2026 Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration at the Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala on Friday, May 8 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM at Roaring Camp’s beautiful Bret Harte Hall. This year’s theme is My Fair City, and the evening promises a little elegance, a lot of fun, and plenty to celebrate, while honoring the remarkable individuals, businesses, and organizations who help make Scotts Valley special.
The evening will be filled with excitement, appreciation, and community spirit, complete with a ton of fantastic raffle prizes, exclusive silent auction items and experiences. We’re very excited about this years line up!
This year’s gala will be catered by one of Santa Cruz County’s most beloved names in hospitality, Barbara & Co, led by owners and
chefs Marina Camarlinghi and Victor Cuevas Sanchez, alongside Head Chef Greg Menu.
A local favorite for nearly two decades, Barbara & Co is celebrating 20 years this year, with roots in family hospitality that go back even further. For Marina, great food is simply in the blood. Her father, Robert Camarlinghi, and Uncle Rudy Camarlinghi were
longtime local culinary legends, known for Adolph’s and years of memorable catering throughout the county.
If the name Barbara & Co sounds familiar, it should be. They have become one of the county’s most trusted catering teams, known for creating meals guests talk about long after the last plate is cleared. For Marina and her team, that is always
the goal, the greatest compliment. From the very first bite, they want guests to have an unforgettable experience.
That is exactly what Barbara & Co brings to an evening like the Chamber Gala. Their approach is elevated and thoughtful but welcoming.
“Gala Celebration” page 14
Calendar of Upcoming Community Events
Friday
5–10
Thursday
5:30
Saturday
Educators of the Year: Scotts Valley Unified School District Counselors
Lauren Hicks, Vine Hill Elementary
Lauren is one of the district’s MTSS (Multi Tiered Systems of Support) Specialists. She works at Vine Hill Elementary providing academic, behavioral and social-emotional support to students.
She works alongside school staff, parents/ caretakers and admin to address student needs, and works with students individually and in small groups. As a parent of a Vine Hill student and a former classroom teacher, Lauren feels fortunate to bring multiple lenses to the work.
She brings 19 years experience in both classroom teaching and reading intervention in 1st through 8th grades and holds a National Board Certification in teaching literacy.
Abbie Stevens, Scotts Valley Middle School
Abbie is honored to be recognized as Educator of the Year alongside her fellow counselors across the district. Now in her ninth year as a school counselor at Scotts Valley Middle School, she came to the profession as a second career she truly loves and holds a master’s degree in school counseling.
As a parent of three, with her youngest set to join Scotts Valley Middle School next year, she feels a deep personal connection to the students and families she serves. She is especially proud to have founded the Hope Squad, a suicide prevention program that empowers students to build connection, support one another, and strengthen their school community.
She recognizes that middle school is
both a challenging and formative time and feels grateful each day to support students as they navigate it. She often reflects how meaningful it would have been to have this kind of support when she was younger and considers it a privilege to now be that source of guidance for her students.
While there are difficult days, she would not trade this work for anything. She remains deeply grateful for her colleagues, administrators, and students who make the work so meaningful.
Grace Wahl, Scotts Valley High School
Grace is in her fourth year as a school counselor at Scotts Valley High School. She earned her master’s degree and PPS credential in counseling and guidance from San José State University during the COVID 19 pandemic, experiencing the challenges of remote learning alongside her students.
She began her career at Scotts Valley Middle School and has found it incredibly rewarding to work and collaborate with the dedicated counselors across Scotts Valley Unified. She appreciates the variety each day brings in her role, with no two days ever quite the same.
Among all the moments in the school year, graduation day stands out as her favorite. For her, it is not simply the start of summer, but a powerful and emotional milestone. Watching students take the next step in their journey, seeing their hard work come to fruition, and witnessing the pride they share with their families makes the day especially meaningful.
“Educators”
2025 Gala Celebration
New
Member
A Path to Aging in Place Marina
Watts Brings Clarity to Reverse Mortgages
In a region where home values have soared and longtime residents are searching for ways to stay rooted, our new chamber member Marina Watts is helping homeowners rethink what’s possible in retirement.
Watts, who specializes in reverse mortgages, did not set out on this path from the beginning. Like many homeowners, her journey started with uncertainty. After purchasing her first home in 2007, she found herself underwater just two years later. A suggestion from a friend to explore reverse mortgages sparked her curiosity, even though she did not qualify at the time. That curiosity quickly turned into a calling.
Not long after, she connected with a couple in Aptos who were already working in the field. As they walked her through the ins and outs of reverse mortgages, something clicked. She joined them, and over the past decade has built a career centered on helping others navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.
