The TLHOA’s committed officers and board members, many of whom are longtime residents, actively address community concerns to enhance the quality of life in Toluca Lake. They invite residents to support their efforts by renewing their memberships or joining if new to the neighborhood, ensuring that all dues directly contribute to the betterment of the community.
TLHOA Board
Brooke Karzen has called Toluca Lake home for over 35 years, where she and her family have built deep roots in the community. After serving three years on the TLHOA Board of Directors, she now serves as its President, bringing both personal passion and professional experience to the role.
An entertainment industry veteran with tenures at neighborhood studios Warner Bros. and Disney, Brooke also serves on an advisory board for the LA County District Attorney and as a consulting member of GLAAD.
Brooke is proud to serve alongside her fellow board members and contribute to the sense of community that makes Toluca Lake what it is — a charming, close-knit village that holds its own amid the chaos of Los Angeles.
Leonard R. Garner Jr. and his family have lived in Toluca Lake for 28 years and love it very much. He is a television director, having directed over 400 episodes of comedy television and won a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Director of a Comedy Series.
Leonard, known by his friends as Lenny, started his career through the Directors Guild–Producers Assistant Directors Training Program and has worked as an assistant director, stage manager, and production manager. He has acted in television, commercials, and films, taught multi-cam television directing at USC and frequently mentors emerging directors. Leonard served on the board of The Country School and the Directors Guild Foundation.
Ruby Lascano Bowen has been a proud resident of Toluca Lake for over fifteen years, having grown up in nearby Burbank. After graduating from UCLA, Ruby spent many years working at UCLA Medical Center, where she managed the Division of Pediatric Orthopedics and as fate would have it, met her husband Rick.
In recent years, Ruby has shifted her focus to volunteering in her community, becoming involved with the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, the Toluca Lake Garden Club, the Toluca Lake Beautification Partners, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Toluca Lake Monthly Clean-ups. She has co-chaired the Toluca Lake Turkey Trot & Fall Festival, the TLBP Awards Gala as well as the Toluca Lake Centennial Banner Campaign. It is clear that she loves her home of Toluca Lake!
Jenny Malik Hollier was born and raised in Sherman Oaks and has been a proud resident of Toluca Lake for 20 years. She lives on Talofa Avenue with her husband, Chris Hollier and their three sons, Jack, Finn, and Ollie. The boys enjoy riding their bikes around the neighborhood and visiting local restaurants and coffee shops, with Patty’s being one of their favorites.
For over 15 years, Jenny has worked with her family-owned company, the Malik Corporation, which develops residential housing in the Los Angeles area. Her primary role is to maintain and update the 40+ buildings the company has constructed. Jenny is also actively involved in her children's school, The Wesley School, where she served as Parent Association Chair for two years as well as on the Board of Trustees for 5 years, 3 of those as Vice-Chair.
Jenny is passionate about her community and is eager to contribute to the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association. She has served on the TLHOA Board for 4 years and has enjoyed her role as Secretary for 2 years. She hopes to preserve the charm and integrity of Toluca Lake while helping the community grow in creative and appropriate ways for the future.
Don St. Clair is a partner at McIntyre-St. Clair LLC, where he provides leadership and strategy consulting to government, non-profits, and small businesses. Before his consulting career, Don spent 30 years in higher education as a senior executive and faculty member at universities in Indiana, Illinois, and California, concluding his tenure as a senior executive at Woodbury University.
Don’s leadership in the Los Angeles area includes serving as board chair of the Los Angeles Business Federation (BizFed), representing over 250,000 employers, and board chair of VEDC, a national community financial development institution. He has also chaired the boards of the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, and the Burbank YMCA. Additionally, he served on the board of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) and the finance committee of Providence Health and Services. Don holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.
Don has lived in Toluca Lake since 1998 with his wife, Janet McIntyre, and their three children, Kendall, Payton, and Grant, on Sancola Avenue.
