Kaylan Billeci Molina

ACT Alumni Program Manager

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Kaylan joined Opportunity Junction as a career counselor in August 2018. She has a bachelor's degree in human development from California State University, East Bay and attended Los Medanos College for her associate's degrees. Prior to OJ, Kaylan’s experience was in childcare, as well as in the nonprofit sector as a facility manager for a children’s crisis and respite facility.  In her current role, Kaylan helps participants, typically Career Counseling and Placement Assistance program alumni, with finding gainful employment. She updates their resumes, sends them job leads, and helps them prepare for interviews. She also assists with the Bureau for Private and Post-Secondary Education related accreditation tasks as needed, as well as helping the Administrative Careers Training  program staff during recruitment.  Her favorite part about this work is witnessing the real-life positive impact that OJ has on community members. Whether witnessing a client blossom with confidence after they’ve worked with OJ, or checking in with an alum months down the road to find out that they are still employed and doing well, she said it’s incredibly rewarding to help make a difference in someone’s life.  Outside of work, Kaylan likes to garden, watch TV, go out to eat, and spend time with her family and friends.

"My favorite part of working at Opportunity Junction is being able to help create positive change in the community I grew up in. I also enjoy working alongside passionate and dedicated individuals."

Dionne Blackman-Moeller

Healthcare Career Pathways Program Manager

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Dionne joined Opportunity Junction (OJ) in January 2017 as a college and career counselor. She specialized in helping our transitional aged youth (18-24) complete their educational goals in partnership with Los Medanos Community College (LMC). She continues to serve on the Foster Youth Advisory Committee to address barriers and build a strong learning community for youth. She graduated from LMC years earlier with an associate’s degree in behavioral science and social science before transferring, like many of her students, to Cal State East Bay where she then earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in human development. Today, she uses her workforce development expertise and 25 years of experience in healthcare to serve as our Healthcare Career Pathway (HCP) program manager . Her favorite part about this role is supporting her team in creating trauma-informed curriculum and policies that foster professional and personal development and growth in our students as they launch and navigate careers in healthcare. Outside of work, you will find her working toward a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies, caring for her many house plants and pursuing her lifetime goal of “tasting the world” as a gastro-traveler.

"I thoroughly enjoy working here at Opportunity Junction because it gives me an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the very community where I'm raising my own children. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to help give young adults a path to personal growth and self-sufficiency."

Alexis Bonn

Director of Development

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Alexis joined Opportunity Junction in 2019 as director of development. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University with a master’s of business administration and bachelor’s in psychology, Alexis honed her marketing and communications skills in the banking and construction sectors. With an ultimate goal of raising funds to support OJ’s programs, she currently manages our individual donors, events, marketing and communications. Her favorite parts about working for OJ are hearing the bell ring when an intern gets their first post-program job and seeing program alumni eager to pay-it-forward by becoming donors. Outside of work, Alexis can be found volunteering, doing marketing and communications consulting, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her loved ones and fur-babies.

Aly Brown

Grant Writer

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Aly joined Opportunity Junction in January 2022. She has a background in journalism, including roles as an editor-in-chief, reporter and copy editor. In fact, she first heard about OJ when editing one of our press releases! Now a proud member of our team, Aly is our grant writer and also manages our bimonthly newsletter and social media accounts. (So make sure to say hi on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn!) She loves working for an organization that’s making a difference in the Contra Costa County community and hearing the powerful testimony of people who have been forever changed by OJ’s programs. When not preparing grant proposals or interviewing alumni to write articles for our website, Aly can be found driving her three kids around the Bay Area for sports or – still – writing. (Her book under contract with Macmillan releases next fall!)

"When you watch those grads take the stage and listen as they share how Opportunity Junction has fundamentally transformed their lives, that's powerful. People who never thought they could are learning that they absolutely can. I feel so privileged to work for an organization that's helping our community overcome barriers in more ways than one."

Carmela Buenrostro

HCP Alumni Career Coach

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Carmela originally joined OJ in October 2018 as the first professional development instructor for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. She moved out of the Bay Area but was more than happy to return virtually as the Healthcare Career Pathway (HCP) alumni coach. She graduated in 2000 from Saint Mary’s College of California with a bachelor’s degree in adolescent/adult psychology. As the HCP alumni coach, she continues to work directly with the CNA graduates in achieving their dreams of working in healthcare. Carmela invites the alumni to participate in “chat” sessions and workshops and provides support while they navigate through career steps. Her favorite part of her work is being able to witness how a participant evolves from a student to a healthcare worker who brings “person-centered care” out into the world. When Carmela is not working, she enjoys participating in outdoor adventures with her family.

