I joined FCWCC in late 2008. I’ve lived in Fresno most of my life; but spent several years living in other States and Cities, due to parents’ and spouses’ occupations. I’ve been married to George, a Police Officer, for 23 years. Between us, we have 5 children and 9 grandchildren; plus our Golden Retriever, Ginger.
I’m kinda’ the type that gets involved in a bunch of things at the same time, ha! I enjoy being Community active; sometimes taking on more than the clock will handle; but it’s just my personality. I’ve belonged to approximately 30 local, county, state and national organizations in my lifetime and have enjoyed every single one of them. Most recently, my husband and I were part of the Extreme Make-Over Home Edition team for the Riojas family in Fresno. Among the many groups I’ve been involved with, has been Three Strikes Your Out Program, Victim’s Domestic Violence Safety team, Red Cross and many others.
Little bit of personal trivia……….I love music, taught piano for many years, have sung most of my life and due to a personal situation, I’m part of anything to do with Cancer fund raising.
I’ve spent 30 years in real estate and currently work as a Regional Consultant for GSF Properties, Inc. in Fresno.
My husband is retiring soon from law enforcement and has just opened Chili Dog Diner, north of Fresno State. He serves the best Chili Dog’s in town !
I’m excited to meet all of you and to be a part of FCWCC.
Cynthia Wachner, CEO of Creations INC
Creations INC
1099 East Champlain Dr. A-176, Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: 559-907-6385 creationsinc2006@sbcglobal.net
Website: TBA
We Create & Show ArtThat
Grabs Customer Attention
Creates Customer Satisfaction & Sales
Increases Volume and Profits
Establishes Your Company Marketplace Niche
Promotes & Supports FCWCC
Cynthia Wachner, CEO of Creations INC
MS Human Resources
Adult Education Teach Credential:
Business Management, Small Business Ownership Management
BS Organizational Behavior
Teaching at Willow International & Selma Adult School
Mother of Andrew, Financial Analysis, Citi National Bank &
Kristelyn, MS Acupuncture, Massage, & Chinese Medicine – CA Licensed
Owned by a Sheltie & three cats: Annie, Kayla & Gib-Lee
Award Winning Watercolorist Recent Shows:
Emerald Plaza – Westin Hotel – San Diego Chamber of Commerce
Schwartz Federal Building & Courthouse – Downtown San Diego
To The Point Acupuncture – Gas Lamp District, San Diego
Alliance of California Artists
Visalia Art League, Café 225, Visalia, CA Future Show:
Fresno Art Hop: Clovis Hills Community Church – Jan./Feb. 2009
See you at the next meeting! Cynthia
Kelly Cargle
Kelly has over fifteen years in the banking industry. Prior to joining Westamerica, she served as a Customer Service Manager for Wells Fargo Bank, and as a Relationship Specialist for Bank of the West in the Fresno area. Born in Joliet, Illinois, Kelly was primarily raised in the Fresno area and a graduate of Fresno City College, where she earned her degree in Business. She is currently a member of the Clovis Drug Council. Kelly has a son, fifteen years of age. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her son, reading, swimming, and traveling.
Westamerica Bancorporation operates as a holding company for Westamerica Bank, a regional community bank with 86 branches and 2 trust offices in 21 Northern and Central California counties. Rated as one of California’s strongest and healthiest banks, Westamerica has over $4.2 billion in assets, and is the 7th largest commercial bank headquartered in California. Westamerica Bank can be reached via internet at www.westamerica.com. To contact the Fresno office, please call (559) 243-4370 or visit them at 1172 East Shaw, Fresno, CA.
Lynda Bulla
I am so thrilled to be a member of the Fresno Women’s Chamber. I was so energized by my visit in June that I knew this was an organization I had to join. (Thanks Pat for inviting me.)
