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. 

Oscar Mendez

ECM Lead Care Manager/CHW

My Oscar Mendez is a Lead Care Manager and Community Health Worker at Kindful Restoration, dedicated to improving access to healthcare, benefits, and community resources through compassionate, person-centered support. With a focus on Medi-Cal redetermination and care coordination, Oscar helps individuals and families maintain healthcare coverage, navigate complex systems, and connect with services that support their overall health and stability. He approaches every interaction with professionalism, empathy, and a strong commitment to serving the community.

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

Billing Administrator

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.

Kristen Haldeman

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Kristen Haldeman is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who believes that meaningful change begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore life's challenges without judgment and build the confidence to move toward the life they want. Kristen works with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, behavioral concerns, and relationship difficulties. She uses a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and strengths-based interventions to help clients better understand themselves, develop healthy coping skills, and create lasting change. Kristen values building genuine therapeutic relationships and believes every person has the capacity for growth and resilience. Her goal is to help clients feel empowered, discover their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward healing and personal fulfillment.

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 the Program Director at Kindful Restoration and a dedicated Community Health Worker, Lead Care Manager, Certified Peer Support Specialist, and Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, Javier specializes in reentry support, behavioral health recovery, substance use services, and care coordination. He is committed to empowering individuals and families through compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centered support that helps them overcome barriers, navigate complex systems, and build lasting health, stability, and independence.

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

ECM Supervisor/Lead Care Manager
Ivette is an Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Supervisor with over 11 years of experience serving older adults, individuals, and families through community-based health and social services. Her background as a Community Health Worker and caregiver has fueled her passion for improving access to care, reducing barriers, and connecting underserved communities to essential resources. Her commitment to helping others is shaped by both her professional experience and her personal journey assisting her parents with language barriers, healthcare, and navigating community services. These experiences have strengthened her dedication to advocacy, culturally responsive care, and person-centered support. As an ECM Supervisor, Ivette leads and supports care management teams in delivering high-quality, coordinated care for members with complex medical and social needs. She is passionate about mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and empowering both her team and the communities they serve to achieve better health outcomes.

Robert Hoffstot

JI ECM Lead Care Manager/CHW

Robert Hoffstot serves as a Lead Care Manager (LCM) with Kindful Restoration, dedicated to supporting justice-impacted individuals as they transition successfully back into their communities. My work is deeply rooted in lived experience. After serving 25 years in prison, I was released in 2015 and have devoted my life to service, recovery, and helping others transform their lives. In my role with Kindful Restoration, I provide care coordination, facilitate reentry services, and support individuals returning from incarceration as they navigate housing, healthcare, employment, and community reintegration. "

Yoseline Naranjo

ECM Lead Care Manager/CHW
Yoseline serves as a Lead Care Manager and Community Health Worker at Kindful Restoration, where she is dedicated to empowering individuals and families through compassionate, person-centered care. With more than eight years of experience in the healthcare field as a Medical Assistant and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider, Yoseline has devoted her career to serving her community and improving access to quality care and essential resources. In her role within the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) department, Yoseline specializes in care coordination, health education, resource navigation, and connecting members with medical, behavioral health, housing, and community-based services. She is passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers to care, achieve greater stability, and improve their overall quality of life. Guided by empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service, Yoseline strives to build meaningful relationships with the members she serves while advocating for their unique needs. She believes that every individual deserves access to compassionate support and opportunities to thrive, and she is proud to make a lasting impact in the communities Kindful Restoration serves.

Jose Perales

Housing Coordinator/CHW
Jose Perales is a dedicated professional at Kindful Restoration who is passionate about helping individuals and families access resources that support their well-being and quality of life. Known for his compassionate and respectful approach, Jose builds trusting relationships and ensures each person feels heard, valued, and supported. Through his professionalism, empathy, and commitment to service, he empowers community members with the guidance and tools they need to thrive.