"The most rewarding part of my job is to see a participant grow in their skills and confidence. They enter the CNA program with thoughts that they never would have had the ability or means to acquire an education that would be the gateway to their healthcare career path. Through hard work, dedication and the support from our program, they become a vital part of healthcare. Some have moved on to LVN and RN programs and they remember that Opportunity Junction was there, by their side during the journey, to remind them they had the strength, spirit and heart to do it!"

Alana Chisholm

Computer Skills Instructor

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Alana has had many roles since she came through the doors back in 2011. She started out as a trainee and graduated from Administrative Careers Training (ACT) Class 36 with a few Microsoft Office Specialist certifications under her belt. When Alana was a trainee, she became a volunteer, teaching our computer basics classes. In 2014, Alana became Opportunity Junction’s staff tax site coordinator. During that time, she also taught for Liberty Adult Education, where she worked with Rubicon and Contra Costa Courts. Coming back to OJ full circle in June 2019, Alana became our full-time computer skills instructor for the ACT program. Outside of work, Alana loves spending time with her family, geocaching and being outdoors.

Ja'Nae Craig

Executive Assistant

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Ja’Nae joined Opportunity Junction as executive assistant in November 2019. As an East Contra Costa County native and alumna of the local community college district, Los Medanos College, Ja’Nae received associate’s degrees in business administration, accounting, and liberal arts. Utilizing these achievements to build on her success, Ja’Nae worked her way up from receptionist and multi-district administrative assistant for H&R Block to become a multi-unit office manager and tax advisor. With this in mind, Ja’Nae could not help that her heart has always been in her community and local community based organizations (CBOs). As executive assistant, Ja’Nae’s role supports our organization in many ways. She primarily coordinates meetings and schedules for the CEO and the Board of Directors, ensuring that board policies and procedures are implemented based on needs. She also provides wrap-around support to the executive team and dedication to the achievement of the organizational goals. Ja’Nae’s favorite part of our work is the amount of community advocacy and transformative training programs provided to East Contra Costa County residents – knowing the impact of change that Opportunity Junction provides, elevating  future generations. In her spare time, Ja’Nae loves to cook, mostly soul food with a specialty for fried chicken and collard greens!

Alissa Friedman

President/Chief Executive Officer

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Alissa joined Opportunity Junction in 2001, originally working as the project manager with the Administrative Careers Training program interns. In 2003, she took over as the executive director (now president and CEO). Alissa holds a bachelor of arts degree with honors in physics from Harvard University and a Juris Doctor from Berkeley Law School. Her prior professional experience was similarly diverse. Before joining the organization, she worked in software development for eight years, as an attorney for Morrison & Foerster for two years, and as managing partner of the law firm of Friend & Friedman for five years. In her role as CEO, Alissa is broadly responsible for strategic vision and leadership, fundraising and external affairs, and infrastructure and operations. She has been honored as Woman of the Year both by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (2012) and State Senator Steve Glazer (2018). She particularly enjoys her continuing relationships with program alumni and is proud of her collaborations with partner organizations in the area. Outside of work, Alissa enjoys playing pickleball, writing and performing songs, being in nature, and spending time with family and friends.

"I get the deepest possible satisfaction from hearing 'I love my job' from an alum who pops in for a visit. I smile and reply, 'so do I.' My favorite times are when we're tackling a challenge, and each of us contributes ideas from our own perspective. There's the sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. From childhood, I've believed that this work represents the highest form of charity: helping others do for themselves."

Natalie Georgia

Program Manager

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Natalie joined Opportunity Junction in 2000, initially working as the program coordinator. She has served as manager of personal development for the Administrative Careers Training (ACT) program since 2004. She has more than 20 years of experience serving the community by developing lasting relationships. As a case manager to the trainees, she provides resources, support and coaching to ensure success. The manager of personal development is also responsible for leading information sessions and interviews for ACT applicants. Natalie said the best part of her job is witnessing transformation in action – watching an intern ring the bell and seeing the elation as they talk about their new job.Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, baking, and doing any activity with her precious grandson, whether that’s flying a kite or exploring. The beach on an overcast day is how she replenishes her energy, along with a good cuddle from her little dog.

"I love working at Opportunity Junction because I get to witness the transformative power of change every day."

Nicole Hall

Professional Skills Instructor

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Nicole joined Opportunity Junction as a Professional Development Instructor in October 2020.She has  a background working in the medical field as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide; she also received training as a Restorative Nursing Assistant. Her passion in the medical industry keeps on growing, and she is currently about to start her prerequisites for the nursing Program at Los Medanos College. Nicole works with our partner site, Mt. Diablo Adult Education, where she helps provide students with the life skills needed to obtain and retain employment as CNAs. This fall, she will be transitioning over to the Antioch Certified Nursing Assistant Program site, where she will continue to provide these valuable services to our community. Being an Opportunity Junction alumna herself, Nicole knows firsthand the positive impact our training programs provide in helping disadvantaged individuals establish financial sustainability in this uncertain economic environment. Her favorite part of the job is when she is able to help support families with our food bank and Loaves and Fishes food services. She said these wrap-around support services allow our students to concentrate more on their studies and a little less on some of their financial challenges. In her spare time, you will find Nicole out enjoying nature and any type of water sport. She especially loves to hike, swim, Kayak, and will soon be adding cage diving with the great whites off the shores of San Francisco to her bucket list of fun. Good luck with that one, Nicole!

