Alma Mendoza

Alma has been part of the Monarch team for over 14 years. She began her tenure as a volunteer in the Children and Youth Program and after completing the 65-hour peer counselor training in the summer of 2005,  she was hired as a children and youth advocate. In this role, Alma provided one-on-one peer counseling to children and youth and led the children and youth support groups, including family workshops for families working in the fields.

In January of 2007, Alma transitioned to working with the shelter program, where she gained most of her experience working with adult survivors. In 2010, Alma was trained in "A Window Between Worlds’ Children’s Leadership" therapeutic art program to work with families staying at the Mariposa Shelter.

In 2012, Alma participated in an 18-month experiential course to further enhance her advocacy skills, aiding her in obtaining her position as shelter case manager. Alma was also trained through NAMI Santa Cruz County Provider Education Course in order to best serve survivors experiencing mental illness.

In 2018, Alma graduated with honors from Cabrillo College with an Associate Degree in Sociology and Liberal Arts. Since February 2019, Alma has served as Monarch's Housing Program manager.