OUR STAFF
About Jenny
Jenny Ocón is the first Executive Director for the UpValley Family Centers, joining the organization in January 2014 when it formed from a merger between Calistoga Family Center and St. Helena Family Center. Prior to this, she was the Executive Director of Parent Services Project in Marin County. Jenny also brings experience coordinating a network of family resource centers at the Children’s Network of Solano County and work with Bay Area immigrant rights organizations. Jenny serves on the Napa First 5 Commission, the Napa Child Abuse Prevention Council, and the steering committee of the Community Leaders Coalition. She has over 20 years of experience working with nonprofits, family resource centers and schools in the areas of family engagement and leadership, collaborative social service models, community organizing and immigrant rights. Jenny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Studies and Latin American Studies from the University of California Santa Cruz, and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.
About Indira
Indira López is the Program Director for UpValley Family Centers, providing program oversight and program development for the agency. She was the Program Director for Calistoga Family Center prior to the merger, and has been in her role for over ten years. Indira is partially accredited by the US Department of Justice to provide assistance to individuals applying for immigration benefits with the Department of Homeland Security. She is also accredited in Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) in Level 3 Primary Care. Indira has over 20 years’ experience in social services and early childhood programs. She is active in the community and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Calistoga Joint Unified School District, and is a member of the Calistoga Soroptimists. Indira has completed coursework in Early Childhood Education at Pacific Union College and is bilingual in English/Spanish.
About Lupe
Lupe Maldonado is Program Director for the UpValley Family Centers’ Family & Senior Wellness Program. She oversees case management, disaster relief, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) services, domestic violence services, and senior programs. Lupe is an accredited provider of Triple P and trained regarding domestic violence. Lupe joined us in 2009 as an AmeriCorps member through the Child Abuse Prevention Alliance; after her AmeriCorps service she joined the family center as a full-time staff member working with youth in the Calistoga schools. Lupe has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from California State University, Sonoma, and was a first generation college student. Lupe was born in Mexico and migrated with her family to the United States when she was 2 years old. She believes that all individuals have the potential to strive for their well-being and enjoys assisting them in finding their own treasure.
About Norma
Norma Ferriz is the Finance and Operations Director for UpValley Family Centers. She began working with the St. Helena Family Center in January 2008. Norma ensures our sites operate smoothly, and provides administrative and budget oversight for the UpValley Family Centers. Norma has over 25 years of experience working for nonprofits in Mexico and the United States. She is an active volunteer in the St. Helena community, serving on the St. Helena Star Editorial Board, serving as a Trustee of the St. Helena Library and is also a member of the Napa Valley Community Foundation grants committee. Norma has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with emphasis on Nonprofit Management from University of Washington.
About Cambria
Cambria Kirby is UpValley Family Centers’ Development Director, leading the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts. As the Development Director, Cambria is responsible for ensuring the stability and growth of multifaceted contributed revenue streams as well as cultivating new and existing relationships to build the visibility and impact of the UpValley Family Center. She joined UpValley Family Centers in March 2019, originally as the Development Associate. Her past experience includes working with adults with developmental disabilities at a North Bay nonprofit, providing program support as well as administrative and development assistance to the organization. Cambria is passionate about working for organizations that provide meaningful, mission-driven work. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University Chico, which has helped her develop the ability to understand and relate to the needs of others and advocate on their behalf. Cambria is eager to be serving the upvalley communities of the Napa Valley.
About Cristina
Cristina Aviña is Family Services Coordinator for UpValley Family Centers, working directly with families to provided guided referrals, emergency assistance and domestic violence counseling. Cristina began working with the St. Helena Family Center in April 2009 as a receptionist and brings additional experience in customer service. Cristina is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She is trained regarding domestic violence, has a certificate on suicide prevention and is an accredited provider of Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). She has always had a passion for helping others and gets a great feeling of satisfaction working with residents of the UpValley communities.
About Omaira
Omaira Baptista joined UpValley Family Centers in February 2019 and currently serves as a Community Educator and our Promotoras Coordinator. Omaira conducts community preparedness education, coordinates Spanish literacy and ESL classes, and leads community outreach efforts together with volunteer promotoras. She has been active as a parent leader in the Adelante program at UpValley Family Centers and has served as President of the English Learners Advisory Committee for the Calistoga Joint Unified School District. Prior to joining UpValley Family Centers, Omaira worked in the oil industry in the Operations and Operational Planning Department of ExxonMobil and Petróleos in Venezuela. She was born and raised in Venezuela and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene and Safety from the University Institute of Technology and Administration in Barcelona, Venezuela. Omaira believes that the family is the fundamental basis of society.
