Meet Our Founder
Doug Carson
Founder & Board Chair
Doug is a Graduate of Christian Brothers High School and was the first Northern California player ever drafted in the 1965 Major League draft, 33rd overall. He attended Santa Clara University on a Baseball Scholarship and re-entered the draft after his sophomore year and was drafted and signed by the Pittsburg Pirates. His career was cut short by major injury. He married Alberta “Albie” Ciucci and was married for 35 years before Albie died of Breast Cancer on July 4, 2002. Doug created the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation and received its 501(c)(3) status in 2004.
Meet Our Staff
Melissa Manzo
Program Manager
Melissa joined the Albie Aware staff in 2021 and is the organization’s Program Manager. Melissa’s primary career focus has been in the nonprofit sector, with roles including Project Coordinator for Leeds Action Society and Director of Marketing of Kids Helping Kids Sacramento. While she was born and raised in Sacramento, Melissa was educated at the University of Leeds in the UK with a bachelor’s in International Relations. In 2019, she returned to Sacramento with the intent to continue her involvement with community-focused organizations.
Meet Our Board
Deborah Bonucelli
Board Secretary
Deborah is one of the founding members of The Pink Ladies, a group of Sacramento women, who raise money for the foundation each year through hosting the “End of Summer Celebration”. She has a long association with Albie Aware, participating in numerous fundraising events. Her mother-in-law, Shirley Bonuccelli, who was a 60-year breast cancer survivor, was a recipient of the Rose Award. Deborah’s sister and sister-in-law are also survivors.
Melinda Carson
Board Treasurer
Melinda Carson recently joined the Board of Directors but has been involved with Albie Aware since its beginning. Her background is in nonprofit management. She is the past Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association for Northeast and Central California, as well as the Executive Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast California. While working with Albie Aware, she has volunteered as well as been a consultant for a variety of fundraising events. Melinda is an Albie Aware Pink Lady and enjoys helping to create The Pink Ladies’ End of Summer Celebration event annually. Besides Albie Aware, she works with her husband Doug at Carson Solutions and enjoys her role as “Nana” to six grandchildren.
Cindy Jaramillo
Board Member
Cindy Jaramillo has worked in the legal field since 2006 and brings nearly two decades of experience across multiple areas of law. She currently serves as a Case Manager at Carter Wolden Curtis, LLP, where she focuses on personal injury matters. In her role, she guides clients through complex legal processes, coordinates with attorneys, insurance carriers, and medical providers, and ensures clear communication and efficient case resolution.Cindy has been actively involved with Albie Aware since 2016, providing education, advocacy, and compassionate support to individuals navigating breast cancer screening and treatment. She works closely with Spanish-speaking clients, assisting with intakes, facilitating access to diagnostic services, and helping them understand each step of the process. In 2023, Cindy joined the Board of Directors and currently serves as Volunteer Coordinator
Toni Turnbull
Board Member
Toni Turnbull joined the Albie Aware Board in 2025. She is a seasoned marketing leader and licensed real estate professional with NEXT New Homes and NEXT Real Estate Group. Her background includes strategic marketing, brand development, media planning, CRM, web design, channel marketing, and integrated digital strategy.
Toni earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising with a minor in Journalism from San José State University. She is a Certified Marketing Professional (CMP) in the building industry and the 2025 MAME “Marketing Professional of the Year,” recipient, awarded by the North State Building Industry Association (North State BIA).
Beyond her professional work, Toni is passionate about the arts and creative expression. She enjoys painting, writing poetry, reading, and photography. She is equally inspired by the outdoors and can often be found snowshoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or hiking. Toni is also dedicated to supporting her community and volunteers her time with local organizations.
Erik Sordahl
Board Member
Erik Sordahl serves as Vice President of Credit Risk at SAFE Credit Union and has spent nearly two decades helping strengthen the credit union movement. A graduate of California State University, Sacramento, Erik joined the Albie Aware Board in 2025 after his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, which gave him a special appreciation for the foundation’s mission to support patients and families. Erik and his wife live in the Newcastle area with their two children and enjoy traveling in their spare time.
Patty Roberts
Board Member
Patty’s passion for helping others through Albie Aware runs deeply, as she lost her sister to breast cancer. She is one of the Pink Ladies, a group of Sacramento-area women who for the past 9 years have held an End of Summer Celebration to raise awareness and money from Albie Aware.
Shannon Downs
Board Member
Shannon Downs joined the Albie Aware Board of Directors in January 2026. Her connection to the organization began two years earlier when she volunteered at an Albie Aware fundraiser. Deeply moved and inspired by the mission and the women and families it serves, Shannon felt compelled to become more involved and applied to join the board.
Professionally, Shannon is the owner of Downs Fiduciary Services, a Sacramento-based fiduciary firm she founded 10 years ago. Through her work, she assists families by serving as Trustee, Power of Attorney for financial and healthcare matters, and as an advocate for the elderly and disabled. Her practice is dedicated to providing compassionate, ethical, and professional guidance during some of life’s most complex transitions. More information about her firm can be found at: https://downsfiduciaries.com/about-us/our-team.
A native of Sacramento, Shannon graduated from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Sociology. She and her husband have two daughters, and as a family they enjoy cycling, hiking, cooking, and traveling together.
