Instructors

Instructor Bio Coming Soon....

Diana Galvan

Diana Galvan is a full-time Behavioral Faculty member at Doctor's Medical Center (DMC) in Modesto, CA. She teaches 37 resident physicians alongside nine faculty physicians. Diana is pursuing her doctoral degree at Fresno State and is in her third year of the program. She graduated with honors and a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University (SDSU). Diana's strengths are helping people from all walks of life, with or without disabilities. Originally from the Bay Area, Diana moved to Turlock, CA, to attend Stanislaus State University, where she lived on campus and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Human Services. While at the university, she served the community selflessly as the president and vice-president of the Hunger Network and a Sociology club. Diana has worked in the Human Services field for over a decade, helping children, teens, adults, and the aging. She is recognized for her excellent performance, compassion for others, and contributions to social services. Diana is a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, and she utilized public services to regain strength and build a better life for her two children, aged 9 and 15. Diana's favorite hobby is traveling and meeting new people. She also enjoys coaching others to achieve their vocational employment goals and teaching self-help through self-awareness and skillsets. Diana is passionate about giving back to society what has been so graciously given to her. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Fresno State to develop a curriculum, conduct research, and advance her leadership skills. Her ultimate goal is to work for herself by helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Diana is also passionate about writing a curriculum on health and wellness that includes personal development, finances, resume building, mock interviews, and balancing the five elements (mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual). She has devised an action plan to develop ideas for setting the curriculum, identifying funding resources, preparing grant proposals, and collaborating with like-minded individuals to improve higher education and continue to contribute towards the change that many people need.

Lurysol Olivera

Lurysol Olivera is a wellness and fitness professional with over 26 years of experience helping people build healthier, stronger lifestyles through fitness, accountability, and wellness coaching. As the owner of Combine Fitness in Stockton, California, she is passionate about empowering others through movement, mindset, and sustainable wellness habits.

Brenda Norris

Brenda Norris has worked in varying fields – from hairdressing in New Zealand, to Tai Chi Teacher here in the U.S., with quite an assortment in between. She started practicing Tai Chi Chuan in 1995 and teaching in 2003.

Ashley Boleware

Ashley Boleware, MA originally from Milpitas, CA has over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and communities through a compassionate, people-first approach. One of her greatest strengths is helping people navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-confidence. She currently works as a Prevention Analyst with Santa Clara County Behavioral Health focusing on expanding mental wellness supports for adults, promoting systemic change, and advocating for environments that are inclusive, healing, and supportive for everyone. She has a background in counseling & psychiatric screening, working with youth & adults. Ashley is especially passionate about helping adults shift their mindset, manage stress, and feel more empowered in their everyday lives. Through interactive workshops and coaching, Ashley creates welcoming spaces where people can explore emotional wellness, build real-world coping tools, and reconnect with their strengths. Ashley strongly believes in the power of connection and community and enjoys teaching people how to build healthy relationships and manage conflict. Her approach blends her life experiences, along with restorative practices and peer support, to help participants grow both personally and professionally. When she’s not working, Ashley enjoys traveling and quality time with her husband and two sons.

Jared Gloria

Jared Gloria is a Marriage and Family Therapist in training, having worked in the behavioral health field for over half a decade. In his position, he is dedicated to empowering individuals by providing knowledge and the tools needed to start leading a life worth living, regardless of their identity or background.

Davina Arreaga

Davina Arreaga is the Office Manager at Wellness WORKs!  Davina’s first experience with Wellness WORKs! was back in April of 2003 as a CalWorks client attending the three-week program. Soon after completion of the program, she was asked to become an Advisory Board Member, bringing to the table the perspective of the CalWorks/Wellness WORKs! participant. Also, at the time of completion from the program, Davina’s CalWorks time clock was up. Davina worked 32 hours a week at Wellness WORKs! to meet the CalWorks requirements to continue receiving her cash aid. While doing community service, she also attended Stockton School for Adults and within 3 months of her starting school earned her GED in December of 2004. In January of 2005 she began attending Delta College full-time, while still working 20hrs weekly at Wellness WORKs! In total Davina worked for 2 years as a non-paid volunteer, working for her welfare check. Currently, she is employed full-time as the Program Assistant and was recently certified in True Colors. Davina is now the instructor for the Temperaments in the Workplace class.

Instructor Bio coming soon.....

Heather Adams

Heather Adams holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. Heather worked as a receptionist, real estate assistant, administrative assistant, college instructor, and marketing director. Raised by parents who dropped out of school early and a father who suffered from mental illness as well as drug and alcohol abuse, Heather comes to us with a personal understanding of how difficult it can be to strive for a better life when one has a difficult background and no role models.

Alexandra Marapao

Alexandra Marapao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Nutrition, Health, and Wellness and spent six years with the Emergency Food Bank developing nutrition education programs aimed at addressing chronic health conditions in local communities. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Nursing and now serves as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Medical Center and a Clinical Professor for the University of the Pacific Nursing Program. A first-generation Stockton native, she relied heavily on government assistance throughout her educational journey. Her work is driven by a commitment to improving community health through education, shared experience, and advocacy.

