In Memoriam:

Christel A. Schoenfelder

It is with profound sadness that Kids’ Chance of California mourns the passing of Christel A. Schoenfelder, a cherished member of our Board of Directors and a tireless advocate for children of injured workers. Christel passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her presence will be deeply missed by all of us.

Christel dedicated more than 20 years to the practice of workers’ compensation and personal injury law as a Partner with Rose, Klein & Marias LLP. A graduate of the University of La Verne (B.A., cum laude, 1994) and its College of Law (J.D., 2003), she served with distinction as a certified specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.

Based in Ontario in the Inland Empire, Christel represented clients before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Pomona. She passionately advocated for injured workers—including union members with UFCW, CSEA, CWA, Teamsters, SEIU, AFSCME, and USW—ensuring they received the medical care and benefits they deserved.

An ardent legislative champion, Christel held leadership roles with the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association (CAAA): Past President of both the statewide and Greater Inland Empire chapters. She co-founded CAAA’s Women’s Caucus and served as President of the University of La Verne College of Law Alumni Association. Her insightful legislative work advanced support and protections for injured workers across California.

Since joining our Board in 2022, Christel played an instrumental role on our Scholarship Committee, guiding our mission to support children whose parents have been seriously injured or killed at work. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication helped shape countless scholarships and policy decisions.

Christel also served on the San Bernardino County Bar Association, the State Bar of California, and earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. Beyond her legal achievements, she was known for her kindness, mentorship, quiet grace, and unwavering integrity.

With deepest sympathy,
Kids’ Chance of California Board of Directors