Meet the CLA Team

Prior to CLA, Brian was a Web Content Producer for the Sierra Club, an Interactive Media Specialist for Saint Mary’s College, and a newspaper reporter. He received his master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. His experience includes writing, editing, managing social media channels, and launching online marketing campaigns. Outside of work, Brian enjoys playing the ukulele, watching sports, and camping with his kids.

Prior to CLA, Brianna worked as an Events Coordinator with the California Head Start Association, where she assisted with multiple annual meetings, supported board members and built a complete marketing and communications plan for the association. She brings to CLA over 5 years of experience in events, marketing, and upper level administrative support, as well as degrees in both business marketing and psychology. Her background includes working with C-Level executives and high-level management in both corporate and not-for-profit environments. Having visited 10 countries in the last two years, Brianna enjoys traveling internationally and hopes to expand her travels as often as possible.

Sara obtained her bachelor’s degree in fine art from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. She has over 15 years of experience working as a designer and a leader of large marketing teams. On a Saturday morning you can catch her checking out books at the library with her family and cuddling with her pet cat. 

Joanne has over two decades of human resource management experience ranging from talent management to strategic human resource planning and organizational consulting. Prior to launching her career at the CLA, Joanne held several corporate HR leadership positions in insurance, healthcare and professional services organizations. Joanne’s professional passion is providing HR solutions by building HR infrastructure through people, compliance and technology. As a result, she is super excited to be part of creating the organizational culture necessary to support the long-term success of the CLA. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage children – hiking, cycling, working out at the gym, and traveling. Joanne also enjoys mentoring recent college grads on career exploration where she shares her knowledge and passion for HR.

With over 20 years of experience in web development, Duane brings a wide range of skills and experience, and will be working on many of CLA’s web-related aspects in an effort to provide additional value to our members. Outside of work, Duane enjoys the outdoors and taking a shot at most recipes he sees on TikTok.

Prior to CLA, Nicole worked at Andy’s Candy Apothecary and at a personal training gym as an Admin Assistant. She looks forward to combining her customer service experience and organizational skills from both jobs to help CLA members with anything they might need. Outside of work, you can find her hiking, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends.

Raquel is a Section Team Lead for CLA, bringing over 8 years of experience in management and customer service, complemented by a strong background in consulting and sales. Known for her exceptional leadership, positive attitude, and people-first approach, Raquel excels at building meaningful relationships and delivering impactful results.

Outside of work, Raquel is a proud wife and mom to two boys. She enjoys spending time with her family, boating on the lake, and watching basketball.

With 13 years of experience in the State Bar of California, Kristina has climbed the ladder, starting as an Administrative Assistant and rising up the ranks to Executive Senior Administrator then to Section Coordinator. Her valuable skills in customer service, management, and administration of policies contribute greatly to her current position. In the office, she is extremely supportive of her team and is readily available to work on creative solutions to any problems that may arise. Outside of work, Kristina can found relaxing anywhere from her couch to the beach, where she is likely suntanning with a cocktail in hand.

Armed with a Business Degree from Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland and a strong background in Marketing and Organizational Management, Dimisha brings valuable insight and nuances to CLA. Dimisha started out as a Marketing Assistant and slowly made her way to Field Coordinator. Through these past experiences, Dimisha found her interest in working more hands on within operations. Her strong leadership and organizational tools allow her to share the values of a Lean organization with the Registration Department. She strives to provide the best customer experience for CLA members. On her free time, Dimisha enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking while spending quality time with her small family.

Nicole Stragalas is an experienced executive, writer, and speaker who has worked in several different industries over her career.  Specializing in member/customer experience and organizational development, Nicole has led large-scale initiatives for companies in the areas of member engagement, process improvement, and leadership development.  Her commitment to helping people reach their full potential has been a guiding principle throughout her career, and she is equally focused on the value of data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.   With an extensive background in the banking and credit union industry, Nicole has worked for large organizations, such as Wells Fargo, and smaller community-based credit unions, driving learning initiatives and other business growth plans in product redesign, knowledge management, and member relationship recovery.  With three master’s degrees and certifications in Lean Process Improvement and Coaching, Nicole is a strong advocate for continuing education and professional development throughout the career life-cycle.

Celeste Tamayo is a Member Service Specialist at the California Lawyers Association with many years of HR administrative experience in her background. With her team player and go getter attitude she plans on attacking all her goals and aspirations one by one. She loves to stay in a positive mindset and believes that with the combination of hard work and law of attraction, she will achieve the successful lifestyle that she desires to have one day. She wants nothing more than to make her mom proud of the woman she has become and is becoming. Outside of work you will find her at her kickboxing class or at home painting and drinking wine. She adores her Mexican culture and loves to spend time with her family and friends dancing her life away. Celeste plans on utilizing all her data entry, detail oriented, customer service, and administrative expertise to make the registration team a great one.