Consulting Services

Mark is the Managing Partner of Peak Partners, LLC. Among its businesses, the company is a consultant for families hoping to create high-quality, comprehensive living solutions for adults with developmental disabilities. He is a Founder and the past Board President of Sweetwater Spectrum. Mark presently serves on the Board of Lifehouse, Inc., the largest provider of supported living services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Northern California. He is a frequent speaker at conferences focused on issues facing adults with autism and a vocal advocate in the field. Mark holds a BA from Middlebury College and an MBA from UC Berkeley. His background includes 30 years as a real estate investment professional.

Olivia Vain serves as the Executive Director of Sweetwater Spectrum, bringing a wealth of experience in program management and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. Olivia began her work with people with developmental disabilities after growing up with an uncle who had cerebral palsy and around-the-clock care. With more than 15 years of experience in developmental disability support, she joined the Sweetwater Spectrum leadership team in March 2022. Since then, she has been instrumental in advancing the organization's mission to create innovative housing solutions for adults with autism.

Olivia's journey with Sweetwater Spectrum began in 2017 when she collaborated closely with the organization on key operational initiatives. Prior to her current role, Olivia held a leadership position at a local Supportive Living Service Agency, where she managed a diverse portfolio of programs exceeding $5 million. Her tenure there was marked by her ability to foster strong stakeholder and donor relationships, essential for sustainable program growth and community support.

With a background in program management, Olivia has spearheaded the development and implementation of various housing options tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism across Sonoma and Marin County. Olivia advocated for funding for livable wages and funding for supportive services. Her emergency preparedness and problem-solving skills were proven through her tireless efforts during the pandemic and California wildfires to facilitate safety planning and evacuations and provide resources for people supported by her programs. Furthermore, she has demonstrated proficiency in overseeing funding and program finance, managing a substantial $30 million annual budget with precision and accountability.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology, complemented by a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Health. This interdisciplinary education has equipped her with a deep understanding of behavioral and public health dynamics, which is invaluable in shaping comprehensive support frameworks at Sweetwater Spectrum.

As Executive Director, Olivia supports empowerment within the autism community, driving forward initiatives that prioritize independence, wellness, and community integration. She collaborates with other non-profits to create volunteer opportunities for residents and further community involvement. Additionally, Olivia diligently works as the first contact for replication consulting services to help people looking to develop housing intentionally designed for people with developmental disabilities. She consults at all levels of development through replication support and links like-minded people in the community to support each other. Her replication work has inspired or resulted in 12 different supportive living residential communities for adults with autism, in addition to helping another ten groups in early-stage planning.

Olivia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology, a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Health.

Carolyn Klebanoff MD is a general internist in private practice in Berkeley, CA. She and her husband, Fred Cohen, were part of the co-founding team of Sweetwater Spectrum, after researching adult housing options for their daughter, Jane. Carolyn was particularly responsible for nonprofit incorporation, obtaining the IRS 501c3 designation, board and bylaw development, and early fundraising. She has consulted already with groups around the country who are in the early stages of project development. She served on the Sweetwater board from 2009-2019, as its chair from 2014-2018. She is currently the chair of the board of Dominican University of California, and also serves as a trustee of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.