Board & Staff
At Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, it’s the people behind our work who make the greatest difference.
Our staff and board members are deeply rooted in this community and united by a shared commitment to supporting survivors, fostering healing, and building a future free from sexual violence. Each person brings a unique blend of experience, compassion, and dedication to their role — whether they’re supporting survivors on their healing journey, connecting individuals with vital resources, or guiding our organization with care and vision.
Together, we believe in the strength of community, the power of hope, and the right of every person to feel safe, supported, and heard.
Board Officers
Dennis J. Alexander
Board President
Dennis J. Alexander
Board President
Dennis Alexander, a Milwaukee, WI native, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1990, he relocated to Monterey to pursue his MBA at the Middlebury Institute of International Relations at Monterey. A Seaside resident since 1996, Alexander served two terms on the Seaside City Council until 2018. He is a retired teacher and reserve police officer with U.S. Peace Corps experience in the Philippines. His local volunteer work includes Rebuilding Together Monterey-Salinas, the American Red Cross, Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, Monterey County AIDS Project, and the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center.
Maggie Melone-Echiburú
Board Vice President
Maggie Melone-Echiburú
Board Vice President
Maggie serves as the Program Director for the Bay Area Region at SMASH, a residential college preparatory program for underrepresented high school students. Her prior role was Implementation Lead for the NASA Engineering Design Challenge, where she directed professional development for K-12 teachers and connected NASA scientists with student mentors across the country. As the founding K-12 STEM Director at Hartnell College in Salinas, Maggie established impactful youth initiatives, including Coder Dojo HC, Girls Who Code, and a modern Maker Space. Driven by a passion for community service, her career has centered on increasing access to education. A long-time volunteer with the Rape Crisis Center for over a decade, she is currently in her second term on the MCRCC Board of Directors. Born in Chile and raised in Scotland, Maggie has resided in the U.S. for more than 20 years. She lives in Prunedale, CA, with her husband, their youngest of three children, and several cherished pets.
Elizabeth Ramírez
Treasurer
Elizabeth Ramírez
Treasurer
Elizabeth L. Ramírez, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, offers counseling to individuals, children, and families through her private practice, which she has maintained for the past 16 years. As a Spanish bilingual and bicultural family psychotherapist, she currently also provides mental health consultation to early childhood services and mentors other clinicians. Honored to contribute to the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center’s important mission, Elizabeth enjoys exploring the natural surroundings in her free time.
Nathan Nuñez
Board Secretary
Nathan Nuñez
Board Secretary
Nathan Nuñez is a seasoned executive who brings a unique blend of business acumen and social justice advocacy to his role. As a former Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Growth for several startups now valued at over $1 billion, he understands the nuances of driving sustainable growth to deliver impactful change. Through his advocacy work with Not For Sale, leading a delegation to combat human trafficking, and volunteer efforts with organizations like Partners for Peace and the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline, Nathan has cultivated a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to action. Now, he aims to leverage his skills and expertise to support the center’s mission of empowering survivors and fostering healing and resilience within the community. With a focus on collaboration and impact-driven initiatives, Nathan is dedicated to the center’s ongoing efforts and has the audacious goal of helping to eradicate sexual violence within Monterey County. As a former EMT, Nathan strives to continue the mantra “do the most good, for the most people” in all things.
Board Members
Lana Nassoura
Board Member
Lana Nassoura
Board Member
Lana Nassoura, a Deputy District Attorney at the Monterey County DA’s Office since February 2015, was born in Beirut, Lebanon. She immigrated to the United States with her family due to the Lebanese Civil War and is fluent in Arabic, English, and French. Currently assigned to the Felony Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit in Monterey County, Lana works with individuals who have survived adult sexual assault, child molestation, and physical child abuse. She finds direct work with survivors to be the most rewarding aspect of her job. Outside of work, Lana enjoys indoor cycling, game nights, and attending stand-up comedy performances.
Rachel Reddick
Board Member
Rachel Reddick
Board Member
Rachel Reddick, an attorney and advocate for women, is a recent resident of Monterey, having relocated with her family, including her husband, who grew up on the Peninsula. She is currently exploring the area with them. Previously, Rachel served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps, dedicating a significant portion of her career to protecting sexual assault survivors. Before her military service, she worked as a prosecutor in the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Her commitment to supporting survivors began before law school when she served as a legal advocate at A Women’s Place, a domestic violence agency in Bucks County, PA.
Bridget Dunnion
Board Member
Bridget Dunnion
Board Member
Bridget Dunnion is a Partner at Dunnion Law, where she has represented and fought for injured victims against big insurance companies for over a decade. She has represented people from all walks of life who were injured as a result of another and held national companies responsible for their negligent acts. Beyond her casework, Bridget brings experience in finance, administrative management, and marketing. Her strategic leadership has been instrumental in streamlining workflows, optimizing financial planning, and enhancing firm-wide efficiency.
With a deep commitment to justice, Bridget has dedicated her career to advocating for clients and victims of another. She was born and raised in Monterey County. She enjoys spending her time out on the local trails with her golden retriever, Barrow.
