WAC Board of Directors

Jonathan R. Espenschied, M.D.
Dr. Espenschied was diagnosed with leukemia in 1991. The prognosis of survival was slim, even with a bone marrow transplant. The future was uncertain, not to mention his ability to continue with an undergraduate and medical education. After his transplant he continued undergraduate work at the University of Arizona earning a Bachelor of Science degree and then moving on to complete his M.D. He continued his medical education in the field of oncology working at the City of Hope National Medical Center where WAC came to fruition. As founder and chairman of Working Against Cancer he is a strong advocate for the needs of patients and survivors before, during and after treatment.

Christine Magnus, RN, BSN
Ms. Magnus is the oncology ICU Charge Nurse at Children's Hospital of Orange County. She has extensive experience in the field of nursing. She has been a Blood and Marrow Transplant Coordinator; BMT nurse; surgical and general oncology nurse; recovery room nurse; and emergency room nurse. Ms. Magnus was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2002, and knows first hand the strength needed to survive such a diagnosis. She has been on both sides of this life altering event and believes the future lies in the healing of our bodies, minds, and souls.

Kevin Rodgers, B.A., M. A.
Ms. Rodgers has spent much of her life involved in social and community service. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon, and her masters’ degree from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Rodgers recently retired from CASA of Lake County, INC. where she advocated for the best interests of children involved in the juvenile justice system due to abuse and/or neglect. She also was involved in the training of new CASA volunteers. Prior to her work with CASA she was a family specialist in an early intervention program in Gages Lake, Illinois, working with families in identifying their strengths, resources and needs in relation to their special needs infants and toddlers.

Robert Rodgers
Mr. Rodgers is the CEO and President of Installs inc., a leading independent satellite dish and home theater installation organization. Prior to joining Installs inc., he was a senior executive with Sears Roebuck and Company for over thirty years. Mr. Rodgers is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and was a member of the varsity basketball team.

Tracy Webb,M. S., J. D.
Tracy Webb is a Special Assistant City Attorney responsible for Family Violence, Neighborhoods and School Safety in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. She is a career prosecutor who spent a large part of her career prosecuting Child Abuse cases including physical, sexual, and emotional and exploitation crimes. As Chief Prosecutor for the City of Pasadena for eight years, Ms. Webb was responsible for supervising a staff of attorneys and support staff who handled the criminal offenses within the city limits of Pasadena. In her 22 years as an attorney, she has dedicated her career to prosecuting criminals, supporting children and families victimized by crime and participating in community efforts to further the support of children, youth and families.

If you are interested in becoming a WAC board member please call Jonathan Espenschied at (619) 269-6767 or email him at [email protected]