Our Team

Veronica Goei

Executive Director

Veronica Goei is an innovative and visionary leader who is passionate about promoting equity and opportunities for underserved families with young children. She has been the Executive Director of GFS for 21 years. Under her leadership, GFS has grown from a single-site Family Resource Center serving 125 families to a multi-site center serving more than 3000 families annually through a comprehensive range of high-quality programs, services, and initiatives. Veronica is a highly respected influencer among early childhood educators and has been instrumental in the design and quality of local, state, and national initiatives related to families with young children. She has volunteered on numerous Boards of Directors and is currently an officer on the Board of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN). She has also been invited to speak to early care and education professionals at both state and national conferences. Throughout her tenure at GFS, Veronica has taken a collaborative approach in leading the organization and in the development of solutions. The model she created ensures that programs are high-quality, research-informed, and incorporate community input and feedback. Veronica is a founding member of the Si Se Puede Collective (SSPC). Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Chile and is a graduate of the Harvard University Strategic Perspective in Nonprofit Management Program, and the HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Leadership Institute.

Leslie Flowers

Development and Communications Director

Leslie is responsible for Grail Family Services’ fund development and communications activities, including grant proposals, newsletters, social media content, and fundraising events. Her background spans journalism, human resources, and corporate training. As an avid reader and lifelong learner, Leslie is thrilled to be working with an organization that focuses on children’s literacy and academic success. A native Californian, Leslie has a BA in journalism from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and spent a year abroad studying in Basel, Switzerland. She enjoys travel, hiking, volunteering, theater, and reading.

Liliana Amaro

Operations Director

Liliana is responsible for ensuring that GFS’s day-to-day operations run smoothly. This includes overseeing the safety and maintenance of our two facilities, coordinating human resources activities, interfacing with vendors and suppliers, and managing special projects. Prior to joining GFS, she worked for 10 years as an administrative assistant for a real estate development and investment company. Liliana holds a BS in Business and Finance with a minor in Economics from San Jose State University. When not working she loves to travel.

Carmina Valdivia

Director of Programs

Carmina has worked with children and families in East San Jose for the past 17 years in different settings including schools, home-based mental health services, and community outreach programs. She volunteered at Grail Family Services when she was in college and is excited to join the team as Director of Programs. Carmina graduated from San Jose State University with a Master’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development.

Sonia Avitia

Chief Operations Officer

Born in Durango, Mexico and arriving as an infant, Sonia considers herself a San Jose Native and is bilingual and bicultural. She is a Santa Clara University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and has over 25 years of professional experience in operations management and leadership development with corporate, nonprofit and government agencies. Currently, she continues to run her own business as Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, enjoys spending time with her husband of 21 years and her family and loves to escape into a good book. Sonia and her family have a long history and lifetime commitment to working on social justice, immigrant issues and other needs in the Latino community. The Avitia Family was awarded the La Familia Award from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley in 2003.

Nora Guerra

Professional Development Manager

Nora recently retired from the Oak Grove School District as Director of Educational Innovation and Development after serving 36 years in the public school system. Her responsibilities included Family Engagement projects and Early Care and Education collaborations throughout the county. She is a member of the Santa Clara County Office of Education's Strong Start Coalition and the Local Planning Council. Nora also served in the Alum Rock School District for 11 years as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services as well as other roles including Academic Achievement Officer, Director of Curriculum, and Coordinator of Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment. Prior to central office administration, Nora taught both elementary and middle school; and was a middle school assistant principal and elementary school principal.

Anarita Reyes

Preschool Program Manager

Anarita is Preschool Program Manager, overseeing both GFS State-funded Preschools. She is also Site Supervisor for the Story Road Preschool campus. She has been working with children from infants to school age in Santa Clara County since 2003 as a Lead Teacher and Center Director. Most recently she was a Family Support Specialist and Center Director at Kidango. Anarita has a Child Development Program Director Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She served for two years as Vice President of the District Advisory Committee in the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District. Anarita has a BA in Child Development with an emphasis in bicultural education, and a Masters in Business Administration. She enjoys spending her free time with her two children, Joseph and Jericho. Anarita is the author of her inspirational biography book, “Woman of Hope.”

Carmen Lopez-Alfaro

Site Supervisor, San Antonio Campus

Carmen is a preschool teacher and the GFS Family Math Coordinator. She has been in the field of Early Education since 2008. She helps children to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally by understanding and respecting their cultural backgrounds, family values and beliefs. Carmen has a BA in Liberal Studies with a Cross-Cultural Emphasis from the National Hispanic University, and a site supervisor permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Jonathan Guzman Hernandez

Preschool Enrollment Coordinator

Jonathan is the Enrollment Coordinator for both State-funded preschools at GFS. He has experience as an after-school facilitator for school-age children, and he is an ongoing volunteer mentor working with at-promise youth in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. He believes community and education are important keys in raising children to be strong leaders and compassionate community members. Jonathan graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development, concentration in community focus. He is currently working toward his Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance in order to become a high school counselor.