What keeps her passionate is simple. Every client is different, and every story matters. For Watts, reverse mortgages are not just financial tools, they are about improving quality of life. She works primarily with homeowners aged 55 and older, many of whom have spent decades building equity in their homes but are now facing the rising costs of living in places like Santa Cruz County.
For many, the concept of a reverse mortgage can feel intimidating. Watts makes it approachable by grounding it in something familiar. At its core, she explains; it is still a mortgage. The key difference is that homeowners are not required to make monthly
payments. Instead, the loan is repaid when the homeowner sells, moves out, or passes away.
She spends much of her time clearing up common misconceptions. One of the biggest is the belief that the bank will eventually take ownership of the home. In reality, homeowners retain ownership as long as they meet the loan obligations.
Another misconception is that reverse mortgages are only for those in financial distress. In her experience, many clients own homes valued between one and two million dollars, often with significant equity.
The impact of a reverse mortgage can be transformative. Watts points to clients who eliminate monthly mortgage payments, freeing up thousands of dollars each month. For someone paying three thousand dollars monthly, that can mean thirty-six thousand dollars a year staying in their pocket. Over time, the difference can reshape an entire retirement plan.
the ability to use their money for travel, family, or simply peace of mind.
The process itself is intentionally thorough. Clients go through counseling with a HUD-certified advisor, provide detailed financial information, and take time to fully understand their options. Watts sees this not as a hurdle, but as a safeguard. In an era of increasing scams targeting seniors, transparency and education are essential.
But the impact is not just financial. It is emotional. Watts describes the moment when clients realize they no longer have to make a mortgage payment as profound. Some say it feels like a weight has been lifted. Others describe a newfound sense of freedom, with
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She guides clients step by step, often meeting them in person, walking them through proposals, and remaining available long after the loan closes.
The process typically takes six to eight weeks, but she emphasizes that there is never any rush.
Trust is built over multiple conversations, sometimes involving family members or financial advisors.
One recent client stands out. A woman in her late seventies loved her two-story home but worried about its long term practicality. Instead of selling, she refinanced into a jumbo reverse mortgage and installed an elevator. Today, she moves freely through the home she loves, surrounded by neighbors and memories built over decades. Not having to leave the life she loved, which many of us lucky enough to live here feel deeply, is invaluable.
Stories like that reflect a broader theme in Watts’ work, the idea of aging in place. In a high cost area like Santa Cruz County, many residents want to remain in their homes but feel financial pressure mounting. Reverse mortgages can offer a way to stay, adapt, and maintain a lifestyle that would otherwise be difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Watts also sees a shift in how these loans are being viewed. Increasingly, financial planners and CPAs are part of the conversation, integrating home equity into long term retirement strategies. Reverse mortgages are no longer a last resort, but one of several tools available for thoughtful financial planning.
At the heart of it all is trust. Watts prioritizes listening, meeting clients where they are, and helping them explore options without pressure. She attends closings, checks in regularly, and often maintains relationships for years. Her clients know they can reach out anytime, and many do.
Through her work, she has gained a deeper appreciation for what home truly means. It is more than an asset. It is a place of comfort, memory, and identity. As people age, that connection only grows stronger.
Now, as a new member of the Scotts Valley Chamber, Watts brings not only her expertise but a deeply human approach to an often misunderstood financial tool. In a community where staying put can feel increasingly out of reach; her work offers something many people are looking for, a way to remain at home, on their own terms, with dignity and peace of mind.
For more information visit: marinawatts.com or call (831) 535-9760
Innovation Martial Arts Academy
By KELLY GAVIN, Scotts Valley Executive Director
Ihad a chance to sit and chat with Brian Tomson who runs Innovation Martial Arts Academy in Kings Village shopping center.
Lately, I’ve been thinking how Scotts Valley is a city that prides itself on connection, encouragement, and lifting up the next generation, and I realized that Innovation has quietly become more than just a training space , It’s a place where confidence is built, resilience is tested, and community is strengthened one student at a time, which to me is very Scotts Valley.
Brian’s path to ownership was not a traditional one. After many years working in high tech, the opportunity to take over the school came at just the right moment. He stepped in during 2019, just before the uncertainty of the pandemic reshaped how small businesses operated.
What could have been a setback instead became a defining chapter, as the school adapted, moving classes outdoors into local parks and finding ways to stay connected even during the most challenging times. That period, Brian reflects, tested everyone but ultimately made the community stronger.
At its core, Innovative Martial Arts teaches more than physical technique. While the school offers a mixed martial arts approach rooted in self-defense, Brian emphasizes that the deeper mission is developing life skills that extend far beyond the mat.
