Staff
Jennie Burciaga
Executive Director
Entering the nonprofit workforce in 2005, Jennie began her career in her hometown of South Lake Tahoe. As a therapeutic counselor for a continuation school, juvenile hall, group home, and then eventually became an educator for 4 years in Monterey County. Over time, she became frustrated with the lack of opportunity throughout juvenile justice and educational systems for the youth she worked with to 1) take accountability for their actions and 2) learn how to make different decisions in the future to self-modify undesirable behavior toward more beneficial outcomes. With the intention of being more effective in her work, Jennie taught in Monterey K-12 schools while returning to Cal State University Monterey Bay. Jennie first received a BA from Cal State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in Human Communications, 2003.
During this second time at CSUMB, Jennie became a volunteer Victim Offender Reconciliation mediator with Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. (RJP, Inc.), earning a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, in 2012. Jennie’s work included the development of an actionable, efficient and politically feasible “Restorative Justice in the Schools” service offered by RJP, Inc. The work was also successful in securing additional funding for the agency in partnership with local foundations, so she was hired by RJP, Inc. Jennie became the Executive Director of RJP, Inc. in 2013. She remains dedicated to providing young people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes while they repair harm they have caused in the community, so they can move on to make beneficial contributions to their families and communities.
Executive Director
Entering the nonprofit workforce in 2005, Jennie began her career in her hometown of South Lake Tahoe. As a therapeutic counselor for a continuation school, juvenile hall, group home, and then eventually became an educator for 4 years in Monterey County. Over time, she became frustrated with the lack of opportunity throughout juvenile justice and educational systems for the youth she worked with to 1) take accountability for their actions and 2) learn how to make different decisions in the future to self-modify undesirable behavior toward more beneficial outcomes. With the intention of being more effective in her work, Jennie taught in Monterey K-12 schools while returning to Cal State University Monterey Bay. Jennie first received a BA from Cal State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in Human Communications, 2003.
During this second time at CSUMB, Jennie became a volunteer Victim Offender Reconciliation mediator with Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. (RJP, Inc.), earning a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, in 2012. Jennie’s work included the development of an actionable, efficient and politically feasible “Restorative Justice in the Schools” service offered by RJP, Inc. The work was also successful in securing additional funding for the agency in partnership with local foundations, so she was hired by RJP, Inc. Jennie became the Executive Director of RJP, Inc. in 2013. She remains dedicated to providing young people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes while they repair harm they have caused in the community, so they can move on to make beneficial contributions to their families and communities.
Veronica Miramontes
Victim Offender Reconciliation Coordinator
Veronica joined RJP, Inc. in the summer of 2013 as the VORP Coordinator. Veronica’s main duties are overseeing and managing an average of 240 cases a year and a pool of about 40 volunteer mediators. “My goal is to close cases compliant with successful and meaningful mediations and develop a diverse, engaged and trained group of volunteers; you can’t have one without the other.” Veronica generates and facilitates two to three initial volunteer trainings, three to four advance volunteer trainings and hosts an volunteer appreciation experience each year. The Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County awarded Veronica the 2016 Innovation Award due to her thoughtfulness and dedication to her work. She has grown the program’s reach and effectiveness. Veronica has strengthened the VORP Program in regard to product, training, communication, partnership. She applies innovation ideas to her work and brainstorms ways to continually improve services. Her planning, program vision and genuine desire to beneficially impact the lives of minors referred to the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program are respected and honored.