Salvador Becerra

Workforce Development Coordinator/CHW

Salvador Becerra is a compassionate Community Care Provider and Workforce Development Specialist dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater stability and economic independence. He connects participants with resources, career training, and certification opportunities across various construction trades, helping them develop practical skills and earn industry-recognized credentials. Salvador also provides job-readiness support, guidance, and encouragement to help individuals overcome employment barriers, build confidence, and become prepared for long-term success in the workforce. "

Danni Matociños

Technology and Compliance
Danni Matociños De la Torre serves as a Technology and Compliance Officer, bringing extensive tech experience across IT operations, cloud infrastructure, and governance to the non-profit sector. Deeply rooted in community service through his work with church organizations and youth organizations, Daniel bridges high-level technical expertise with a heart for service - specializing in process automation, compliance, and Agile leadership to help mission-led groups streamline their operations and scale their impact. As a Certified Life Coach and Tech-Transformation consultant, he combines deep technical know-how with compassionate, servant leadership to empower purpose-driven teams, safeguard digital assets, and create lasting, positive change for the communities he serves.

Oscar Rodriguez

Housing Coordinator/CHW
Oscar Rodriguez serves as a Housing Coordinator and Community Health Worker at Kindful Restoration, where he is dedicated to empowering individuals and families through compassionate, person-centered support. Specializing in housing assistance, employment resources, and Medi-Cal enrollment and navigation, Oscar helps community members achieve and maintain stable housing while connecting them with essential healthcare and community services. Guided by professionalism, empathy and a strong commitment to service, Oscar strives to create meaningful, lasting impacts that improve the well-being of the individuals and communities Kindful Restoration serves.

Gigi Camarilo

Housing Coordinator/CHW
Gigi serves as a Housing Coordinator and Community Health Worker in Kindful Restoration’s Housing Department, where she connects individuals and families with housing resources, supportive services, and other essential needs. Through compassionate, person-centered support, she helps clients navigate complex systems, overcome barriers, and move toward greater stability and independence. Gigi considers it a privilege to work closely with each client and is committed to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities Kindful Restoration serves.

Meet Our Youth Leadership

Natanael Gonzalez

CHW Supervisor

Natanael Gonzalez serves as a Community Health Worker Supervisor at Kindful Restoration, where he is committed to empowering individuals and families through compassionate, person-centered support. Specializing in Enhanced Care Management, he helps community members navigate resources, overcome barriers, and achieve greater stability and well-being. Guided by kindness, professionalism, and a passion for service, Natanael Gonzalez is dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact in the communities Kindful Restoration serves.

Dylan Hernandez

ECM Lead Care Manager/CHW

As Lead Care Coordinator at Kindful Restoration, Dylan is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges by connecting them with the resources, support, and services they need to thrive. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, Dylan works closely with clients, families, and community partners to ensure each person receives coordinated care tailored to their unique goals and circumstances. Passionate about building meaningful relationships and advocating for others, Dylan strives to create a welcoming and supportive experience for every client. We at Kindful Restoration believe that healing and lasting change happen through connection, collaboration, and empowering individuals to recognize their strengths as they work toward stability, wellness, and long-term success.

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.

Steven Hernandez

Community Health Worker

Steven Hernandez is a dedicated Community Health Worker at Kindful Restoration and a full-time college student passionate about helping individuals and families overcome barriers to health, housing, and overall well-being. He connects community members with essential resources while building trust through compassion, advocacy, and active listening. Steven remains committed to expanding his knowledge and making a lasting impact in the communities he serves.

Erika Ochoa

Medi-Cal Redetermination Specialist/CHW

As a Community Health Worker at Kindful Restoration, Erika is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by connecting them with essential healthcare, housing, and community resources while providing compassionate, person-centered support. Erika specializes in Medi-Cal redetermination, helping community members maintain their healthcare coverage by guiding them through the renewal process and preventing unnecessary lapses in benefits. Committed to building meaningful relationships and advocating for those she serves, she helps individuals overcome barriers, achieve greater stability, and improve their overall well-being through kindness, professionalism, and dedicated service.

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.
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