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 dedicated service, most notably as the former Director of Storytelling & Storybridge Programs. Born in Louisiana and a Bay Area resident since age 10, she has been a cornerstone of Stagebridge’s artistic life and community impact for more than two decades. Her leadership, creativity, and deep commitment to older adult voices have helped shape the organization’s identity and helped generations of storytellers find their place onstage.
A proud and active member of the Oakland community, Barbara is passionate about sharing Stagebridge with the many diverse neighborhoods, cultures, and communities that make the East Bay vibrant. Her work has always centered on connection, belonging, and the belief that everyone has a story worth telling.
In her role as Seniors Reaching Out Program Manager, Barbara brings her lifelong love of learning and her gift for relationship‑building to new audiences. She is excited to connect with older adults who may be unfamiliar with Stagebridge, opening doors to creativity, confidence, and community through the power of the performing arts
Technology, Operations & Public Engagement Coordinator | Matthew Standley
Matthew Standley is a seasoned theatre artist and operations professional who brings a rare blend of creative insight, technical know‑how, and community‑centered care 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. Over the past 16 years, he has built a rich artistic career spanning theatre, film, and voiceover, with performances on major Bay Area stages including A.C.T., SF Playhouse, Shotgun Players, and Berkeley Playhouse. His voice and screen work have appeared on Netflix, Audible, and in numerous independent films.
Offstage, Matt has cultivated deep experience in administrative operations, HR support, and audience engagement through roles at Post Intelligence, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, and Crescent Care. He brings warmth, clarity, and a lifelong belief in the transformative power of storytelling to every aspect of his work.
As Stagebridge’s Technology, Operations & Public Engagement Coordinator, Matt supports our community with everything from tech troubleshooting to event logistics to helping participants find their spotlight—whether they’re in a scene, on Zoom, or simply stepping through our doors.
