Leonard serves as the VAH Program Executive Director to offer secure, affordable, transitional housing for At-Risk and Homeless Working and Student Veterans. He oversees the day to day planning, operations, management, liaison and promotion of the organization. His life experience includes present employment as a Consultant to the San Francisco Pre-Trial Diversion Program as a Batterers Intervention Program group facilitator. Currently employment as an Adjunct Instructor at Los Medanos College in the Administration of Justice Department teaching Introduction to Corrections and Criminal Investigations courses. Former Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the Compensated Work Therapy program. Additional duties included managing the Batterers Intervention Program, A Ease, as the group facilitator. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer III – Intelligence Technician, U.S. Army Reserves. He retired as a Deputy Sheriff from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, with collateral duties as a department trainer. He also is a former consultant and private provider to law enforcement agencies regarding officer involved Domestic Violence and Conflict Management.
Education:
A.A., Psychology, Los Medanos College, Pittsburg CA
Majoring in Human Development/ Sociology, Senior BA Pending
California State University Eastbay, Concord CA
Celina has over 25 years of experience working in the human services field and community involvement throughout California and Hawai’i. Prior professional experience includes working as the Social Services of a skilled nursing facility, Case Manager for child abuse cases, and Health Educator and Program Facilitator for at-risk and high-risk youth. She remains very active in her local community by serving as a Girl Scouts Troop Leader and Treasurer, Vacation Bible School Teacher during the summers, and as Ambassadors to multiple local race companies.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University
Master of Science, Gerontology, Eastern Illinois University (In Progress)
Ambar’s past professional experience includes Biomedical Research with UCSF and healthcare inequality research at UC Berkeley. Ambar has also provided academic support for high school and community college students. She has extensive knowledge and expertise with adult mental health and wellness. Ambar is passionate about helping her clients holistically and pointing them in the direction of resources they need to be successful.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts-Sociology UC Berkeley
Master of Social Work (MSW) University of Southern California, 2023
Zach serves as one of the VAH House Managers that provides/ promotes safety and cleanliness within each house. He is caring and driven towards working with those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Outside of work he regularly helps around his church which provides food to the community each week. He is compassionate not only for those who are homeless, but also the youth in his church. He regularly helps and teaches the youth at his church each week. Zach is in school pursuing his sociology degree, so that he can do more for both the youth and those who are homeless.
Education :
AAT Psychology for transfer, Los Medanos College. Pending
AA Behavioral Science & Social Science, Los Medanos College. Pending
