Giant Steps is thrilled to welcome two new members to its board of directors, Jane Rodger and Laura Rombauer.
A native of Australia, Jane Rodger brings significant experience in the Australian Television and Film industry with roles that included Network News and Current Affairs Promotions Producer for one of Australia’s leading free to air television networks; the start-up manager of Australia’s first, and still premier, cable television company, and; Creative Director for a channel exclusively for women. When she became mother to two young girls, Jane moved to freelance work, and later worked as Production Office Manager at a small, but very successful, film production company that specializes in writing and producing unique, indigenous Australian content.
In 2011, Jane moved with her family to Northern California. Since the move, Jane has worked independently on real estate remodeling, event organization, and many volunteer projects including an Admission video and 8th Grade Graduation video for a local school. Jane owns two horses, and has found working with trainers to develop these two young horses to be an amazing experience. Jane hopes to continue to develop her skills both as an equestrian and freelance project manager.
Jane’s creative mind and deep experience will be invaluable to Giant Steps’ on-going efforts to raise awareness of the tremendous impact of equine-assisted activities and therapies in general, and of Giant Steps in particular.
Since 2003, Laura Rombauer has been the proprietor of Napa Valley Vintage Home – a well-established luxury wine country lifestyle store in downtown St. Helena. Prior to moving to the Napa Valley, Laura spent many years practicing commercial interior design in San Francisco where she worked for architecture and interior design giant Gensler and Associates. She then moved onto an in-house design position at the world headquarters for Del Monte Foods. Feeling the pull of country life, Laura moved to the Napa Valley in 1998 where she immediately fell into many different volunteer roles with Auction Napa Valley and the St. Helena Montessori School. Laura’s volunteer efforts culminated in 2011 when she and her husband KR Rombauer (2nd generation vintner at Rombauer Vineyards) co-chaired the renowned Auction Napa Valley. More recently, Laura and KR Rombauer were the 2016 Honorary Chairs for the annual fundraiser gala for Napa Valley Hospice/Adult Day Care Services aka Collabria Care.
Laura grew up riding and when her daughter Ransome (Sonoma Academy ’17) showed an interest in the equestrian world at age 6 – Laura quickly took on the role of horse show mom and manager. 12 years later and travelling to 24-26 horse shows a year and sharing a mutual passion for everything equine, both Laura and Ransome have made many connections in the equestrian community and foresee an ongoing commitment to the sport in the future.
With Laura’s non-profit/fundraising experience, creative eye and commitment to the equestrian community, Laura will bring a unique perspective to Giant Steps, and is excited to be more involved.