Ryan Altoon is the CEO of Sustainable Cities, LLC, a commercial real estate development, investment, and advisory firm dedicated to creating sustainable projects that enhance transit connectivity and promote walkable communities throughout California. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, finance, and strategic planning, Ryan leads the firm's efforts in overseeing entitlement and development projects, ensuring they align with sustainable urban growth.
Ryan holds an MBA from USC, a Certificate of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and a BA in Business/Economics and Art History from UCSB. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional, demonstrating his commitment to green building practices.
Ryan is actively engaged in community leadership as Chair of Toluca Lake Beautification Partners and as a board member of the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association. He is the current Chair of the Long Beach Economic Partnership and the Urban Land Institute Los Angeles District Council. His past roles include President of the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council, Board Member at Linc Housing, and Chair of the Downtown Long Beach Alliance. Ryan and his family have lived in Toluca Lake since 2004.
Ashley Brown and her family relocated from New York to Toluca Lake in 2021, settling into their home on Sarah Street in early 2022. A passionate Pilates instructor who teaches private sessions out of her home studio, Ashley brings that same dedication to movement and wellness to everything she does in the community.
She joined the HOA shortly after arriving and has been an active presence ever since — most notably as part of the Toluca Lake Turkey Trot Committee, where she co-led the kid-focused programming and helped shape what has become a beloved seasonal tradition for neighborhood families.
Ashley and her husband are parents to a 10-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter, and the family loves exploring Toluca Lake on foot — walking to Riverside Drive, discovering local shops, and settling into their favorite cafes and restaurants. Her involvement in the HOA is driven by a deep love for this neighborhood and a desire to bring more families together throughout the year with events that reflect the warmth and spirit that make Toluca Lake home.
As a long time resident of Toluca Lake, Chris has experienced the strong community relations existing in our neighborhood that are enhanced by the TLHOA and the GTLNC. There is a strong sense of pride and friendship shared by those who live and work in Toluca Lake. Preserving our community, improving security, continuing the beautification projects, and reaching out to families and friends who enjoy activities that bring us together are of interest to me. Having served on the Toluca Estates Drive HOA board for over a decade, the engagement with neighbors for mutual benefit and camaraderie has proven to be rewarding and productive.
Madelyne Schermer has been a proud member of the Toluca Lake community since 2003, when she and her family moved into their restored two-story Spanish home. Since then, she has embraced the neighborhood’s small-town charm and strong sense of community. Whether delivering soup to neighbors in need or participating in local events like holiday parades and lemonade stands, Madelyne and her family have immersed themselves in all that Toluca Lake offers.
With over 25 years in the media industry, much of it in Burbank, Madelyne shifted her focus to mindfulness. She became a certified mindfulness facilitator through UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center and now teaches mindfulness meditation full time at schools, workplaces, hospitals, and retreat centers. She also leads “Feel Good Fridays,” a community class at the Davis Educational Center in Toluca Lake, where people come together to learn tools for bringing joy and ease into their lives.
As a member of the TLHOA Board, Madelyne is eager to support and help shape the community she loves, contributing to its continued growth and connection.
Jack Balyan is a Toluca Lake resident, business owner, and active community supporter. As the owner of Premium Collision Center and Vanguard Home Health Care, he brings a strong focus on service, accountability, and growth to both his businesses and the local community.
Jack is a proud supporter of local events and initiatives that strengthen neighborhood connection and safety. He is committed to contributing to Toluca Lake’s continued growth while preserving the qualities that make it one of the most desirable communities in Los Angeles.
Terry Herkner moved to Toluca Lake 40 years ago when her company relocated to the Valley, and she purchased her first of two homes in the area. Drawn to Toluca Lake’s cozy, walkable neighborhood vibe, similar to her previous home in Belmont Shores, Terry quickly became an integral part of the community.
Terry’s professional background includes 30 years in the department store industry, where she worked in buying and merchandising after graduating from Occidental College. She eventually left her senior management position at May Department Stores/Macy’s to become Co-President of a California-based women’s apparel company. Since retiring, Terry has dedicated her time to volunteer work, including roles with TLHOA, Girl Scouts, elections and voter registration, North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, and helping with the resettlement of Afghans through the International Institute of Los Angeles.
