Our Team

A Grassroot Organization With A Commitment To Inclusivity.

Our Team of staff, Volunteers, Board Members, and Advisors offers a diversity of backgrounds and skill sets that guarantees success. Our success is enhanced by being inclusive regardless of ethnicity, gender, sex, culture, or with a system impacte history.

Kathleen Rodriguez

Co-Executive Director Kathleen@kindfulrestoration.com

(323) 345-7587

In 2014, Kathleen launched California’s Parole Suitability Hearing Support (CAPSHS) to guide prisoners and their support network through parole hearings. Leveraging her experience from aiding over 500 adults in custody from 2014-2020, led to developing the INSIGHT program, focusing on introspective rehabilitation. In 2021, CAPSHS allied with the Choose Kindness Foundation to extend support through programs like Mindful Kindness and the INSIGHT program.

Kathleen then co-founded Kindful Restoration with Ernesto Rodriguez in 2022, aiming to expand these rehabilitative programs nationwide, while also providing direct facilitation and training. Additionally, she is a certified facilitator in California for various personal development programs that include Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Parenting and Life Skills. 

Ernesto Rodriguez

Co-Executive Director Ernesto@kindfulrestoration.com

(951) 934-8183

At 18, Ernesto faced a 37-year sentence, a journey that led him from solitary confinement to transformative growth. His pivotal encounter with mentor Dr. Doug Carnine, sparked by an essay he wrote while housed in a security housing unit initiated a path of education and self-improvement. Embracing every self-help opportunity, including A.A., N.A., and mindfulness, Ernesto's commitment to change flourished.

His efforts culminated in educational achievements and the creation of the Mindful Kindness Program (MKP) alongside Carnine. Ernesto was released from prison in September 2023. Today, as Co-Executive Director of Kindful Restoration, Ernesto leverages his journey and insights to foster rehabilitation and positive programming, embodying the profound impact of mentorship, education, and dedicated self-growth.

While incarcerated, Ernesto earned two associate degrees, one in Liberal Arts and humanities and one in Sociology. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He is a certified Addiction Intern Counselor (SUD 9366) and a certified California state Facilitator for Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Parenting, and Life Skills. 

Vanessa Drinkwater

CalAim Project Manager

Vanessa Drinkwater serves as the Enhanced Care Management Program Coordinator at Kindful Restoration, where she provides trauma-informed, community-centered case management to individuals navigating complex behavioral health and social challenges. As a certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Vanessa combines deep empathy, clinical insight, and lived experience to empower clients on their paths to stability and long-term recovery. With a professional foundation in hospitality management, Vanessa honed the interpersonal and leadership skills that now define her presence in the behavioral health field. Her transition into recovery work was born from her own personal journey—over six years sober, Vanessa turned adversity into purpose, using her experience to authentically connect with individuals in crisis and help them access the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives. Her leadership in the ECM program reflects her belief in whole-person care and individualized healing. Vanessa is deeply respected by clients and colleagues alike for her compassionate presence, unwavering professionalism, and fierce commitment to client success. “Helping people find their inner strength is not just a career for me; it’s a calling that deeply aligns with my own values and life journey.” Vanessa’s life, work, and values are a testament to the power of resilience, restoration, and real human connection.

Ronald Alvarado

Program Director

Ronald Alvarado has worked in addiction medicine for seven years. His purpose is to assist those struggling with addiction in getting a better understanding of each and every case and factor that plays a role in the development of this disease.

He has worked in all modalities as well as management to assist in staff personal growth to better understand clients and needs.

He is a firm believer that a strong staff equipped with the right tools can convey a powerful message. Drug abuse has become common and unique at the same time, so as a professional in this field, it is important to find new ways and strategic game plans to battle this disease and help individuals such as Mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters regain confidence and self-respect to achieve their personal potential.

Ron thinks the ultimate goal is not just to serve clients, but to foster a culture of excellence and unity within the workplace. He envisions a workplace where staff and clients collaborate, striving towards a common goal of personal and professional growth.

Working with those in reentry holds a special place in my heart. First and foremost, it is important for those coming home to have a sense of purpose and need for personal achievement. For everyone, in general, it is important to be mindful and kind to ourselves so that we are better equipped to show others what that looks like.

Michelle Cruz

Quality Assurance

In 2007, I had a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of the difference between a "job" and a "career." Growing up, my household didn't focus on financial education—topics like setting financial goals, saving money, buying a home, or planning for retirement were rarely discussed. This lack of guidance initially delayed my financial maturity.

Now, with over 17 years of experience in retail banking, I've progressed through every position within Retail Banking. As a Branch Manager, my passion and commitment are to guide my community members toward achieving their financial goals and making pivotal decisions that will positively impact their financial futures. I am eager to continue serving as a valuable resource to my community and to this passionate organization.

Diana Dawson

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Diana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a passion for serving underserved populations and youth. A proud graduate of Phillips University, I have been dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health since 2016. With years of experience working with diverse communities, I have developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally competent care and empowering clients to navigate life's difficulties and achieve emotional well-being.

