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Affirming Heart Staff

Administrative

Zelma Lopez

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Co-Director
Forensic Interviewer
MDT Facilitator
Prevention/Outreach Specialist

Brandy Ackland
LPCC, NCC

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Co-Director
Clinical Coordinator
Clinical Counseling Supervisor

"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

"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

Abby Navarrette

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Administrative Assistant

Tara Pyeatt

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Bookkeeper

Ross Threlkeld

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Office Assistant

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

Forensic
Interviewers

Laura Lucero

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Forensic Interviewer
Bilingual

Jolie Baldwin

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Forensic Interviewer

Angelia Parent

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Forensic Interviewer

Ana Aguilar

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Forensic Interviewer
Bilingual

Charay Dunn

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Shelter Manager

Eva Armendarez

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Assistant Shelter Manager

Sheena Duran

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Shelter Staff

Jesse Burr

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Shelter Staff

Yuta Walker

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Shelter Staff

Damion Berry

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Shelter Staff

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

Zachary Martinez
LCSW

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Contract Clinician
TF-CBT

Jolie Baldwin

LSAA

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Clinician
TF-CBT, PS-R, EMDR, SBIRT

Receptionists

Joanna Sanchez

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Office Receptionist
Carlsbad

Kassandra
Bustillos Chavez

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Office Receptionist
Lea Co.

Rise Up Staff

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Spreading Public Education, Awareness & Knowledge 

Medical

Kimberly Hanson
MSN, CFNP, SANE-A

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Interim Medical Director

Angelia Parent
RN

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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

Advocates

Jeannette Romo

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SPEAK Advocate
Bilingual

Amanda Molinar

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Volunteer
SPEAK Advocate

SPEAK Advocate

Ashley Lopez

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Sexual Assault /
Community Advocate

SPEAK Staff

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Enhanced Parent Visitation and Parent Coaching Program

Coaches

Eveyette Mendoza

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Parent Coach

Anahyd Zazueta

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Parent Coach

Misty Sepeda

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Parent Coach

Stepping Stones Program

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Drivers

Adrianna Urioste

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UpLift Driver

UpLift Transporation Program

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