I was asked by Juli to provide a brief bio. It is harder than it seems. I am a wife of 46 years, a mother of 3 children, grandmother of 7. I am a real estate broker with my company in Kerman and I am a children’s book author/publisher. My writing and my children’s books are where my passion lies. I write “Books with Character” and they all have a message (usually more than one). It started with a poem I wrote for my oldest granddaughter who was diagnosed with dyslexia in Kindergarten. By 1st grade she was frustrated and didn’t want to learn to read. It was too hard. So my first book, Old Clock on the Wall grew from that. Katydid sprang from a conference I attended where the speaker used the computer term WYSIWYG. (pronounced WHIZZY-WIG). And so book #2 was born. The Churkendoose came to life through my Illustrator, Ernie Hergenroeder. Freedom Rings is an offshoot of a poem I wrote after 9/11. And Little Drop of Water was originally started by my mom 64 years ago, and finished after her death in 2003. I have dedicated each book to a grandchild, which means I need to do at least 2 more. But I’m out of storage space so right now I’m marketing what I have.
My goal is to get parents and children talking, storytelling and reading and continuing the dialogue. Writing and publishing has taken me in some new directions as I am often called on to speak at meetings and assemblies. Who knew?
I also love to do Author’s Day at schools, reading to the children and answering some really wonderful questions.
I look forward to getting to know all the wonderful women in the group. See you at the next meeting.
Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero - Born and raised in Central California, I've lived in Fresno for the past 16 years. I have been married to my wonderful husband for close to 4 years and we have 3 wonderful mini pin dogs. I am a wellness consultant and distributor of Juice Plus+, the next best thing to fruits and vegetables.
What is Juice Plus+?
The Concept: Vegetable gardens. Fruit orchards. They give us nature's bounty and provide the foundation for healthy living and good nutrition.
The latest dietary guidelines and clinical research consistently emphasize that people need to eat more fruits and vegetables to improve their chances of living long and healthy lives. And scientists learn more every day about the nutritional power packed into every tomato, cranberry, and piece of broccoli. Antioxidants. Phytonutrients. Vitamins. Fiber. And more.
Juice Plus+ provides the nutrition from 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient and inexpensive capsule form. Juice Plus+ Orchard Blend contains seven of the most nutritious fruits around: apples, oranges, pineapple, cranberries, peaches, acerola cherries, and papaya. Juice Plus+ Garden Blend contains ten nutrient-dense vegetables and grains: carrots, parsley, beets, kale, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, and rice bran and oat bran.
Taking Juice Plus+ capsules every day provides the nutritional foundation we so desperately need that is so lacking in our diets today.
The Reason: "Eat more fruits and vegetables." Over the years, people have found countless ways to ignore that advice. "I don't have time." "It's too much trouble." But as scientists and nutritionists continue to learn more about the disease-fighting and preventive powers found in fruits and vegetables, it's advice we ignore at our peril. It's the one recommendation in almost every diet plan, every guide to nutrition, every fitness book. Even organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the World Health Organization, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion agree. But as much as it's preached, most people still don't eat enough fruits and vegetables every day. Juice Plus+ helps fill that gap.
There is no substitute for eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, at least 7-13 servings every day. But if you're like most people, you don't eat enough fruits or vegetables or enough variety. And those fruits and vegetables that we do eat tend to be over processed, over-cooked, or too far removed from the field.
That's why there's Juice Plus+. It's a convenient, affordable, and natural whole food based nutritional product providing nutrition from 17 vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Juice Plus+ is not a vitamin supplement, providing a limited number of handpicked nutrients. Juice Plus+ is a whole food based product providing the wide array of nutrients found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Juice Plus+ contains not only a much wider variety of naturally occurring vitamins than vitamin supplements, but it also contains other phytonutrients, antioxidants, and nutrients -- even some of the fiber -- found in the fruits and vegetables it's made from. These nutrients work together in combination to provide you more of the nutritional benefits of eating healthful whole foods.
It's the next best thing to fruits and vegetables...because we don't get nearly enough of the real thing every day.