Robert Imes

Regional Director

Robert Imes is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor CADC II as well as a CalMHSA Certified Peer Support Specialist for Youth with over a decade of experience working with system-impacted youth and adults. Driven by a passion to give back in meaningful ways, Robert combines his lived experience with professional expertise to make a lasting impact through his work at Kindful Restoration. He is committed to advancing integrated healthcare and reentry services for underserved populations, and is deeply excited about the future of holistic, community-based support.

Jude Meraz

Program Manager

Jude is a distinguished behavioral health professional, currently serving as Program Manager at Kindful Restoration. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II), Jude brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the field of recovery and reentry support. Having spent 31 years incarcerated, Jude emerged with a powerful commitment to transformation—not only for himself, but for others navigating similar challenges. Now three years into his freedom, he has quickly become a cornerstone of the Kindful Restoration team. His lived experience fuels his passion and deep understanding of the barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals. Jude is an exceptional counselor and case manager, known for his direct approach, empathetic style, and ability to inspire change. He collaborates closely with probation and parole departments, mirroring the same multifaceted, boots-on-the-ground work as his peers in leadership. His impact spans substance use treatment, anger management, relapse prevention, and holistic case planning. Jude is a true asset to the recovery community—a living example of redemption, resilience, and relentless service.

Javier Banos

Community Health Worker

Javier Banos is a dedicated Community Health Worker and Registered Substance Use Disorder Counselor, with extensive experience in reentry support, mental health recovery, and substance use treatment. He is committed to empowering individuals through compassionate care and tailored support, helping them navigate their paths to wellness and stability.

Our Board and Advisors

Dr. Doug Carnine

Treasurer

Dr. Linda Carnine

Board Member

Linda McRoberts Carnine is presently the Vice President of the Kindr Foundation. She has been an avid supporter of all the kindness efforts she and her husband and founder, Doug Carnine, have been making in this arena for five decades. As an educator, she has been devoted to improving the achievement of at-risk youth.

Linda received degree a master’s and doctorate from the University of Oregon (Curriculum & Instruction; Special education), as well as degrees from the University of Illinois and Lewis & Clark College. Linda has served as a teacher, school administrator, and curriculum developer in both public and Bureau of Indian Education schools. Her work has encompassed schools across the US serving underrepresented populations, serving as a Special Services Director, (i.e., special education, Title I, Indian Education, bilingual and early intervention), and as a consultant for the University of Oregon in the Western Regional Reading First Technical Assistance Center.Linda heads up her family’s project to return the use of lands to indigenous people in the areas surrounding Eugene, Oregon.

She and Doug have created a land trust that allows tribes to use the conservation area for pow-wows, training seminars, and other tribal activities. She is also currently engaged in the revision of the Corrective Reading Decoding program, which she co-authored with Zig Engelmann and others

Paul Solomon

Board Member

Jerry Silbert

Board Member

Jerry Silbert has worked with the Direct Instruction Model for over 40 years. After completing his master’s at the University of Oregon, he spent considerable time at school sites on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and in New York City working with principals and teachers implementing the University of Oregon Follow Through Project Model.

Jerry has also served as a classroom teacher, working in a high-poverty elementary school, and supervised over 20 student teachers during his tenure. Jerry began authoring textbooks and instructional programs while he was teaching. He also co-authored several college textbooks with Dr. Douglas Carnine, as well as instructional programs for teaching reading, writing, math, and English as a Second Language.

Silbert has also spent a significant amount of time serving as a consultant to elementary schools implementing Direct Instruction. His consulting work included 16 high-poverty schools in Chicago, and multi-school implementations of Direct Instruction in Ft. Worth, Houston, Dayton, Columbus, and Los Angeles, helping schools plan and implement the DI programs. Jerry has also served as an advisor to several community advocacy groups to improve students' performances in their communities.

For close to a decade, Jerry worked as a national consultant with the Reading First project and has since been an integral contributor to the development and revision of Direct Instruction programs. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Choose Kindness Foundation since its inception. He actively works to develop and refine the kindness curriculum implemented in projects supported by the foundation.

Richard Mireless

Strategic Advisor

Richard is a dynamic public speaker and expert communicator with advanced leadership, coaching and communication certifications. He graduated cum laude from California Coast University with a BS degree in Healthcare Management. He is the only known incarcerated person to have earned the status of Associate Trainer for John Maxwell’s EQUIP Leadership. While incarcerated for 21 years,

Richard led over 35 transformational coaching seminars and workshops and received a certificate of recognition from the California State Senate for CROP’s Alcohol and Other Drug counselor certification program. He is the host of the Prison Post Podcast focused on stories of personal transformation, life after incarceration and what success looks like in reentry.

Richard has also produced content for CDCR’s DRP TV, which includes, “My Rehabilitative Journey featuring Richard Mireles”. He has spoken at the California State Capitol in the Assembly and Senate advocating for criminal justice reform laws and was a leader in the efforts for the right to vote for those on parole.

Copyright © 2024 Kindful Restoration. All Rights Reserved. Donations are tax-deductible. EIN: 92-1178048​. NPI: 1023865326. Unique Entity ID: USUVPSL4A338. CAGE/NCAGE: 9YK15

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