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Our Mission

To show the love and compassion of Christ through tutoring and mentoring.

Just Getting Started

Thanks to our proven model of success, Leaven Kids has become one of the fastest-growing non-profit 501(c)3 organizations in California. With over 20 learning centers and our most recent opening in Texas, we are expanding our impact across the country.
Leaven Kid happy to be learning

Leaven Kids Leadership

Mark Lillis (1)
Mark Lillis
Chief Executive Officer

Mark Lillis has years of experience working to improve the lives of kids. First as the founder of a summer camp program for Las Positas Park in the City of Santa Barbara, and then as leader of the city’s youth programs. His years as a founder and executive director, and now Chief Executive Officer, of Leaven Kids rounds out an accomplished history of service to kids in need. In addition to leading Leaven Kids' after-school tutoring centers, Summer Success program, volunteer recruitment, and development, Mark is enjoying the support of his exceptional board of directors, staff, and volunteers to continue growing the impact of Leaven Kids.

Renee-1-2
Renee Tadlock
Chief Operating Officer

Renee Tadlock has a passion for community outreach that shines brightly as the Chief Operating Officer for Leaven Kids, purposefully leading and training a team of individuals working toward the common goal of instilling hope into the lives of our youth. She is dedicated to the mission of Leaven Kids to empower these communities by providing influential mentors who will invest in the academic, moral, and spiritual foundations of children and their families. Renee Tadlock, serving beside her husband, Mike, as lead pastor for Real Life Church in Fairfield, is part of an entire family who shares her commitment to engage the whole community in coming together to resource underserved neighborhoods.

 
Ida Somero 2 (1)
Ida Somero
Chief Development Officer

Ida Somero holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Loyola Marymount University where she attended on a full-ride athletic scholarship for Women’s Basketball. She was a leader in retail management at Target for over 15 years before entering the non-profit arena where she gained firsthand knowledge of how an integrated approach can maximize donor engagement. As Chief Development Officer, Ida brings over 18 years of development experience to the team. Having a deep personal commitment for advancing the lives of underserved children, Ida has shaped the fundraising initiatives of Leaven Kids. Additionally, she brings a breadth of event-driven fundraising experience to the table as an independent contractor, where she has managed and produced many successful events. A CFRE, she is also a member of Associate Fundraising Professionals.

Marina Kovalev 1 (1)
Marina Kovalev
Chief Financial Officer

Marina Kovalev, a California-licensed CPA with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, has been working with Leaven Kids as the Controller and CFO since 2012. Prior to coming to Leaven Kids, she focused on auditing nonprofits and property management companies. Marina prides herself in keeping clean financial records and using the latest accounting technology to keep moving Leaven Kids forward. Being an immigrant herself and utilizing many resources to get ahead in elementary school, she understands the huge value Leaven Kids plays in the lives of the children and parents who might not be able to assist their kids with their school-work.

Board of Directors

Chief Joe

Chief Joe Allio

President
Police Chief, City of Fairfield (ret)

Chief Joe Allio is a 34-year veteran of law enforcement. He has also served in pastoral positions at local churches, was a member of the Host Lions Club and the President of the Northern California Batten Disease Association. As a member of the Fairfield Police Department, he served on the SWAT team, was a founding member of the Peer Support Team, participated in the development of “active shooter” response training and developed and implemented the Police Probation Team. He has earned two Exceptional Performance Citations and completed Senior Management Law Enforcement Institute hosted by Boston University.

General Maryane Miller

Gen. Maryanne Miller

Vice President
Air Mobility Commander, United States Air Force (ret)
General Maryanne Miller is a retired 4-star U.S. Air Force General with over 39 years of military service. In her career, she has led two Major Commands and is the only Reserve Officer in the history of the United States to achieve the rank of General to-date.