"Now, I get to share my experiences and knowledge with those who share the same motivation for helping others as I do. What a blessing"

Melinda Johnson

Vice President of Administration

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Melinda joined Opportunity Junction in 2016 as the office manager and has been our vice president of administration since 2019. With more than 25 years experience in administrative roles, Melinda has worked in many different industries, including several tech startups and a handful of not-for-profit organizations. As the vice president of administration, Melinda oversees all of our finance, human resources, facilities, and IT functions. Her favorite part of what she does is assisting her clients – our staff – and ensuring they have the tools and support they need to be fabulous at what they do. Outside of the office, Melinda loves to read (especially urban fantasy), do crafty things with yarn, and play with her many, many cats and dogs.

"I love working for an organization where I can make a difference in the lives of others. Living in Antioch myself, it means a lot that we help others in my and neighboring communities to gain the skills and confidence necessary to find fulfilling employment."

Lynn Mendez

Professional Skills Instructor

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Lynn joined Opportunity Junction in June 2022 as a professional development instructor for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program working at Mt. Diablo Adult Education (MDAE). She first worked with OJ as a partner in February 2019 as a MDAE CNA instructor for the program’s first three classes Lynn was a CNA in the early ’90s for about five years, raised four kids, then became a medical assistant/phlebotomist. She went to nursing school and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 13 years ago. She has provided care in many facilities, including homes, behavioral health/mental health centers, prisons and schools.  Lynn is now working with students to prepare them for the professional aspect of their healthcare career. She also assists the LVN instructors with skills training and relief as needed.  Her favorite part of her job is first working with an amazing group of people that supports and empowers her. Second, is working with the students to help them become the best version of themselves. “Witnessing the bright eyes on day one and the confidence attained throughout the 12 weeks is amazing,” she said.  Outside of work, Lynn enjoys time with her children who have become four grown beautiful men who have given her four grandchildren  who now own her heart! She loves her husband of 34 years and three big old dogs whom she plays with every day. For fun, she enjoys biking, swimming laps and taking her scooter around the neighborhood!

Viviann Negrete Mosqueda

Career Counselor

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Viviann joined Opportunity Junction in 2021 after graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 2020. During her time there, she was a peer coach and a tutor, which gave her the opportunity to be a mentor for other students. Now as a career counselor, she guides members of the community toward stable employment. Viviann enjoys making an impact in her community and takes pride in being part of an organization that makes a difference. When she is not providing career services, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, being surrounded by nature, cooking, and watching new movies/shows. 

"Knowing you are making a difference and impacting your community in a positive way is what truly motivates me. I take a lot of pride in where I come from and in the work we do."

Hilarie O'Connor

Manager of Professional Development

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Hilarie joined Opportunity Junction in June 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and minored in psychology.  Following graduation, she went on to earn a master’s degree in psychology and worked in recruiting for several years. Currently, Hilarie is the alumni manager at OJ and performs outreach to support program graduates in all aspects of career planning and career counseling. Hilarie finds the role she has in helping program alum pursue career goals both rewarding and exciting as no one day is like the next. Beyond work, Hilarie can be found attending her four teenage kids' activities or taking walks with her dog and husband.

"I am proud to say that I work at Opportunity Junction. The staff, and the people we serve, all have in common the desire to work hard and help others."

Yemi Oni-Orisan

CNA Program Director

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Nadya Poveda

Program Coordinator

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Nadya joined Opportunity Junction in 2019 as the program coordinator for the Technology Center. She holds a certificate in business administration in small business management from Rafael Landivar University in Guatemala and an associate degree in culinary arts from Santa Ana College. Before joining Opportunity Junction’s Administrative Careers Training program, she worked as a head pantry chef at The Top of The Mark in San Francisco for six years. After her husband suffered an injury at work, she joined our job training program to gain the necessary skills to work in an office. She completed the program as a member of Class 24 in 2008. Nadya is bilingual in English and Spanish. After completing her internship in February 2008, she began working at La Tapatia as an administrative office assistant, where she then worked for 12 years.  In 2019, Nadya had the opportunity to apply for the bilingual program coordinator position at the Technology Center. She was extremely happy to be back, noting that it felt like she never left. As an alumna of the ACT program, she was able to witness how this organization provides training and life skills that transform lives. She feels pride and satisfaction from working for an organization that aims to make a difference in the lives of others in a meaningful way. Nadya’s main role at the Tech Center is to assist our community by offering them classes, services and resources to obtain the new skills they need to succeed.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going out to eat, and watching TV, especially movies, series, and food shows. She has a passion for cooking. It gives her the ability to be creative. She also enjoys being near the water as it gives her an immeasurable sense of peace.