About Altagracia
Altagracia Bravo is a Child Care Specialist for UpValley Family Centers. She provides developmentally appropriate child supervision for families participating in UVFC programs. Altagracia also provides staffing support to our Niños Activos playgroups in Calistoga and St. Helena each week. Prior to serving as Child Care Specialist, Altagracia volunteered with the Ninos Activos program in Calistoga for 11 years. Altagracia has three kids who attended Niños Activos when they were young.
About Alex
Alejandra Cruz is the Human Resources and Operations Manager for UpValley Family Centers, overseeing all systems and documentation relating to HR as well as managing smooth operation of offices in terms of information technology, communications and facilities. She brings over 18 years of experience in payroll and human resources having worked in the hospitality and wine industries. Alejandra joined UpValley Family Centers in August 2021, originally as a Community Liaison. She was born in Mexico and raised in the Napa Valley. Alejandra has a passion for helping people in her surrounding communities and is happy to have the opportunity to work with the up valley communities. She has an Associate’s Degree in Legal Office Administration from Empire College. Alejandra is fluent in English and Spanish.
About Jessica
Jessica is a Community Liaison for UpValley Family Centers, assisting people to access information and resources. Jessica brings strong customer service, management, and organization skills to her role, with over 7 years of human resources and banking experience in the Calistoga community. She is also a certified notary public. Throughout her career, Jessica has prided herself on maintaining good working relationships with the people she serves, and she feels it’s important to listen and understand the needs of each person she works with. Jessica lived both in the US and in Michoacán Mexico as a young child; she graduated from Calistoga High and Calistoga has been her home for 18 years. She joined UpValley Family Centers in 2024, eager to make a difference in her Calistoga Community and be of service to local families. Jessica is fluent in English and Spanish.
About Emma
Emma Diamond joined UpValley Family Centers as a Senior Services Case Manager in 2024. In her role, she supports a sustainable network of care for UpValley older adults by providing guided referrals and organizing workshops specifically tailored to senior wellness. Emma graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological & Brain Sciences and a minor in Applied Psychology. During her time at university, Emma volunteered with the Brain Exercise Initiative, a nonprofit that utilizes brain fitness activities as an intervention for Alzheimer’s disease. It was through her volunteer work that she found a passion for serving older adults. Emma strives to lead with empathy and compassion and is honored to be working with the UpValley community in which her family has a rich history.
About Blanca
Blanca Dixon is the Immigration Program Coordinator for UpValley Family Centers. Blanca provides outreach, education and application assistance on citizenship, DACA and other immigration-related matters to local community members. She is a partially-accredited representative by the US Department of Justice to assist individuals with immigration proceedings. Blanca started with UpValley Family Centers as a Receptionist/Data Intake Coordinator with the St. Helena Family Center in September, 2010. Blanca was born and raised in Peru. She graduated from the Instituto Carlos Medrano Vasquez in San Clemente and was a primary school teacher for six years in Peru before moving to the United States. Blanca speaks Spanish and English fluently.
About Karen
Karen Garcia is Economic Success Program Coordinator for UpValley Family Centers, providing coordination of the organization’s Economic Success services, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, adult education and workforce development services, and financial literacy supports. Prior to her current role, Karen served as Community Liaison, connecting community members to resources. She originally joined the staff in February 2019 as a VITA Associate, after being an active volunteer. Before joining UpValley Family Centers, Karen assisted Reading Partners as a tutor for students from low-income schools who were below their reading level. Karen graduated from California State University, Sacramento as a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Consumer Science and a concentration in Family Studies. She is eager to help families create a brighter future for themselves.
About Marycruz
Marycruz Garcia is Staff Accountant, providing accounting support for UpValley Family Centers’ Finance and Operations Department. Prior to this role, Marycruz served as Promotoras Program Coordinator for nearly three years. Marycruz originally joined the staff of the UpValley Family Centers in October 2017, providing program support and outreach-related services for the Fire Relief and Recovery Program. She began volunteering with our upvalley promotoras group in October 2016. Before her involvement with UpValley Family Centers, Marycruz worked as an accounting assistant for five years in Mexico. Marycruz was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico and moved to the United States in 2016. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. She is passionate about working with others to serve her community.
