Instructors

Liz Winter is a former welfare recipient and a single mother of four. She is also a recovered drug user and survivor of emotional abuse. Liz started her own business as a legal support specialist and worked as a technology manager for a Sacramento law firm and is currently a technology consultant for law firms. Liz experienced first-hand the struggles to achieving her goals.

Diana Galvan graduated with honors with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University. She works as a Behavior Counselor Faculty for resident medical students at Doctor’s Medical Center. Her strengths are helping persons from all walks of life with and without a disability. Diana is originally from the Bay Area and moved to Turlock, CA to attend Stanislaus State University where she lived on campus and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology emphasis on Human Services.  She has been working with the disabled population for over a decade with children, teens, adults, and the elderly.  She is recognized for excellent performance, compassion for others, and contributions to social services. Diana is the business owner of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) in Modesto, a single mother of two kids ages 14 and 8, once homeless, a former welfare recipient, and a survivor of domestic violence. She recently began to co-facilitate the 21-Day Love Yourself Challenge, a self-help program, for both secular and Christian organizations. Diana’s favorite pastime is traveling and meeting new people. She enjoys coaching others toward their vocational employment goals and teaching self-awareness and skillsets. Her passion is teaching personal development and employment skills such as resume building, mock interviews, and dressing for success from the inside out.  Her desire is to write a curriculum for middle school, high school, and college students on a youth employment program where students will be able to learn about personal development, finances, resume building, mock interviews, and much more.

Amy Farris graduated from Heald Business College in 1995 with a degree in legal office administration. During this time in her life, she was young, single, pregnant and completely alone and had to gain assistance from welfare and medi-cal to make ends meet as she finished her college degree. This would be the second time in her life she needed such assistance as she left an extremely dysfunctional and abusive childhood home at the age of 15. Amy learned to earn her way from a very young age holding her first paying jobs as young as eleven. At the age of 17 she had already been on her own for two years and found herself jobless and at risk of being homeless, so she walked into a social services facility and described her situation, a case was opened and she received assistance to make it through the end of high school. Amy would be the only member of her family to finish high school and go on to a college education. Amy went on to a career in hotel management that lasted 10 years, she then stayed home to raise three children and is currently enjoying a third career as a health and wellness professional. As a certified Zumba®, Yoga, Pilates, Group Fitness instructor and yoga therapy essentials provider Amy has discovered the healing benefits of physical movement and mental self-awareness. She has been sharing these gifts with her students for the past twelve years. In addition to her current career in health and wellness Amy is finishing a memoir titled “A Broken Cycle” which she has been working on for twenty years. This memoir has been another piece of her healing journey and something she has worked on during different periods on this journey. Amy looks forward to bringing her teachings of physical and mental well being to the students in the Wellness Works program and hopes she can help students step forward to a brighter future.

Lisa Huiras has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service Management and a Master’s Degree in Psychology. She has also finished all of her education for her Doctorate Degree in Psychology (PsyD); however, she still needs to complete her Doctoral Project to graduate. Lisa has been employed by Kaiser Permanente since 2008 and she has held a variety of roles surrounding health education at Kaiser Permanente. Currently, Lisa is the Service Area Director of Health Education, Medical Weight Management, and Worksite Wellness at Kaiser Permanente in South San Francisco and Daly City. Lisa also possesses certifications from the Parenting and Living Skills Project through San Joaquin Delta College and the American Council on Exercise. Lisa was employed at In-Shape Health Clubs for 24 years as a group exercise instructor where she taught a variety of group exercise class formats. Lisa was also previously a Weight Watchers leader for 12 years. Lisa enjoys helping people engage in activities, which helps to provide them with better health.

Debbie Smith has an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies.  She has worked with Lakeview Assembly as an Outreach Director for many years.  In that position, she started and managed an organization called Helping Hands, which serves 500+ lower-income families every week with free bags of food.  Helping Hands is also a clothing store where the community can shop for free.  As Outreach Director, she facilitated all community events.  She also served in the Children’s Department for well over 11 years.  Debbie is a group-certified exercise instructor and taught kickboxing at the Lord’s Gym in Stockton.  She has also worked with Kaiser Permanente in the Health Education Department specifically with the “Medical Weight Loss Program”.

