Carolyn Abate
Board Co-chair
Editor • Callisto Media
Carolyn joined the Family Connections Board in 2015. Carolyn is a non-fiction book editor. She works on manuscripts on the topics of wellness, mental health, food, and nutrition. Prior to her current position, Carolyn was a freelance editor and writer. Carolyn was born and raised in the Bay Area and has called San Francisco home for more than 25 years. She lives in Bernal Heights with her husband, three children, and their family dog, Tanner.
“I support Family Connections because I believe in their cause – supporting San Francisco families. I’m in awe of the depth and breadth of their services – from free preschool to parenting classes to homework club. They truly understand what their community needs and are always striving to make deeper, more meaningful connections – no pun intended – for all of the families that the centers serve.”
Mark Snyder
Board Co-chair
Storyteller • ServiceNow
Mark has been on Family Connections’ Board since 2015 and has a lengthy background in working with nonprofit organizations and marginalized communities. Mark is Storyteller for ServiceNow, developing and sharing stories of the agency’s impact. Mark was previously Communications Manager for Gap Inc. and Director of Communications for Equality Federation, where his role included strategic messaging, brand awareness, media relations, and movement building.
“Family Connections provides immediate and long-term tangible impacts on the lives of children and their families. This foundation creates healthier communities and the ripple effect of it is impossible to measure. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the lives of children and families improve and to see them more empowered and prepared for their futures.”
“My favorite book is The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein. As a child, I was bullied and called a sissy. I love how the duckling and his family end up finding strength and pride in being sensitive and caring.”
Chris Bunting
Board Secretary
Engineering Manager • Twitter
Chris Bunting is a software engineer, radio host, and avid outdoor enthusiast. Residing in Northern California for much of his life, he spent eight summers working for the Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks Department beginning as a volunteer and concluding as the Director of Camp for Doyle Adventure Camp. Between participating in community building endeavors such as the Market Street Prototyping Festival and his weekly radio program, Roll Over Easy, he’s found joy in learning about the Bay Area’s rich history, ideas, and people that make this slice of Earth so special.
“I joined the Family Connections Board of Directors in September 2018. I support FCC because it’s an outstanding organization focused on developing strong, healthy families and building thriving communities. Over the past 3+ years, I am constantly impressed by the community outreach, quality of education, and wonderful staff! I love Family Connection Centers and the positive impact they have on the communities they participate in.”
“Goodnight Moon, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd is my favorite children’s book. It’s a book my parents read to me countless times during my childhood, and it always brings back fond memories.”
Roy Hom
Board Treasurer
Patent Agent • Mintz
Roy Hom joined the Family Connections’ Board in 2019, adding his knowledge of the Excelsior neighborhood where he formerly resided to his professional expertise. Roy is a Patent Agent at Mintz et al., who focuses his practice on US and international patent prosecution and counseling for life science companies and academic institutions. Roy holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry and is listed as co-inventor on more than 20 patent applications and 18 issued US patents.
“I love FCC’s programs, which are so well-run, invested in the community, and provided in multiple languages. FCC provides fantastic support for families and children, regardless of economic status.”
“My favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak because it is fun! I loved Max’s fantastical worlds in which he played.”
Reanna Tong
Planner • City and County of San Francisco
Reanna is a planner with a passion for community development, engagement, transportation, and maps. She grew up in the Portola and attended schools in Chinatown, the Marina, and the Richmond. Reanna stays active in the Portola in the hopes of making it enjoyable and safe, especially for the many immigrant family households and young people. Catch her running the streets of San Francisco or collecting stories of her experiences on Muni.
“During my time serving on the neighborhood association in the Portola, I had a chance to partner with Family Connections Centers’ staff and see the wonderful work they do firsthand. The core of Family Connections is an understanding that supporting families does not only mean providing an amazing space and program for young people to play and learn, but providing for everyone involved in their lives. My favorite part of FCC is their dedication to making programs and the environment accessible, meaningful, and safe for everyone.”
“Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien will always have a special place on my list of childhood books! My fifth-grade teacher read this to us during reading time and it always transported us to another world from the perspective of a mouse and animals. Also, almost any book or item that appeared on a Scholastic Book Order Form!”