General Miller has extensive experience in rapid, global mobility and sustainment as the Commander of Air Mobility Command and the Commander of the Air Force Reserve. As the Air Component for U.S. Transportation Command, General Miller was responsible for directing global air mobility operations in support of national security objectives. Her commands played a pivotal role in providing global airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian relief and Presidential airlift support as directed.

General Miller serves on the Board of Directors of Bristow, an advisor to New Vista Acquisition Corp., and a member of the Board of Trustees for Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York. She is also a co-worker for St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity serving some of the poorest communities around the world.

General Miller was drawn to Leaven Kids because it is a powerful agent for good through faith, hope and love. Leaven Kids transforms lives, families, and communities to realize the power of good within us so that we can transform the environment around us.
Staci Pauly

Staci Pauly

Secretary
Senior Finance Manager, Genentech (ret)
Staci Pauly was the Senior Finance Manager at Genentech in Vacaville. She was born and raised in the City of Vacaville and has volunteered with several local organizations over the years. Staci was introduced to Leaven Kids through Crossroads Christian Church which she has attended since 1998. She has a lot of hands-on volunteering experience and is excited to be on Leaven Kids' board to help steer the organization to be "the best it can be for our children and our entire community."
Ian Schmutzler

Chief Ian Schmutzler

Treasurer
Police Chief, City of Vacaville
Captain Ian Schmutzler started with the Vacaville Police Department in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks to oversee the Field Support Bureau. He began working with Leaven Kids as a volunteer in 2015. As a police captain who has seen first-hand the kinds of challenges under-privileged children face, Ian is thrilled to be a member of the Leaven Kids board and to be making a difference. “I’ve been able to see the incredible results of Leaven Kids entering a neighborhood,” Ian says. “… a dramatic drop in crime, a sense of community, and in some of the high-density housing areas the tenancy has gone up.”
Melonie Flavin

Melonie Flavin

Director
Giving & Programs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Melonie Flavin has had the pleasure of serving at the corporate offices of Chick-fil-A in Atlanta for over 25 years.  She currently is on the Giving and Programs team in Corporate Social Responsibility where she leads the largest gifting platform, the True Inspiration Awards, funding over 300 organizations with $27.4 million dollars since its inception in 2015. She also manages all other philanthropic fulfillment by Chick-fil-A focusing on relationship management.

Her greatest purpose in life is serving others and encouraging them along the way.  Melonie, along with her husband, Jeff, have been in some aspect of service for over 35 years.  From annual mission trips and house churches to seeking ways to serve in their community to currently fostering to adopt.  They are a strong and collaborative team with a huge heart truly believing that loving our neighbor is not a suggestion.

She is a native Atlantan and attended the University of West Georgia with a degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology.  Melonie has 5 children and 6 perfect baby grands who call her Sweetie, and 2 of the most perfect dogs in the history of ever.

David Hammerschmidt

Col. David Hammerschmidt

Director
United States Air Force (ret)

Col. Dave “Hammer” Hammerschmidt entered the USAF as an Airman Basic in 1989 and retired in 2020 as a Group Commander at Travis Air Force Base. Colonel Hammerschmidt is currently a project manager for PavCon LLC. He was initially drawn to Leaven Kids to demonstrate to young Airmen that they are leaders in the communities where they serve, and they have the ability to inspire and motivate young children to dream bigger and achieve more.

Frank Lizarraga

Frank Lizarraga, Esq.

Director
Attorney, Lizarraga Law Firm
Frank Lizarraga holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of La Verne as well as a Juris Doctorate degree from Western State College of Law. He is a practicing attorney with over 30 years of legal and courtroom experience and has been honored to be a member of the National American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation only peer review organization that recognizes significant litigation experience, civility, integrity, and professionalism. Frank currently serves several client organizations and chairs the Board of Advisors to the University of La Verne’s College of Law and is a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.
Kristan Nowland

Kristan Nowland

Director
Certified Health and Wellness Coach, BSN, RN

Kristan Nowland brings extraordinary depth as an advisor as she has more than 20 years of leadership experience in entrepreneurship and health care operations. Kristan is highly experienced in interacting with health care providers, teaching parents, patients, media, and leaders within the health care community. Her passion continues as she looks to help children and families thrive and flourish, no matter their situation or state in life. 