Originally from Mendocino County, Veronica also known as Ronnie, obtained her Bachelors in Human Communications at CSU Monterey Bay with a double concentration in Creative Writing/Social Action and Journalism/Media Studies. Veronica enjoys living in Monterey with her growing family: Danny, their children Ailani and Jesé, and her mother in-law Martina. Veronica also coaches JV Girls Soccer at Santa Catalina.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa
Victim Offender Reconciliation Coordinator
Veronica joined RJP, Inc. in the summer of 2013 as the VORP Coordinator. Veronica’s main duties are overseeing and managing an average of 240 cases a year and a pool of about 40 volunteer mediators. “My goal is to close cases compliant with successful and meaningful mediations and develop a diverse, engaged and trained group of volunteers; you can’t have one without the other.” Veronica generates and facilitates two to three initial volunteer trainings, three to four advance volunteer trainings and hosts an volunteer appreciation experience each year. The Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County awarded Veronica the 2016 Innovation Award due to her thoughtfulness and dedication to her work. She has grown the program’s reach and effectiveness. Veronica has strengthened the VORP Program in regard to product, training, communication, partnership. She applies innovation ideas to her work and brainstorms ways to continually improve services. Her planning, program vision and genuine desire to beneficially impact the lives of minors referred to the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program are respected and honored.
Originally from Mendocino County, Veronica also known as Ronnie, obtained her Bachelors in Human Communications at CSU Monterey Bay with a double concentration in Creative Writing/Social Action and Journalism/Media Studies. Veronica enjoys living in Monterey with her growing family: Danny, their children Ailani and Jesé, and her mother in-law Martina. Veronica also coaches JV Girls Soccer at Santa Catalina.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa
Arlene de la Peña
Case Manager, Restorative Justice in Schools Program
Arleen De La Peña was born in Chicago, Illinois, and into a family of two: her mother, Ahide Serrano and brother, Oracio Serrano, who was born deaf. Due to her brother's disability, she is fluent in American Sign Language. She also speaks Spanish and English. Arleen was raised in Monterey County; attending North Monterey County High School, Monterey Peninsula College, and California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB). At CSUMB she is studied Collaborative Health and Human Services with an emphasis in Social Work. She interned with Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. and became part of the staff as the case manager for RJ in Schools in 2016.
Case Manager, Restorative Justice in Schools Program
Arleen De La Peña was born in Chicago, Illinois, and into a family of two: her mother, Ahide Serrano and brother, Oracio Serrano, who was born deaf. Due to her brother's disability, she is fluent in American Sign Language. She also speaks Spanish and English. Arleen was raised in Monterey County; attending North Monterey County High School, Monterey Peninsula College, and California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB). At CSUMB she is studied Collaborative Health and Human Services with an emphasis in Social Work. She interned with Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. and became part of the staff as the case manager for RJ in Schools in 2016.
Jocelyn Mendoza
Case Manager, Restorative Justice in Schools Program
Jocelyn was born in Salinas and has lived in Monterey County her whole life. She is currently attending Monterey Peninsula College and working toward her Associate's Degree in Human Services. In the spring of 2017, she was offered the opportunity to intern for Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. through the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. Jocelyn was hired in January 2018 as a case manager in the schools program.
“It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.”
Case Manager, Restorative Justice in Schools Program
Jocelyn was born in Salinas and has lived in Monterey County her whole life. She is currently attending Monterey Peninsula College and working toward her Associate's Degree in Human Services. In the spring of 2017, she was offered the opportunity to intern for Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. through the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. Jocelyn was hired in January 2018 as a case manager in the schools program.
“It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.”
Thomas Lee
Coordinator, Victim Impact Program
Thomas Lee joined Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. in 1995 shortly after its inception as a volunteer mediator. Tom has worked on a variety of cases and is
given those that are most challenging.
Since 2015, he has coordinated the Victim Impact Program speakers’ bureau in conjunction with the Monterey County Probation Department and county youth institutions. The program invites victims of crime to speak about their experiences in front of audiences of young offenders, giving all parties to listen and grow. Tom arranges speaker visits with staff for youth at the Monterey County Youth Center, Juvenile Hall, and Rancho Cielo. Tom also enjoys speaking about Restorative Justice and has twice addressed audiences at the Peace and Justice Center in Seaside. He is a retired government scientist and still does part-time meteorology.
Coordinator, Victim Impact Program
Thomas Lee joined Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. in 1995 shortly after its inception as a volunteer mediator. Tom has worked on a variety of cases and is
given those that are most challenging.