Alma Ruiz

Lead Preschool Teacher, San Antonio campus

Alma is originally from Jalisco, Mexico. She has been working with preschool children for 11 years and has a Child Development Master Teacher permit. Prior to GFS, she was an associate teacher at Kidango. Alma is the mother of two beautiful girls, 3 years old and 7 months old. She loves working with children and making the classroom a fun place to learn and grow. Children are our future!

Maria Ornelas

Preschool Teacher

Maria was born and raised in San Jose, California. Her mission is to inspire and encourage students to strive for greatness and to teach children through hands-on experiences to realize their full potential and become the best they can be. Maria graduated from San Jose Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development and an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts: behavior and social sciences. She is currently attending San Jose State University to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent development. Outside of her academic education, Maria attends early childhood education workshops for fun and enjoys hiking.

Silvia Beltran

Preschool Teacher

Silvia is a preschool teacher at the GFS Preschool San Antonio campus. She attended De Anza and Mission Collage to further her studies in child development. Silvia has worked with kids for over 7 years in State-funded programs. She is a mother with two children who believes in starting education at an early age to help make kids' lives successful, so in the future they will make this community great. Silvia came back to GFS because she believes in the cause of this organization and she knows that this center will help many children and families get the help they need to become successful.

Charissa Duran

Lead Preschool Teacher, Story Road campus

Charissa Duran has been working with children for 10 years. From 2011 to 2014 she worked in Montessori preschools and from 2014 to 2021 she worked at Kidango Hubbard Preschool. Charissa graduated from the National Hispanic University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in child development. Working with children and making connections with families brings her a lot of joy, and she looks forward to helping children learn and grow. Outside of work Charissa enjoys spending time with her children and family.

Sylvia Vargas

Preschool Teacher

Sylvia is a teacher for the GFS State-funded Preschool Story Road campus. She has been working with children from infants to school age in Santa Clara County since 2012. Most recently she was a Lead Teacher at Skyport Bright Horizons. Sylvia has a Child Development Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She served for three years in Church Community helping homeless people. Sylvia has a BA in Child Development with a minor in Spanish. She loves to help others in need and has a great connection with children and parents.

Selena Arzate

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Rosa Lopez

Early Care and Education Manager

Rosie is the Early Care and Education Manager for the ABCE Program. This is a new initiative that promotes economic wellbeing, collective agency, and neighborhood belonging. Prior to this role, Rosie was GFS Family Literacy Coordinator and coordinated, implemented, and evaluated GFS’s literacy programs. Before joining the GFS team, Rosie was an Instructional Assistant in the Central Valley providing 6th and 8th grade students with online services to improve their reading and math comprehension. She has also worked as a bilingual paraeducator assisting teachers, students, and parents. Rosie graduated from CSU Stanislaus with a BA in Psychology and Spanish. She is working toward her Master’s in Educational Leadership from California State University East Bay.

Ariadna Gallardo

Family Engagement Manager

Ariadna is responsible for the implementation, evaluation and effectiveness of the Birth and Beyond Family Empowerment Program. In this role she oversees the provision of promotion, prevention and early intervention in families with newborn through age five children; focusing on school readiness, physical health, behavioral health, social-emotional and early literacy. She also trains, supports and coaches licensed family child care providers through the SEEDS Family Child Care Program. Before coming to GFS, Ariadna worked as a Family Advocate providing, creating and coordinating services with low-income families that encourage strength, healthy living and overall well-being. She has also worked with children on the spectrum as a Behavior Specialist. Ariadna graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education.

Carmen Aguila

Family Literacy Coordinator

Carmen is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and evaluating GFS's family literacy programs for adults and their children. She works closely with other GFS staff to ensure the seamless integration of center-based and school-based literacy programs. Carmen is from Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico. She has four years of experience working with the Early Start Program through the San Andreas Regional Center. Carmen graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Justice Studies. She enjoys exercising and spending time with her family.

Arlyn Mora

Parent Services Coordinator

Arlyn is responsible for coordinating and implementing services provided through the Birth and Beyond Family Empowerment Program. Before joining Grail Family Services, Arlyn worked as a Research Coordinator where she conducted studies on school age outcomes in Spanish and English bilingual children living in the Bay Area. Arlyn graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development.

Katlin Kane

Evaluation Manager

Katlin brings 10 years of experience working with middle school youth and families in East Palo Alto and in San Francisco, starting as an advisor and eventually becoming a program manager for an organization that helps students be the first in their families to graduate from college. During her time in youth development and college access, she has focused on community-building and evaluation to constantly improve programming for students, families, and staff. Currently, Katlin is pursuing a Master’s in Measurement & Evaluation from the University of Connecticut.