Josh Parker

Josh Parker

Director
Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Vacaville Commons
Josh Parker, owner/operator of Chick-fil-A Vacaville Commons, has been involved with Leaven Kids since 2020. Prior to Chick-fil-A, Josh  brings years of experience working with international non-profit organizations. He is passionate about investing in the next generation and is thrilled to be a part of the Leaven Kids board.
Dan Sharp

Dan Sharp

Director
CEO, Ironsight

With nearly three decades in the political world, Dan Sharp has become one of the most trusted public affairs and public policy advisors to Fortune 500 corporations, local government agencies, members of congress and large organizations. He has extensive issue area expertise in energy, water, land use, transportation, health care and waste management, and has led more than 200 political and public affairs campaigns with great success. He serves as CEO of Ironsight, a national public affairs firm; as Senior Advisor to Datum Tech, a data and digital company; and as a Venture Partner with Austin, Texas-based SputnikATX.

Dan served as Chief of Staff to then-Congressman Doug Ose (R-CA), Chair of the House Government Oversight Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. He also worked in the California State Senate and as a Research Fellow at the Claremont Institute. He is also a former planning commission chairman, Farm Bureau board member and an active volunteer in his community. He is married to Amy Sharp, an elected member of the Solano County Board of Education and Advisor to Solano County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn. They live in Vacaville, California and have two grown sons.

Robert Yarbrough

Robert Yarbrough

Director
Complex Manager, Valero Energy Corporation (ret)

Robert Yarbrough retired from Valero Energy Corporation in 2022 following a 35-year career in the energy industry. Robert held many positions including Operator, Control Board Operator, Shift Superintendent, Unit Team Leader, and Complex Manager during his career. His positive involvement with Leaven Kids as a volunteer and donor has motivated him to join the board to help make an even bigger difference in the community.

Hon. Mike Nail

Hon. Mike Nail

Emeritus

Superior Court Judge (ret)
Judge Mike Nail is a retired Judge of the Superior Court for the State of California, holding that position for more than two decades. Prior to assuming the bench, he was District Attorney for Solano County for 11 years and Assistant District Attorney for 14 years. Upon his retirement in 2007, Judge Mike Nail wanted to invest his time into helping at-risk children. He was a former member of the Lion's Club and a member and past president of Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife have three children and five grandchildren.
Len Augustine

Mayor Len Augustine

Honorary

Mayor, City of Vacaville (ret)

Mayor Leonard “Len” Augustine is a retired USAF Colonel and former Mayor of the City of Vacaville. Len gives back to his community not only through his involvement with Leaven Kids, but also by serving on the board for Travis Credit Union and as Chairman of the Travis Community Consortium where he is an advocate for Travis Air Force Base. When Len first learned how the Leaven Kids center was impacting Fairfield, he became interested in starting a center in his city. “I knew crime would be cut in half,” says Len.

Rodney Bullard

Rodney Bullard

Honorary

CEO, Same House

Rodney D. Bullard is the CEO of The Same House, a public benefit corporation, dedicated to furthering economic mobility and bridging social division. Rodney previously founded and led Global Corporate Social Responsibility at Chick-fil-A, inc. which included responsibilities for Community Affairs, Community Engagement and Environmental Sustainability at Chick-fil-A, Inc., and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. A frequent speaker, he previously served in the US Air Force, NASA, and the Department of Justice. He is an alumnus of the Air Force Academy, Duke Law, the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business and the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Gen. David L. Goldfein

Gen. David L. Goldfein

Honorary

21st Chief of Staff, United States Air Force (ret)

