Meet our group facilitators
Nicole
she/her - Rainbow Reunion Group Facilitator
In 2018, Nicole moved to Chico "just for the summer." Before she knew it, however, she'd fallen in love with the town, its people, and—especially—the local queer community. She is grateful for all of the care and services Stonewall provides, particularly the opportunities for connection, and she's excited to be facilitating a group for queer folks in Chico. If there's a play, art show, or drag performance happening in town, you'll likely find Nicole in attendance, and by day, she works as an IT consultant and labor union steward.
Jenn
she/her - Daring Dinos Group Facilitator
daringdinos@stonewallchico.org
Jenn (she/her) is originally from Sonoma County but has called Chico home for the past 20 years. Jenn spends her free time with her two amazing children, usually at one of their many activities or events. She loves her career as a social worker, which allows her to support young children in the north state. Jenn considers herself an advocate for all children, but especially for children who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. Daring Dinos is a safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ kids to play, create, and have fun.
Taj
HIV Positive Group Facilitator
Hi! My name is Taj, and I have been HIV positive for about 9 years now. 5 of those years I lived in secret and was in my addiction. And for the past 4 years I have been sober, sharing my truth and learning what it means to live healthy with HIV. I am now a counselor at a rehab and at Behavioral Health. When I get a day off I love to relax and do nothing! I am so excited to start this group and I can’t wait to see you there. "
The HIV+ group meets on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, at 7pm, at the Stonewall Chico center in 358 e. 6th street. Anyone, of any age and identity, who are HIV positive, are invited.
Conner
he/him - LGBTQ+ Teens and Trans Adults Groups Facilitator
Conner (he/him) has been active with youth programs since moving to Chico to attend Chico State in 1991. After receiving their teaching credential they chose to stay in the area and pursue their interest in agriculture and animals for many years. Upon discovering the wonderful LGBTQ + community and their authentic Transmasculine identity they shifted their focus to helping this community. You may find him helping folks as a handy-person or doing advocacy and education on a number of school campuses in Butte County. When he is not doing that you can see him at Stonewall volunteering as a group facilitator, hauling stuff around for Chico Pride or attending board meetings. Being in nature, taking photographs and spending time with their partner, hopefully all at the same time rounds out the rest of their fun filled life.
Christian
he/him - QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) Group Facilitator
qtpocsupportgroup@stonewallchico.org
Hi everyone some of you may know me by my stage name Will Ryder but my actual name is Christian Lucero and my pronouns are he/him. I’m excited to be the new facilitator for the QT-POC group and look forward to getting to know you in our meetings. Most of my activist work was previously done on stage but anymore my activist work is done during rallies, protest and at the state capitol alongside Equality California. When I’m not fighting for our rights you can find me creating art, reading, building things, kayaking and hiking. I’m a man of many interest and enjoy staying busy in ways that better serve our community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions you might have for the group. I hope to meet you soon, stay safe and always remember the world is a brighter place because of you.
Julie P.
she/her - O.W.Ls (Older, Wiser, LGBTQ+) Group Facilitator
Julie (she/her) recently moved to Chico from the Pacific Northwest. She is loving the community here and the sunshine! She has been a nurse for over 20 years and a professor for 15 years. As a remote worker new to Chico she acutely understands the importance of connecting socially and is excited to facilitate the OWLs (Older Wiser LGBTQ+) adult group. In her off time you can find her hiking, biking, and enjoying local bluegrass musicians.
Bailey
she/her - Trans Teens Group Facilitator
Bailey Smith (she/her) has lived in Chico since 2013. As a queer trans woman and a parent of two older kids who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, she feels honored and humbled to have this opportunity to spend time with such an amazing group of young people for free! Queer teen joy is just the best. Bailey lives with her younger kiddo (fora little while longer, anyway) and a varying number of cats and enjoys cooking, skiing, musical theatre, and road trips involving getting lost with purpose.
Emma
she/her - Trans Teens Group Facilitator
Emma (she/her) has lived in Chico for most of her life. She has a masters in Psychology and has been working with the Stonewall Counseling Program and as a school counselor for several years. She loves the hilarity and awesomeness of children and teens and loves providing a safe space for them to express and create who they are and what they want to share with the world. Emma is queer and pansexual herself and has been involved with the queer and Transgnc community and many Stonewall events over the years. She has facilitated the Transgnc Teen Group for the past five years. Emma loves creating art, being in nature and connecting with people.
Mac
Beyond the Binary Group Facilitator
mac@stonewallchico.org
! My name is Mac (she/they). I am currently preparing to go back to school for Multicultural and Gender Studies at Butte College where I hope to earn my associate's degree and transfer to a state college for my bachelor's. I am thrilled to start my journey as a group facilitator because it is important to me to be the support I wish I had when I was growing up. Some of my hobbies include painting, watching TV and movies, spending time with my family and cat, and baking. I look forward to learning and growing at Stonewall and I hope to form many great relationships along the way!
Kari
Daring Dinos Group Facilitator
daringdinos@stonewallchico.org
Julian
D&D Group Facilitator,
Trans Teen Groups Facilitator, &
LGBTQ+ Adults Groups Facilitator
julian@stonewallchico.org
Julian (he/him) is a local artist, community-based art teacher, and Stonewall group facilitator. Chico was his secondary hometown growing up and he moved to Chico himself in the summer of 2020. He started attending Stonewall groups as they returned in 2021 and took over facilitating the LGBTQ+ Young Adults group in June. Julian is passionate about building community and creating safe spaces for folks to feel comfortable expressing themselves and making connections with like-minded peers.
Now, Julian is also serving on our Board of Directors, running multiple groups, and frequently hosts art-based activities in service to community in collaboration with Stonewall Chico. They are based out of Penny Ranch Art Studios on Hwy 32 just outside of town.
Isaac & Meloni
Co-Facilitators: Rainbow Readers Queer Book Club
Isaac and Meloni are avid readers and dear friends. Their purpose in creating the Queer Book Club at Stonewall is to "foster a love for books while further exploring different queer experiences through conversations and literature. We meet once a month to create a consistent book club, delving into a different book each month through group discussion."
About Meloni:
Hello! My name is Meloni, I'm 24, nonbinary, and use they/them pronouns. I consider myself a bibliophile and would love to pass on my love of literature with others while learning more about our community!
About Isaac:
Hey! My name is Isaac. My pronouns are he/him and I'm 26. I can't wait to discuss and share my love of literature and reading as many books by and about our community as possible while connecting with others.
Julie
she/her - Parents of LGBTQ+ People Group Facilitator
Julie (she/her) is a long time resident of Chico and a retired elementary school teacher. Fall is her absolute favorite time of year because of the brilliant colors! Julie has three wonderful kids, a loving husband and lots of extended family. Working alongside Stonewall activists keeps her fresh and informed. “I learn a great deal and give a little too!”