Catriona Linn has been teaching Physical Wellness in and around Stockton since 1996.

Chaka Morgan is a Whole Health Coach currently working with the Veterans Affair.  She got her Associates of Arts Degree from Chaffey College in 2009 in Nutrition & Food and has been working with men and women since then to build a healthier mind, body, and soul. Chaka's goal is to help victims understand the long-lasting effects of Domestic Violence by teaching them a self-coach approach to holistic coping skills.  Which will empower men and women by arming them with the skills to manage the long-term effects of violence in their everyday life.  

Davina Arreaga is the Program Assistant 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.

Stephanie Parnell is a dynamic professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Entrepreneurship and is on track to complete her MBA by 2025. A lifelong learner and leader, she holds prestigious certifications in leadership and safety training from the National Society of Leadership and Success, Dr. M. Hughes Leadership Conference, Health and Safety Institute as an Instructor Trainer, Parenting Partners, and the California Medical Emergency Services Authority. Her diverse skill set spans business development, continuity, program management, and leadership, all while excelling at fostering inclusion, diversity, and regulatory compliance in complex environments. As the visionary owner of Cherry Tree Group, Stephanie pioneered a highly successful virtual health and safety training program, which was instrumental in boosting her team’s retention by 75%. Her strategic insights and leadership have left an indelible mark on her organization, where she seamlessly manages budgets, leads teams, and cultivates a culture of growth and empowerment. Beyond her professional achievements, Stephanie finds joy in traveling, photography, and perfecting her swing at the driving range. She takes pride in dressing for success, embodying confidence and elegance in every setting. At home, she cherishes quality time with her loving husband, three daughters, and their lively Weimaraner. Driven by Maya Angelou’s powerful words, "People may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel," Stephanie is dedicated to not only helping her students exceed their expectations but also inspiring them to uplift others in the process. Her ultimate mission is to nurture future leaders who will push boundaries, pay it forward, and create lasting change.

Debbie Smith has an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies.  She has worked with Lakeview Assembly as an Outreach Director for many years.  In that position, she started and managed an organization called Helping Hands, which serves 500+ lower-income families every week with free bags of food.  Helping Hands is also a clothing store where the community can shop for free.  As Outreach Director, she facilitated all community events.  She also served in the Children’s Department for well over 11 years.  Debbie is a group-certified exercise instructor and taught kickboxing at the Lord’s Gym in Stockton.  She has also worked with Kaiser Permanente in the Health Education Department specifically with the “Medical Weight Loss Program”.

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.

Maricarmen Anaya has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Science with an emphasis in Education from Superior Institute for Family Studies in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Maricarmen was born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico. She came to Stockton in 2002 where she is living with her family, since then she is been working in our community, first with El Concilio for eight years as a Parent Educator and Nutrition Educator, and now recently start working with University of California Cooperative Extension in the Calfresh Nutrition Education Program as a Family Nutrition Educator.

Leon Coffey was employed with the United States Post Office from 1987- May 2015. He was involved with union work since 1980 and was a union shop steward for 6 years. He is still a union member and acts as a consultant with the union on an as-needed basis. In 2002, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labor Studies from San Francisco State University. He is also a Vietnam Veteran and has been in recovery from drugs and alcohol since 1996. During his tenure at Wellness WORKs!  He earned a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from U.C. Davis, Paralegal Studies in March of 2010, and coursework in Labor-Management in December of 2010. In May 2013, he earned his Master’s Degree in Theology and Christian Counseling from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College. Leon feels that education is a never-ending journey and a fulfillment of dreams comparable to no other travels we may take in our lives. He believes that education never dies; it only multiplies by sharing our knowledge with others

Instructor Bio- coming soon.....

Instructor Bio coming soon......

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 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.