Our Team
Below are some of our fantastic team members. More profiles are coming soon!
Maureen Wright – Executive Director
Maureen Wright brings over 40 years of rich experience to her day to day management of The Respite Inn. She began her career in this field in 1984, as an intern at a day program in Montana. Her work continued by managing group homes in Montana and Oregon, and working at the Community Mental Health Center on the Flathead Indian Reservation. In addition from personal experience, her brother suffered a TBI and he has been her inspiration in this work.
Maureen joined The Respite Inn in 1991, and in 1992 she was awarded her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology by John F. Kennedy University. Maureen is licensed as an ARF administrator and has certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist.
The Respite Inn’s guests and their families inspire her every day. They, in return, benefit from the compassion, expertise, calm efficiency, and dedicated focus that make Maureen the extraordinary Executive Director of our unique and much-needed service to the community. When asked who have been her greatest teachers or mentors in her life, Maureen will say, “Hands down our guests of The Respite Inn and their families”. One of her biggest joys is to introduce a new activity to our guests for the first time and see their excitement in trying something new. Maureen is deeply appreciative of the dedication and many years experience the staff bring to The Inn with the focus that guests always come first.
Charise – RCS I
Charise is an accomplished In Home Care Professional with many years experience assisting individuals with daily activities in their own homes. Before working in social services, Charise was employed as a Security Guard and learned that although this work paid the bills, it was not rewarding. Charise desired a job where she could make a significant positive impact on someone’s life while experiencing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Charise became an In Home Care Professional providing essential support to clients creating deep personal connections.
Charise has worked for The Respite Inn for four years and at The Respite Inn Charise learned the importance of collaborating with the parents. A special talent she brins to The Inn, is creativity in arts and crafts. Charise is often creating unique seasonal art projects with our guests. She has a high work ethic and can be described as tenacious, determined and willing to push through obstacles without giving up until the job gets finished.
Charise enjoys her 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren. She is actively involved in their lives attending recitals, sports games and gymnastics.
Danielle – RCS II
Danielle has been in the medical field for over 21 years. She began working in assisted-living with individuals dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. From there, Danielle worked as a medical assistant primarily in pediatrics. Danielle transitioned to mental health in 2020 during the pandemic receiving her bachelors in social work and recently received her Masters in social work. In addition to working as a lead Respite Care Specialist with The Respite Inn, Danielle provides mental health support to children and families as a Care Coordinator for Stanford Children’s Health.
Danielle explains that working at The Respite Inn has been both enlightening and rewarding. Working at The Respite Inn for over nine years, Danielle has had some of the most heartwarming experiences of her life. All of our guests have a special place in her heart, they teach her things with every interaction and they have filled her life with so much happiness. She loves our guests, their families, and having the experience to assist in growth, independence, music, therapy, yoga, fun, and many outings. The laughter and conversations are the best amongst so many other things at The Respite Inn.’ Outside of her role at the Respite Inn Danielle loves self-care, being outdoors and spending time with her children and loved ones.
Doreen – RCS II and Safety Coordinator
A (retired) seasoned Special Education Assistant, has 25 years of experience working alongside students with special needs. Her enthusiasm for helping others started when Doreen attended college, majoring in physical therapy, earning an AA degree. During her educational experience she was introduced to a personal care assistant and impressed with their work Doreen decided to improve the lives of others. Doreen specialized in voice output communication aids, managing daily tube feeding care and assisted people with medical support in wheelchairs.
In addition to working for Mount Diablo School District Doreen is a Lead Staff at the Respite Inn and has been for over 24 years. Doreen enhances the environment at The Respite Inn providing humor, integrity, strong problem solving skills, and the ability to effectively communicate.
Outside of work, Doreen is committed to her family. A proud grandmother of five rambunctious boys and one amazing step granddaughter, Doreen makes time for them all. Doreen also makes time for her 87 year old father as she assists him with attending medical appointments and grocery shopping.
In Doreen‘s spare time, she is an adrenaline junkie. An avid ‘Off Roading’ driver, Doreen has no fear fiercely crawling over large boulders and climbing up steep hills. Doreen also enjoys camping as it is always peaceful even when the bears come to visit.
Elizabeth – RCS I
Elizabeth worked at the Respite Inn off and on for over 20 years. Her passion for caregiving can be traced back three decades ago. She began providing services to children with disabilities when she was a teenager. At age 18, she volunteered in a homeless shelter, leaving her family and friends behind to move to New York City Harlem. Automatically, she fell in love with social services and she knew then helping others was and was her calling. Her employment history includes Las Trampas, Alegria, Families First, and The Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Having worked in these facilities, she gained experience and knowledge assembling her skill set and allowing her to provide the best care.
Outside of the workplace, she is a perpetual student earning her associate degree in social science, liberal arts, and dance. Dance is her fervent and loves to share her fancy foot and with others. She uses dance to support her clientele with managing stress and expressing themselves to their fullest. She also enjoys spending time with our guests on art, music, drama.
Why is the Respite Inn so special? Collectively, the staff at The Respite Inn have years of experience and together we make things work. We laugh a lot at the Respite Inn which promotes positivity and joy. Silliness is a must when dancing, singing, or playing games at RI and eventually I acquired the nickname Dizzy Lizzy. The Respite Inn uses compassion as a source of energy which is the Northstar of our giving. This star light shines bright at The Respite Inn and I am very proud to be a part of the illumination.
