Meet the Team
Jennie Burciaga
Executive Director
Currently the director of Restorative Justice Partners, Inc., Ms. Burciaga holds a Master's of Public Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay. Prior to working with RJP, Inc., Jennie served as a daycare provider and therapeutic counselor for youth who had become involved in the criminal justice system, then enjoyed a few years as a high school educator. These experiences continue to motivate her to reconstruct existing systems. Jennie advocates for restorative justice because the process offers education and opportunities to people who have broken the law and those affected by the crime: means are provided for all involved to take responsibility in determining next steps, and, in turn, learn skills that would allow them to make different decisions in the future. Jennie remains honored that her path of volunteerism led her to the amazing staffing and volunteer teams at RJP, Inc. Further, and perhaps most importantly, she continues to learn so much from staff, board of directors, partners and those served by the organization.
Executive Director
Currently the director of Restorative Justice Partners, Inc., Ms. Burciaga holds a Master's of Public Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay. Prior to working with RJP, Inc., Jennie served as a daycare provider and therapeutic counselor for youth who had become involved in the criminal justice system, then enjoyed a few years as a high school educator. These experiences continue to motivate her to reconstruct existing systems. Jennie advocates for restorative justice because the process offers education and opportunities to people who have broken the law and those affected by the crime: means are provided for all involved to take responsibility in determining next steps, and, in turn, learn skills that would allow them to make different decisions in the future. Jennie remains honored that her path of volunteerism led her to the amazing staffing and volunteer teams at RJP, Inc. Further, and perhaps most importantly, she continues to learn so much from staff, board of directors, partners and those served by the organization.
Jocelyn Mendoza
Victim Offender Reconciliation Program Coordinator
Jocelyn was born and raised in Monterey County. Growing up she attended MPUSD Schools and has experienced firsthand the needs in her community. She attended Monterey Peninsula College, and it was there where she came across the opportunity to intern for RJP, Inc. Working in the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, is where she found her passion in helping her community. She fell in love with restorative justice, and it became clear that this was the path she wanted to follow. She was hired in 2018 to implement the RJ in the Schools Program and co-facilitate Victim Impact Program classes. Today she continues to support those served by RJP, Inc. by coordinating the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. She remains grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and be a resource in her community.
Victim Offender Reconciliation Program Coordinator
Jocelyn was born and raised in Monterey County. Growing up she attended MPUSD Schools and has experienced firsthand the needs in her community. She attended Monterey Peninsula College, and it was there where she came across the opportunity to intern for RJP, Inc. Working in the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, is where she found her passion in helping her community. She fell in love with restorative justice, and it became clear that this was the path she wanted to follow. She was hired in 2018 to implement the RJ in the Schools Program and co-facilitate Victim Impact Program classes. Today she continues to support those served by RJP, Inc. by coordinating the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. She remains grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and be a resource in her community.
Elaine Levario
Administrative Coordinator
Elaine, who was born in Gilroy, California, earned AA degrees in Business Office Technology and Business Administration at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) in 2017. Through MPC, she served as an intern at RJP, Inc. in 2015, and the following year joined the team in the position of Administrative Assistant. Elaine’s main duties are overseeing and managing the RJP, Inc. office, providing a variety of general administrative and staff support.
Administrative Coordinator
Elaine, who was born in Gilroy, California, earned AA degrees in Business Office Technology and Business Administration at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) in 2017. Through MPC, she served as an intern at RJP, Inc. in 2015, and the following year joined the team in the position of Administrative Assistant. Elaine’s main duties are overseeing and managing the RJP, Inc. office, providing a variety of general administrative and staff support.
Luis Martinez
Victim Impact Program Coordinator
Luis began working with RJP as a Volunteer Mediator for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) in 2018. On the summer of 2019, he was hired on as a Victim Impact Case Coordinator for the Victim Impact Program (VIP). Wanting to further his education, he went back to school and earned his Associates Degree in Administration of Justice at Hartnell Community College. Luis grew up on the east side of Salinas. He is a fraternal twin and is the oldest of five other siblings. Uncertain of what he wanted to pursue after high school, he got a job at a fast food restaurant where he met his wife, Maria. In 2011, He graduated from Central Coast College and received his California Pharmacy Technician’s license. He worked as a pharmacy Technician from 2011-2015 at CVS/Pharmacy, Natividad Medical Center, and Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. Near the ending of 2015, Luis was hired on with the County of Monterey where he currently works. He is passionate in helping his community and finds it very rewarding working with youth.
Victim Impact Program Coordinator
Luis began working with RJP as a Volunteer Mediator for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) in 2018. On the summer of 2019, he was hired on as a Victim Impact Case Coordinator for the Victim Impact Program (VIP). Wanting to further his education, he went back to school and earned his Associates Degree in Administration of Justice at Hartnell Community College. Luis grew up on the east side of Salinas. He is a fraternal twin and is the oldest of five other siblings. Uncertain of what he wanted to pursue after high school, he got a job at a fast food restaurant where he met his wife, Maria. In 2011, He graduated from Central Coast College and received his California Pharmacy Technician’s license. He worked as a pharmacy Technician from 2011-2015 at CVS/Pharmacy, Natividad Medical Center, and Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. Near the ending of 2015, Luis was hired on with the County of Monterey where he currently works. He is passionate in helping his community and finds it very rewarding working with youth.