Terry enjoys giving back to the community through organizing events and initiatives, including mixers, drive-through food and pet donations, and the Neighbor2Neighbor Block Party. She is a Red Cross Blood Drive leader and Neighborhood Watch Captain. Terry is an avid traveler and fitness enthusiast who loves Toluca Lake’s strong sense of community.
Cathryn Farnsworth has called Toluca Lake home for nearly 20 years, and her commitment to community runs deep. A proud mom and dog mom, you'll often find her on a Village walk or supporting a local shop—but behind the scenes, she serves as HOA Safety Chair and is a passionate advocate for community, safety, and connection. Cathryn is Co-Chair of the Toluca Lake Neighborhood Watch and Secretary of the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce—two roles that keep her close to the heartbeat of this neighborhood she loves.
In her 27 years in SoCal, she has also built a thriving photography studio, known for her relaxed style and the way she puts every subject instantly at ease.
Kevin Dees is a longtime Toluca Lake resident, having grown up in the community where his family has lived for over 30 years. He has chosen to raise his two daughters with his wife, Kristen, in this neighborhood, reflecting his deep personal investment in its future.
Kevin is passionate about maintaining a safe, well-managed, and thriving community for current residents and future generations. Drawing on his experience in real estate, he is committed to upholding high standards and supporting the long-term integrity of Toluca Lake.
Mollie Beckler has lived in Toluca Lake for 29 years with her husband, Ben, in the house he grew up in. They purchased the home from Ben's mother when she was ready to downsize. Mollie and Ben have raised their son and daughter in this close-knit neighborhood, where their son followed in his father’s footsteps by playing Toluca Baseball with wood bats, a cherished family tradition. Mollie is passionate about serving on the TLHOA Board to help preserve the neighborhood’s friendly village appeal, with particular focus on safety, traffic, and high-density development.
Recently retired from her career as a public educator, Mollie taught elementary, middle, and high school, spending the last 15 years as a comprehensive high school counselor. She has volunteered on numerous committees and boards at the schools where she worked, as well as at her children's schools, sports organizations, and church. Mollie is also a regular volunteer at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She and Ben are often seen walking their three dogs around the neighborhood, something they thoroughly enjoy. Mollie looks forward to dedicating her time to the TLHOA Board and meeting new neighbors.
Susan Fleishman has been part of the Toluca Lake community since 1996, when she relocated from New York City to join Universal Studios, now NBC Universal, in corporate communications and public affairs. Over the years, she has grown to love Toluca Lake for its small-town charm, friendliness, and unique character within the city of Los Angeles. She is passionate about preserving its safety and beauty and looks forward to contributing as a board member.
Susan’s career spans nine years at Warner Bros. and six years at Amblin Partners, where she interacted with various Homeowners Associations. It wasn’t until moving to Toluca Lake in 2017 that she gained a deep appreciation for the local association’s role in building a strong community.
Now semi-retired, Susan continues consulting in corporate communications and is actively involved with non-profits, including the Geffen Playhouse and The Sasha Project LA. She lives on Riverside Drive with her adult son, Henry, and enjoys supporting local businesses and frequenting her favorite wine bar, Spin the Bottle, while staying connected to the neighborhood she loves.
Scott Morris is a longtime Toluca Lake resident, Past President of the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, and currently serves as Director Emeritus. Deeply committed to preserving the character, connection, and community spirit that make Toluca Lake so special, Scott has been proud to work alongside neighbors, volunteers, local businesses, and civic partners to support the Association’s mission.
In addition to his HOA service, Scott is a local real estate professional and founder of SRM Real Estate Group. He is passionate about strengthening the community that he, his wife Kelly, and their children Ryan and Katie call home. He believes Toluca Lake’s greatest asset is its people—neighbors who care, show up, and work together to protect and enhance this unique village community.