Judy – RCS I and Recreation Coordinator
Judy worked with respite off and on since 2002. She has an associate degree in early childhood education & phycology. She loves working with and supporting people who have developmental and other disabling conditions. She had the pleasure of being a house manager for an Intermediate care facility for 25 years, Quality Control for an Adult Day Program, a 1 on 1 behavioral support person for the Napa school district and a bus driver. She currently is a Mental health support provider for high school students for the Vallejo unified school district and works at The Respite Inn on weekends. She loves meeting and working with new guests and getting to know their families. It is very important to Judy that each guest have an awesome experience every time they visit The Respite Inn. Their smiles are her rewards.
Pamela – RCS I and Medication Coordinator
Pamela began her career as an Electronic Technician earning her AA degree in Industrial Electronics. Working in this field for 16 years Pamela learned patience, critical thinking, adaptability and most importantly attention to detail. Focusing on detail is a characteristic Pamela has always provided during her employment journey.
Pamela transitioned to social services being a Special Education Assistant for The Mount Diablo School District for 23 years. Pamela is fueled by helping people and believes that assisting others enriches her life.
Pamela is a diligent and conscientious medication coordinator taking her position seriously. Pamela is fastidious regarding medication administration and precisely follows doctor’s orders and monitors all medications thoroughly.
Pamela likes the guests and staff at the Respite Inn. She enjoys taking the guests to Dances and celebrating them on their Birthdays. Pamela believes that the guests are very resilient because they do not allow their disability to get the best of them.
Pamela is a major dachshund fan having three dachshunds she loves dearly. In her free time, Pamela likes to spend it with her dogs and going to concerts with her daughter.
Pamela’s wishes that The Respite Inn’s future will include being well known in the community. Pamela is convinced that more families would use The Respite Inn’s services if the families knew it existed.
Patrice – Quality Assurance Specialist
Patrice has been employed at The Respite Inn for nine years starting out as a RCS I and now a QA Specialist. In addition, she is licensed as an ARF administrator. Her passion for social services began at an early age, being raised with two uncles with developmental disabilities, Patrice believes in doing all things with 100% love. Patrice has a background in banking but finds that assisting others is her true purpose in life.
Patrice has many unique gifts, such as arts, crafts, and painting. Patrice is best known for her cuisine at The Respite Inn because of her exceptional culinary talents. Patrice’s meals are cooked to perfection and her flavorful dishes are presented with artistry. Her delicious cooking skills earned Patrice the nickname Martha P at The Respite Inn. Her food is so delectable at social events staff and clients request that Patrice be in charge of nourishment. It warms Patrice’s heart to see the guests and staff, enjoying the meals she prepared with love.
Patrice has an ARF Administrative license and assists in ensuring quality is a top priority at The Respite Inn. Patrice has a strong sense of order and is dedicated to maintaining a spotless and organized environment at The Respite Inn.
Patrice has been married for 28 years and she is the proud grandmother of four grandchildren. Patrice is the cornerstone of her family being deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and always offering unwavering support to everyone in her family. In her leisure, Patrice enjoys going on cruises, painting, hikes and traveling.
Raquel – Assistant Director
Raquel is a proud San Francisco native and a dedicated certified professional coach with a deep passion for supporting families. She specializes in family dynamics, parental support, and adolescent development. As the founder of Rockstar Parenting™ and the “Lovin’ The Skin You’re In” Youth Empowerment Workshop™, Raquel has empowered countless individuals to heal, grow, and thrive.
She began her journey at The Respite Inn in 2023 as a part-time Client Billing Specialist. Her dedication and heart for service quickly became evident. The more time she spent connecting with guests and understanding their needs, the deeper her commitment to the mission became. In August 2025, she proudly stepped into the role of Assistant Director, where she now leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the families of The Respite Inn
Raquel holds a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences, is a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. With years of experience in leadership, coaching, and care, she brings a strong foundation of knowledge and heartfelt service to her role.
Above all, Raquel is driven by her desire to build a lasting family legacy. She draws daily inspiration from her three daughters and her cherished role as ‘Mama Roc’ to five beautiful grandchildren.
Sheila – RCSII and Staff Schedule Coordinator
With a degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley, she has dedicated over 25 years to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families in the social service field. Her journey began in Southern California, where she worked with troubled teens, and has since evolved into a fulfilling career in the Bay Area. She had the privilege of serving at esteemed organizations such as Las Trampas, Alive, and George Miller Center, before finding her true calling at Contra Costa County, where she held various roles including EW Worker, IHSS Social Worker, Advocacy Social Worker, and for the past nine years, EW Supervisor.
In addition to her work as EW Supervisor, she is proud to work at The Respite Inn, a place that has become a second home to her over the last 25 years. What started as a temporary position has blossomed into a lifelong passion, surrounded by a team of compassionate individuals who feel more like family. At Respite Inn, every shift feels like a reunion, often greeted with songs and guests that remind her of the warmth and joy they create together.
One of her most cherished memories is when a guest, noticing her injured foot, offered me a pillow to elevate it, showcasing the incredible kindness and thoughtfulness of the individuals we serve. This is just one of the many reasons she continues to work at Respite Inn—because she truly loves what she does. Outside of my professional life, I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to two beautiful munchkins, as well as a proud dog mom to three furry companions. She cherishes downtime, often indulging in good music, shopping, reading, and tackling word games and crosswords. Family is her anchor.
Our Board of Directors
- Carleen Carns
- Dick Dennin
- Aneeta Hollar
- Cyndie Lee
- Sheryl Keuhn
- Judith Levin
- Sister MaryGrace Puchac
- Barbara Strehlitz