Marylou Shockley, DPhil
Board Member
Marylou Shockley, DPhil
Board Member
Marylou Shockley has been the Interim Dean for the College of Business since July 2021. Prior to this, she was a Professor and Chair within the same college at California State University-Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Her research and consulting expertise encompasses inclusive excellence, the societal impact of network technologies, leadership, and responsible corporate governance. Dr. Shockley has authored numerous books and articles in these fields.
Before her academic career, she held significant senior management positions in the telecommunications industry with AT&T and Pacific Bell. In 2004, she earned a doctorate in business from Oxford University after a career change. Dr. Shockley joined CSUMB in the summer of 2006.
Her board affiliations include the Grower Shippers Foundation, and she currently chairs the UC Merced Small Business Development (SBDC) board for the Central Coast.
Our Staff
Monterey Staff
Lauren DaSilva
Executive Director
Lauren DaSilva
Executive Director
Lauren joined the team as Deputy Director, holding a Master of Public Administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Her graduate studies concentrated on sexual violence and strengthening organizational capabilities. Driven by MCRCC’s mission to eradicate sexual violence and all forms of violence, this central passion is complemented by her appreciation for Monterey County’s natural landscape, her roles as a partner and mother to a toddler, and her cherished connections with family and friends. She also enjoys cooking, cultivating dahlias, and deeply values her inspiring and committed colleagues at MCRCC.
Lorelei Ahlemeyer
Campus Advocacy Program Manager
Lorelei Ahlemeyer
Campus Advocacy Program Manager
Lorelei Ahlemeyer is the Campus Advocacy Manager at CSU Monterey Bay, where she is dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual assault. Her prior experience includes serving as a System-Based Advocate for the Kansas Attorney General under the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. In this role, she contributed to a statewide multi-disciplinary team focused on enhancing the well-being of sexual assault survivors and participated in a committee tasked with creating new investigative model policies for law enforcement. Her commitment to survivors was recognized with a Distinguished Service Recognition Award from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Lorelei holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Gracie Garcia
Community Engagement Specialist
Gracie Garcia
Community Engagement Specialist
Gracie joined the MCRCC staff in October 2022. A Southern California native, she moved to Salinas in 2010 and has since embraced life in Monterey County. Currently a Communications major with a Sociology emphasis at Hartnell College, Gracie is pursuing a two-year transfer. As a self-described extrovert, her desire to connect with the community in meaningful ways, particularly through advocacy, led her to volunteer for the MCRCC in the fall of 2021. Her interests include crafting DIY magazines, spending time with her sisters, and hosting themed movie nights.
Andy Ortiz
Prevention Education Director
Andy Ortiz
Prevention Education Director
Andy joined the MCRCC team in February 2022. He holds a concentration in Sociology and Psychology from UCSC. His prior experience includes serving on the Monterey Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Outreach Team, where he worked with individuals facing psychiatric disabilities, trauma survivors, people experiencing homelessness, and those struggling with substance use. Andy also currently serves as a Board member for Monterey Peninsula Pride.
Kory Hatcher
Prevention Educator
Kory Hatcher
Prevention Educator
Kory joined MCRCC as a volunteer in the summer of 2023 and is currently working as a Prevention Educator. She is passionate about community engagement and education, promoting prevention strategies that foster a safer, more informed community. Kory is a proud California State University Monterey Bay graduate, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology in the spring of 2024. Kory is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW). Her goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker, providing therapy and support for survivors. Outside of her professional commitments, Kory has diverse interests. In her free time, she enjoys collecting vintage clothing, a hobby that reflects her appreciation for history and culture. She also values quality time with her family (often spent around the beautiful Monterey Bay area) and finds joy in the simple pleasure of whale watching along the scenic coast.
Ashley Miranda
Crisis Intervention Services Specialist
Ashley Miranda
Crisis Intervention Services Specialist
Ashley is from Salinas, California. She became a volunteer at MCRCC in the summer of 2023 as an advocate, and currently attends California State University, Monterey Bay, majoring in psychology. Ashley hopes to provide support and a safe space for healing for all survivors. In her free time, she likes to go thrifting, horseback riding, and soak up some sun at the beach. Ashley feels grateful to work with such an amazing team and is thrilled to share her passion for advocacy and bringing awareness to sexual violence.
Salinas Staff
Wendy Alvarado
Child Abuse Treatment Manager
Wendy Alvarado
Child Abuse Treatment Manager
Wendy joined MCRCC in October of 2022 as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. She was born and raised in Monterey, California. Wendy earned her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice at Sacramento State University. She has experience working with CSEC youth and families experiencing homelessness. Wendy is excited to be a part of the MCRCC team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and going to the movies.
Madeline Bautista
Prevention Educator
Madeline Bautista
Prevention Educator
Madeline has been a dedicated member of MCRCC since September 2024. She is currently pursuing her B.A. in Bilingual Elementary Education at CSU Monterey Bay and is set to graduate in May 2027. In the past, Madeline contributed to the Monterey County Office of Education as a ParaEducator in the Therapeutic Intervention Program and also worked as a Recreation Specialist II at the City of Salinas in their Parks and Recreation Department. As a Salinas native, Madeline enjoys reading, sipping on iced chai or matcha, shopping, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Madeline is honored and hopeful of the positive impact she will make in her community through MCRCC.