Tanya Stratton began her career in financial services in 1992 working with small businesses to streamline their finances and by working with the owners of those companies to help them reach their individual financial objectives. By continually increasing her knowledge of the industry through continuing education and by leveraging the intellectual capital and worldwide resources available through Morgan Stanley, Ms. Stratton is able to formulate investment strategies and comprehensive financial plans to help each client reach their individual goals.
Since returning to her hometown of Fresno, Tanya has been active in the community as a member of the Fresno Symphony League and as a volunteer at Children’s Hospital Central California.
Ms. Stratton holds an M.B.A. in Financial Planning from California Lutheran University and a B.S. in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University. She is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of California
Ashley Melikian
Regional Accountant Specialist
I was born and raised in Fresno. I have one brother and one sister who are both older than me, so yes I am the baby of the family. I have two wonderful parents who mean the world to me. I enjoy working hard to achieve my goals, eating my mother’s cooking and relaxing on the weekends.
I graduated last May of 2007 from Fresno State with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, Public Relations. I was a cheerleader for the bulldogs for 3 years and it was a great experience.
After graduating it was onto the real world, the working world. I got hired on as an Accountant Centric Representative for ADP- Automatic Data Processing, the payroll company. I work with accountants in and around the Central Valley and build relationships with them and provide them valuable resources for both the accountant and their clients. Then in turn when the clients do ask their accountants for advice on their payroll and other services we offer, my goal is to get the accountant to refer me. So if you are in need of payroll, let me know and I would be happy to help you out.
I look forward to meeting everyone and just being a part of this wonderful organization.
Candy McFarland
Go Natural – Lifestyle Nutrition Coach
Elementary school teacher, wife, and mother are how I started my days after college graduation.
In 1990, my life suddenly changed. Having symptoms that took me to my bed, I was unable to care for my family. I was diagnosed with M.S.
After the initial drugs to halt the symptoms, I was offered other drug therapies I just couldn’t embrace. This led me on a path to find healthy options outside the medical field.
Finding these answers gave my life a vital new direction.
Now, as a Lifestyle Nutrition Coach, I am dedicated to helping others find their healthy options for the challenges they face.
Lifestyle Coaching can assist in helping you in many arenas, from shedding a few pounds, to bringing about tremendous changes for those facing serious health challenges.
I am dedicated to helping you find the answers you seek.
Denise Welch
Lia Sophia / Jewelery Advisory
Denice is a lifelong fashion Sales Professional. After completing her education at the Fashion Institute of Seattle, Denice joined the Princess Cruises fleet where she worked her way up to head jeweler. After several years at sea she landed back home in Seattle and spent the next few years in the bridal industry managing bridal salons and catering companies. In 1998 Denice launched her bridal consulting business and over the next eight years established herself as one of the best coordinators in Western Washington. Three years ago Denice moved to Fresno with her family and took time away from business to enjoy quality time her daughter Gracie before she stated elementary school.
Last April Denice began her new career as a jewelry advisor with Lia Sophia. In a few short months Denice has joined the ranks of the top sellers in the country. With a passion for jewelry and the love for connecting women to their dreams Denice looks forward to great success in building a strong team here in the Central San Joaquin Valley.
About Lia Sophia Jewelry
Today Lia Sophia is the world’s largest direct seller of fashion jewelry. Our artisans are committed to designing unique pieces that are sure to last a lifetime. We pride ourselves on strict quality standards and stand behind every piece of Lia Sophia jewelry with a life time replacement guarantee.
Today’s lifestyles demand many different roles, and many different looks. Through the hustle and bustle of a busy day you still want to look and feel your best. Lia Sophia designs are created to offer the lifestyle solution you’ve been looking for. We believe that with the right fashion jewelry you can go from career to casual to evening with a single basic wardrobe…and without breaking your budget.
Lia Sophia is the perfect finishing touch. Shop our latest designs in all the season’s hottest styles and colors on my web site: www.liasophia.com/denicewelch or call me today for your personal in home shopping experience.
Deb Whitney-Johnson
Hello, my name is Deb Whitney-Johnson, owner of Pro-Cor Sports & Fitness. After 17 years of personally training hundreds of people from beginning sports enthusiast to professional athletes to working professionals and retired individuals I still look forward the next “success story” YOURS!
