State Capitol Office

Jennifer Whiting, Chief of Staff

Jennifer manages all staff and operations for Noreen.  She also advises Noreen on policies affecting arts and entertainment, elections, housing, judiciary, and local government.  Prior to joining Noreen, she was a Legislative Consultant for former Assemblymember Ellen Corbett.  Jennifer also served on staff for former Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi as well as former Governor Gray Davis and First Lady Sharon Davis.  Jennifer has a B.A. in Government from California State University, Sacramento.  You can e-mail Jennifer at Jennifer.Whiting@asm.ca.gov.

Anthony Matthews, Senior Consultant

Anthony oversees all press and communications activities for Noreen.  He also advises her on policies affecting agriculture, banking, the state budget, business, government organization, insurance, natural resources, parks, taxation, transportation, and utilities.  Anthony joined Noreen's staff after having worked for former Assemblymember Patricia Wiggins.  Prior to his career in the Capitol, Anthony worked for the United Nations and non-profit organizations in Washington, DC.  Anthony has a B.S. in Political Science from Santa Clara University and an M.A. in International Development from American University.  You can e-mail Anthony at Anthony.Matthews@asm.ca.gov.

Celia Mata, Legislative Director

Celia supervises all legislation authored by Noreen.  She also advises Noreen on policies affecting aging and long term care, education, environmental safety and toxic materials, health, human services, jobs and the economy, labor, public employees and retirement, public safety, and veterans.  Prior to joining Noreen’s staff, Celia advised the Assembly Budget Committee on funding for higher education, housing, and consumer affairs.  She has also worked for Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, former Assemblymember Dennis Cardoza, and former Governor Gray Davis.   Celia has B.A. degrees in French and Political Science from California State University, San Jose.  You can e-mail Celia at Celia.Mata@asm.ca.gov.

Myra Bates-Portwood, Principal Assistant

Myra sets all appointments and oversees Noreen’s calendar. She coordinates Noreen’s.  Capitol and district schedules.  In order to schedule an appointment with Noreen, call Myra at (916) 319-2007 or e-mail her at Myra.Bates-Portwood@asm.ca.gov.

Bobbie Sardo, Consultant, Assembly Democratic Caucus

Bobbie helps Noreen fulfill her duties as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.  She advises and assists Noreen work with the Assembly Speaker and other members of the Assembly leadership team to keep the Assembly Democrats informed about legislative activities and key topics facing the legislature.  A Capitol veteran, Bobbie has worked for numerous members of the legislature and former Lieutenant Governor Leo McCarthy.   You can email Bobbie at bobbie.sardo@asm.ca.gov.

Amy Frazier, Executive Secretary

Amy provides administrative support to Capitol staff and coordinates the development of resolutions and certificates for Noreen.  Prior to joining Noreen, Amy worked for former Assemblymember Juan Vargas.  You can email Amy at Amy.Frazier@asm.ca.gov.

Santa Rosa Office

Laura Boschen, Caseworker

Laura assists constituents with a variety of concerns when government and community resources can lend a helping hand.  She works closely with state agencies and helps facilitate their communication with constituents.  Prior to joining the Assembly, Laura taught preschool and kindergarten in Santa Rosa and Sydney, Australia.  She has a B.A. in Psychology from Saint Mary's College, Moraga, and is among the alumni of the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy.  You can e-mail Laura at Laura.Boschen@asm.ca.gov.

Nick Caston, Field Representative

Nick represents Noreen at events and meetings in Sonoma County.  He also coordinates the development of Assembly resolutions and the maintenance of this website.  Nick is a member of the City of Santa Rosa’s Planning Commission and serves on the executive boards of various non-profit organizations serving Sonoma County.  Prior to joining Noreen, he served on the Santa Rosa Junior College Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors for the California Community College Trustees.  Nick is among the alumni of the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy, and is certified in theater arts management. You can e-mail Nick at Nick.Caston@asm.ca.gov..

Elizabeth McCarthy, Office Assistant

Elizabeth manages constituent mail for Noreen regarding legislative issues and other concerns.  Prior to joining Noreen’s staff, Elizabeth served as a child welfare attorney and a city attorney.  She has also served as a member and vice chair of the Sonoma County Human Services Commission.  Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Sociology from Yale College and a J.D. from Boston University, and is a fellow of the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy.  You can e-mail Elizabeth at ElizabethK.McCarthy@asm.ca.gov.

Vallejo Office

Veronica Bethel Stone, District Director

Veronica manages Noreen’s district offices in Santa Rosa, Vallejo, and Napa.  Based out of Santa Rosa, she is responsible for maintaining an office environment that is responsive to constituent concerns and representing Noreen throughout the district.  She maintains a strong commitment to staying informed on those issues that are most important to the community and to being active in the community.  Prior to joining the Assembly, Veronica taught courses in history, science, and special education to 6-12th graders as a substitute teacher in Vallejo Unified School District.  She was also a business owner.  Veronica has served on numerous boards and commissions addressing affordable healthcare for children, healthcare access, land use, education, and small business development.  A lifelong resident of Vallejo, she holds a B.A. in Business from Mount Mary College. You can email Veronica at Veronica.Stone@asm.ca.gov.

David Green, Field Representative

David represents Noreen at meetings and events throughout Solano County.  He also assists constituents with a variety of concerns, tracks legislation pertinent to Solano County, and assists local organizations striving to improve the lives of Solano County residents.  Prior to joining Noreen, David performed these same duties for former Assemblymember Patricia Wiggins.  David serves on Vallejo’s Housing and Redevelopment Commission.  David has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. You can e-mail David at David.Green@asm.ca.gov.

Napa Office

Laurie Puzo, Field Representative/Principal Consultant, Select Committee on Wine

Laurie represents Noreen at meetings and events throughout Napa County.  She also advises Noreen on issues affecting the California wine industry.  Prior to joining the Assembly, Laurie was the Napa field representative for State Senator Wesley Chesbro.  She also directed education outreach for Domaine Chandon, managed a Montessori school, and was a K-12 substitute teacher in Napa County.  An active member of the Napa community for over 20 years, Laurie has participated in committees and task forces dealing with numerous issues affecting Napa County.  She also sits on the executive board of several non-profit organizations.  Laurie has a B.A in Social Science from California State University, Sacramento, and has completed extensive graduate coursework in Montessori education and student teaching.  You can e-mail Laurie at Laurie.Puzo@asm.ca.gov.