Meet Home Start’s executive team dedicated to Home Start’s success!
Laura A. Tancredi-Baese, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Tancredi-Baese has been an asset to the San Diego nonprofit community for more than 30 years. After earning a Masters Degree in Social Work at San Diego State University, she became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Her extensive experience also includes managing child and youth development and transitional living programs for underserved youth, plus executive leadership.
As a recognized leader in her field, Laura is the founder of several transitional living programs in San Diego for transition-age homeless youth (aged 18-24). Since May of 2007, Laura continues to be a passionate force to promote our mission and vision that every child in San Diego live in a safe and nurturing home. Through her efforts, Home Start has opened the doors to our Maternity Shelter Program providing support to pregnant or parenting young women and their children facing homelessness, and founded our Thrift Boutique/ social enterprise to support these families.
Additionally, Laura serves as a director on three boards – California Coalition for Youth (CCY), the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, and El Cajon Collaborative/LH Avocado. She has mentored several formerly homeless young women to become full time paid staff as well as board members for both Home Start and CCY.
Mark Lagace
Director of Philanthropy
Mr. Lagace enjoys using his 15+ years of experience in Philanthropy to further strengthen families and protect children from abuse. Mark considers himself an ambassador and advocates for the more than 15,000 families and children served by Home Start annually. His goal is that every San Diegan will be aware of our life-changing services and know how to get involved.
Mark is also an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Diego Chapter. He has served on their Board for 8 years, including 2019 President. Hobbies include hiking, going to the beach, participating in community events, and seeing movies. Contact Mark today to see how you can become a Home Start partner!
Christopher Shilling
Director of Programs
Mr. Shilling has broad experience and expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and systems modeling. During his prior employment, Chris specialized in the development of a Homelessness Crisis Response System, while leading the implementation of the county-wide Coordinated Entry System (CES). This involved strategic planning/partnerships, policy analysis/development, and knowledge of best practices, funding resource requirements, and state/federal regulations.
Chris held leadership positions at the Arc of San Diego and the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). In addition to being a former Chairman of the Chula Vista Board of Ethics, Chris was previously a faculty member at the University of Phoenix for six years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University. Chris defines his success as a life and work that brings personal fulfillment and lasting relationships, while making a difference in the world.
Juanita Atitsogbuie, PHRca
Director of Human Resources
Ms. Atitsogbuie is an HR Professional with a passion for training, coaching, and employee development geared towards supporting our mission