Debbie Rich

CNA Instructor

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Debbie joined Opportunity Junction in June 2021 as the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) instructor for the new program in Antioch. Debbie grew up in Antioch and has served the community as a nurse for 28 years with a varied background of bedside nursing, drug-abuse nursing and oncology/hematology nursing, prior to joining OJ. She has many years of experience working with youth and loves teaching her students! She enjoys seeing the evolution from a scared student on the first day of clinicals to a confident CNA after graduation. Outside of work, she’s a voracious reader – especially when it comes to political thrillers – and she loves serving in her faith community, walking/hiking, quilting and gardening.

"At this stage of my life I’m wanting to give back and am excited to have the chance to do so through Opportunity Junction. I firmly believe in helping people become self-sufficient and am excited to teach this CNA class to be able to accomplish that!"

Brianna Robinson

Vice President of Programs

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Brianna joined Opportunity Junction in 2006 first as a volunteer and then in 2007 as a staff member. After serving in various roles, Brianna became the vice president of programs in 2012. Brianna earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Furman University and her master’s degree in educational psychology and educational administration from Temple University. She is a former high school teacher, coach, and administrator. In her current role, she oversees program outcomes and supports staff with their clients. Her favorite part about her work is seeing the various components of different programs come together for positive outcomes for our clients. Outside of OJ, Brianna can be found on a field playing softball or kickball or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

"I love being part of an organization that truly impacts our community. We serve an area in great need, and I feel lucky to work here with the most dedicated and caring people I know."

Shaun Samuels

Business Services Manager

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Shaun joined Opportunity Junction in July 2019 as a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Career Counselor and quickly transitioned to business services manager.  He has more than eight years of experience in workforce development; he previously worked with Robert Half Office Team as a staffing manager/recruiter and with the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, serving as a placement/career coach. In his current role as business services manager, Shaun is responsible for creating and maintaining employer relationships and connecting them to program participants for job placement. Shaun’s favorite part about his job is helping our participants get out of their comfort zone to realize their potential, regain their confidence, and give them the gift of a job!  Outside of work, Shaun is a talented and recognized branding and portrait photographer. He has been doing photography for five years.

Janelle Stauffer

Program Coordinator

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Janelle joined Opportunity Junction as the program assistant in 2019. She has several years of customer service and administrative experience. Janelle works closely to assist staff and our Administrative Career Training (ACT) program and manages our front office. She absolutely loves working with our participants, and her favorite part is seeing them come full circle when they complete our ACT program. She said it is an honor to be a part of something that has such a positive impact on so many lives. She enjoys being able to witness our participants gain the knowledge and confidence to find a career that they love. Outside of work, Janelle enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and being at every sports game to cheer her on. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and finding new TV shows to binge watch.

"If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're not making the best of your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better."

Annabelle Villanueva

Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

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Annabelle joined Opportunity Junction in February 2019 with several years of varied administrative experience. She always wanted a career where she could make an impact in her community. She first started working with a career counselor at Opportunity Junction to help her navigate the job market. The counselor then encouraged her to apply for the outreach coordinator position that became available with Opportunity Junction. Annabelle enjoys going out into the community to share with Contra Costa residents and other local organizations information about Opportunity Junction’s no-cost programs, which can benefit individuals and their families. Annabelle said she always wanted a job where she could make a difference, and working at Opportunity Junction has been rewarding. It is her passion to help people and see the outcome of our work: people getting jobs!

"I always wanted a job where I could make a difference. It is my passion to help people and it is rewarding working at Opportunity Junction. I love to see the outcome of our work: people getting jobs!"

Nolan Yee

Data Analyst

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Nolan has been with Opportunity Junction as a data analyst since 2019. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical biology with highest honors from UC Berkeley, he worked for eight years doing research and development in analytical chemistry, where he applied statistics and programming to successfully tackle complex projects both independently and as acting technical lead for a team of scientists. This experience led him to transition to data science, which he achieved through intensive self-study and portfolio building. Shortly after, he began working with us, performing data analysis, web development, Salesforce development, and database administration. Nolan enjoys the technical challenges of applying machine-learning to gain insights about how we can better serve our community and creating automations and interfaces that make life easier for staff. Outside of work, you’ll find Nolan volunteering at church, cooking, making art or playing music.