Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-Founder
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Ron Gardner is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kids in Konflict, leading the organization's mission to create pathways of healing, restoration, and opportunity for youth, young adults, and families. With more than 35 years of executive leadership experience, he is a recognized expert in juvenile justice, behavioral health, foster care, and community-based services. Throughout his career, Ron has developed and led multimillion-dollar programs that deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive solutions for vulnerable youth and families. His leadership continues to drive innovative peer support, wellness, restorative justice, and reentry programs that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create lasting change. Mr. Gardner is also a proud U.S. Air Force veteran.  Mr. Gardner reports to the Board of Directors.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Co-Founder
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Lynette Jones is the COO and Co-Founder of Kids in Konflict, helping lead the organization's mission to empower youth, strengthen families, and support lasting restoration. With more than 25 years of leadership experience, she is a recognized expert in juvenile justice, behavioral health, youth development, prevention, and early intervention services. Throughout her career, Lynette has led programs serving marginalized and system-involved youth, including 20 years as a Riverside County Probation Officer and eight years as Program Director of a juvenile residential treatment facility. Her leadership has advanced evidence-based, trauma-informed programming that promotes accountability, resilience, and positive youth outcomes. Ms. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and is widely recognized for her expertise in designing and implementing effective service delivery models that improve outcomes for youth, families, and communities.  Ms. Jones reports to the CEO, Ron Gardner.

Specialist Assistant to the CEO & COO
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Ms. Teena serves as Specialist Assistant to the CEO and COO of Kids in Konflict, providing executive-level support and strengthening the organization's operational effectiveness. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources and executive leadership support, she helps advance organizational excellence and strategic initiatives. Her human resources expertise and professional certifications strengthen KIK's internal systems, workforce development, and organizational infrastructure.  Ms. Teena reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Lynette Jones.

Executive Support Assistant
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Stephanie Vega serves as Executive Support Assistant for Kids in Konflict, providing administrative and operational support to the Executive Leadership Team. Working closely with the Special Assistant to the CEO and COO, she helps coordinate communications, documentation, scheduling, and day-to-day organizational activities that support KIK's mission and services. With more than 17 years of experience in trauma-informed, youth-centered services, Stephanie brings expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and evidence-based practices. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and remains committed to supporting positive outcomes for youth, families, and communities.  Stephanie reports to the Special Assistant to the CEO/COO.

Clinical Director
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Gene Smith serves as Clinical Director for Kids in Konflict, providing clinical oversight for all KIK Support, Restoration & Wellness Specialist (SRW) team across the organization's RISE and RESTORE programs. A Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with more than 30 years of experience, he is recognized for his expertise in behavioral health, substance use treatment, peer support services, wellness coaching, and youth-focused interventions. Throughout his career, Gene has delivered therapeutic services across inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, correctional, and school-based settings. His leadership ensures that KIK's services are grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed practices that promote recovery, resilience, and positive outcomes. Mr. Smith is widely recognized for developing culturally responsive service delivery models that integrate behavioral health treatment, peer support, wellness coaching, restorative education, and reentry support to strengthen youth, families, and communities. He is also a proud United States Army veteran.   Gene reports to the COO, Lynette Jones.

Support, Restoration & Wellness Specialist (SRW II)
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Maralue Cole serves as a Senior Support, Restoration & Wellness Specialists II for Kids in Konflict, bringing extensive experience in juvenile justice, youth development, restorative practices, and family engagement. With 13 years of distinguished service in the Riverside County Probation Department, she has worked closely with system-involved youth and families to promote accountability, personal growth, and successful community reintegration. Throughout her career, Maralue has led initiatives that strengthen cross-system collaboration and improve outcomes for youth navigating the justice system. Her expertise includes restorative justice, reentry services, court-ordered education, trauma-responsive interventions, parent education, and life skills development. A Certified Credible Messenger (CM3), she is widely recognized for her ability to inspire healing, resilience, and lasting positive change in youth and families. Ms. Cole holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Redlands, an Associate of Science in Criminal Law from Compton Community College, and is a certified Parent Project Facilitator.   Ms. Cole reports to the Clinical Director, Gene Smith.

