Independent Living Centers across the country are community-based organizations by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. This means that more than 50% of TCIL’s staff and board of directors members are persons with significant disabilities. It’s important to us that we have lived experience that resonates with the community we serve. Meet our team!
Eddie A. Morgan, MPA
Executive Director/CEO
(He, Him, His)
As the Executive Director of Tri-County Independent Living, Eddie brings with him a 30-year commitment to community service and leadership, navigating a career in both nonprofit Public Health and military service. Transitioning from roles such as Site Director for Easter Seals to Clinic Administrator, his journey has encompassed specialized work in infant and child mortality cases. Before joining TCIL in January 2022, Eddie furthered his impact as a Health Policy Analyst at the California Center for Rural Policy.
His military career, spanning from Private to Major in the US Army, saw him completing six deployments, fostering vital partnerships with NATO and allied forces. With a personal understanding of dyslexia, Eddie champions assistive technologies, witnessing firsthand how they empower individuals, aligning perfectly with TCIL’s mission of fostering independent living for those with disabilities.
Carolyn Webb, BA
Operations Manager
Carolyn Webb has been the Office Manager at TCIL since 2018. She graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining TCIL, Carolyn worked primarily as a Human Resources Manager from 1998 to 2019 in various industries ranging from banking to healthcare.
Her work at TCIL has greatly expanded her knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by the disability community. Carolyn takes pride in the accomplishments of the TCIL staff in making lives better. She is also an active grandmother to five grandsons.
Mari Dorenstreich, CADC
Program Manager & Independent Living Specialist, Humboldt, DelNorte and Trinity Counties
(She, Her, Ella)
Juliannah Harris, MSAT
Assistive Technology Manager, Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
(She, Her, Hers)
Juliannah Harris lost most of her sight at age 26 while attending Humboldt State University. Following this transition, she attended the Orientation Center for the Blind, where she learned essential life skills such as cooking, reading braille, and sewing. During this time, she developed a particular interest in how Assistive Technology (AT) could allow her to continue her passions through new tools.
With the help of AT, Juliannah completed her undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Humboldt State University in 2013. While finishing her degree, she served as an AT Specialist for the Lighthouse for the Blind in Humboldt County. This experience inspired her to help a more diverse range of individuals with multiple disabilities, leading her to earn a Master’s in Assistive Technology and Human Services from Cal State Northridge in 2015.
Upon graduation, Juliannah joined TCIL, where she now helps others find independence through technology.
Lisa Leon
ADRC Program Manager, Humboldt County
Lisa Leon joined TCIL in 2017, starting in information and referral services and administrative support before advancing to Transition Coordinator. In that role, she built strong partnerships with local hospitals and nursing homes and created the Home Transition Program to support individuals transitioning from institutional settings back into the community.
Lisa now serves as the Program Manager for the North Coast Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), where she collaborates closely with core partners, including the Area 1 Agency on Aging and NCHIIN, as well as other community partners. She graduated with honors from Carrington College in Sacramento with a certificate in Medical Assisting. Lisa also serves on the Area 1 Agency on Aging Advisory Council and as a Commissioner for the Housing Authorities of the City of Eureka and County of Humboldt.
Elizabeth Stebbins, AA
Assistive Technology Assistant, Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
(She, Her, Hers)
Elizabeth Stebbins is our Assistive Technology Assistant. She joined TCIL in April 2016 as our Informational and Referral Specialist at our Eureka office. Elizabeth has an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix. Her responsibilities include managing inventory of all the lending libraries for assistive technology, assisting in the planning of our annual EXPO, and providing technical assistance and support. Elizabeth has two children and lives in the City of Arcata.
Catherine Peacock
Admin & Program Support Specialist, Del Norte County
(She, Her, Hers)
Hello, I am Catherine Peacock, the Administrative Assistant in the Del Norte office. I joined the TCIL staff last June, after realizing that I was burned out on the caregiver jobs I’d been doing for the past 5 years. I have a Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a certificate in teaching the basics of ESL. Outside of work, I enjoy many creative pursuits, including partner dancing, writing, and hiking.
Tara Groswird
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
(She, Her, Hers)
Tara Groswird currently holds the position of Assistant Bookkeeper for TCIL and is also the Acting DDAR Coordinator. She joined TCIL in September 2022, initially starting as a WEX placement worker. Since then, she has expanded her skills and finds joy in her responsibilities.
Tara holds certificates in beginning and intermediate Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistance, and has some experience in Data Analysis.
