Amber Heidtke is the Chief Executive Officer of The Zones and a dedicated advocate for young people and community impact. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2002, building a career focused on creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting youth to reach their full potential.
Amber is a graduate of Leadership Santa Rosa Class of 33 and serves on the Leadership Santa Rosa Alumni Association (LSRAA) Board and is a member of the National Small Business Association.
In 2025, Amber was honored with the Champion for Children Award, recognizing her work to uplift and advocate for youth. She is passionate about ensuring young people feel seen, supported, and empowered, and brings a relational, hands-on approach to her leadership. Amber believes that when young people are given the right support and opportunities, they can thrive and in turn, strengthen the entire community
Daniel Theobald grew up playing soccer and futsal in Brazil sparking his love of the game leading him to play academy-level soccer in Southern California and eventually play for Sonoma State University. Shortly after graduating college, Daniel started competing in 1v1 and 3v3 Street Soccer/Panna tournaments, and quickly established himself as one of the top street soccer players in the world. With multiple national and international tournaments under his belt, he has qualified for the world finals for the past five years, consistently ranking in the top 32.
With around 10 years of coaching experience under his belt, Daniel has worked with players of all levels, including private and group training sessions as well as with youth competitive leagues including MLS-Next and high school teams. He has also worked at various soccer events, including workshops, camps, and performances across the globe.
Ian joined The Zones in 2024, initially serving in an administrative role before growing into his current position as Director of Membership, Media, and Marketing. In this role, he oversees member enrollment and engagement while leading the organization’s media and marketing efforts.
A summa cum laude graduate of Sonoma State University, Ian holds degrees in enology and theater arts. It’s a rare combination; blending analytical precision with creative talent, which allows him to excel in both the operational and storytelling aspects of his role.
Ian is especially driven by the opportunity to shape how people experience and understand The Zones. Whether he’s refining enrollment processes or capturing moments that highlight the impact of the organization, he is focused on creating meaningful connections and supporting continued growth.
Josh Smith has been a dedicated member of The Zones team for the past eight years, building strong relationships with youth and helping create a positive, engaging environment for students to grow. Currently studying Kinesiology at SSU, Josh brings a strong understanding of movement, health, and physical development into his work with students. His background helps him encourage active, balanced lifestyles while connecting physical wellness to overall confidence and success.
Josh also has a passion for teaching technology. Whether leading tech-based classes, helping students explore new digital tools, or guiding hands-on STEM activities, he enjoys making complex concepts approachable and fun. His patient, encouraging style helps students feel confident trying new things and developing new skills.
Josh is committed to helping young people discover their strengths, stay curious, and build skills that will serve them both in and out of the classroom.
Alyssa brings a thoughtful blend of hospitality, creativity, and organization to her role as Marketing & Event Coordinator at the Inn at Occidental, where she curates memorable guest experiences and beautifully executed events. With a professional background in hospitality, Alyssa understands that food is more than just ingredients; it is about experience. From preparation to presentation, she has spent years learning how thoughtful details can elevate something simple into something special. Baking is her favorite creative outlet, and she loves sharing the skills and techniques that help bring confidence and imagination into the kitchen.
The Zones is proud to partner with Alyssa to lead engaging baking classes and inspire young chefs through hands-on learning and creativity.
Steven Tuft graduated from Sonoma State University in December 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He has experience programming in Java, C++, and Python through both academic projects and personal programming activities.
Steven has loved Minecraft since first playing it in 2010 and has spent years exploring its mechanics, systems, and modding capabilities. As a member of the Minecraft modding community since 2011, he hopes to share his long-held knowledge with the next generation of modders and programmers.
