About Breathe California Sacramento Region
We are dedicated to advocating for clean air, tobacco-free communities, and sustainable transportation. Through education, outreach, and local partnerships, we’re creating a healthier, more breathable future—one marked by cleaner air, stronger policies, and healthier lungs.
Breathe California Sacramento Region: A Century of Advocacy for Clean Air and Healthy Lungs
Since 1917, Breathe California Sacramento Region has been at the forefront of promoting lung health and clean air in our communities. Originally established as the Sacramento Society for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis, the organization has evolved to address the pressing respiratory challenges of each era.
In its early years, SacBreathe operated free tuberculosis clinics, initiated school nutrition programs, and conducted mass X-ray screenings to combat the tuberculosis epidemic. As public health needs shifted, the organization expanded its focus to include anti-tobacco initiatives, clean transportation advocacy, and air quality improvement efforts.
Today, SacBreathe continues to champion a future with tobacco-free youth, accessible electric vehicles, and pedestrian-friendly communities. Through education, policy advocacy, and community engagement, we strive to ensure that everyone in the Sacramento Region can breathe clean, healthy air.
Our Team
At SacBreathe California Sacramento Region, our team is united by a shared mission: to promote clean air and healthy lungs for all. Since 1917, we've combined expertise in public health, education, and advocacy to serve the region with passion and purpose. Together, we’re working toward a future where everyone can breathe easier.
Jennifer Finton
Chief Executive Officer
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Jennifer Finton returned to Breathe in 2017 after a hiatus to advocate for improved air quality through better land use planning, guided by the Clean Air Agenda. She has over 12 years experience with Sacramento- based non-profits. She has an MS in Business Administration from UC Davis and a BA in Botany from UC Riverside. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys walking and bicycling, and leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
Robin Coggeshall
Accounting and Human Resources Manager
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Robin Coggeshall has been in the non-profit world for 11 years and recognizes the important need for service organizations that support our communities. Robin joined Breathe in September of 2019 as the Accounting Manager. While Robin is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working in the yard, and reading.
Paige Arnett
Food Scraps and Recycling Program Manager
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Paige is a California State University Sacramento student pursuing her B.S. in environmental studies. In 2021, she received her A.S. in environmental conservation from American River College. Throughout her education, she has developed a passion for sustainability and community outreach. In the future, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree focusing on Environmental Policy. Paige grew up in the Sacramento area and looks forward to engaging and interacting with the community while also helping the environment. In her free time, Paige loves reading, baking, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Ellen Brickey
Senior Youth Programs Manager
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Ellen Brickey (she/her pronouns) graduated from UC Davis in 2016 with a BA in Sociology and holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sacramento State University. Coming from a teaching background, Ellen has a passion for working with youth and creating opportunities for them to impact their communities. Ellen grew up in the Mt. Shasta area and has a long-standing love of the environment and being outdoors. She is excited to bring her passion for working with youth and love for the environment together in this role. In her free time, Ellen enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, and spending time with her pets.
Sydney Hodge
Air Quality Programs Manager
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I graduated in 2024 from Sacramento State with a degree in Political Science and minor in Environmental Studies. Through my work at BREATHE I hope to gain a better understanding of community needs and create a safer city through a cleaner environment. In the future, I hope to earn my masters in environmental planning and sustainability. In my free time, I like to spend time with family, drink coffee, and go on adventures with my dog, Reese.
Sharon Kaur
Food Scraps & Recycling Program Manager
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Sharon Kaur graduated from University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Law and Society. A strong advocate for bringing environmental justice and sustainability in all communities. She previously advocated for housing rights and rental assistance for underserved communities. She is dedicated to understanding the needs of the community and the resources they may need. In her free time, Sharon volunteers with community garden organizations, tends to her own garden, and enjoys embroidery!
Shivam Gandhi
Food Scraps Programs Intern
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Shivam is a student at the University of California, Davis pursuing his M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management. His specific area of interest is in working on projects that improve air quality in California. Having a M.S. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech already, he is hoping to combine community engagement and his technical background to be a well-rounded climate advocate. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, cooking, and boardgames.
Kassandra Vega
Youth Programs Associate
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Kassandra recently graduated from UC Davis in 2024 with a BS in Environmental Science, with a concentration in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. She is passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, and looks forward to contributing to these areas during her internship. Outside of work, she enjoys afternoon walks, drawing, and discovering new music.
Melissa Hill
Senior Food Scraps Recycling Manager
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Melissa Hill has lived in Yuba City since 2012. She joined BREATHE in 2022 as the Food Scraps and Recycling Program Manager. Before this role, Melissa worked as a state preschool teacher, where she mentored young learners in her community. She earned degrees in Social and Behavioral Science and Early Childhood Education from Yuba Community College, and later obtained a BA in Human Development from CSU East Bay. Currently, Melissa is pursuing a master’s degree in Diverse Community Development at CSU Northridge, with a focus on making a positive impact in marginalized communities. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and dog.
Nicole Grady
Executive Assistant
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Nicole Grady started at Breathe in 2019. She wears multiple hats at Breathe including that of the executive assistant, an accounting assistant, building coordinator, and she assists with air quality programs. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health and her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science from Dominican University of California. Nicole always works to connect with the people involved in Breathe programs and enjoys researching new ways to use technology to make the world more sustainable.
Micaela Pearson
Tobacco Free Program Director
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Micaela Pearson is the new Tobacco-Free Program Director at Breathe CA Sacramento Region (BCSR). She graduated from UC Davis School of Medicine in 2023 with her Master of Public Health degree and California State University, Fresno in 2018 with her Bachelor of Science degree in public health. Micaela is also a member of the American Public Health Association. With her public health background, Micaela hopes to become an agent of change for Sacramento, CA. Her passion for improving health truly appeals to her and she is committed to the efforts in promoting health education and policies within public health. She is excited to be part of the team and is looking forward to the future of change ahead. In her free time, she enjoys pouring into herself spiritually and physically, she loves cooking and creating memories with her loved ones.
Elizabeth Savin
Air Quality Programs Director
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Elizabeth Savin received a Master’s in Public Health from University of California, Davis in addition to bachelor’s degrees in Public Health Science, and Urban Studies from University of California, Irvine. Through her professional work, she strives to ensure that the places where people live, work, and play are safe and free from environmental hazards. Liz is dedicated to advancing environmental justice in the Sacramento area through community engagement and public policy. When she is not working, she enjoys going for walks, traveling to new cities, and spending time with her family.
Explore Our Annual Reports
Breathe California Sacramento Region is committed to transparency and community engagement. Our annual reports provide insights into our initiatives, achievements, and financial stewardship. From tobacco prevention programs to air quality advocacy, these reports highlight our ongoing efforts to promote lung health and clean air. Access our most recent and past reports to learn more about our impact in the Sacramento Region.