General (retired) David L. Goldfein is an internationally recognized leader in global risk and crisis management, planning and executing complex operations, and developing and implementing policy and communications strategies. His experience has been honed over a 37- year career as a pilot in the United States Air Force, where he commanded at every level and finished his career as the 21st Chief of Staff, the service’s highest-ranking 4-star officer. Goldfein had wide-ranging operational and advisory responsibilities, including oversight of the organization, training, and equipping of over 693,000 personnel serving in the United States and dozens of countries around the world; and management of a $168 billion operating budget. He has served as a trusted advisor to the President, the National Security Council, the Congress, and the senior leadership of the Department of Defense on a range of national security matters. In addition, he developed key relationships with international partners, private sector leaders, and philanthropists.

Dave currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Blackstone Investment Group, where he helps senior Blackstone leaders formulate and execute optimal courses of action based on an informed global risk assessment. In this role, he is Chairman of the Board of Draken International LLC, a Blackstone owned company focused on US and foreign military training. Goldfein has been named a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute and a Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he maintains a focus on their Air and Space portfolios. Additionally, he serves as an Advisory Board Director of Anduril Industries, Inc., where he advises the CEO and leadership on global trends and risk as it applies to their technology. As a Professor of Practice at the University of Texas El Paso and University of Texas San Antonio, he develops promising professionals through a dynamic instructional practice.

An equally important part of his portfolio, Goldfein dedicates a significant portion of his time serving in Pro Bono positions. He currently serves as a Board Director of the United Services Organization (USO), on the Leadership Council of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and is a Senior Trustee of the USAF Academy’s Falcon Foundation and a Scholar of the newly formed Policy Vets. He is also a Distinguished Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Goldfein was recently recognized as a Distinguished Eagle Scout and a Distinguished Alumni of Philmont Scout Ranch.

Prior to serving as the USAF Chief of Staff, Dave was the USAF Vice Chief of Staff, the second highest ranking officer, where he presided over the Air Staff and served as a member of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Advisory Working Group, advising on high interest acquisitions and assessing joint military capabilities for the Department of Defense. As Vice Chief, he pioneered a new and aggressive approach to supporting warriors with invisible wounds, as well as their caregivers. 

During his time as Chief, Goldfein developed and championed the Department of Defense’s signature joint warfighting initiative, Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Central to his vision was the creation of the Department’s first Information Warfare Command, which brought together the capabilities of Cyber, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Information Operations. He also developed and executed the largest overhaul of the officer development and promotion system in the Air Force in over thirty years.

Goldfein has held numerous command positions, notably the deployed Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command from 2011-2013, where he directed all air and space operations across 20 countries spanning the broader Middle East. An effective coalition-builder, General Goldfein traveled extensively as a military “ambassador,” working with stakeholders across the region and building crucial inter-disciplinary relationships. He successfully envisioned and built the first- ever Gulf Air Operations Center, with representation from all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries inside his headquarters.

Dave received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1983, with a degree in Philosophy. He later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. He is a graduate of the prestigious Air Force Weapons Instructor Course and the Department of State’s Senior Seminar program as a National Defense Fellow.

Goldfein is married to his high school sweetheart, Dawn A. Goldfein. Dawn recently published “Sharing the Journey, A Military Spouse Perspective” as a companion work to Dave’s guide for commanders, “Sharing Success and Owning Failure, Preparing to Command”, which was published in 2001 and is now in its 12th printing. Dave and Dawn continue to pursue their passion for helping military spouses and families in addition to their ongoing work with invisible wounds of war, and both work together as senior mentors and managers for CAPSTONE and KEYSTONE military leadership courses for newly selected general and flag officers and their spouses across the joint team.

Dennis Muilenburg

Dennis Muilenburg

Honorary

Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of New Vista Capital / CEO and Chairman of the Board, Boeing (ret)

Dennis Muilenburg is Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of New Vista Capital, launched in 2021; and Owner, President and CEO of DAM CyFly Consulting, LLC, launched in 2020. 

