As a volunteer-run organization, the KTBA is ever growing and evolving, and in recent months, we have had a few changes to the structure of our Board of Directors.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had both Terry Gillis (co-Treasurer) and Jana Devan (Marketing Director) vacate their seats. They both made an incredible impact on our Board and our events and we are so grateful to Terry and Jana for volunteering their time, energy, skills and efforts to our organization over the years.
Steve Semeraro will remain as Treasurer, continuing to manage the finances of the KTBA.
The Board has restructured the Marketing Director role by creating a new Social Media Director board seat and has voted Katie Schlein Valadez to fill that seat. Katie has been working with our past Marketing Director, Jana, since the beginning of the year as a committee member in this capacity. We are thrilled to have Katie join our Board in this full seated position and look forward to continued collaboration with Katie and the entire Board and Membership.
So what exactly does the KTBA Board do? We work to coordinate networking and community events and offer free and donation-sponsored advertising to our members to help spread the word about their businesses. Ultimately, we are passionate about supporting our community and helping spread the word about all the wonderful businesses and organizations in San Diego’s Kensington-Talmadge community.
If you have an interest in joining the Board, please let us know. We are looking to fill our VP and possibly Treasurer roles for a 2024-2025 term.
Our 2023 KTBA Board of Directors
Megan Beauvais, President
Megan is a 20 year veteran real estate consultant and specializes in the San Diego Metro communities and beyond. Megan volunteers with several local organizations and puts on community events throughout the year in Kensington and Talmadge. A member of KTBA since 2015, Megan has served on the Board as President since 2017 and previously held the position of Secretary.
Contact: info@kentalbiz.org
Amanda Shelley, Vice President
Amanda is a licensed insurance broker and the owner of Just Us Medicare Solutions. A resident of Kensington Park Villas, she joined the KTBA board in 2022. At no cost, Amanda provides step-by-step guidance for Medicare enrollment and helps to clarify the different types of additional coverage beneficiaries face. Certified with multiple carriers, Amanda provides her clients a range of plan options that are rich in benefits and low in cost. Se Habla Español.
Contact: Amanda@JustUsMedicare.com
Steve Semeraro, Treasurer
Steven is the Associate Dean for the Academic Affairs and a professor of Law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and a Visiting Professor of Law at UC Irvine School of Law. He also manages and plays guitar in The Innocent Bystanders, a performing and recording band that has been playing parties and clubs in San Diego since 2014.
Contact: semerarosteven@gmail.com
Roger Tso, Co-Secretary
Roger is a senior mortgage banker at RWM Home Loans and has been serving clients with their home financing needs for over 18 years. He joined the KTBA board in 2023, serving as the co-secretary, along with his son Griffin.
Contact: info@kentalbiz.org
Griffin Tso, Co-Secretary
Griffin is a residential mortgage lender with All Western Mortgage. He joined the KTBA board in 2023. Griffin is working alongside his father, Roger, to serve as the board’s secretary.
Contact: tsogriffin@gmail.com
Angela Noble, Emeritus
Angela is the co-founder of Talmadge-based digital marketing firm Noble Intent Studio. She specializes in custom website creation, Linkedin marketing, and email marketing. She joined the KTBA board in 2016, serving as Vice President and Secretary throughout the years. Angela is serving her final year on the board as a emeritus board member.
Contact: angela@nobleintentstudio.com
Robin Taylor, Membership Director
Robin is the Founder and Head Coach at MVMNT Studio, a semi-private gym that focuses on women’s heath and fitness throughout the lifespan. Robin specializes in prenatal, postpartum, and perimenopausal strength training, core rehab, and pelvic floor awareness. She joined the KTBA board in 2021.
Contact: membership@kentalbiz.org
Kathy Battisti, Event Volunteer Coordinator
Kathy is a silversmith who works with crystals and gemstones, operating her business, SD Soul Stones, from her Talmadge studio. She was introduced to crystals and their healing properties on her journey to finding inner peace and harmony. It is said that when silver is used with gemstones, the metal retains and amplifies the qualities emitted by the stones — enhancing the connection between the wearer and the stone, allowing for a gentle flow of energy between the two. She enjoys creating timeless, meaningful, and elegant pieces. Kathy joined the board in 2022 and plays a central role in organizing the annual Holiday Lights Bike Ride and Spring Walkabout for our community and members.
Contact: kabatt12@yahoo.com
Katie Schlein, Social Media Director
Dr. Katie owns Family Connection Chiropractic where she is committed to helping families access their TRUE potential to fully connect with themselves and their loved ones. She chose to specialize in prenatal and pediatric care in the hopes to shift the health paradigm in this country. Dr. Katie’s core values are connection, community, and service which she is able to implore everyday while on the board of the KTBA and serving within her practice. There is no better life than being able to feel that serving members and families as a chiropractor isn’t work – it’s fun! She is a passionate member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She grew up while finding herself in Hillcrest, and loves that she is able to give back to specific members from that pivotal time in her life.
Contact: drkatie@drkatieschlein.com