“For me, I had always noticed Hanna from a distance. But once I stepped onto campus and saw the vision in action, I knew I had found my place.”– Deborah Emery, Changemaker of the Year
I have always been drawn to making a difference in someone’s life—I see it as a calling. Especially for the many disadvantaged and abused children in our midst. Alongside my late husband, John, a physician, I’ve also been deeply committed to supporting medical needs in the community and caring for creatures, animals, who cannot speak for themselves.
For years, I had noticed Hanna—a quiet campus on the west side of Sonoma—but more out of curiosity than understanding. One day, I was invited to an event at their newly built auditorium. Everything felt new and alive. That’s when I met Cameron Safarloo, Hanna’s President & CEO, and was immediately impressed by his vision and energy.
We talked about mental health—a huge issue that I had seen firsthand while volunteering with county programs. So many older foster youth receive only temporary support before being placed in homes that serve more as babysitters than true guardians. The success rate for 16- to 20-year-olds transitioning into the real world is almost zero.
When I learned that Hanna was expanding its mental health services to address this underserved group, something clicked for me. This was the kind of bold, out-of-the-box thinking that could create real change.
That’s when I knew—I had found a mission and an organization that challenged my vision in the best way. I was so excited about the many opportunities to participate and be part of something transformative. Hanna is the perfect fit for me.“
Deborah Emery’s passion and dedication remind us that true change happens when individuals come together to support a shared vision. You, too, can be a changemaker.
Join us at the Changemakers Gala on April 12, 2025, where we will honor Deborah and raise critical funds to expand Hanna Center and Hanna Academy’s life-changing programs.