Confidence, positivity, discipline, and healthy habits are woven into the classes. Students are encouraged to step into who they are, to trust themselves, and to grow not just as martial artists, but as individuals.
That growth often happens in small but meaningful moments.
Brian describes how mastering a single move can spark a chain reaction. A student improves, their confidence grows, and suddenly they carry themselves differently in everyday life. Over time, those small wins build into some thing lasting. It is this blend of physical progress and personal development that defines the experience at the studio.
A key part of that environment is the teaching team, especially head instructor Abigal Franklin.
A black belt in jiu jitsu, a mother, and a former preschool teacher, brings a unique balance to the program. Brian describes their part nership as a natural yin and yang.
Her ability to connect with children, encourage them, and challenge them in just the right ways creates a space where students feel both supported and motivated. It is a dynamic that parents notice and deeply appreciate.
The impact of that approach can be seen in the stories that come out of the studio. There are students who face disappointment,
like failing a belt test, only to come back stronger and succeed the next time. There are also moments that reach beyond the classroom, including a student who was able to safely remove themselves from a real-life situation by trusting their instincts and applying what they had learned. These are the outcomes that matter most to Brian, the ability for students to stay aware, trust their gut, and navigate the world with confidence.
For parents considering martial arts, Brian hopes they understand that it is not about prior experience or athletic ability. It is about taking the first step.
Martial arts are something students can carry with them for life, offering not only physical skills but also the confidence to handle challenges, the discipline to stay focused, and the perspective to let go of the small things.
In classes for younger children, that philosophy shows up in thoughtful ways. Sessions are structured but always end on a
positive note, often with a game that allows kids to release energy and leave feeling successful. It is a balance of discipline and fun that keeps students engaged while reinforcing key lessons.
Brian’s connection to Scotts Valley runs deep. He remembers a time before the city even had a high school, and despite all the growth, he says it still feels like a close-knit community. One of his favorite traditions is seeing graduation banners displayed throughout town, especially when they feature students from his own school. To him, it is a powerful reflection of how the community supports and celebrates its youth.
When asked what he hopes people feel when they walk into Innovative Martial Arts, his answer is simple. Their new community. In Scotts Valley, where community is everything, Innovative Martial Arts continues to live up to its name, offering not just instruction, but a place where people of all ages can grow stronger together.
For more info, check them out here: scottsvalleymartialarts.com
Scotts Valley Chamber News
“Educators” from page 11
She finds deep value in the work she does and feels honored that students trust and rely on her during such an important stage of their academic and personal growth, no matter what challenges they may be facing.
Katie Feickert, Brook Knoll Elementary
Katie first discovered her love for working with children as a junior lifeguard instructor on the beach, teaching nine to eleven year olds about water safety. At the same time, she was playing water polo at Long Beach State, where she realized how much joy she found in helping young people learn, grow, and build confidence. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she pursued her teaching credential and began her career in Long Beach Unified, later continuing in Los Alamitos Unified School District before moving to Santa Cruz. She then spent seven wonderful years teaching third grade at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary in Felton, surrounded by the beauty of the redwoods.
The COVID 19 pandemic brought new challenges into the classroom, and she recognized a growing need to better support students beyond academics. As a new mother, she made the difficult yet rewarding decision to return to school, working full time while pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling.
During her second year in the program, she joined Brook Knoll Elementary as a counseling intern, working alongside Ryan Navaroli and Josh Wahl, who encouraged her to bring her classroom energy into the counseling space. When counseling budgets were later reduced, the district retained her as an MTSS specialist, a role that allows her to blend her passion for teaching with counseling to support the whole child.
She remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve students, families, and
“Gala Celebration” from page 11
Marina believes the best food is fresh, healthy food, and every menu is built with care, creativity, and a genuine desire to make sure every guest feels considered.
From beautifully prepared seasonal dishes to thoughtful options for vegetarian and gluten free guests, Barbara & Co is known for creating meals that are inclusive, satisfying, and full of flavor without sacrificing quality.
Their team cooks onsite, ensuring every plate is served with care.
More importantly, they bring the kind
the dedicated educators of Scotts Valley Unified, continuing her commitment to nurturing and supporting every child she works with.
Sarah Hershey, Scotts Valley High School
Sarah is deeply honored and grateful to receive this award alongside such exceptional, caring, and compassionate colleagues. Being part of a community that shares a commitment to supporting others makes the recognition especially meaningful to her.
Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to California on a whim shortly after completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. That leap of faith ultimately shaped the course of her life and career. She eventually found her way to Santa Cruz, where she worked in a variety of counseling and support roles, along with a few unexpected jobs in between, serving both children and adults. Through these experiences, she discovered her passion for working in school settings and supporting students in their growth and well being.
