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Affirming Heart Staff

Administrative

Zelma Lopez

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Co-Director
Director of Financial
and Grant Operations

Brandy Ackland
LPCC, NCC

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Co-Director
Director of Organizational Development and Public Relations

"Our team at Affirming Heart Victim Services is nothing short of spectacular. The dedication they bring to their work is a true testament to the human capacity for compassion and resilience. Day in and day out, these incredible people pour their hearts into supporting survivors, lending a listening ear, and offering a helping hand during some of the toughest moments imaginable. Their hard work, care, and tireless efforts are the driving force behind our organization's success.
I truly believe that without them, Affirming Heart Victim Services and all of our amazing programs wouldn't shine as brightly as they do. They are the heart and soul of what we stand for. It's an honor to work alongside this remarkable group, and I want the community to know just how much we value and cherish every single member of our team."

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Zelma Lopez

"I am so grateful to become Co-Executive Director of Affirming Heart Victim Services, working alongside Zelma Lopez. Our team here is truly amazing, showing up every day with kindness and dedication to help survivors. They work hard to listen, support, and guide people through some of the hardest times. Every program we offer, from counseling to crisis response, shines because of their efforts and commitment to our mission.
With Zelma, I’m excited to keep growing and improving our services to help even more people in our community.

Our team’s dedication gives hope and strength to those who come to us for support, and it’s an honor to work with such inspiring people.

I can’t wait to see all the good we will continue to do together for those who need it most."

Brandy Ackland

Abby Navarrette

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Administrative Assistant

Tara Pyeatt

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Bookkeeper

Frank Methola

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Community Liaison

AJ Lopez

AJ Lopez
Office Caretaker

Child Advocacy Center Staff

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Advocates

Abby Navarrette

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Advocate Coordinator

Ellie Dabney

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Family Advocate
Bilingual

Rosie Porras

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Family Advocate
Bilingual

Forensic
Interviewers

Karen Fernandez

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Forensic Interviewer
Bilingual

Zelma Lopez

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Forensic Interviewer Coordinator
CART Facilitator

Prevention/Outreach Specialist

Sandra Garcia

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Forensic Interviewer
Bilingual

Charay Dunn

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Shelter Manager
Community Program Facilitator

Eva Armendarez

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Shelter Manager

Andrea Vasquez

Andrea Vasquez
Case Manager
Bilingual

Yaritza
Ramirez-Roman

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Youth Advocate
Life Skills & General Advocacy Bilingual

Sheena Duran

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Youth Advocate
Education & Medical

Jesse Burr

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Shift Leader

Damion Berry

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Shift Leader

Cody Partlow

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Shift Leader

Cameron Cooper

Cameron Cooper
Shift Leader

Vanessa Magdaleno

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Shift Leader

Foundry Home Staff

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Mental Health

Brandy Ackland
LPCC, NCC

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Clinical Coordinator
Clinical Counseling Supervisor

TF-CBT, TF-IPT, CFTSI, EMDR, AF-CBT, PS-R, PCIT, IECMHC

Trystan Messer
LMSW

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Clinician
  TF-CBT, EMDR, PCIT

Whitney Lake
LCSW, SPT

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Social Work Supervisor

Maria Coleman
LMHC

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Clinician
Bilingual

Receptionists

Joanna Sanchez

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Office Receptionist
Carlsbad
Bilingual

Kassandra
Bustillos Chavez

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Office Receptionist
Lea Co.
Bilingual

Interns

Blanca Moore

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Rise Up Intern
Bilingual

Charlee Florez

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Rise Up Intern

Rise Up Staff

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Spreading Public Education, Awareness & Knowledge 

Medical

Kimberly Hansen
MSN, CFNP, SANE-A

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Interim Medical Director

Angelia Parent
ADN, RN, SANE-A

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SPEAK Coordinator
SANE/DV Nurse
Prevention/Outreach Specialist

Lucy Navarrette
BSN, RN, CCRN

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SANE/DV Nurse
Bilingual

Adriene Bell
BSN, RN

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In-Training
SANE/DV Nurse

Pam Bolding
RN

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In-Training
SANE/DV Nurse

Advocates

Jeannette Romo

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SPEAK Advocate
Bilingual

Ashley Lopez

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SA & PREA Advocate
Education Coach

Anahyd Zazueta

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Family DV Advocate
Bilingual

SPEAK Staff

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Drivers

Olivia Dodd

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UpLift Driver

UpLift Transportation Program

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