Since fitness has been a way of life for me I can assure you that no regardless of your fitness level or age, it is never too late to reap benefits from the Pro-Cor Fitness Program.
It is my hope that you will give yourself the opportunity to get the results you deserve.
The Pro-Cor Advantage Program always begins with a personal consultation to determine your needs and goals. We’ll then develop a personalized program uniquely tailored to you. You are then free to discover our exciting training programs which will let you take advantage of one-on-one, partner or small group programs.
Our programs are flexible, allowing busy professionals the option to schedule training that won’t take away from family time.
Invest in yourself: Call today for to schedule your complimentary consultation and request our new FCWCC special!
5150 N. 6th Suite 107 Fresno, CA 93710 Office: (559) 438-4052 Cell: (559) 307-5367
Jan Odahl
Since 1990, Jan Odahl has been the Office Manager for Travel Express. Travel Express is a locally owned, full service agency with the emphasis on service!
Jan’s travel industry career began when she was hired by the Monterey Hyatt Hotel in 1975. Her vast experience even includes teaching at a local Travel School and managing an American Express Travel Agency affiliate office.
Recently Jan completed a Princess Cruises Academy Course of study and was presented with a Certificate of Achievement ranking her a Commodore and Princess Cruises expert.
Currently Jan serves on the Board for Thrivent, a non-profit financial faith based organization. She has chaired the Day at the Grizzlies event for all local Lutheran Churches for the past two years. Jan and her husband Tim are very active members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
In addition to her natural love for travel, her hobbies include reading, cross country skiing and cycling.
Tanya Greene - Massage Therapist
I am originally from Rochester, NY and I worked in the administrative/clerical field for 20 years, medical field for 4 years. Also, I had a home-based business secretarial service for 5 years. I moved to Fresno Sept 2001 and went to school for Massage Therapy. I started my Massage practice May 2003 and work from my apartment and travel to homes. As a Massage Therapist, I enjoy relaxing people and helping people learn to relax. I also started promoting On-site Chair Massage in the workplace. I am currently employed full time for an insurance agency. My goal is to work my practice full time and promote the benefits of massage in the workplace, at events, and to individuals, and continuing my education in bodywork and massage therapy.
I am a single mother by divorce and have 5 children and 6 grandchildren, whom I am very proud. I enjoy traveling, eating at different restaurants, and writing poetry.
Jeri Leahy Techman
Born, raised and educated in Fresno, Jeri is the owner of Travel Express.
She met her husband John, a United States Air Force pilot and native of New York, in the Philippines. John and Jeri have been married for 36 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Jonna Lott and Lauren Wilson and are blessed with three adorable grandchildren, Zachary (3), Cashel (2) and Conor (1). All happily reside in Fresno.
Jeri’s experience in travel began in 1968 when she worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines and later for Continental Airlines. She was part of the Military Airlift Command base for Continental Airlines and her international schedule included flights in and out of Southeast Asia. In 1985, Jeri re-entered the work force and became trained as a Travel Agent working for Daugherty Travel. In 1990, she opened the doors of Travel Express.
A strong travel industry advocate, Jeri served on the Fresno Airport Task Force Committee and spoke to the Fresno City Council in favor of Mexicana Airlines international service to Fresno.
She is proud to say with confidence that Travel Express has the most experienced and service dedicated staff in town.
Travel Industry Related Accomplishments, Certifications and Affiliations
Master Cruise Counselor – Cruise Lines International Association
Ireland Specialist – Irish Tourist Board
Tahiti Tiare Agent
Princess Cruises Commodore
Cunard Commodore
Past President of Skal International Fresno – Current Administrator
Past Chairman of Central California American Society of Travel Agents
Jeri and Travel Express were featured in USA Today in April of 2002
Participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund
California Registered Seller of Travel #2005476-10
Community Activities and Organization Affiliations
Active Member of Trinity Lutheran Church
Past President and Sustaining Member of La Comida Guild of Children’s Hospital Central California
1996 Chairman of the Guild’s Coordinating Council of Valley Children’s Hospital
1995 - 1996 Member of Valley Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees
Member of the Guild’s Coordinating Council Advisory Committee – Children’s Hospital Central California
Sustaining Member of Junior League of Fresno
Member Fresno Chamber of Commerce
Jeri loves her community and looks forward to meeting fellow members of FCWCC!
