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 Program Director
Maria@getonthebus.us , director@getonthebus.us
Maria Costanzo Palmer found the Get on the Bus program 5 years ago when Sr. Suzanne came and spoke at her church in Beverly Hills. Maria had just moved to California and she was carrying a secret: her father was incarcerated. After the presentation, Maria introduced herself to Sr. Suzanne and has been a part of the program ever since. Sr. Suzanne's warm and inviting way enabled Maria to go public with her secret. She volunteered her time as a family contact and a speaker for the organization. Before fulfilling her current role as the Director, Maria worked as the Regional Coordinator for Southern California. Luckily, Maria's father is out of prison, but the experience will always stay with her. In addition to her experience at Get On The Bus, Maria has worked for the Osborne Association in Brooklyn, NY and New York University doing prison-related research. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University in New York and a Master's Degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University. Click here for Blog .
Program Assistant
jennifer@getonthebus.us , info@getonthebus.us
Jennifer Doyle joined the GOTB staff in August 2009. She is an East Coast native who grew up in New Jersey before moving to Boston to attend Emerson College. Jennifer’s prior experience includes interning and working at organizations such as the Museum of Science and Zoo New England in Boston. As an individual who thrives in the sunshine and has a passion for helping children, the transition to California and GOTB was a natural fit.
Fiscal and Administrative Coordinator
Mari@getonthebus.us
Hello, I am the Fiscal and Administrative Coordinator and I joined the CRJW team in 2005. I received my B.S.B.A from California State University Northridge in 2004. After working in the for-profit world and feeling dissatisfied I starting searching for something different where I could help others. Being the daughter of an ex gang member who was in and out of prison during the early years, I have experienced first hand the wonderful ways people can transform their lives with just a little encouragement and support from the community. I love working for such a brilliant organization.
Staff Support
director@getonthebus.us
Maya Palmer came to Get On The Bus in July of 2008 with some personal experience of being locked up. She was abandoned by her previous owners and was serving time at the Carson animal shelter in Carson, CA. She was on death row on the “to be killed” list. She was bailed out by Maria and thus, has become the Get On The Bus mascot. In addition to embracing social justice principles and being an advocate for those in need, Maya spends a vast amount of time chasing her tail, playing fetch with her parents and enjoying her favorite food, cheese.
Regional Coordinator- Southern California
Karen@getonthebus.us , Socaloffice@getonthebus.us
Karen Plante comes to Get On The Bus with 17 years experience in the field of nonprofit fundraising and special events. Starting at the age of 22, she was amongst the pioneer team for the California AIDS Ride, an annual 575 mile cycling event that has since raised over 75 million dollars for HIV/AIDS research. Next came some of her most treasured events, such as the Avon Walks for Breast Cancer, and the Alzheimer Association's Memory Walks, as well as the Hollywood Walk to Deliver, benefiting her beloved Project Angel Food. Karen enjoys a lifelong bond and remains a volunteer with each of these past organizations, believing that it is important to "always show up" for your friends and colleagues.
In December of 2007, Karen became a Mom to Erik, who has truly turned out to be her most rewarding project yet! It is because of this child, and the discovery of the depth of a mother's love, that fuels Karen's passion to serve Get On The Bus and the families separated by incarceration. She is honored to to work side by side with a team of committed volunteers that are dedicated to bringing these kids to their parents, thus allowing the reunion and the healing process that is so necessary for child and parent. What the Get On The Bus program, with its thousands of incredible volunteers, is able to do for these families is nothing short of a miracle. Karen Plante is a proud member of the Get On The Bus team.
Regional Coordinator - Northern California
claire@getonthebus.us
My background in elementary education made the transition to Get On The Bus seem a natural one. This is my 5th year working with the program and our mission of uniting children with their Moms and Dads in prison continues to say, "This is where I want to be." Living in northern California I work with Bus Coordinators and volunteers from Visalia to Santa Rosa, Sacramento and the Oregon border. These men and women inspire me with their commitment to our mission and their generous and compassionate spirits. Through their efforts hundreds of children each year are able to visit their Moms and Dads, strengthening family bonds. Our work is demanding and our rewards are great!
Regional Coordinator- Northern California
Tara@getonthebus.us
Tara Regan is currently a second year graduate student at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California Berkeley 2010. Tara previously served as the Children and Family Programs Manager for Centerforce, a NGO/CBO working with prisoners, their families and persons recently released from jails and prisons in Northern and Central California. Tara worked for Centerforce for 4 ½ years. In her role as Children and Family Programs Manager Tara supervised the San Quentin State Prison (SQSP) Visitors Center a multi service hospitality center for visiting loved ones; Families Moving Forward a family reunification case management program based out of Marin County Jail; Back to Family a family reunification case management program based out of SQSP; the LIFE mentoring program which serves youth whom have an incarcerated parent; and Live Love Learn a peer health education HIV prevention program working with SQSP women visitors. Tara received her B.S. in Criminal Justice and minor in International Politics at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Regional Coordinator- Central Coast
theresa@getonthebus.us , centralcoastoffice@getonthebus.us
Sister Theresa Harpin, CSJ, Co-Regional Coordinator - Central Coast, has 30 years of experience in campus and parish ministry where she was involved with outreach to prisons. Four years ago she initiated the Father's Day Event at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, CA. The program has quickly grown from 1 bus in 2006 to 14 slated for 2010 so this year she will serve as Co-Regional with Cece Lane. “I look forward to our new expanded leadership team to meet the growing needs of reunifying children with their incarcerated parents. Additionally, I love being engaged with my CSJ community members who have embraced Get On The Bus because it embodies our charism of unifying love.”
Regional Coordinator- Central Coast
cece@getonthebus.us , centralcoastoffice@getonthebus.us
Cece Lane - Co Regional of the Central Coast has been involved with the Father’s Day event at the California Men’s Colony for the last four years. “ The program has touched me so deeply with all the different components - the kids, the families, the dad’s and the entire community of San Luis Obispo. It has been amazing to see how 40 different interfaith communities have help support this program.” I am excited to be a part of this year’s event and look forward to the continuing growth of Get On The Bus throughout the state of California.
Regional Coordinator- San Bernardino/Riverside
tracy@getonthebus.us
Tracy Marquez is a lifelong residence of California. She is completing her undergraduate degree in Business and Public Administration from California State University San Bernardino. She is a certified Substance Abuse Counselor and has over 10 years experience working in the field of prevention and non profit program management. She is an avid volunteer and is an advocate for youth.
Tracy believes that positive change comes when people get beyond wanting, wishing, or hoping it happens, but actually take the steps to make it happen.
 Regional Coordinator- San Diego
ann@getonthebus.us
My passion for non-profit work and giving back to the community. The opportunity to work with children giving them an opportunity that they may not otherwise have. I feel it is important for children to be able to feel the embrace of their parent, hug, touch etc.
I have been a volunteer myself ranging from Room parent, Toys for Tots, selling donuts after church to a course official for a local race. I have organized and coordinated volunteers for many events. Groups to work water-stops for a local marathon, a local Harley group to work the race course for a local 5K, individuals to raise money for various organizations.
I have also been involved in providing training and education for various volunteer positions.
Regional Coordinator- Monterey
lori@getonthebus.us
After the past two years of serving as a reception site coordinator I have been personally inspired by the GOTB experience. I have seen first hand through the dedication of the GOTB staff, volunteers and community that children and their families can be positively impacted by this experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and dedicate myself to such an amazing organization. Most importantly I look forward to continuing to contribute my time to the lives of the children we touch.
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