Martha Perez Sanchez

Communications Liaison

Martha is a first-generation immigrant born in Oaxaca, Mexico and raised in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a double major in Spanish Studies, Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism and obtained a minor in Education. During her undergraduate studies, she focused on the study of the Spanish language and the acquisition of English as a Second Language which she has put into practice through the implementation of literary and language programs for elementary-aged students. During her free time she enjoys swimming, reading, and going on walks with her puppy. 

Karool Graciano Espino

Family Leadership Coordinator

Karool was born and raised in San Jose. She graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.A. in Race and Ethnic Studies with a double minor in Sociology and Anthropology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Prior to GFS Karool worked as an intern for her university's Campus, Diversity, and Inclusion Center where she worked with first-generation students through co-teaching, mentoring, and program planning. Being a Chicana, first-generation, daughter of Mexican immigrants she has experienced many challenges but has also had the privilege to complete a post-secondary education. Now she would like to support and provide resources to the next generations.

Brenda Arenas

Community Navigator

Brenda is the Community Navigator for the ABCE program. She is a bridge builder that works toward creating strong communication within the ABCE and Eastside grown cohorts as well as within the community navigators of the Si Se Puede Collective. She guides cohort members to complete 2 - 3 goals by meeting with them monthly and also connects them with resources within the SSPC through our No Wrong Door Approach. Before her new role, Brenda coordinated the GFS Child Enrichment program, worked as a Guerrera in the Public Health Campaign, implemented several family literacy programs, and supported Preschool staff. She has also studied child development at De Anza College and Mission College, and has a passion for working with families and children. Brenda has worked at GFS for 18 years!

Edith Arenas

Program Associate

Edith is a Program Associate at Grail Family Services. She is from San José, California, and graduated from San José State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. Edith grew up attending programs at GFS, including Leeme and Family Story Time. She has also volunteered in the Yes We Can…Read! Plus and the Summer Program. The GFS team has helped her and other kids in the community which has inspired her to give back to the community she grew up in. She hopes to make positive change for future generations.

Rosibell Adolfo

Community Engagement Specialist

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Rosibell has experience in Social Work, Early Childhood Education and Crisis Intervention. Her latest internship was at a non-profit which serves and empowers survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She also does volunteer work in suicide prevention and supports families who have lost a loved one to suicide. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University, with a Bachelors in Social Work. She has made it her life's mission to end the stigma around discussing difficult topics like Domestic Violence and Suicide.

Mirla Cornielles

Home Visitor

 

Gabriela Zamora

Community Promotor

Gabriela comes from Michoacan, Mexico, and has been with GFS for 5 years. During her first 2 years at GFS, her work focused on the enrichment of newborn to 2-year old children. She then moved to work with preschool children during her 3rd year as teacher assistant. Now she is the Community Health Promoter in a program through Santa Clara County. Gabriela has studied Child Development at Mission College. She loves working with children, and is pursuing a career as a preschool teacher.

Martha Frias

Child Enrichment Teacher

Martha comes from Zacatecas, Mexico, and has been with GFS for over 10 years, focusing on the enrichment of 1 to 2 year olds. She has studied child development at De Anza College. Martha is very creative and loves working with children. She is the proud mother of two children.

Irma Contreras

Community Promotor

Irma is from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Irma began her journey at GFS as a community member and engaged parent of three kids. She joined the GFS team four years ago as the child enrichment teacher in our infant room, and has continued her studies at Mission College in the area of child development. She has also worked with children as a GFS Preschool Assistant Teacher. During this last year Irma has worked as a Public Health Promoter in the program throughout the County of Santa Clara, distributing resources to families in the community and raising awareness to continue in this journey of protecting ourselves and life in general. Working in this area has given her the opportunity to meet many people and to help families find the service they really need.

Gladys Veliz

Teacher Assistant

Gladys was born in Guatemala where she worked as a preschool teacher for five years. In 2012 she moved to San Jose, CA where she is happily raising two children, her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. Gladys started her English language learning at GFS in 2019 and became a substitute for Special Education classes in the Alum Rock Unified School District. Now, she is taking child development classes at Mission College in order to grow in her field and develop the professional skills she needs to succeed in her career. Gladys joined the GFS team in August of 2022 which allows her to have a great work-life balance and ultimately is what brings her the most joy.

Swanie-Lyn Dalit

Teacher Apprentice

Swanie-Lyn Dalit is the Teacher Apprentice for our Story Rd. Preschool location. She is a Filipino-American single mother of three loving boys named Matthew, Michael, and Micah. She is currently in the Apprenticeship Program under Santa Clara Quality Matters at Mission College in her journey to obtain her teacher's permit in order to teach young children. Her love for active play and her interest in life and children development encouraged her to pursuit a teaching career. Swanie-Lyn believes that teaching young children requires hard work, attention, and care. Every child is different, every mind is not the same, but every child is capable of becoming successful and confident with the help of teachers, family, and the community pushing them to never give up.

Mariela Bonilla

Toddler Teacher