Five North State Dads Who Balance Family and Community

Jake Nolen and his wife of ten years, Emily, own and run No-Side Music, a music lesson and recording studio, from their home in Chico. The couple also are the string duo Gnarly Pints, and Jake is front man for the rock band No One Band  (Apple and Spotify).

“That spark of learning something new with a young musician, or teaching an older person that learning is timeless excites me,” Jake says, and he’s motivated by sharing his music with the community.

Creating a balance between work and family life with their three daughters, he says, and credits Emily with setting the tone. “When my eldest wanted music lessons, it was challenging for us to differentiate between parent-child and teacher-student relationship. Establishing communication and the peaceful tone between work hours and family time is the only way our lifestyle succeeds.”

Jake says, “I am so blessed to have become this kind of dad, because of the positive influences in my life.  I am hopeful my girls know I am a good, steady, and present father who helps make their childhood so creatively fun and secure as a family unit, that they can navigate their own life and go forward.”

Steven Bryan oversees seven family resource centers in Siskiyou County. These centers often serve as community gathering places, provide relevant and up-to-date information about resources and services and, at times, provide safe locations in the event of wildfire and extreme weather events. http://www.siskiyoucrc.org. He has been married for 18 years to his wife, Mary, and has two teens.

Raised in Dallas, Texas by his single mom and involved grandparents, Steven spent a lot of time with his grandfather, watching sports on TV, gardening and taking in this important lesson: “Don’t worry about right. Just work on getting it right.”

Relating this to his daily life, Steven says, “Recovery from a disaster often has an imperfect system for concrete and emotional support to our locals. But we strive for perfection in what we can do.”

For fathers who may hesitate to encroach on their children’s space, Steven says, “Be there.  Be present.  One of the tools we give parents at the resource center is to support them so that time manifests into something positive.” Of his role as a dad Steven says, “I feel so lucky to have this job because I can implement my skills of being a dad and good husband into my work life and visa-versa.”

Chico dad Sam Hess is Principal of Mill Street Elementary School in Orland. North State Parent magazine featured Sam’s involvement with Junto in the October 2022 issue. Sam and his wife, Holly, have been married since graduating college and have two children.

“The philosophy of Junto enhanced my family life,” Sam says. I figured out ahead that I had a lot more to learn about myself and I was open to exploring how to be more intentional as an educator, father and as a friend, husband and as a man.”

Sam’s daily family life includes involvement with his children’s sports and their athletic community. Sam says, “I love learning and my kids teach me every day.  I feel that groups such as Junto enable men to see growth pieces and opportunities in their own life as fathers and men.” Sam hopes to start a new group for young fathers in the fall entitled Level Up, which will include some of the philosophies of Junto.

He hopes as a dad he has instilled a roadmap for his son to be confident as a man and have respect for women and for his daughter to have confidence and respect for herself and others.

Matt Chestnut is CEO of the Parent/Infant Program out of Chico and Redding. He is married, with two stepdaughters and two children from a previous marriage.

Matt’s parents started the parent/infant program and retired, leaving Matt to take over the family business 10 years ago. Matt’s doctorate in early intervention guided him in his career as a behavior analyst in Yolo County and now as the CEO of the Parent/Infant programs.

“Protecting family time is something I’ve had to work at and master as a husband and dad,” Matt says. “If you own a business, it is easy to have that bleed over and seep into family time. My career has taught me a lot about balancing what’s important in my own life.”

Matt says,” Everyone has their own take on parenting. Besides basic needs, kids also need attention and to be loved, to feel special.  It’s important to support other parents and empower them. We provide exceptional child and family intervention.”

Troy DeVault is owner of Troy’s Mobile RV Repair and Welding in Weed. He and his wife of 18 years, Tiffany, have two teens. Troy says, “Since all the fires, RV repairs have become the norm. Instead of just vacationing in RVs, more people are now living in them.”

As survivors of the 2015 Boles fire in Siskiyou County, Troy and his family had to live with relatives, and then in their RV as they rebuilt their home from scratch. Troy’s customers today include everyone “from recreational folks to people living in vehicles. When I see someone in need and they don’t have the money to put in the repairs, I work with them budgeting and helping.  It’s a great opportunity to show my kids how kindness gives back and comes full circle.”

Troy’s take on family life and fatherhood: “It’s our family motto: I am a welder. I’m trained to always look on the bright side.”