Previously, Dennis Muilenburg joined Boeing in 1985, starting at the company as an engineering intern. He served as president from December 2013 to December 2019, as chief executive officer (CEO) from July 2015 to December 2019, and as chairman of the board from March 2016 to October 2019. Until July 2015, Muilenburg served as vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of Boeing, where he supported the company's aerospace business operations and focused on specific growth enablers, including important global relationships, leadership initiatives and development program performance. 

Before that, Muilenburg served as president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), serving United States and global defense, government, and commercial customers. 

Earlier, Muilenburg was president of BDS's Global Services & Support business, vice president and general manager of the Boeing Combat Systems division, and program manager for Future Combat Systems. Prior to that, he served as vice president of Programs & Engineering for Boeing Air Traffic Management and director of Weapon Systems for the proposed Boeing Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. He also held program management and engineering positions on F-22, Airborne Laser, High Speed Civil Transport and the Condor reconnaissance aircraft, among others. 

Muilenburg spent the first 15 years of his Boeing career in the Puget Sound region of Washington, where he held a number of program management and engineering positions in support of both the commercial airplanes and defense and space businesses. 

A native of Iowa, Muilenburg earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and an honorary doctor of science degree from Iowa State University, as well as a master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the University of Washington. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Royal Aeronautical Society, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the inaugural Innovator in Residence at Iowa State University, and a distinguished fellow for aerospace, mobility, and manufacturing at the Saint Louis University Research Institute. Muilenburg also serves in senior advisory roles for numerous aerospace and technology private companies, including Monarch Tractors, Echelon Med Tech, FuelX, REGENT Seagliders, and Star Harbor Academy. 

Previously, Muilenburg served as a member of the Caterpillar board of directors (2011-2020), chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association board of governors, an executive committee member of the Business Roundtable, a member of the National Space Council’s User Advisory Group, a member of the U.S.-China Business Council, and a member of the Washington University board of trustees. Currently, he is a member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation board of directors, the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology) board of directors, the National World War II Museum board of trustees, the Iowa State University Foundation board of governors, and the Northwestern University board of trustees. He also serves as chairman of the board for Biblical Business Training, chairman of the board for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center – St Louis, a member of The CEO Forum board of directors, and a member of the African Vision of Hope board of directors. 

David Murray

David Murray

Honorary

Executive Leadership, Quality Technology Services
David provides executive leadership for Quality Technology Services’ support of employees, family, faith, and community. Growing a servant leadership culture where we express our support for communities through our volunteerism and charitable contributions is part of the essential duties, as well as chaplaincy support for the employees. David oversees philanthropy, the Employee Crisis Fund, the Scholarship Fund, and major corporate events, as well as other initiatives that create belonging and engagement for the employees. His professional experience includes 12 years of executive leadership for engineering/data center operations and services at QTS and more than 20 years in critical site operations. 
 
David is also currently serving as an elder at Community Christian Church. He has been participating with the Bible Institute in Havana Cuba and supporting their 155 congregations throughout the island of Cuba over the last 9 years.
Dr. Rick Rigsby

Dr. Rick Rigsby

Honorary

President and CEO, Rick Rigsby Communications

Dr. Rick Rigsby is a USA Today, Amazon and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who became an Internet sensation when his speech on hope—produced by Goalcast—was viewed by over 300 million people worldwide. An internationally recognized motivational speaker, Dr. Rigsby is founder of Rick Rigsby Communications.  With engagements spanning the globe, audiences include Fortune 100 & Fortune 500 companies, service organizations, educational institutions, and professional sports organizations, including the NFL and PGA. Rick is a former award-winning journalist, college professor and football character coach at Texas A&M University.

