Shelley Viviani worked in Sonoma County public schools, providing speech and language instruction in her first professional job. She then attended San Francisco State University to earn CA teaching credentials in K-12 multi-subject, vision specialist, and orientation and mobility specialist. She also served as an adjunct professor at San Francisco State University. Since moving to Napa Shelley has volunteered with Jameson Humane Rescue Ranch, Molly's Angels, Lighthouse for the blind, Enchanted and Hills Camp. SV was a member of the San Carlos /Belmont optimist club during her long tenure working with visually impaired and blind youth in San Mateo County. This volunteerism and the amazing people she met while volunteering, led her to join forces with friends and family in Napa and Yountville to spearhead the chartering of the Yountville Optimist Club.

AJ Ames has lived in and raised a family in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. She has been active in the community through volunteer work with Providence and numerous school events. Her career has included several winery positions and she has been a holistic practitioner for more than two decades. She holds a degree in Social Science and is working on a book about her Nine Lives..

Shelley Viviani President

Jennifer Marcus VP/Treasurer

Arlene Ames Secretary

Jennifer is a Clinically Certified Western Herbalist and level one Sommelier, with a rich tapestry of experiences across various fields. Her passion for nature seamlessly intertwines with her lifelong study of gardening and nutrition. She continues to explore the healing properties of herbs and promotes the benefits of personally growing organic food and medicinal herbs, with the community. Jennifer is a Clinically Certified Western Herbalist and level one Sommelier, with a rich tapestry of experiences across various fields. Her passion for nature seamlessly intertwines with her lifelong study of gardening and nutrition. She continues to explore the healing properties of herbs and promotes the benefits of personally growing organic food and medicinal herbs, with the community. As a graduate from CU Boulder with a degree in English and Creative writing, Jennifer finds joy in exploring new ideas and cultures through literature, often drawing inspiration for her health oriented practices. Community service holds a special place in her heart, as she actively seeks to give back, whether through volunteering for local businesses and initiatives or by sharing health, viticulture and enology knowledge in workshops and free classes. Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends, and nurturing a sense of community through supporting, organizing, hosting and attending social, fundraising and charity events. She is thrilled to be serving as the VP of the new Yountville Optimists Club.