Cindy Brodsky
Clinical Services Director
Cindy Brodsky
Clinical Services Director
Cindy is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her BA from Vassar College in New York and her MSW from Simmons College School of Social Work in Boston. Before coming to Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, she worked for 11 years at the D’Arrigo Children’s Clinic at Kinship Center, providing therapy to children and their families, as well as providing a myriad of other supportive roles within the clinic. She is very excited to be part of MCRCC.
Desteney Garcia
Human Trafficking Outreach Specialist
Desteney Garcia
Human Trafficking Outreach Specialist
Desteney Garcia is from Salinas, California, and received her B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from California State University, Monterey Bay. She volunteered with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center as an advocate before becoming our Human Trafficking Outreach Specialist in December 2022. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her cats, and volunteering with the Marine Mammal Center on Sundays.
Robyn Guzik
Deputy Director
Robyn Guzik
Deputy Director
Robyn is a proud lifelong resident of Monterey County, deeply connected to the community she serves. As a bilingual and bicultural Commercially Sexually Exploited Child and Certified Sexual Assault advocate, she bridges cultural and linguistic gaps to ensure survivors feel seen, heard, and supported. Robyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services in 2015 and her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2021, both from California State University, Monterey Bay. For over a decade, Robyn has dedicated her career to advocating for survivors of sexual violence and fostering healing through compassionate support and advocacy. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, raising awareness about sexual violence, and collaborating with community partners to promote prevention and education. Robyn’s commitment to her work is driven by her belief in the resilience of survivors and the importance of a community united against sexual violence. When she’s not working, Robyn enjoys spending quality time with her nieces, volunteering, baking delicious pastries, hiking local trails, and trying new restaurants, further enriching her connection to the community she loves.
Bianca Hernandez
Community Engagement Director
Bianca Hernandez
Community Engagement Director
Bianca earned her Master’s in Sociology from San Jose State University in 2021. She began her work with MCRCC as a Community Engagement Specialist and is currently our Community Engagement Director. Bianca also serves as a part-time professor at various universities and community colleges, where she imparts knowledge and inspires students with her deep understanding of sociology and women’s gender and sexuality studies. As a proud educator, she fosters an inclusive and empowering learning environment, encouraging critical thinking and social awareness. Beyond the classroom, Bianca wears multiple hats as a CASA and a dedicated advocate for reproductive rights.
Giselle Lazaro
Prevention Educator
Giselle Lazaro
Prevention Educator
Giselle is a bilingual prevention educator and joined MCRCC in September of 2022. She graduated from the University of California, Davis in the spring of 2022 and got her Bachelor of Arts in Chicana/o Studies and Political Science. Giselle is a born and raised Salinas native who enjoys watching movies, biking, running, and spending time with her dog, Gordo. She is very excited to have joined the MCRCC team and get to provide for and serve her community.
Paola Martinez
Crisis Intervention Services Director
Paola Martinez
Crisis Intervention Services Director
Paola moved to Monterey from Sacramento to attend CSU Monterey Bay, where she obtained her B.A. in Psychology. She started volunteering at MCRCC in Fall 2016 as an Advocate. She plans to continue school and obtain her Master’s in Social Work with hopes of one day working as a therapist with survivors of trauma. She is beyond excited to be a part of the team at MCRCC. In her free time, she loves to go back to Sacramento and spend time with her family and Maximo, her dog.
Carl Mucha
PREA Outreach Manager
Carl Mucha
PREA Outreach Manager
Carl is the PREA Outreach Manager and provides advocacy and supportive services to incarcerated survivors at local detention facilities throughout Monterey County. Carl believes all survivors are deserving of dignity and respect and is committed to supporting incarcerated populations.
Nadia Rodriguez
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Nadia Rodriguez
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Nadia was born and raised in Salinas, California. She earned her BA in Psychology at California State University, Monterey Bay. She joined MCRCC in May of 2024 as a bilingual child advocate and crisis intervention specialist. Nadia is honored to support survivors of sexual assault and give back to her community, which she holds a great love for. She aspires to obtain her MA in Social Work and dreams of helping children and their families as a therapist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, enjoys the lovely sights the Pacific coast has to offer, and likes trying new places to eat.
Rosa Zavala
Child Abuse Prevention Program Manager
Rosa Zavala
Child Abuse Prevention Program Manager
Prior to Rosa’s position as the Child Abuse Treatment (CHAT) Program Manager for The Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, she was in Child Abuse Prevention for seven years. She graduated from CSUMB with a BA degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with a concentration in social work.
Clinical Staff
Cindy Brodsky, LCSW #21845
Robyn Guzik, ASW #105340
Tiina Kurvi, LCSW #101443
Denise Osornio, LMFT #132118
Amanda Roberts, LCSW #101215
Melissa Atherton, ASW #126586
Every staff member at MCRCC undergoes the necessary training required to provide advocacy to our clients and helpline callers. Our staff do not provide legal advice or representation.