History

Founded in 1975, Laguna Beach Seniors was one of the first senior service nonprofits in Orange County. Since 2009, our home has been the Susi Q, a warm and welcoming center where our fastest-growing demographic is living it up and finding the help they need. The Susi Q also is the heart of an ambitious vision called Lifelong Laguna: a community and a nonprofit working together to make the town we love a better place for the rest of our lives.

Mission

Our mission is to enhance the lives of seniors through programs, services, and advocacy that promote independence, wellness and community.

Vision

We will be an essential resource in making the hometown we love the best possible place to age gracefully and meet the challenges of time.

Values

We honor and help one another, define ourselves and defy stereotypes, embrace our diversity, collaborate, and give back to the community where we want to spend the rest of our lives.

Leadership

Executive Director
Nadia Babayi
Board of Directors
Cody Engle, President
Gary Boisen, First Vice President
Monica Richards, Second Vice President
James McBride, Treasurer
Stephany Skenderian, Secretary
Darrcy Loveland Bickel, Member at Large
Richard Cirelli
Richard Frank
Renae Hinchey
Elizabeth Pearson
Ruth Stafford
Kristine Thalman
Emeritus Council
​Dorene Butler*
Bea Field
Tina Haines
Terri Johnson
Ann Quilter
Chris Quilter

*Laguna Beach Seniors is proud to announce and welcome Dorene Butler as a new member to the Emeritus Council following her stalwart support of our organization's Mission and Vision and an ambassador to the community.

Contact Us

For general information, or to register for classes and activities, please call the Front Desk at 949.464.6645. To reach our staff, please use their direct lines.

Staff

Laguna Beach Seniors Staff from left to right:
​Martha, Jo Ann, Christine, Judy, Nadia, & John
Nadia Babayi, Executive Director
nadiababayi@thesusiq.org
949.715.8102  

Jo Ann Ekblad,  Program/Marketing Director
joekblad@thesusiq.org
949.715.8103

Martha Hernandez, LCSW, Director of Care Management
marthah@thesusiq.org
949.715.8104

Christine Brewer, Program/Event/Vol Coordinator
christineb@thesusiq.org
949.715.8105

Judy Baker, Finance Manager
judybaker@thesusiq.org
949.715.8106

Gallery Q Arts Director
artsdirector@thesusiq.org
949.715.8106

John Fay, MSG, Director of Aging in Place Services
johnfay@thesusiq.org
949.715.8107

City Staff

Patty Quilter, Center Coordinator
pquilter@lagunabeachcity.net
949.464.9535

Front Desk
949.464.6645