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

Executive Director of Operations 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

Executive Director of Program Development 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. 

Yvonne Lopez

LCM Supervisor and Housing Coordinator

My name is Yvonne Lopez, and I serve as a Community Health Worker (CHW) with a heart for advocacy, healing, and connection. Rooted in my lived experience and deep ties to the communities I serve, I bring both empathy and expertise to help individuals navigate complex health and social systems with dignity and trust. At Kindful Restoration, I play a vital role in bridging gaps between clients and critical services—whether it’s supporting individuals returning from incarceration, managing chronic health conditions, or overcoming housing and food insecurity. I provide culturally responsive outreach, health education, and hands-on support to empower clients to take charge of their wellness and build a foundation for stability. I believe healing is both individual and collective. That’s why I approach my work through a trauma-informed, strengths-based lens—offering not just resources, but hope. Whether I’m walking with someone through a difficult appointment, helping a family understand their care options, or connecting a client to housing support, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen, heard, and supported. I am proud to be part of a team that values kindness, community, and equity—and to be a trusted guide for those ready to rebuild and thrive.

Ronald Alvarado

Lead Counselor

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

Program Director

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. As Kindful Restoration's Program Director, he is committed to empowering individuals through compassionate care and tailored support, helping them navigate their paths to wellness and stability.

Daniel Micro

Community Health Worker

“My name is Danny, and I am someone who believes real change starts with accountability, service, and showing up for others. My journey has taught me the importance of growth, self-reflection, and community, and today I am committed to turning those lessons into action. I work to support individuals and families by helping bridge gaps in resources, guidance, and opportunity—especially for those who have felt overlooked or underserved. This work is more than a role to me; it is a responsibility. I do this because I know what it means to need support, and I believe that when one person chooses to step forward with purpose, it can create lasting impact for an entire community.”

Constance Torrez

Care Operations Coordinator/LCM

Hi, my name is Constance Torrez, and I’m honored to serve as a Community Health Worker (CHW) and Office Technician at Kindful Restoration. My heart has always been in helping people, and this role gives me the opportunity to support individuals and families as they navigate recovery, healing, and reintegration. As a CHW, I’m passionate about connecting our community to the resources, support, and encouragement they need to thrive. I believe in meeting people where they are, listening with empathy, and walking alongside them on their journey. In the office, I help keep things running smoothly — from organizing client information to making sure everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and supported. It’s important to me that every interaction reflects the heart of Kindful Restoration: kindness, dignity, and care. Being part of this mission is not just a job for me — it’s a calling, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that truly believes in transformation through connection and compassion.

Ivette Naranjo

Community Health Worker
I am a Community Health Worker (CHW) with over 11 years of experience serving older adults and supporting individuals and families in our community. Throughout my career, I have worked as a caregiver for seniors, providing compassionate, person-centered care while helping clients navigate health, social, and community resources. My passion for helping others comes from both my professional background and my lived experience. Growing up, I supported my parents with language barriers—assisting them with appointments, paperwork, and daily needs. This experience gives me a deep understanding of the challenges many community members face when accessing services, especially those related to language, culture, and navigating complex systems. Now serving as an ECM Lead Care Manager, I am committed to helping individuals and families access and stay connected to vital community resources, reduce barriers to care, and improve overall well-being. I take pride in building trust, advocating for clients, and empowering people to feel supported, informed, and heard.

Joel Mendoza

Community Health Worker

In his late teenage years Joel Ricardo began working as a bilingual advocate for parents that had children with disabilities enabling their children to reach their maximum potential by providing them, their families, and the professionals who served them with training, support, resources and referrals through his advocacy. Further in life he expanded his work as a Site Monitor, being responsible for managing and overseeing active cases for a Child Care Nutrition Program conducting site visits to child care home operators and centers. Prior to his employment at Kindful Restoration he primarily served the homeless community along with any other member of the community that required assistance enrolling in programs that could satisfy the specific needs such as housing, food resources, clothing resources and more. "I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be of service as a Community Health Worker under the wings of such a wonderful organization... Kindful Restoration is unlike any other organization I've served under. The purpose, intention and drive of the company and wonderful teammates is contagious and only motivates me to improve not only as a servant of my community but as a human being. "Kind" is what I hope to extend to those around me."

Yoseline Naranjo

Community Health Worker
I am a Community Health Worker with over 8 years of experience serving and supporting our community. I am a Certified Medical Assistant with hands on experience providing care to individuals across all age groups. In addition, I have experience as an IHSS provider, offering compassionate caregiving and support to those in need. I am deeply dedicated and passionate about helping others, building trusted relationships, and being a strong advocate and voice for individuals who may need support navigating their care and resources.As I continue my journey as a Community Health Worker, I look forward to expanding my knowledge, strengthening community connections, and continuing to serve individuals with empathy, respect, and cultural understanding. I bring a strong work ethic, compassion, reliability, and a client-centered approach, always committed to meeting people where they are and helping them move forward with confidence and dignity.

Meet Our Youth Leadership

Isaac Duran

Youth Peer Mentor

Hello, my name is Isaac Duran. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to work for Kindful Restoration and to be able to work with my family. A couple of things about myself is, I love running, doing outdoor activities, and all around having a good, cheerful time.

Dylan Hernandez

Youth Peer Mentor

My name is Dylan Hernandez, and I’m 17 years old. I live in Riverside, where I focus on school, personal growth, and planning for my future. I want to learn from my past experiences and use those lessons to help others learn and grow. I believe there’s more to life out there, and I’m motivated to explore new opportunities. Most importantly, I want to be someone who can help and assist people in any condition, always offering support, understanding, and compassion.

Fausto Lopez

Youth Peer Mentor

My name is Fausto Lopez, and I’m honored to serve as the first Youth Peer Mentor at Kindful Restoration. As someone who has personally navigated many of the same systems and challenges faced by the youth we serve—whether it’s justice involvement, school pushout, or the search for belonging—I bring lived experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to walking alongside young people on their journey toward healing and purpose. In my role, I support system-impacted youth by offering mentorship rooted in trust, accountability, and shared experience. I help young people find their voice, set goals, and build life skills in spaces where they often feel overlooked. Through one-on-one support, group engagement, and advocacy, I work to break cycles of disconnection and empower youth to see their potential beyond their circumstances. What makes this work powerful for me is knowing that being real, showing up, and believing in someone can change everything. I strive to be the kind of mentor I needed growing up—someone who listens without judgment, guides with compassion, and sees strength where others might see struggle. As part of the Kindful Restoration team, I’m proud to be helping build a future where our youth are not just surviving, but thriving—and where their stories are seen as sources of resilience, not shame.

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.

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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