Steven McCarty

Steven McCarty is a licensed attorney with the State Bar of California, a qualified mediator and trainer of mediators, a professor at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC), a part-time community-based researcher with the Center for Business and Policy Research (CBPR) at the University of the Pacific, and a member of the San Joaquin County Bar Association (SJCBA) where he has mediated several community conflicts. Steven is a member of the Irish Diaspora, the Stockton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Finte na hÉireann (elected Ceann Fine/Taoiseach of Clann Mac Cárthaigh under Brehon tradition), the Gaelic Athletics Association (playing liathróid láimhe), Conradh na Gaeilge, the Celtic League, the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco, and the Irish American Cultural Institute. Previously, Steven has served on the Board of Directors of the Berkeley Chess School, of Unbound Stockton, and of a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Steven earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, Phi Theta Kappa, in General Studies from Saddleback College, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, Phi Beta Kappa, in Political Science with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, with highest honors and highest distinction, a Master of Advanced Study (M.A.S.) degree, Alpha Phi Sigma, in Criminology, Law & Society from the University of California, Irvine, a Master of Public Policy and Management (M.P.P.M.) degree, Phi Kappa Phi, from the University of Southern California, a Master's of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development from University College Dublin – National University of Ireland, Dublin (Coláiste na hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath – Ollscoil na hÉireann, Baile Átha Cliath), with First Class Honours, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, Environmental Law Certificate, and Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Real Estate from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif (top 10%). Additionally, Steven earned a Clarendon Scholarship and studied for several years at the University of Oxford's Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, where his research focused on the formulation and implementation of law and public policy. More recently, Steven completed the National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution's Certificate in Environmental Collaboration and Conflict Resolution. Steven also recently completed the Environmental Health and Land Reuse Certificate, as well as the Community Engagement and Risk Communication Certificate, of the National Environmental Health Association and U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR). Most recently, Steven completed the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): A Partnership Approach for Public Health Certificate from the Region V Public Health Training Center and the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center, as well as the Public Health Law Academy Certificate of Completion of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and ChangeLab Solutions. Steven is in the process of completing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of the Pacific, as well as an 80-hour Community Health Worker training through the Northern San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) Community Health Worker Training Program. In the future, while teaching on a part-time basis in the Wellness Works! program (a collaboration between Stanislaus State and San Joaquin County Mental Health Services), Steven hopes to earn the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree through the hybrid program at California State University, Stanislaus's Stockton campus.

Maria Escudero

Maria Escudero is a dedicated Crisis Advocate & Peer Counselor specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault support services with Prevail. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate difficult situations with compassion, strength, and dignity. Through advocacy, restraining order assistance, and crisis intervention, Maria works to empower survivors and support her community with care and resilience. She also assists with restraining orders and court accompaniment.

Jared Gloria

Jared Gloria is a Marriage and Family Therapist in training, having worked in the behavioral health field for over half a decade. In his position, he is dedicated to empowering individuals by providing knowledge and the tools needed to start leading a life worth living, regardless of their identity or background.

Phyllis Klein

Phyllis Klein studied Insurance and Financial Planning driven by a desire to make a difference. In 1988, she opened her own agency specializing in educating seniors on matters regarding Medicare, long term care and estate planning. Phyllis joined Northwestern Mutual Life as an agent. In 2001, Phyllis chose to leave Northwestern Mutual Life ad focus on the senior market and employee benefits. After 25 years as a solo entrepreneur, Ms. Klein created a partnership with Norman Randolph. Together, they are building Randolph and Klein Financial Solutions providing insurance and money management services to the residents of greater San Joaquin County. Ms. Klein is passionate about giving back to the community in the form of volunteer services. She has served as the chairperson for the Liaison committee of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and past President of the following organizations: Stockton Seaport Rotary, Temple Israel, and Stockton Woman’s Business Network. For the past three years, Phyllis has facilitated a monthly Life Skills class for the residents of Haven of Peace Women’s Shelter.

Steven McCarty

Steven McCarty is a licensed attorney with the State Bar of California, a qualified mediator and trainer of mediators, a professor at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC), a part-time community-based researcher with the Center for Business and Policy Research (CBPR) at the University of the Pacific, and a member of the San Joaquin County Bar Association (SJCBA) where he has mediated several community conflicts. Steven is a member of the Irish Diaspora, the Stockton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Finte na hÉireann (elected Ceann Fine/Taoiseach of Clann Mac Cárthaigh under Brehon tradition), the Gaelic Athletics Association (playing liathróid láimhe), Conradh na Gaeilge, the Celtic League, the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco, and the Irish American Cultural Institute. Previously, Steven has served on the Board of Directors of the Berkeley Chess School, of Unbound Stockton, and of a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Steven earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, Phi Theta Kappa, in General Studies from Saddleback College, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, Phi Beta Kappa, in Political Science with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, with highest honors and highest distinction, a Master of Advanced Study (M.A.S.) degree, Alpha Phi Sigma, in Criminology, Law & Society from the University of California, Irvine, a Master of Public Policy and Management (M.P.P.M.) degree, Phi Kappa Phi, from the University of Southern California, a Master's of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development from University College Dublin – National University of Ireland, Dublin (Coláiste na hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath – Ollscoil na hÉireann, Baile Átha Cliath), with First Class Honours, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, Environmental Law Certificate, and Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Real Estate from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif (top 10%). Additionally, Steven earned a Clarendon Scholarship and studied for several years at the University of Oxford's Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, where his research focused on the formulation and implementation of law and public policy. More recently, Steven completed the National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution's Certificate in Environmental Collaboration and Conflict Resolution. Steven also recently completed the Environmental Health and Land Reuse Certificate, as well as the Community Engagement and Risk Communication Certificate, of the National Environmental Health Association and U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR). Most recently, Steven completed the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): A Partnership Approach for Public Health Certificate from the Region V Public Health Training Center and the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center, as well as the Public Health Law Academy Certificate of Completion of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and ChangeLab Solutions. Steven is in the process of completing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of the Pacific, as well as an 80-hour Community Health Worker training through the Northern San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) Community Health Worker Training Program. In the future, while teaching on a part-time basis in the Wellness Works! program (a collaboration between Stanislaus State and San Joaquin County Mental Health Services), Steven hopes to earn the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree through the hybrid program at California State University, Stanislaus's Stockton campus.