Meet The Volunteers Changing Lives
Friday, April 11, 2025
At CVNL, we are incredibly proud of the volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to making a difference in our community. Here are some of their inspiring stories:
Manny Rodriguez Garcia, LandPaths: Inspiring Youth Through Art and Nature
Volunteer of The Year, Heart of Sonoma County
Manny’s dedication to LandPaths has beautifully intertwined art and nature, creating enriching experiences for underserved youth. By driving carpools to nature camps, he has opened doors for children to immerse themselves in the natural world. In spring 2024, Manny’s artistic vision blossomed at the Jeff Bodwin Community Garden, where he led local youth in painting a vibrant mural that now graces the community. His efforts extended to facilitating a transformative trip to Yosemite for Spanish-speaking individuals, many experiencing the park’s majestic beauty for the first time. Recently, Manny’s passion for nature led him to train as a docent at Lafferty Ranch, guiding outings at this unique preserve. His unwavering positivity and enthusiasm have significantly enhanced LandPaths’ ability to serve and inspire the community.
Christine Comaford, By the Bay Health: End-of-Life Care with Empathy
Volunteer of The Year, Heart of Marin
For over 25 years, Christine Comaford has had the profound honor of guiding more than 60 individuals through their death process, viewing it as a graduation after a life well-lived. Her compassionate approach helps patients and their families release fear, anxiety, regrets, guilt, and shame, while encouraging forgiveness and the completion of unfinished business, often related to relationships and communication. Christine’s dedication extends to her 15 years of service with By the Bay Health, where she provides emotional support, companionship, and Reiki energy work for terminally ill patients and their caregivers. As a patient and family support volunteer and a “Big Buddy” for bereaved children, Christine creates meaningful connections, eases end-of-life transitions, and brings comfort through her thoughtfulness and creativity, resulting in peaceful and dignified departures.
Walt Novosardian, Youth Leadership Institute: Leading the Charge for Equity & Justice
Youth Volunteer of The Year, Heart of Marin
Walt Novosardian (he/him), a disabled queer and trans person, has been a tireless advocate for equity and justice, serving on the Marin County Youth Commission since 2022. As the founder and chair of the Disability Justice subcommittee, Walt has led impactful presentations to over 2,500 peers and community members. His initiatives include hosting Queer Prom, presenting a Pride Resolution to the Board of Supervisors, and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities through Positive Images and other local programs. At school, Walt is the president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, a pretrial attorney in Mock Trial, and a representative on the Novato School District Equity Committee. Despite being completely blind by the age of nine, Walt’s journey of overcoming internalized ableism and advocating for himself has fueled his commitment to creating positive change. His involvement with By the Bay Health and the Marin County Board of Supervisors further showcases his dedication to promoting wellness and equity. Walt’s story is a testament to the power of visibility, pride, and unwavering advocacy for marginalized communities.
Alexander Yoon, 404 Found Code: Breaking Barriers in STEM Education
Youth Volunteer of The Year, Heart of Sonoma County
In 2023, high school coder Alexander Yoon founded 404 Found Code, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free, accessible coding education to young students in Sonoma County. Independently securing nonprofit status and managing all operations, Alexander developed a comprehensive Micro:bit robotics and Python curriculum, teaching live coding classes to over 30 students per session. His efforts attracted donors, sponsors, and media attention, raising over $10,000 in funding and resources. With plans to expand programming and participate in the 2025 North Bay Science Discovery Day, Alexander continues to break barriers in STEM education for youth. The team is also focusing on partnerships with libraries and schools and hopes to begin robotics classes, requiring additional funding for student kits and curriculum development. Alexander’s vision and dedication are paving the way for a brighter future in STEM education.
Donate to help us support and celebrate the power of volunteers. Your contribution ensures that we can continue to uplift and empower those who dedicate their time and passion to making a difference.