She went on to earn her master’s degree in school counseling and PPS credential from San José State University. She spent nine rewarding years at Fremont Union High School District, where she grew both professionally and personally. Her journey ultimately led her to Scotts Valley High School ten years ago, where she feels she has truly found a home among an extraordinary group of colleagues.
She deeply values this community and feels fortunate every day to work alongside dedicated educators while supporting the incredible students and families she serves.
MacKenzie Keller, Vine Hill Elementary
MacKenzie began her career with SVUSD in 2015 as a part-time librarian, where she also supported the expansion of social-emotional learning (SEL) services at Vine Hill School. In 2017, she transitioned into a full-time role as
of warmth and professionalism that turns a catered meal into part of the evening’s magic. It is not just about dinner. It is about creating the kind of experience guests will still be talking about next year.
That spirit of connection is one reason Barbara & Co is such a perfect fit for the Scotts Valley Chamber Gala.
Marina and her team are passionate about local events, local people, and the joy of seeing familiar faces while making new friends.
From weddings and galas to fundraisers, private parties, and corporate events, they have built their reputation on
a district school counselor, serving both the high school and Vine Hill Elementary. MacKenzie became full time at Vine Hill in 2018.
Over the past three years, she has strengthened her professional expertise and earned five specialist training certificates through the American School Counselors Association, enhancing her ability to support students’ academic and social-emotional needs. She collaborates closely with school staff and partners with families to implement effective, studentcentered support strategies.
During the current school year, MacKenzie has facilitated eight small counseling groups and conducted more than 50 classroom lessons on a range of relevant topics.
You will often find MacKenzie zipping around from one end of the campus to another, popping in and out of classrooms to conduct lessons, gathering students for small groups, and supporting individuals. MacKenzie’s compassionate, creative, style is always served with a smile and a great sense of humor. She is down to earth and relatable to all levels.
Her commitment to student well-being and her collaborative approach contribute to a supportive and inclusive school environment focused on student growth and success.
Ryan Navaroli, Brook Knoll Elementary
Ryan (aka Mr. Ryan) is currently in his ninth year as a school counselor at Brook Knoll Elementary. Known for his strong campus presence, Ryan is a highly trusted and sought-after resource, building meaningful connections with students through his natural ability to engage and relate to them.
He goes beyond the counseling office,
helping people gather well and celebrate beautifully.
This is a night to raise a glass of one of our local fine wines, delicious beers or a delightful cocktail to the leaders, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofits who go above and beyond to strengthen our community. The Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow community members and celebrate local achievements, we invite you to come and be part of this inspiring night of recognition, generosity, and connection.
Get your tickets at scottsvalleychamber.com/ events/scotts-valley-community-awards-gala/
consistently interacting with students across campus and creating a positive, welcoming environment. Whether offering support or making students laugh at recess, Ryan’s energy and authenticity make a significant lasting impact.
His commitment to student well-being and his ability to connect have made him an essential and highly respected figure within the school community.
Allison Baumsteiger, Scotts Valley Middle School
Allison is in her fourth year as a school counselor at Scotts Valley Middle School. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and brings a diverse background that includes emergency medicine, outdoor education, and art. She is also a new mother and an avid lover of the outdoors. She is deeply passionate about providing mental health support to middle school students during this pivotal stage of their lives. Each day, she works closely with youth navigating mental health challenges, social pressures, family hardships, and systemic barriers to equity. Their resilience continues to inspire her, and she is committed to creating a space where every student feels safe, seen, and supported.
Due to recent budget cuts, this will be her final year serving the Scotts Valley community, as her permanent position was eliminated last year. While she remains grateful for her time within the district, she also feels a strong responsibility to advocate for students, emphasizing that reduced access to counseling services carries real consequences. It affects students’ well being, sense of belonging, and ability to succeed.
She expresses sincere appreciation for the recognition of the vital work counselors provide behind the scenes and extends her heartfelt wishes for the continued strength and success of the community.
Our Winners
• Alvin Scarborough Man of the Year: Adam Cosner
• Annette Marcum Woman of the Year: Monica Aldana
• Business of the Year: Roaring Camp
• Youth of the Year: Dylan Turzak
• Organization of the Year: Arukah Project
• Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Cheyanne Donald Diaz
• Educators of the Year: Scotts Valley Unified School District Counselors: Katie Feickert, Lauren Hicks, Ryan Navaroli, MacKenzie Keller, Abbie Stevens, Grace Wahl, Sarah Hershey and Allison Baumsteiger.