The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) is pleased to announce that long-time Santa Barbara resident Wayne Stelly has joined its Board of Directors.
“CADA has been fortunate for several years to have Wayne volunteer with our Mentor Program, which matches caring adult mentors with youth throughout Santa Barbara County,” said Dr. Scott Whiteley, CADA’s Executive Director. “We are delighted he is now be sharing his wealth of education, experience, and compassion as the newest member of CADA’s Board of Directors.”
Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Stelly moved to Santa Barbara to attend the University of Santa Barbara and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at UCSB, he also competed on UCSB’s cycling team, achieving several regional titles, and leading them to their first National Championship.
Upon retiring in 2012 from a distinguished 31-year career with Raytheon Visions System, Mr. Stelly helped launch Crane Country Day School’s Design and Engineering Center in 2017. He also provided project management support for Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy’s First Robotics Competition in 2013 and assisted with the 2016 competition.
“I’ve been a mentor with CADA for nine years,” says Mr. Stelly, CADA’s 2022 Mentor of the Year. “The organization provides much-needed services in our community and plays a vital role in the lives of so many families throughout Santa Barbara County. What drew me to CADA is simply its mission, its very important work, and the commitment and quality of the people running the operation.”
Mr. Stelly has participated in the CADA Mentor Program since 2014 and has had five different mentees. He’s currently in his fifth year with 10th grader Zeke. “I have absolutely loved mentoring and watching these mentees grow and develop into wonderful people, right before my eyes,” says Mr. Stelly. He considers it a unique honor and privilege to be trusted, supported, and welcomed by his mentees and their families.
Mr. Stelly is married with two daughters, ages 29 and 26.Theresa, his wife of 37 years, is a retired 4th grade teacher at Crane County Day School and the Director of Pilates at a local fitness club.
About the Mentor Program
Now in its 18th year, the Mentor Program matches Santa Barbara County youth enrolled in third through eighth grade with caring adult mentors. Mentees are referred to CADA by school counselors and psychologists who have identified at-risk behaviors that can result in poor academic studies, social difficulties, and association with negative influences. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the program has over 70 current mentor-mentee matches, many of which will continue beyond high school graduation and become life-long friendships. For more information about becoming a Mentor or being referred as a Mentee, email mentorprogram@cadasb.org, or contact Mentor Program Director Lisa Gosdschan, 805.722.1321, lgosdschan@cadasb.org.
About the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (CADA)
Since 1949, CADA has delivered programs and services focused on educating, preventing, and treating substance abuse and co-occurring conditions affecting youth, adults, and families in Santa Barbara County. The agency works in close partnership with local schools, law enforcement, health care organizations, businesses, other nonprofits, and the media. CADA services are available to anyone impacted by alcohol, drugs, and/or mental health concerns, without regard to gender, gender preference, age, race, ethnicity, or national origin. For more information, visit www.cadasb.org.
Leave a Response