Every day at TCIL is a learning experience with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. As someone with a hearing disability, Tara understands the challenges of living life to the fullest. However, at TCIL, she has found her true calling.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with her three children and her family.
Maggie Torres, BA
Independent Living Specialist, Humboldt County
(She, Her, Ella)
Maggie Torres dedicates her work and career to being an educator, advocate, advisor, social worker and counselor – her “ikigai”.
Ikigai (Japanese word, 生き甲斐, pronounced [E-key-guy]), to describe a person’s “reason for being.” It’s the convergence of four primary elements: what you love (your passion), what the world needs (your mission), what you are good at (your vocation), and what you can get paid for (your profession). It’s a concept that encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and to live a life filled with purpose and joy.
She has taught in our county’s rural and urban areas as a middle school and high school Spanish teacher as well as associate faculty at College of the Redwoods teaching Spanish and English to English learners.
Maggie’s work prior to joining TCIL was in social work as a vocational counselor within our county’s department of health and human services and is familiar with a wide scope of social service programs and community resources in support of our population’s most vulnerable and marginalized.
Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Latin American History & Culture and a California Secondary Teaching Credential with English Learner (EL) Authorization and Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate.
With her love for learning and sustaining her ikigai, she holds certificates in Brainspotting Trauma Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care.
Being able to fulfill her ikigai while working among the dynamic TCIL team brings her deep gratitude and inspiration.
Nature, travel, geography, geology, laughter, music, food and furry, four-legged animals are crucial elements that nourish Maggie’s soul.
Madeleine McDonell
Admin & Program Support Specialist, Humboldt County
(She, Her, Hers)
Dora Bernal, BA
Independent Living Specialist/Site Supervisor, Del Norte County
Dora Bernal is the Independent Living Specialist/Site Supervisor for Tri-County Independent Living Del Norte Office as of December 2024. Dora has over 20 years in Human Resources. Dora was born in Yreka,California and raised in Crescent City. Dora is a tribal member of the Karuk Tribe. Dora has worked as a tribal representative on the Council for (4) four years and has been a big part of the development and setting up the casino in Yreka, CA for the Karuk Tribe since 2009.
Jessica Warrick
Systems Change Advocate, Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
(She, They)
Jessica joined the TCIL team in April 2025. She was raised as an Air Force
dependent and was privileged to see many parts of the United States and the United Kingdom. These adventures helped frame her sense of support and advocacy for disability rights and veterans. Due to her background with special needs students she has gained an understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities. Jessica has three children all having some form of disability and she herself has a recently diagnosed mobility disability.
As an avid advocate for disability rights and civil rights Jessica has joined our team to help advocate on a wider scale. She brings with her knowledge, passion, and a dedication to helping others feel supported and independent in their lives.
Her educational background in Psychology and Anthropology gives her an educational advantage when working with community leaders and advocacy groups for greater changes to the accessibility of the community.
Micah Lowery
Youth Coordinator, Del Norte & Humboldt Counties
(She, Her, Hers)
Ms. Micah Lowery is the new Youth Coordinator at Tri County Independent Living. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University, Micah has extensive knowledge of building strong relationships in the community. She has several years of experience as an advocate, volunteering with political campaigns and nonprofit organizations.
Micah moved to Crescent City in March of this year and has appreciated the change of pace from the East Coast. She enjoys reading and watching movies in her spare time, as well as learning mathematics and philosophy.
Maya Minushkin, BA
ADRC Service Coordinator, Humboldt County
(She, They)
Maya is an ADRC Service Coordinator at Tri County Independent Living. She holds a B.A. in Disability Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies, where she developed a deep understanding of disability rights, inclusive practices, and community support systems.
With professional experience in case management, disability advocacy, and disability rights, as well as lived experience as a self-advocate, Maya brings expertise and empathy to her work. She is dedicated to connecting people with the resources, services, and supports they need to live independently and thrive in their communities.
In her spare time, Maya enjoys spending time with her dog, getting lost in a book, and exploring the outdoors.
Jennifer Godare
Assistive Technology Assistant, Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
My background includes experience over 8 years In Caregiving For Agape Home Care and IHSS , Also worked in the office of Agape as an Administrative Assistant. I enjoy learning new ways to assist people and providing support. I have in the past volunteered at Eureka Women’s Rescue Mission Under the guidance of Kristen Freeman the director. She is an inspiration to me all that she achieved and helps others selflessly. I look forward to applying my knowledge and compassion to help expand TCIL programs and enhance the services we provide to our clients. I am grateful to continue to help people in a different setting and with an Amazing team.