Caroline Diaz
Victim Impact Program Coordinator
Caroline Diaz is a lifelong resident of Seaside, CA, born in Fort Ord, CA and raised on the central coast. Caroline has a true passion for advocacy, restorative justice, and healing within the community. She began her career in community service volunteering for the YMCA, supporting domestic violence prevention education focusing on resiliency with the safe house program. In 2018, Caroline earned her Associates Degree in Human Services from Monterey Peninsula College, where she first learned about the RJP program. In the spring of 2019, she began working for RJP as a mediator for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program where she provided support and education to those affected by conflict, to encourage accountability, reparation and empathy. In the summer of 2021, Caroline was hired on as a Victim Impact Coordinator. She is a graduate of California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), majoring in the Psychology undergraduate program and plans to continue her education by enrolling in the Master of Social Work program (MSW) at CSUMB.
Victim Impact Program Coordinator
Caroline Diaz is a lifelong resident of Seaside, CA, born in Fort Ord, CA and raised on the central coast. Caroline has a true passion for advocacy, restorative justice, and healing within the community. She began her career in community service volunteering for the YMCA, supporting domestic violence prevention education focusing on resiliency with the safe house program. In 2018, Caroline earned her Associates Degree in Human Services from Monterey Peninsula College, where she first learned about the RJP program. In the spring of 2019, she began working for RJP as a mediator for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program where she provided support and education to those affected by conflict, to encourage accountability, reparation and empathy. In the summer of 2021, Caroline was hired on as a Victim Impact Coordinator. She is a graduate of California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), majoring in the Psychology undergraduate program and plans to continue her education by enrolling in the Master of Social Work program (MSW) at CSUMB.
Monica Pulido
Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator
Growing up in Salinas, CA, Monica always knew that she wanted to help her community, but was never sure how, until she met Jennie Burciaga, Executive Director for RJP, Inc., who introduced her to VORP, a branch of Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. While completing her volunteer training, Monica was offered a position as an Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator. She works with schools throughout Monterey County, providing restorative justice workshops to staff and students, as well as offering onsite support for community building circles. Monica graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz in 2010 with a BA in Psychology. She most recently attended MPC to take refresher courses, as she is preparing to apply for the MSW program at Cal State University, Monterey Bay.
Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator
Growing up in Salinas, CA, Monica always knew that she wanted to help her community, but was never sure how, until she met Jennie Burciaga, Executive Director for RJP, Inc., who introduced her to VORP, a branch of Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. While completing her volunteer training, Monica was offered a position as an Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator. She works with schools throughout Monterey County, providing restorative justice workshops to staff and students, as well as offering onsite support for community building circles. Monica graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz in 2010 with a BA in Psychology. She most recently attended MPC to take refresher courses, as she is preparing to apply for the MSW program at Cal State University, Monterey Bay.
Nadia Pulu
Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator
As a student at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), Nadia is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Communications. She’s worked with organizations such as the Monterey City Manager's Office, CSUMB’s Otter Cross Cultural Center, and as an educational instructor within the Salinas Elementary School District. Her work within these spaces has allowed her to cultivate meaningful connections that power her commitment towards her community. Achieving equity, fostering inclusivity, and the values of empathy and understanding within restorative justice are driving forces in Nadia’s personal and professional development. Once she graduates from CSUMB, she plans to continue her education and receive a Master’s degree in Public Affairs in the hopes to continue serving the communities she cherishes.
Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator
As a student at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), Nadia is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Communications. She’s worked with organizations such as the Monterey City Manager's Office, CSUMB’s Otter Cross Cultural Center, and as an educational instructor within the Salinas Elementary School District. Her work within these spaces has allowed her to cultivate meaningful connections that power her commitment towards her community. Achieving equity, fostering inclusivity, and the values of empathy and understanding within restorative justice are driving forces in Nadia’s personal and professional development. Once she graduates from CSUMB, she plans to continue her education and receive a Master’s degree in Public Affairs in the hopes to continue serving the communities she cherishes.
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Citlalli Galvan
Restorative Justice in the Schools Coordinator Born in Santa Barbara County but raised in Monterey County, Citlalli graduated from Cal State Monterey Bay with a B.A. in Humanities and Communications with a concentration in Legal Studies in 2023. In learning about RJP, Citlalli was intrigued by the topic of restorative justice being brought into schools; since she witnessed first-hand there were often more police officers present than counselors during her K-12 years. Citlalli first learned about the RJ program while searching for jobs in the Monterey County area. Citlalli will stay close to home before venturing off to potential law schools, such as UC Irvine or San Diego law school. She joined the RJP staffing team in early August 2023 for the new academic year to assist at different schools in Salinas and South County to teach and guide the path of restorative justice. |
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