CEO & Co-Founder of Kids in Konflict, and brings over 35 years of distinguished experience in youth behavioral and mental health services. He is a highly respected subject matter expert in prevention, early intervention, diversion, and the implementation of evidence-based programming aligned with Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) standards. Mr. Gardner owned and operated a residential facility for system-involved adolescent males for more than three decades and has served as a trusted consultant to group homes since 2010.

A nationally recognized expert in youth street gangs, Mr. Gardner is POST-certified and has provided advanced training, curriculum instruction, and professional development for law enforcement personnel, including at the San Bernardino Police Academy at San Bernardino Valley College. His extensive experience working across both community-based systems and public safety sectors positions him as a critical leader in advancing collaborative, results-driven approaches to youth intervention. Mr. Gardner is also a proud U.S. Air Force veteran.

Executive Director & Co-Founder of Kids in Konflict, and brings over 25 years of leadership and expertise in youth behavioral and mental health. She is a recognized subject matter expert in prevention, early intervention, youth development, social justice, diversion, and justice system involvement, with deep experience implementing evidence-based programming aligned with OJJDP best practices.

Ms. Jones is POST-certified and has delivered professional training and instruction for law enforcement personnel, including at the San Bernardino Police Academy. Her work emphasizes bridging juvenile justice systems with effective, research-driven intervention strategies that improve outcomes for system-involved youth. She is a retired Riverside County Probation Officer with 20 years of distinguished service and served for eight years as Program Director at a male juvenile residential facility. Widely respected for her expertise in facilitation and workforce training, Ms. Jones plays a vital role in building system capacity and advancing best practices. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.

RISE Manager for Kids in Konflict, and brings over a decade of dedicated experience working with system-involved youth and individuals impacted by maladaptive behaviors. She is a skilled leader in youth engagement and behavior change strategies, with specialized expertise in positive youth development, prevention, social-emotional learning (SEL), sports psychology and evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions.

In her leadership role, Ms. Martin oversees the design and implementation of high-impact programming that promotes resilience, accountability, and long-term success among youth. She plays a critical role in ensuring program fidelity, data-driven decision-making, and measurable outcomes for high-risk populations. Known for her ability to build trust and foster meaningful connections, Ms. Martin creates structured, supportive environments that drive lasting behavioral change. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Sports Psychology.

REHABILITATE Manager for Kids in Konflict, and brings more than 35 years of extraordinary leadership across senior management, criminal justice administration, public relations, education, and community engagement. Her career reflects a rare blend of operational mastery, system-level influence, and an unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of youth and families.

Before joining Kids in Konflict, Ms. Cole held senior management roles within a Fortune 500 company, where she oversaw multiple high‑stakes departments—including dispatch and call centers, central operations, and safety compliance. She supervised OSHA and FCC‑mandated training, led large multidisciplinary teams, and built systems that strengthened crisis response, workforce development, and organizational performance. Her leadership is widely recognized for its precision, accountability, and ability to elevate entire operational structures.

Ms. Cole also served 13 distinguished years with the Riverside County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer II, Field Officer, and Juvenile Correctional Officer at Riverside Juvenile Hall. She managed complex wraparound caseloads and played key roles in interagency initiatives such as the SARB Advisory Board (Corona Unified School District), Parents on Point (Roosevelt High School), and the Riverside Police Department’s OWE program. Her work strengthened cross‑system collaboration and improved outcomes for youth navigating the justice system.

For the past decade, Ms. Cole has been a cornerstone of Kids in Konflict. As Director of Project REHABILITATE, she developed the program’s restorative justice model, integrating reentry services, court‑ordered classes, and trauma‑responsive interventions. She leads supervisor training, facilitates parent and co‑parenting programs, and delivers life skills, career development, and legal awareness instruction. A Certified Credible Messenger (CM3), Ms. Cole is known for her unmatched ability to inspire accountability, healing, and personal transformation in youth and families.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Cole is a 12‑year track and field coach, a business owner (Butterfly Connection Catering), and a wardrobe and props specialist for theater. Her creativity, discipline, and deep community roots make her one of the most dynamic and influential leaders in the region’s youth‑serving ecosystem.

Ms. Cole holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Redlands and an Associate of Science in Criminal Law from Compton Community College. She is also a certified Parent Project Facilitator.

Administrative Management Assistant for Kids in Konflict, and brings over five years of experience in human services administration, specializing in intake, assessment, orientation, and enrollment processes. She plays a vital role in ensuring accessible, efficient entry points into services and a positive experience for participants and their families.

Ms. T is dedicated to continuous professional growth and is currently pursuing a college degree in Kinesiology, further strengthening her ability to support youth and community-based programming.

RISE Supervisor for Kids in Konflict, and brings a powerful combination of professional dedication and lived experience to her role at Kids in Konflict. She plays an integral role in program delivery, youth engagement, and peer mentorship, using her experience to build trust, strengthen relationships, and inspire positive transformation.

Ms. Banks is committed to empowering youth through connection, guidance, and support, helping participants navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. She is currently pursuing a college degree in Administration of Justice as she continues to expand her impact in the field of youth services.

Executive Administrative Manager for Kids in Konflict and brings over 20 years of leadership experience in human services operations, program administration, and organizational management. She is instrumental in ensuring operational efficiency and the seamless delivery of high-quality programming across the organization.

Ms. Teena holds multiple professional certifications, including Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Gambling Addiction Counseling, and Pharmacy Technology. Her broad expertise strengthens the organization’s ability to deliver comprehensive, client-centered services and maintain strong program infrastructure.

RISE & REHABILITATE Education Specialist for Kids in Konflict. He is also a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with over 30 years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy to individuals facing substance use disorders and related challenges.

His clinical expertise includes evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), cognitive reappraisal, trauma-informed care, and relational talk therapy. His work is grounded in current research and best practices in behavioral health, emphasizing client-centered, culturally responsive, and outcomes-driven care.

An accomplished educator, Mr. Smith has extensive experience working with low-income, system-involved Latino, Black, and Indigenous youth and their families. He utilizes culturally responsive, trauma-informed, whole-person, and developmentally appropriate practices informed by research on resilience and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). His approach emphasizes trust-building, empowerment, and the development of practical coping and decision-making skills to support long-term growth and recovery.

Mr. Smith is highly skilled in:

• Conducting comprehensive assessments and intake/readmission services

• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans

• Providing crisis intervention and relapse prevention support

• Facilitating referrals to medical, social, and mental health services

• Delivering services across inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, correctional, and school-based settings

He also has extensive experience working with children in both therapeutic and educational environments, including teaching middle school in Alaska and managing group homes for system-involved youth with significant behavioral and emotional challenges. His work reflects a strong commitment to fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and positive youth development.

Mr. Smith is a proud United States Army veteran.

Administrative Supervisor & Spanish Translator for Kids in Konflict, and brings more than seven years of experience supporting foster care and probation‑involved youth across key transition‑age programs, including the Independent Living Program (ILP), Transition Age Youth Foster Assistance Program (TAYFAP), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and NEXTUP. Her extensive work within these systems has given her a deep understanding of the administrative, operational, and relational supports required to effectively serve system‑involved youth.

In her role at KIK, Ms. Figueroa leverages this expertise to strengthen organizational operations, streamline administrative processes, and enhance internal communication across all programs. She ensures that KIK’s infrastructure remains responsive, efficient, and aligned with the needs of both staff and participants.

As the organization’s primary English–Spanish translator, Ms. Figueroa plays a vital role in advancing culturally and linguistically responsive communication for Latino youth and families. Her work promotes equitable access, deepens family engagement, and reinforces KIK’s commitment to culturally competent service delivery.

Widely recognized for her professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication to youth well‑being, Ms. Figueroa is a trusted and valued member of the Kids in Konflict team. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management to further expand her impact within the field.

Development & Training Specialist and Child and Adolescent Development expert for Kids in Konflict, brings over 30 years of distinguished leadership in advancing health and human development initiatives. She is widely recognized for designing and implementing high-impact curricula and evidence-based programming in substance use prevention, early intervention, workforce development, behavioral and mental health, and cognitive behavioral interventions serving high-risk and system-involved populations, including reentry populations. Throughout her career, Ms. Bonilla has successfully secured more than $25 million in grant funding, supporting large-scale, transformative programs.

Ms. Bonilla has held senior leadership roles with the City and County of San Francisco Mayor’s Office and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). She has also collaborated with leading academic institutions, including the University of California, the University of Nebraska, Johns Hopkins University, and California State University, Los Angeles. She is the founder of the Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire, serving both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Ms. Bonilla holds a Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development, a Graduate Urban Fellowship in Public Administration from Baruch College (CUNY), and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Social Work from California State University, East Bay.

Social Media & Marketing Manager for Kids in Konflict, brings over 17 years of professional experience in digital media, marketing, and youth‑serving environments. She develops strategic, high‑impact digital content that elevates organizational visibility and strengthens community engagement.

Drawing on her training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Ms. Vega brings a trauma‑informed, youth‑centered perspective to all communications, ensuring messaging is developmentally appropriate and aligned with evidence‑based practices.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, expected in 2027.