About Susana
Susana is a Student & Family Case Manager for UpValley Family Centers at our St. Helena site, joining the staff in August 2017. Susana graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, after having taken time off to raise her children. She brings experience as an intern serving vulnerable populations in the community, including with Queen of the Valley CARE Network and Collabria Care. Susana has a passion for giving back to her community and serving those in need. She is a first generation college graduate and grew up in the Napa Valley.
About Ruzanna
Ruzanna Gasparyan is the Volunteer and Donor Engagement Coordinator at UpValley Family Centers. In this role, she manages the recruitment, engagement, and recognition of volunteers for all of UpValley’s programs, including on-site tutoring at schools in St. Helena and Calistoga, Immigration Services, and Adult Education. As a member of the Development team, she also supports fundraising activities and donor stewardship. Ruzanna brings significant administrative and direct service experience in the nonprofit and education fields, including previous experience as a volunteer coordinator for two elementary schools in Sonoma County. She is dedicated to community service and has completed two year-long national service terms with AmeriCorps EXL, as well as an 8-month volunteer term abroad in Armenia, her country of birth. Ruzanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Sonoma State University, and is currently completing a Master’s degree in History.
About Aida
Aida Lopez Gomez is an Immigration Program Coordinator for UpValley Family Centers, providing consultations and application assistance to community members seeking US citizenship and other immigration benefits. Aida is a Department of Justice partially-accredited representative. She has worked in our Immigration Program since August 2017. Prior to her current role, Aida taught citizenship classes in English and Spanish and conducted outreach to local community members about available immigration services. Aida has an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. She is delighted to help local immigrant community members to achieve their goal of becoming a US citizen.
Aida has an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. She is delighted to help local immigrant community members to achieve their goal of becoming a US citizen.
About Mats
Mats Hellgren is a Cooperative Developer for UpValley Family Centers. His role is to support the incubation and development of a worker-owned cooperative for a group of Promotoras who have been community health volunteers with UpValley Family Centers for over a decade. He trains and develops the Promotoras to become business owners of a sustainable business operation. Mats has 14 years of experience in politics before immigrating to California from his native Sweden. He served as commissioner, supervisor and chairman in county and city level in Sweden. He has worked as a marketing director and community organizer with Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) organizations in Marin, Central Valley, and Monterey Bay. Mats has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and BA in Mass Communication and Journalism, all from Fresno Pacific University.
About Jose
Jose Hernandez is a Youth Program Coordinator for UpValley Family Centers. He leads CLARO youth mentoring groups for boys at the middle and high schools in Calistoga and St. Helena. From 2019 to 2023, Jose mentored youth, developing programs focused on mental health, conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning. He worked with partner organizations to ensure youth received the best possible care. In 2024, after exploring a different career path, Jose realized his true passion lies in serving youth and working families and he returned to UpValley Family Centers. His experiences have strengthened his cultural awareness and adaptability, making him well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of the youth he serves. Jose grew up in Calistoga and has a deep connection to his community. He is eager to make positive impact on local youth and families.
About Susana
Susana Lopez is a Community Liaison for UpValley Family Centers, assisting people to access information and resources. She brings over 10 years of experience working with families and community organizations having worked for the Seattle Public Schools as a Parent leader. Susana was born in Mexico and raised in the Napa Valley. She lived in Seattle, Washington for 17 years before moving back to the Napa Valley. She has a passion for helping people in her surrounding communities and is happy to have the opportunity to work with the up valley communities. Susana is fluent in English and Spanish.
About Daniel
Daniel Norton Luna is Community Schools Program Coordinator for the UpValley Family Centers. In this role, he coordinates with partner organizations to provide direct services to children, teens and families in the Calistoga Joint Unified School District. Furthermore, Daniel works closely with school administrators and staff, youth and parents, funders, and partners to address emerging and unmet student and family needs through collaborative action. Daniel started with us in August 2022, after serving the Yurok Tribe for three years to address the opioid crisis. He brings experience in facilitating community coalitions and multi-disciplinary teams, leading data initiatives, and providing culturally-resonant youth victim services. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Society & Environment from the University of California—Berkeley. He is honored to serve our Calistoga community.
