices, you can follow Alexis Alexandridis, MD Inc or The Skin Clinic: Sonoma
Karen Collins
Board Member
Karen, a 17-year cancer survivor, had a long career in corporate government relations and government service. After retiring and relocating to Sonoma, she became involved in community affairs. She has served on many boards, including the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, Sonoma Community Center, Jack London Park Partners (Vice Chair), and more. Her efforts have resulted in the following recognitions: Alcalde (Honorary Mayor), 2019; Pulse Award from the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, 2008; Sonoma Conservationist of the Year, 2014; Senator Dodd Woman of the Year, 2017. One of her proudest achievements was co-founding the Sonoma Overlook Trail. After serving as Deputy Director of California State Parks, Karen founded and operated her own international walking, hiking, and trekking company. “When I had cancer, none of the services CSS offers were available here in the Valley. I was so pleased to learn about CSS, its plans and offerings. As a board member, I’m looking forward to helping fund, promote, expand and develop its many services.”
Charles Goodwin
Board Member
Charles is a retired marketing and business development executive with over 30 years of experience working in the high-tech industry, which included marketing Healthcare Information Technology for Intel Corporation. “Working with the healthcare industry was one of the most meaningful times of my career,” says Charles. “Helping doctors and nurses utilize information technology to help improve patient care and safety was very rewarding.” While living in the South Bay, Charles served on the Leadership Board for the Northern California chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. He also volunteered with the Second Harvest Food Bank. In 2019, Charles and his wife relocated from the bustling Bay Area to the serene landscapes of Sonoma. He looked for opportunities to engage and support the local community and found many. Charles is an active member of the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, and he provided marketing support for Cancer Support Sonoma’s 2023 WigOut! event. “I strongly believe in Cancer Support Sonoma’s mission to provide comprehensive support services to those impacted by cancer. I look forward to helping the organization continue to grow in the coming years.”
Kelly Mather
Board Member
Kelly has written and published many books on wellness and has offered tools to inspire healing on all four levels (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) using The 5 Keys to Wellness since 2002. Kelly holds a both Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a Master’s degree from Medical College of Virginia in Health Administration and has been a hospital and healthcare CEO since 1996. She created the Healing Hospital Model and inspired the implementation of the 11 healing modules to promote a more holistic approach in many California hospitals. She has been and continues to serve as a board of director with many healthcare and wellness organizations, like Cancer Support Sonoma. Her latest project is leading The Health & Happiness HUB in Sonoma Valley to create a healthier community. Kelly is the proud mother of three children and when not passionately following her mission, she is a spa addict and loves being one with nature.
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Lori Rukes
Board Member
Lori Rukes brings her relationship-building expertise, fundraising experience, and heartfelt commitment to supporting those affected by cancer to her role on the Board of Cancer Support Sonoma. With over 20 years as a professional hairdresser, Lori has cultivated a deep passion for building meaningful relationships and helping others thrive. The global perspective she developed while living abroad gave her unique insights into the importance of community connection and support. During her time in India, Lori demonstrated her commitment to service by fundraising for a nonprofit initiative and creating lasting bonds within local communities. This experience, combined with her personal connection to cancer, has inspired her dedication to Cancer Support Sonoma, where her creativity, talent, and extraordinary commitment make her a deeply valued board member.
Danielle Schwaderer Kettler, ND
Board Member
Danielle Schwaderer Kettler is a California board-licensed naturopathic doctor, whom practices naturopathic family medicine in Sonoma Valley. Dr. Danielle is the owner and operator of Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine and has been a practitioner with Cancer Support Sonoma since 2015. She is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, deepening her interest in cancer care. Born and raised in Sonoma Valley, Dr. Danielle has an interest in encouraging health and wellness during all stages of life, in the community in which she was raised.
Douglas Thornley
Board Member
Douglas Thornley is Principal at Goring & Straja Architects and leads the Sonoma Studio. Previously, Douglas founded Baum | Thornley Architects in 1994 and merged with the national firm of Gould Evans in 2008. He served as Managing Principal of the San Francisco Studio for Gould Evans until 2020. Douglas is an award winning architect having received recognition for his winery, residential and institutional projects. Colleagues and clients are inspired and motivated by his dedication to great design. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Sonoma State University Wine Business Institute Board of Directors from 2010 - 2022 and is currently on this second rotation on the Board of Directors for Good Samaritan in San Francisco having served on the Board originally over 25 years ago.