Support, Restoration & Wellness Specialist (SRW II)
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Alyssa Martin serves as a Senior Support, Restoration & Wellness Specialist II for Kids in Konflict, delivering evidence-based support, wellness, and educational services to marginalized and system-involved youth. With more than a decade of experience, she is recognized for her expertise in positive youth development, prevention, social-emotional learning (SEL), sports psychology, and cognitive behavioral interventions. Throughout her career, Alyssa has helped youth build resilience, strengthen decision-making skills, and achieve positive personal outcomes through trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices. Her work focuses on empowering young people to overcome challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and create pathways toward long-term success. Ms. Martin holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Sports Psychology.  Ms. Martin reports to the Clinical Director, Gene Smith.

Support, Restroration & Wellness Specialist (SRW I)
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Serinity Banks serves as a Support, Restoration & Wellness Specialist for Kids in Konflict, providing support, wellness, and educational services to marginalized and system-involved youth. With more than five years of experience and valuable lived experience, she is dedicated to helping young people overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve positive personal outcomes. Throughout her career, Serinity has empowered youth through meaningful connection, mentorship, and guidance, helping them strengthen decision-making skills, build confidence, and develop healthy pathways toward long-term success. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices that promote personal growth, accountability, and well-being. Ms. Banks is currently pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice as she continues to expand her impact in the field of youth development and community services.  Ms. Banks reports to the Clinical Director, Gene Smith.

Admissions, Data Control & Data Collection Specialist (Bilingual Spanish)
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Elizabeth Figueroa serves as an Admissions, Data Control & Data Collection Specialist for Kids in Konflict, serving as a primary point of contact for participant intake, enrollment, and program admissions. As a bilingual professional, she helps ensure youth and families have equitable access to services while supporting effective communication and engagement throughout the admissions process. Throughout her role, Elizabeth coordinates referrals, maintains participant records, tracks service delivery data, and supports compliance, reporting, and billing requirements. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance help ensure accurate documentation, seamless service delivery, and positive outcomes for youth, families, and community partners.  Ms. Figueroa reports the COO, Lynette Jones.

Admissions, Data Control & Data Collection Specialist
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Tatianna Reese serves as an Admissions, Data Control & Data Collection Specialist for Kids in Konflict, serving as a primary point of contact for youth, families, and community partners seeking services. She plays an essential role in supporting participant intake, enrollment, and admissions while ensuring a welcoming and efficient experience for those entering KIK programs. Throughout her role, Tatianna assists with referral coordination, participant record management, service data collection, and program tracking activities that support reporting, billing, and organizational accountability. Her commitment to accuracy, organization, and client engagement helps strengthen program operations and contribute to positive outcomes for youth and families.   Ms. Reese reports to the COO, Lynetee Jones.

Training & Development Specialist
Kids In Konflict (KIK)

Sandy Bonilla serves as the Training & Development Specialist for Kids In Konflict, leading workforce development and professional training initiatives that strengthen service delivery across the organization's RISE and RESTORE programs. With more than 30 years of experience in human services, youth development, workforce training, and public administration, she is recognized for her expertise in building staff capacity and advancing high-quality, mission-driven services.

Throughout her career, Sandy has developed and implemented training programs that equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively support youth, families, and communities. Her work focuses on advancing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, strengths-based, and evidence-informed practices that promote healing, resilience, accountability, and positive outcomes. Ms. Bonilla is widely recognized for her expertise in instructional design, workforce development, grant development, and organizational capacity building, helping ensure that KIK staff deliver services with excellence, consistency, and fidelity to the organization's mission. She holds a Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development and has secured more than $25 million in grant funding throughout her distinguished career.  Ms. Bonilla reports to the COO, Lynette Jones.