Our Advisory Board
Bernie Austin, Life Coach –
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emmerson
At age 17, I met Ralph Waldo Emmerson on the pages of my English book. In that moment of discovery, possibility was born in me, I began to see the world differently. Not only did I believe in MY possibilities, I believed I could see possibilities in others. I looked beyond their exterior and KNEW within them, whatever they desired could be achieved. I began helping people discover whatever they desired, could be accomplished.
Today, I teach, coach, & speak with individuals & groups on movement, health & spirituality using the profound connection of “what lies within.”
My connection to Ribbons of Life came as a result of a invitation to speak to the amazing women & families of this group of thrivers. I was both moved and impressed by the philosophy, mission and commitment demonstrated by Lisa Barreto, Sylvia Rosolek, Karen Brown and all the members.
Bernie Austin – Ventura, CA, 805-340-7605, bernie@bernie4balance.com
Capt. Dingman & Mary Looby
Ventura City Fire Foundation
Alex Hamilton, Fire Chief
Oxnard Fire Department and CFO of the Oxnard Firefighters Foundation alex_hamiltonsmith@yahoo.com
Alex has been a firefighter with Oxnard Fire Department for over 10 years and in March 2021 was recognized by the Oxnard City Counsel for his promotion and service. He has been a strong supporter of the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation and Ventura County.
Alex states “We work very hard for our local community and take a lot of pride in the work we do. In the first year of our Pink Campaign, where the Oxnard Fire Department dons pink t-shirts for the month of October, we were looking for a local Breast Cancer Charity to support. The Ribbons of Life is the perfect fit for us. Since that time we have developed a fantastic relationship that I know will continue for many more years. We believe very strongly in the grass roots work that Ribbons of Life is doing and I’m personally honored and humbled to be associated with such an amazing group”.
Robin Hester, Coach Ventura College Women’s Basketball
November 2007, Robins best friends wife (Cheri Hampton Tsui) was diagnosed with cancer. This, along with several other events, prompted Robin to create an annual Ventura College Women’s Basketball fundraiser benefitting Ribbons of Life. He is a strong supporter of the value of education and awareness, especially issues relating to women’s health.
Rachel Wettekin, RN, MSN, Nurse Educator at CMH 
Rachel Wettekin, RN, MSN has been a Ribbons of Life member since September of 2018. She was originally diagnosed with de novo breast cancer in June of 2018. She worked previously in the Oncology unit at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura as a Charge Nurse. She now has a Master’s degree from Walden University which has allowed her to transfer to the position of Nurse Educator for the Medical/Oncology unit. She is experienced as a Health care advocate for her patients and is available to answer medically based questions that “survivors and thrivers” may have.
Jo Ann Kirkby, Ribbons of Life CREATE4LIFE Program Lead & CLOCS Table Coordinator
One day while attending a local chapter meetitng of the American Sewing Guild, she met Lisa Barreto and Sylvia Rosolek. They were there to thank the guild for making items for the “care bag” and CLOCS table. Jo Ann was so impressed by the positivity, smiles, friendship and support that she became a dedicated supporter and family member of RoL.
Carlene Faerber, Thriver – Information Table Coordinator and Ribbons of Life Ambassador
Carlene came to the BreastFest while in the middle of chemotherapy in 2011.Her conversation about breast cancer was overheard by another thriver and Carlene was invited to join. She has been an active participant since that time.
Mary Looby, EMT – Fire Fighter Liason
A chance meeting connected Mary with Ribbons of Life. Having several friends dealing with breast cancer, Mary was looking for a way to help, and saw a Facebook posting about an RoL event at the Ventura Fire Department. She is an active volunteer for multiple local grass-roots organizations, run by people of passion and action, and Ribbons of Life fit the bill perfectly. Mary felt welcomed and inspired upon meeting the Ribbons of Life survivors, thrivers and supporters and has been using her project management and organizational skills to support RoL for several years.
Chuck Rogers, Photographer
Chuck has played an important role in Ribbons of Life by helping save our history in pictures since 2009. He is a devoted husband and caregiver to his beautiful wife, Selina.
June English, PhD
Cancer Detection Program for Women, Every Woman Counts
Robin Riendeau, California State Department of Rehabilitation
Robin provides knowledge of educational services and resources available to those with/or recovering from breast cancer.
Suz Montgomery, Executive Director, Extended Learning Academy and Chair, Ventura Council on Aging (VCOA).
Tristin Wesenberg, DC
Dr. Wesenberg has been a Chiropractor in Ventura for the last 12+ years. She graduated in 1997 from Palmer College of Chiropractic West and was a personal trainer while attending school specializing in nutrition and wellness.
Dr. Wesenerg emphasizes overall body wellness by examining a patient’s lifestyle and how it relates to their current and future health.
Dr. Tristin V. Wesenberg
tristindc@sbcglobal.net
(805) 650-9106
Vicki Gates, Certified Orthotist & Co-Owner of Althea’s
Vicki speaks about compression garment options, the need to be measured by a professional for compression sleeves, gloves and/or gauntlets before surgery. She is a breast cancer awareness educator and supports the goals of Ribbons of Life
Sara Rodriguez, PhD, Physical Therapist & Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Sara shares her experience regarding the Klose Training Strength After Breast Cancer Program. She speaks about the various therapies for lymphedema and the importance of compression. Sara supports our goal of breast cancer awareness education and demonstrates an at-home compression option for women with lymphedema.
Inner Sanctum Advisors
There are many events that require special skills and many tasks that need to be completed. These are a few of the guys that fulfill those tasks and provide those skills. They are the unsung hero’s that make us successful and complete the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation team. They know and share the male perspective of breast cancer.
Bob Barreto is the best Welcome Wagon guy around, he helps with BreastFest name tags, photos, and his carpentry skills have been handy in hanging valance boxes, and the Ribbons of Life quilt in our resource center. David Rosolek helps with photographs, registrations for special events and is an expert when it comes to RVing!
Steve Kirkby is a valuable team member, as he assists Jo Ann with everything she does for Ribbons of Life. He is her husband and go-to partner.
Gordon Faerber is our go-to guy for audio-visual help. He is a dedicated husband to Carlene and a supporter of the foundation.
Bill Schlenberger, supports his wife Lorraine and the goals of Ribbons of Life. He is a master woodworker and donates many of his creations to silent auction fundraisers.