Since 2015, he has coordinated the Victim Impact Program speakers’ bureau in conjunction with the Monterey County Probation Department and county youth institutions. The program invites victims of crime to speak about their experiences in front of audiences of young offenders, giving all parties to listen and grow. Tom arranges speaker visits with staff for youth at the Monterey County Youth Center, Juvenile Hall, and Rancho Cielo. Tom also enjoys speaking about Restorative Justice and has twice addressed audiences at the Peace and Justice Center in Seaside. He is a retired government scientist and still does part-time meteorology.
Cari-Esta Albert
Schools Case Manager
A recovering film executive and producer and active volunteer with sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I became involved with mediation in Los Angeles through Kenneth Cloke, Centinela Youth Services and the Western Justice Center. Happily relocated to the Monterey Peninsula, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be trained by and to work with the dedicated, nurturing team at Restorative Justice Partners as a volunteer VORP mediator and school case manager.
Schools Case Manager
A recovering film executive and producer and active volunteer with sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I became involved with mediation in Los Angeles through Kenneth Cloke, Centinela Youth Services and the Western Justice Center. Happily relocated to the Monterey Peninsula, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be trained by and to work with the dedicated, nurturing team at Restorative Justice Partners as a volunteer VORP mediator and school case manager.
Elaine Levario
Administrative Assistant
Elaine Levario was born in Gilroy, California. She became a mother at the young age of 15, she wanted to make a better life for her children and lead by a good example. Elaine then attended Monterey Peninsula College, where she obtained her Associates in Business Office Technology and an Associates in Business Administration.
Elaine was introduced to RJP, Inc. through an internship program from Monterey Peninsula College in the fall of 2015. Elaine became employee of RJP, Inc. in 2016, Elaine’s main duties are overseeing and managing RJP, Inc. office, providing a variety of general administrative and staff support. This opportunity has given her the ability to work with such an amazing team that gives back to the community.
"Faith is what gets you started. Hope is what keeps you going. Love is what brings you to the end."
- Mother Angelica
Administrative Assistant
Elaine Levario was born in Gilroy, California. She became a mother at the young age of 15, she wanted to make a better life for her children and lead by a good example. Elaine then attended Monterey Peninsula College, where she obtained her Associates in Business Office Technology and an Associates in Business Administration.
Elaine was introduced to RJP, Inc. through an internship program from Monterey Peninsula College in the fall of 2015. Elaine became employee of RJP, Inc. in 2016, Elaine’s main duties are overseeing and managing RJP, Inc. office, providing a variety of general administrative and staff support. This opportunity has given her the ability to work with such an amazing team that gives back to the community.
"Faith is what gets you started. Hope is what keeps you going. Love is what brings you to the end."
- Mother Angelica
Elizabeth "Beth" Gallardo
Graduate Student Intern
Beth recently joined the RJP team in May 2018 as a graduate student intern. Beth is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Beth feels most fulfilled when she is able to empower others to become the best version of themselves, as she feels this benefits both the individual and the broader community. She is particularly passionate about working with individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by violence and the justice system.
As a graduate student intern, Beth looks forward to supporting and learning from all of RJP, Inc.'s program offerings and the individuals who make them happen. She will be working especially closely with the Victim Impact Program.
Originally hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Beth obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Society and the Environment as well as a minor in English from the University of Maryland College Park. She has extensive experience supporting students in higher education and K-12 schools in a variety of capacities.
Graduate Student Intern
Beth recently joined the RJP team in May 2018 as a graduate student intern. Beth is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Beth feels most fulfilled when she is able to empower others to become the best version of themselves, as she feels this benefits both the individual and the broader community. She is particularly passionate about working with individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by violence and the justice system.
As a graduate student intern, Beth looks forward to supporting and learning from all of RJP, Inc.'s program offerings and the individuals who make them happen. She will be working especially closely with the Victim Impact Program.
Originally hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Beth obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Society and the Environment as well as a minor in English from the University of Maryland College Park. She has extensive experience supporting students in higher education and K-12 schools in a variety of capacities.