Leonis Adobe Museum - Our Staff Members

Our Staff Members

Mission Statement
The Leonis Adobe Museum is a historical monument and living history museum dedicated to restoring, preserving, and sharing California ranch life in the late 1880's.

he Leonis Adobe Association is dedicated to the continued preservation of the Leonis Adobe Museum designated as Los Angeles City Cultural Landmark #1, an 1880s working ranch related to California's yesteryears. The Leonis Adobe Association links people today with the past through public, educational and organizational programs developed to experience California history.

The Leonis Adobe Association is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Staff Members.

Diane Ramadan - Ranch, Facility & Museum Manager
diane@leonisadobemuseum.org

Mrs. Ramadan joined the Leonis Adobe staff in February of 2006 as the Ranch Manager. She has extensive knowledge of ranching and livestock that began with 4-H experience as a child. Her love of animals has been a constant theme throughout her life.

As an accomplished rider, she won numerous equestrian events in both English and Western competitions. In 1979, Diane moved to Ireland to prepare for the 1980 Summer Olympics. When the Olympics were boycotted, she stayed in Ireland and competed internationally in show jumping, dressage and three day events for the next five years.

Diane later managed several prestigious horse breeding farms in the U.S. before turning her attention to veterinary medicine. As a veterinary technician for a large animal hospital she managed the laboratory and barn and assisted with surgery.

Diane's love of history, antiques and art make her a natural fit for the Leonis Adobe Museum.

Doris Butler - Museum Guide Supervisor
doris@leonisadobemuseum.org

For more than ten years Doris Butler has been an outstanding employee at the Leonis Adobe Museum. She started her Leonis Adobe career as a part-time guide aspiring to help serve her community. She now holds the position of Museum Guide Supervisor that includes Guide Coordinator and Gift Shop Manager.

Katy Finley - Administrative Assistant
katy@leonisadobemuseum.org

Katy began working at the Leonis Adobe Museum in March 2007. As a student who has a love of history and learning, the Adobe is the perfect place for Katy to put that love to use. When she is not at the Adobe, you can find Katy at CSU Channel Islands where she is currently working on her Bachelor's Degree in English Education.

Charlotte Stehlik - Community Liaison
charlotte@leonisadobemuseum.org

Charlotte first came to the Adobe on a school tour with her special needs students. She retired in 2004 and joined the Adobe as a guide in September of that year. In addition to her work as a guide, Charlotte works part time in our office heading our membership. When you join us for one of our events please stop by the membership table and say hello to Charlotte.

Karen Cusack - School Tour Supervisor
karen@leonisadobemuseum.org

Karen joined the Leonis Adobe staff in October 2009. She will be working with us as a school tour supervisor and also assisting in the office. She has been at home with her family for the past few years but has extensive administrative experience. In addition to working as a volunteer with various charitable organizations, Karen has worked primarily in Human Resources and Employee Training and Development. Her love of history, organization and working with children make her a welcome addition to the staff. Karen has lived in the San Fernando Valley her entire life and currently resides in West Hills with her family.

Michelle Covello - Museum Curator
michelle@leonisadobemuseum.org

Michelle started at the Leonis Adobe in 2008 as a student intern through Moorpark College. After receiving her A.A. in Archaeology, she joined the Adobe staff as Museum Technician. Michelle's work with the historical photographs, documents and artifacts in the Leonis Adobe collection is a perfect match with her interests in history, archaeology and research. Her role at the museum is vital to maintaining and preserving the rich history of the Leonis Adobe. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michelle, her husband and two children have lived in nearby Hidden Hills since 1989.

Jesus Puente - Caretaker

Jesus Puentes has been our resident caretaker since 1983. He has helped reconstruct, build and repair almost everything on the museum grounds. After the 1994 earthquake he helped make new adobe bricks from the yard. Jesus considers the Adobe his home, and the museum is grateful to have the grounds in such dedicated and loyal hands.

Martin Hernandez - Groundskeeper

Martin joined our staff in November of 2008. Martin has extensive experience in construction as well as landscaping. As our groundskeeper Martin maintains the Calabasas Creek Park . Martin also assists with our livestock.

Ulises Ortiz - Groundskeeper

Ulises joined the Leonis Adobe staff in April 2009 as Museum Groundskeeper. As an integral part of the museum staff, Ulises helps take care of our many animals as well as the museum grounds. In his spare time, Ulises enjoys spending time with his son.

LEONIS ADOBE GRAPEVINE

Romance of the Ranchos
Wine Tasting Event

Saturday, September 25, 2010
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM