Meghan has been a leader in the workforce development and reentry community since 2006 which led to her founding H.I.R.E. in 2020 in response to the overwhelming need for service linkages and employment in Orange County for system involved people.

​Among her many accolades, she has most recently been recognized as one of Orange County’s top Women of Year by the OC Business Journal and an OC Visionary by the LA Times. 

​Medlin is known for her dedication to the Orange County community, specializing in recidivism reduction, workforce development, and poverty  eradication. She has been an integral part of various initiatives such as Prop 47, AB109, Stepping Up, Ban the Box, and the Continuum of Care board. She represents the community at the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council and Orange County Community Corrections Partnership.

Meghan is also an active member of the FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association and InfraGard Los Angeles.

She has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Redlands, a certificate in Gang Prevention and Intervention from Coastline Community College and a Master of Advance Study in Criminology, Law & Society from UC Irvine.

Marta Barreto is a detail-oriented Navy Veteran and aerospace professional who serves as a lived experience mentor in our T.I.M.E. youth mentorship program. She is committed to helping people flourish and communities thrive. Marta serves as a guest lecturer and youth mentor and takes this spirit into her professional work, from communicating across teams with a shared mission, to delivering high-quality results.

Marta has a Master in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management from Cal State University San Bernardino. Marta shares her professional and lived experiences with at-promise youth in our community through our T.I.M.E. mentor program.

Caroline is a PhD student studying Criminology, Law, and Society at the University of California, Irvine. She previously worked on a research project connecting incarcerated parents and their kids via video visits. She also worked as a social worker at an adoption agency and gained experience supporting people through major life changes. Caroline is passionate about reducing barriers to enable a successful transition to life after incarceration where all people are empowered to thrive.​

Caroline earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in criminal justice, global health, environmental studies, and gender and women’s studies. In her free time, Caroline enjoys long-distance bike rides, yoga, and reading.

Asia came to H.I.R.E. as an MFT Trainee via Chapman University’s external traineeship program and was promoted to our Program Specialist after a year. This role helps to build out our therapeutic program and internships, develop organizational partnerships, serve as a lead to programs staff, and supports clients with with 1:1 and group therapy/support.

A first generation college graduate, Asia is currently working toward a M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy and upon graduation will seek licensure as both a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor as their second major career in life.

​Asia has recently exited a seventeen year career in disability services, specifically at the intersections of disability justice and advocacy. Their most recent work involved supporting disability service organizations in enhancing their practices and culture change toward true inclusivity, dignity, and human rights, in order to align with stated values. In shifting to this new career, Asia bridges personal and professional lived experiences and perspectives with their own social justice orientation in support of others in ways they define.

Daniel “Danny” Gomez is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole back in 2016 and since then has dedicated his life to making amends and giving back to the community. Prior to that, Danny struggled with homelessness and substance abuse. During his incarceration, Danny participated in various rehabilitation efforts such as facilitating self-help groups (i.e., AA, NA, and Anger Management), playing guitar in the chapel’s Praise & Worship Team, and becoming a certified Peer Literacy Mentor to help incarcerated individuals pursue higher education. Danny was paroled in July 2023, and since then has pursued his education; achieving his BA in Sociology back in May 2025.

Danny currently works at CSUSB as a writing consultant/receptionist. He absolutely loves to help students achieve their academic endeavors as well as any writing projects in general (i.e., master’s theses, resumes, poetry, emails, etc.). Danny chose the MSW pathway because of his lived experience and strong desire to help people. He is interested in mental health and working with vulnerable populations such as people who were formerly incarcerated, have had substance use challenges, people with disabilities or who have experienced homelessness. Danny aims to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) after he obtains his master’s degree.

In his free time, Danny enjoys exercising, playing video games, listening to music, and playing guitar. Moreover, he absolutely loves dogs.

Ingrid Gonzalez is a second year Master Social Work (MSW) student at Cal State Domínguez Hills. She possesses a BS in Human Services and Sociology also from Cal State Domingue Hills. Ingrid prides herself on being a wife and mother of three beautiful children including two daughters and a son with autism. Ingrid loves to hike and go running in her free time but devotes most of her time taking her kids to soccer and spending time with her family. Ingrid is in recovery from a past of addiction and brings that experience into her work and education. She works full-time for a local shelter assisting people experiencing homelessness in obtaining their documents needed for housing. She loves candy and has a passion for helping others.

Samantha (Sam) Harris joins us in a contract role as our Programs Manager. Sam has 12+ years of experience working as a Director of Programs at a non-profit organization that focused on workforce development targeting opportunity youth.  She hired, trained and supervised up to 18 staff over multiple departments including: hard skill training, admissions, case management, support services, employment and education readiness.

Sam also helped develop a hybrid learning model during the pandemic and develop curriculum for adult learners.  She brings a trauma informed care approach and is passionate about meeting people where they’re at and helping people turn their lives around. In addition, she has experience in staffing and recruiting.

Sam has an MA in Education from Ashford University with a specialization in family and community services.

Elizabeth (Liz) Mendez is an experienced nonprofit and education leader with over 15 years of work in school operations, HR, and program management. A former teacher and school administrator, she understands how to support students of all ages, along with the educators, families, and communities who support them. In her most recent role as Area Manager with Catapult Learning, Liz ensured that all program implementation guidelines were met. She led a team of supervisors, provided leadership development for her growing team, and worked closely with school partners to ensure smooth and efficient program operations. This experience has shaped her leadership lens as Director of Operations at H.I.R.E., where she brings a thoughtful, systems-minded approach to building strong, mission-driven teams. She’s passionate about education and equity and is committed to expanding access and opportunity across all communities. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University and M.A. degrees in School Leadership and Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Karyn Mendoza is a founding board member and Advisory Board Member, and currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor, overseeing master’s level interns. She is passionate about second chances, which is why H.I.R.E.’s mission resonates so deeply with her. Karyn has held various leadership roles in both non-profit and educational settings. She also runs a private practice offering licensed therapy and counseling.​

Karyn has worked with individuals of all ages facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, work-related issues, self-esteem, substance abuse, and day-to-day stressors. She entered this field with a strong desire to support others on their journey toward healing and living wholeheartedly.​

Karyn earned her BA in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, and her MA in Social Work from USC. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Caleb works as a Case Manager supporting individuals who are navigating the transition from incarceration back into the workforce. With a background in community-based case management and a deep understanding of the barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals, Caleb is passionate about helping clients reclaim agency and build sustainable futures.

​Prior to joining H.I.R.E., Caleb worked directly with formerly homeless individuals across Orange County, helping them stabilize housing, access resources, and rebuild independence. He brings a client-centered, trauma-informed approach to his work, grounded in empathy, accountability, and practical solutions.​

Caleb is committed to reducing recidivism through employment-focused interventions, empowering clients to overcome systemic challenges and pursue meaningful opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys fitness training, film analysis, and spending time with his family.

Hung Nguyen was sentenced to Life Without Parole at 19 in 1998, but made a commitment to rehabilitation after his mother’s passing in 2004. He identified the factors that led him to make poor choices and opted to enroll in various self-help programs, including anger management, which enabled him to channel his anger and negative tendencies into a positive response. He also participated in the Alternative to Violence Project, learning to channel his emotions positively, respect others, and reject criminal thinking.

After 23 years of incarceration, Governor Brown commuted his sentence in 2018, and Hung was released. Now a proud member of H.I.R.E., he is dedicated to giving back to the community and making amends for his past actions through volunteer work and active participation in the organization’s efforts.

Lizbeth (Liz) is a recent graduate from UC Irvine, and got her bachelor’s in Criminology, Law & Society and Psychological Science. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work at CSU Dominguez Hills.

Lizbeth will be receiving her MSW concentration in Community Mental Health and seeks to become a Licensed Clinical Social Work after graduation. She is interested in working with the incarcerated/system-impacted community to provide counseling and support needed for individuals to better reintegrate into society. She is passionate about social reform and advocating for reducing the barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release.

Irving «Irv» Relova is a T.I.M.E. youth mentor who was previously incarcerated for twenty-five years.  He was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole in 1996 and his sentence was commuted in 2018 by Governor Brown.

While incarcerated with very limited access to rehabilitative programming, he helped to start a Youth Diversion Program, mentoring justice involved youth brought to the prison once a month to meet with selected inmates.

Irv facilitated a weekly meditation group while incarcerated, with a focus on mindfulness and spiritual principles.

One of the first prisons to begin a shelter dog training program was at Lancaster.  Irv was with the program from the beginning, designing and manufacturing dog leashes, harnesses, crate pillows and blankets, as well as dog training.

Since his release from prison in 2019, Irv has participated in a number of trainings and teachings to cultivate compassion, completing the Compassion Cultivation Training © (CCT) from Stanford University.

As a former Youthful Offender, this work is critically important to Irv due to his life-long commitment to be of service to those who may benefit from his experience with the criminal justice system and mindfulness training, helping them to avoid the pitfalls. H.I.R.E. provides him with the opportunity to make his dream a reality.

His hobbies include training his dog, walks on the beach with his wife, listening to music, skateboarding, and cooking new and interesting dishes.

Aleena is a senior at UC Irvine majoring in Criminology, Law & Society and minoring in Psychological Science. She is interested in helping formerly incarcerated and system-impacted individuals overcome barriers that they face. She is passionate about being involved and helping those in the community receive the support that they need.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and going to concerts with friends. She aims to get experience helping justice-involved individuals and apply the knowledge she gains toward her future endeavors.

Nhut Vo is a tattoo artist and muralist, dog trainer, and a community coordinator for the Boundless Freedom Project. He also volunteers with nonprofit organizations that serve the reentry and incarcerated population, including H.I.R.E. as a T.I.M.E. youth mentor. ​

Nhut previously served 20 years in the state correctional institution system where he was initially sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole for a crime he was involved in when he was 16 years old. ​

During his time of confinement, he took responsibility for his past, and sought every opportunity to improve himself.  Nhut earned two Associate Degrees and become a certified Paralegal.  He volunteered to organize activity groups, led religious services, mentor at-risk youths, and train rescued dogs.

When the Supreme Court ruled that youth sentenced to Life Without Parole was a cruel and unusual punishment, Nhut was given a lifeline and eventually earned his freedom in 2020.  ​

Today, he is a grateful and humble contributing member of his community.  He is now dedicated to creating a pathway for men and women in a similar situation through his arts and entrepreneurship.

Nicole originally came to H.I.R.E. as our volunteer Volunteer Coordinator for over two years, and was hired as our Business Development Manager in early 2025. She brings over eight years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in business development and fostering corporate philanthropic partnerships. Nicole was previously the Senior Manager of Development and Corporate Engagement at Goodwill of Orange County where she cultivated and stewarded relationships with local businesses to support the organization’s mission. Prior to that, Nicole was at Roadtrip Nation as an Associate Director of Program Management, where she led strategic partner relationships, oversaw millions of dollars in revenue, and organized virtual and in-person events.​

Nicole is passionate about uplifting the stories and experiences of formerly incarcerated adults and youth, as well as connecting justice-involved individuals with career opportunities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Jessenia is an undergraduate student at California State University of Fullerton studying Human Services with a mental health concentration, graduatin in December 2025. She is currently applying for graduate school to pursue her master’s degree in social work.

Jessenia’s goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is passionate about supporting justice-impacted individuals through person-centered care. She brings experience in customer service working for UCI Health, peer mentorships at Cal State Fullerton, and administrative support with a strong interest in mental health advocacy and community-based work.