About Mariana
Mariana Martinez is the Youth Diversion Coordinator with UpValley Family Centers. Mariana works closely with local law enforcement, school officials, and associated agencies to facilitate the youth diversion program as an alternative to youth being processed into the juvenile court and probation system. Prior to the family center, Mariana worked in youth-serving nonprofits, working directly with children ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade and their families for eight years. Mariana brings experience and knowledge of the challenges that working families face raising children in the upvalley region. Mariana was born in Mexico City and raised in St. Helena. She graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a passion for giving back to children, families and the community through her work.
About Elena
Elena Mendez is the Group Facilitator, focusing on monthly Latino Men’s Groups and weekly Latina Women’s Groups providing special focus on the Calistoga older adults population. Elena began working for Calistoga Family Center in October, 2008. Elena has over 30 years of experience working with children, families and individuals. Prior to her work with us, Elena worked for Child Start Inc., as a health advocate and in family services. She has also served as a Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Elena has an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice, a Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Studies, and studied Medical Administration at MTI Business College.
About Michaela
Michaela Murray is the Development Specialist for UpValley Family Centers. She is a development team member, providing fundraising and communications support and execution, including donor and community communications, fundraising campaign implementation, visibility, and donation processing. She began working with UVFC in April of 2023, after leaving her long-time employment as the director of a nonprofit preschool in Sonoma County. Michaela’s background and education consist predominantly of Early Childhood Education and the Business Administration of Child Care Programs. Her experience extends to working with other child-centered nonprofits and foundations to ensure quality child care for young students of all economic backgrounds. After ten years of working in Early Childhood Education, Michaela strived to find an organization where she could continue to support children and families while creating a meaningful community impact. She is thrilled to be at UVFC, where she can extend her reach to every stage of life, from children to seniors.
About Juana
Juana Navarro joined UpValley Family Centers as a Calistoga Elementary School Youth Specialist in October of 2022. She supports the health and well-being of youth in grades 4th and 5th through individual and group services using a social-emotional learning curriculum. Juana graduated from the University of California, Merced as a first-generation college student with a degree in Anthropology and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies. There, she worked with underrepresented communities of the Central Valley and managed projects that prioritized diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Juana grew up in Napa Valley and is fluent in English and Spanish. Moreover, she is actively committed to advocacy work and empowering the voices of tomorrow.
About Kimberly
Kimberly Pimienta joined UpValley Family Centers in 2023 as a Senior Services Case Manager, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience in senior care. In her role, she provides comprehensive access to social services for older adults, and supports programming that fosters social interaction, continued learning, and wellness. Kimberly’s background includes 10 years of working closely with seniors, collaborating with optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure comprehensive eye health and patient care for all patients. Kimberly’s expertise includes patient care, guided referrals, insurance billing, and optician technician skills. She has a deep belief in the importance of health and well-being for older adults. Kimberly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Sacramento State University. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Kimberly is committed to ensuring effective communication and personalized care. With a genuine sense of compassion and a commitment to excellence, Kimberly strives to provide the highest standard of service to the family center’s clients.
About Marcela
Marcela Rodriguez is the Education Program Manager for UpValley Family Centers, overseeing our children, youth and schools programming. As the Education Program Manager, Marcela oversees a range of prevention and early intervention activities including early childhood programs, youth mentoring, student and family engagement and leadership, and services on K-12 campuses that support students’ and families’ social and emotional wellness needs. She also serves as the lead staff for the Calistoga Community Schools Initiative, a collective impact, public-private partnership with a vision that every child will graduate high school ready for college and career. Marcela joined UpValley Family Centers in September 2019, originally as the Youth Diversion Coordinator. Prior to that, Marcela worked at Adventist Health St. Helena and Duffy’s, and brings experience working with individuals who have abused alcohol and other substances. Marcela is trilingual in English/Spanish/German and is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Marcela believes her work allows her to give back to her community and guide youth with better decision making and supportive resources.
About Claudia
Claudia Samuels is Staff Accountant for UpValley Family Centers and provides accounting support to our Finance and Operations team. She previously worked with the organization as a Disaster Case Manager during the 2020 Wildfires and provided case management in our wildfire relief program. Prior to this, Claudia worked as an office administrator in the hospitality industry. Claudia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Child Development from California State University, Long Beach and is a first generation college student. During her time in Long Beach, she co-founded a program to assist youth to pursue higher education. She has completed coursework in Early Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College. Claudia enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering at local schools and is happy to be able to give back through her work as well.
