Full-Time Staff

Kathy and Bob Runyan, Co-Directors

Kathy was born in downtown Los Angeles and has lived in California most of her life.  After graduating from college and teaching for two years, Kathy met Bob in 1986.  A year later they were married and moved to Northern California where Kathy continued teaching, first in public schools and then as a homeschooling parent of three sons.  During this same period of time Kathy served on the First Day School committee and on the Quarterly Meeting Children’s Program Committee.  In May of 2003, Kathy was hired as the Admissions Director for the new Woolman Semester program at Sierra Friends Center and continued in that role and then as Advancement Director until coming to Quaker Center.  Kathy enjoys spending her free time walking, drawing, but more than anything enjoying a nice chat over a cup of tea.

Bob spent most of his childhood summers in the Santa Cruz mountains camping, hiking, and skim-boarding at the beach.  Bob traveled to Mexico and Europe, played soccer throughout his college years, and continued on to earn his teaching credential.   After teaching at the high school level for a few years, Bob joined the Peace Corp and went to the Seychelles Islands where he taught math and computer science at the Polytechnic School.  After returning to the States, Bob met Kathy and continued teaching until 1989 when he changed careers to become a computer programmer.  In 1996, Bob felt inspired to write software that foster empathy by simulating life anywhere in the world based on real-world statistics.  Bob went into business for himself to develop and sell “Real Lives” and during this time also worked as the Executive Director of Sierra Friends Center from 2005 through 2008.  During his free time, Bob enjoys playing piano and guitar, hiking, biking, and running, and whenever possible, watching international soccer with his three sons at a local taqueria.

David Forbes, Maintenance Manager

David Forbes is a father, an artist, a former hospice volunteer, and a teacher of Native American living skills. He has been the Maintenance Manager at Quaker Center since 1995. David finds that community, relationship, and work can be invaluable supports for revealing our deepest selves. Commitment to the process, personally or as a community, is the essential element. Being willing to see the process through opens us up to the greater possibilities that the Light has in store.

Part-Time Staff

Lisa Holland, Housekeeper
Brad MacDonald, Maintenance Assistant