Barbara Stearns-Cochran brings a wealth of experience and lots of youthful enthusiasm to "The Senior Hour" with Dr. Gene Dorio and Myles McNamara every Wednesday morning at 11 on your Hometown Station.

Born in London, Barbara moved to the US in 1947 with parents and brother; married, and had three children—Diedre, Scott, and Chuck (now deceased), moved to Santa Clarita Valley in 1968, divorced in 1973.  Married to Russ Cochran for nine years.  Barbara has six grandchildren, and loves golf, motorcycle riding, crafts, traveling and candle making.

Founding member (1973) SCV Community Health Council (now disbanded) originally formed to bring mental health services to SCV.  Served as President, Vice President and Secretary. Barbara Stearns-Cochran and Olive Ruby responsible for putting together the first Health Directory for Health Council, published by the Signal, now published every year.

Responsible for re-organization of Community Hot Line.  Served as Listener, trainer, listener coordinator, and President. Assisted in development of drug abuse research and development grant under umbrella of Health Council from which the Community Care Center was established, and in partnership with Community Hot Line, provided 24-hour crisis intervention for people drug abuse problems in this Valley (1973-75). Funded with Federal Revenue Sharing Funds.

Served on Boys & Girls Club Auction Committee 30 years (1975-2005) – Member of Board of Directors 1984-87.  Started Boys & Girls Club Building Fund for Central Facility with money donated in memory of son, Chuck Stearns.                                        

Assisted in writing grant and implementing same to fund the building of Committee on Aging Senior Center 1980.  Served on Board of Directors 1981-89.  Have been actively involved with Senior Center Wine Auction since 1990.  Co-chaired four years, 1998-2000 and 2004.

Board of Directors of Child & Family Center Policy Board 1986-92 and 1995-2001, Secretary-1990. Started Building Fund for new building in memory of son, Chuck Stearns. Client Services Committee, Chaired Pre-School Self-Study – 8 years.  Presently on Child & Family Center Foundation Board of Directors. Named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year – 2003.

SCV  Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year for 1983.

Founding member of Domestic Violence Center in 1983.

Received “Women Helping Women” award from local Soroptimist Club in 1990.

Safe Rides Board of Directors 1986-90, corresponding secretary 1988-90.

March of Dimes Jail & Bail, Boy Scout-Sheriff’s Dept. Golf Tournaments – 1989-90.

COC Women’s Conference committee, Co-chair in 1993.

Founding member of COC Symphony of the Canyons, 1993.

Member of Arts Council.

Founding member of Family & Community Coalition.

Joined Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley in 1986, served as President, 2nd VP, Corresponding Secretary, many committee chairs, co-chaired Celebrity Roast two years, Foundation board member four years and served one year as Foundation President. Currently serving as Area 3 Director.