Stagebridge Staff
Exective Director | Michelle Taylor Lagunas
Michelle Taylor Lagunas brings more than two decades of visionary nonprofit leadership to Stagebridge, along with a deep-rooted passion for creativity, community, and the power of the arts to transform lives. Her career spans senior roles with Sisters of the Presentation of San Francisco, Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI-San Leandro), Lions Center for the Blind, and United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County—organizations where she guided multimillion-dollar budgets, expanded vital services for older adults, and built strong, enduring partnerships throughout the Bay Area.
Michelle grew up immersed in the arts, raised in a family of musicians, performers, and creatives. She even appeared in a PBS documentary as a child—a hint of the artistic life to come. Her early love for performance inspired her to apply to the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and today her children carry forward that tradition as performers with Notes Music Academy in Oakland.
A certified Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, Michelle blends strategic clarity with heart-forward leadership. She is committed to empowerment, belonging, and joyful creativity—the very values that anchor the Stagebridge mission. Her vision positions Stagebridge to grow its artistic impact, strengthen intergenerational connections, and champion the voices and stories of older adults for years to come.
“Stagebridge has always stood as a joyful, intergenerational community where creativity and connection thrive,” Michelle says. “I’m excited to guide Stagebridge into its next chapter with intention, joy, and deep respect for the voices that make this community so special.”
Outreach & Seniors Reaching Out Coordinator | Barbara Johnson
Barbara returned to Stagebridge after 18 years of service, primarily as the former Director of Storytelling & Storybridge Programs. Born in Louisiana and a Bay Area resident since age 10, she has been a vital part of Stagebridge’s livelihood and success for over two decades. She is a dedicated member of the Oakland community and is focused on sharing Stagebridge with its many diverse communities.
As the Seniors Reaching Out program manager, Barbara is hoping to share her experiences as a lifelong learner while connecting with people who are not familiar with Stagebridge.
Technology, Operations & Public Engagement Coordinator | Matthew Standley
Matthew Standley is an accomplished theatre artist and operations professional who brings a rare blend of creative passion and behind-the-scenes savvy to Stagebridge.
A proud New Orleanian by way of Kansas City, Matt earned his B.F.A. in Theatre Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi and completed an acting internship at Actor’s Express in Atlanta.
With over 16 years of experience in theatre, film, and voiceover, his credits span major Bay Area stages including A.C.T., SF Playhouse, Shotgun Players, and Berkeley Playhouse.
His voiceover and screen work have been featured on Netflix, Audible, and in numerous independent films.
Offstage, Matthew has built a career in administrative operations, HR support, and audience engagement, with past roles at Post Intelligence, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, and Crescent Care.
He brings warmth, organizational excellence, and a lifelong belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
As Technology, Operations & Public Engagement Coordinator, Matt supports the Stagebridge community with everything from tech troubleshooting to event logistics to helping folks find their spotlight—whether they’re in a scene, on Zoom, or just walking through our doors.
He’s thrilled to be part of the Stagebridge family and looks forward to creating a space where creativity, connection, and joy take center stage.