Jinx Mayville
The founder of the NFLL Network, Jinx Mayville was born in the East but has spent most of her adult life in the West. Enlisting in the Navy shortly after high school she spent her Navy years as an Air Traffic Controller in Maryland where she met her Navy husband. After starting a family and sending her career Navy husband back to Vietnam for the third time, Jinx determined that the situation was to precarious to be without a career of her own. She finished nursing school in two years using her GI Bill. Three children and a number of moves later the family landed in Denver, Colorado where Jinx pursured a career as an adult educator and community developer within her church. When her husband died prematurely Jinx returned to nursing and has since been a travel RN, a home care RN and has held various hospital related positions. It was an invitation from her sister - a recently relocated state of California employee - that convinced Jinx to come to the central valley to work at St.Agnes Hospital for a short summer assignment. Four years later she is still working at St.Agnes while maintaining a home in Denver. It was in the Fresno area that Jinx met a group of friends who would inspire the formation of the NFLL Network - the New Friends Later in Life Network. The NFLL is a soon to be launched computer network devoted to womens friendships. By using geographical locators, user names, interest formats and simple,secure programs women of all ages and stations are encouraged to find friends within their own neighborhoods. A handout explaining the history, development,format and future of the NFLL Network will soon be available. I encourage you to keep an eye open for this information as we all become familiar with one of the valleys newest business - developed exclusively for all women.
Judy CY Chang
Countrywide Insurance Services, Inc.
Licensed Insurance Consultant and Trusted Advisor
Judy Chang is a dedicated, experienced Insurance Consultant with Countrywide Insurance Services. She prides herself on listening to her customers and understanding what they need – then she works hard to help them with the insurance that best fits their situation.
Judy is licensed in Property and Casualty, Life and Health Insurance. In addition, she is a Certified Quickbooks Pro Consultant.
When it comes to serving customers, here is how Judy describes her approach: “I help Countrywide Insurance Services customers by guiding my clients through the complexities of protecting their family and assets from the unexpected. I will deliver the superior service and protection that Countrywide Insurance Services customers deserve.”
Judy studied at the University of California, Riverside and received her Bachelor degree in Sociology with a cooperative in Law and Society. In addition to English, Judy is fluent in Mandarin. In her free time, she likes bowling, swimming and spending time with her family.
About Countrywide Insurance Services
Countrywide Insurance Services (CIS) is one of the fastest-growing insurance providers in the nation. With over half a million policies currently in place, and over 30 years of providing premier insurance services, CIS strives to become the choice for consumers seeking value, convenience and unwavering support. CIS offers a vast array of personal insurance lines including auto, homeowners, renters, boat motorcycle and life.
We’re dedicated to helping you understand insurance and why it’s important.
My name is Sara Catino and I was born in Fresno and raised in Madera. I am married to my husband Charles of 4 years and have two lovely little girls, Molly (9) and Noleen (3). I am the owner and General Contractor of Nova General Contracting and have been in the construction business for the past 10 years. I am a Director in the National Association of Women in Construction (Fresno chapter) and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (Central CA chapter). I am an avid supporter of women in the construction industry and am involved in MAGIC (Mentoring A Girl In Construction) which will be starting here in Fresno next summer. I am currently attending San Joaquin Valley College to finish my degree in Construction Management. I love to go to church and vacation with my family, sew pretty dresses for myself and my girls, exercise on my pole (pole dance), work a speedbag better than any guy I know and read history books. As far as my big business goal, I plan on learning to successfully contract with the Federal government.