Cynthia Verrett

Cynthia Verrett

Honorary

Community Benefits Manager, Kaiser Permanente (ret)
Cynthia Verrett is a recent retiree of Kaiser Permanente with over 20+ years of service. She served as the Community Benefit Manager for close to 10 years and established strong relationships with community-based organizations, local school districts and key stakeholders of Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.   In addition to her work with Leaven Kids, Cynthia currently works as a consultant for Fighting Back Partnership and provides her expertise in support of the Elevate Youth Solano and Medicated-Assisted Treatment Prevention Programs. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren, traveling, exercising, and is a die-hard football fan.
Chuck Wagner

Chuck Wagner

Honorary

Owner, Caymus Vinyards & Wagner Family of Wines

Chuck Wagner was born into a family of farmers and winemakers with deep roots in Napa Valley. In 1857, his great-great grandfather captained a wagon train to California from Bible Grove, Missouri.

Chuck was just 19 when he started Caymus Vineyards with his late parents, Charlie and Lorna Wagner, and they spent many wonderful years working side-by-side. Chuck continues to make two renowned Cabernet Sauvignons, Caymus Napa Valley and Caymus Special Selection. 

Several years ago, he introduced Bonanza, a California Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects his spirit of discovery and celebrates good wine as a simple pleasure of life. Chuck also produces Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif from Suisun Valley, a “hidden gem” wine region only a short drive southeast of Napa Valley. “Durif” is synonymous with Petite Sirah, and we added “Grand” to the name for this wine’s grand style and luxurious softness.

Today, Caymus remains family-run, and two of Chuck’s children, Charlie and Jenny Wagner, work alongside him. Instilling his love of the land in his kids, Chuck remains a farmer at heart. He believes that at the end of the day, wine is meant to be shared with family and friends. And he marvels at his good fortune to be living in Napa Valley and working in the wine business.

General Steve Wilson

Gen. Steve W. Wilson

Honorary

39th Vice Chief of Staff, United States Air Force (ret)
Gen. Stephen W. Wilson is a retired 4-star U.S. Air Force General with over 39 years of military service. During his career he commanded the largest Wing in the Middle East and served as the 39th Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.  General Wilson's many awards and decorations include three Defense Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars and two Air Medals.  He is a graduate of Texas A&M University (cum laude, Aerospace Engineering) and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He holds two Masters degrees - one in Engineering Management from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and one in Strategic Studies from Air University.
Pam Winaker

Pam Winaker

Honorary

Independent Education Management Professional

Pam Winaker is a middle school Social Studies teacher in Danville. She grew up in Fairfield before attending Stanford University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies. While at Stanford, she volunteered tutoring kids at a shelter for homeless families in San Jose and leading play therapy for pediatric patients at Stanford Hospital. After earning her Master of Education degree from UCLA, she returned to Fairfield where she taught Social Studies at Grange Middle School. When her husband Jeff Winaker was stationed in Virginia with the US Navy, Pam worked as a caseworker on the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. When Jeff was transferred to Treasure Island, Pam taught in Castro Valley and subsequently in Illinois. Since 2008, Pam has taught middle school Social Studies at San Ramon Valley Christian Academy in Danville.

Pam first learned of Leaven Kids from her father, Fairfield Mayor Harry T. Price. She is passionate about continuing his legacy of support for Leaven Kids and the important work of helping kids triumph over difficult circumstances.

Pam has been married to her Stanford sweetheart, Jeff Winaker, for 34 years. Together they have 2 sons and one grandson.

CFA High Res Headshot Avina_Gupta-S-060617

Dr. Avina Gupta

Honorary

Learning & Development, Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Dr. Avina Gupta is an Organizational Psychologist and consultant. At Chick-fil-A, She advises on Senior and Executive Leader development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy. Avina is a former consultant with Deloitte Consulting, founder of two leadership development firms, and has taught courses on leadership across the globe, from Vienna, Austria, to New York City. Avina earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. Born and raised in Canada, Avina is fluent in Hindi and has working proficiency of German and French. She met her German-born husband, Sebastian, on a mountain in South Africa and is mom to their delightful 6-year-old son, Sai and baby girl, Lani Mae, a surprise red-head!