About Elvira
Elvira Sanchez is the Morrow Student Assistance Program Case Manager for the UpValley Family Centers, working closely with upvalley school districts to serve students and their families who are struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and other challenges. She has training regarding domestic violence, partnering with NEWS. Elvira first joined the UpValley Family Centers in December 2019 as a Community Liaison. Elvira brings experience as a behavior therapist, working with children on the autism spectrum, and as a tutor with Reading Partners for students from low-income schools who were below their reading level. Elvira graduated from California State University, Sacramento as a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Consumer Science and a concentration in Family Studies. She is a resident of Calistoga who has strong family values and is excited to give back to her community.
About Karina
Karina Solis is a Youth Program Specialist for UpValley Family Centers. She runs our weekly CLARA youth mentoring groups for girls at the middle and high schools in Calistoga and St. Helena. She is entrusted with helping youth expand, embrace, and express their identity in a positive and healthy manner to ultimately strengthen ties with their community. Karina aims to empower young women with the skills and tools to envision and claim their futures as their own. Karina’s past experience includes positions with Napa’s summer education program, Aim High, and with Napa County Office of Education’s Prevention, Wellness, and Health Team. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California Berkeley. Karina understands the unique struggles and obstacles youth face today and is ready for the challenge to guide and support them.
About Eva
Eva Tamayo is a Community Educator for our Immigration Program. Her primary focus is cultivating trust within the community to apprise immigrants of their rights and available resources. Eva assists community members to enroll in ESL classes, Civics test tutoring, and access immigration consultations. Eva also supports the Immigration Program by managing appointments, maintaining files, and tracking data. Additionally, Eva leads our efforts to connect clients preparing for the citizenship exam with volunteer tutors. She trains the tutors and matches them with students who would like extra support in advance of their US citizenship interview.
Before joining the team, Eva worked one-on-one with employees, overseeing their recruitment process. Her interdisciplinary experience catered to both Spanish and English-speaking individuals, guiding them through the employment application, onboarding documentation, and benefit enrollment processes. With over 10 years of experience in hospitality, administration, and community outreach, Eva is in the process of completing her BA in Business Administration, which aligns with her goal of spreading knowledge to underserved communities. With a positive and empathetic approach, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of immigrants in our community.
About Ashley
Ashley Taranto is the Data Analyst for UpValley Family Centers. Ashley tracks and interprets program data to inform UpValley Family Centers and our stakeholders about the impacts we are having on individuals, families, and our community. Ashley’s work fosters organizational and program learning, and broadens understanding about our progress in meeting desired outcomes. Prior to joining UpValley Family Centers, Ashley worked for many years in higher education teaching statistics, research methods, and criminology courses. She has two Bachelor’s Degrees; one in Political Science and the other in Criminology, from the University of Florida. She has her Master’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Florida.
About Raquel
Raquel Vega joined UpValley Family Centers as the Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator in October of 2021. She coordinates the Niños Activos/Active Kids weekly bilingual parent/child playgroups in Calistoga and St. Helena and supports community outreach and education efforts. Senora Raquel Vega has worked in different educational institutions around the Napa Valley, including most recently at Child Start, Inc. Prior to moving to the United States, Raquel was an elementary school Teacher. She holds the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and Humanities from the University of Juana de Asbaje in Zamora, Mexico. She also holds an Associate’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from Napa Valley College. Raquel loves working with small children and their families and sharing her passion for reading, singing, and arts and crafts.
About Dora
Dora Vega-Leija is a Senior Services Case Manager with UpValley Family Centers, joining the agency in June 2024. She provides comprehensive access to social services for older adults, and supports programming that fosters social interaction, continued learning, and wellness. Dora previously worked as a Property Manager for Calistoga Senior Apartments and as a Case Manager with Catholic Charities in Texas, during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dora has experience bringing social programs to seniors and community members, such as exercise classes, visit me programs, and art classes. She brings over 30 years’ experience managing apartment homes, including project based section 8, tax credit, bond and conventional properties. Dora strives to always give her best and look for ways to add value or enrich the lives of others. Dora was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and moved to Dallas at an early age. She is fluent in Spanish and English. When Dora is not working, she spends time with her dog and enjoys activities such as camping, nature walks, listening to music and holistic healing. She has 2 sons, a daughter, and 3 grandchildren.