Be kind. Be fierce.

“The mark of a wild heart is living out the paradox of love in our lives. It’s the ability to be tough and tender, excited and scared, brave and afraid - all in the same moment. It’s showing up in our vulnerability and our courage, being both fierce and kind.” 

-Brene Brown

Our Team

  • Mark Ashford

    Program Director

  • Vanessa Ashford

    Director of Community Initiatives and Peer Support

  • Marisa Avila

    Program Assistant

  • Sam Brown

    Special Projects

  • Mario Castro

    Circle Keeper

  • Pattie Cortese

    Program Instructor

  • Allyson Dubenko

    Finance and Operations Director

  • Ann Fisher

    Vice President of Development and Training

  • Aviva Fronen

    Operations Assistant

  • Sylvia Garza

    Circle Keeper

  • Lilia Gopar

    Community Health and Healing Program Coordinator

  • Charles Good

    Program Assistant

  • Mario Guerra

    Circle Keeper

  • Debi Higgs

    Director of Programs and Training

  • Malika Lynn

    Program Instructor

  • Shanti Marcella Macartney

    Compassionate Care Counselor

  • Patty Marquez-Singh

    Restorative Justice and Community Healing

  • Brittany Mendoza

    CRC (Community Rising Coalition) Program Manager

  • Jorge Mendoza

    Nueva Vida, President

  • Tiffany Mendoza

    Nueva Vida Program Assistant

  • Reneé Ridgway

    Program Administrator

  • Olivia Soza-Mendiola

    Special Projects

  • Shelley Swan

    Executive Director

  • Michael Villarreal

    Circle Keeper