Meet the Team

Administrative Services

JOANNA PEREZ

Interim Executive Director

Joanna, the Interim Executive Director of Option House Inc, brings 17 years of experience in supervisory roles and 7 years specifically in domestic violence. With expertise in perpetrator rehabilitation, she is a passionate advocate dedicated to empowering individuals with tools for healthy relationships.

Joanna, directora de programas de Option House Inc, aporta 17 años de experiencia en funciones de supervisión y 7 años específicamente en violencia doméstica. Con experiencia en rehabilitación de agresores, es una defensora apasionada dedicada a empoderar a las personas con herramientas para relaciones saludables.

Housing Services

Alma Maravilla

Interim Shelter Assistant Director

Alma began her career as an intern at Option House, Inc., where she served as a domestic violence advocate in San Bernardino County. Through her dedication, compassion, and leadership, she has grown within the organization and now serves as the Interim Shelter Director, overseeing shelter operations and supporting survivors on their path to safety and stability.

She holds an Associate of Arts in Human Services and Behavioral Science from San Bernardino Valley College and a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Simmons University. Alma is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Social Work, further strengthening her expertise in trauma-informed care and advocacy.

Alma is deeply committed to empowering survivors and walking alongside them on their journey toward healing and independence. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, lived experience, and a strong belief in creating safe, supportive environments. She is passionate about being a voice for the silenced and works tirelessly to promote dignity, safety, and hope within her community.

Alma comenzó su carrera como pasante en Option House, Inc., donde se desempeñó como defensora de víctimas de violencia doméstica en el condado de San Bernardino. A través de su dedicación, compasión y liderazgo, ha crecido dentro de la organización y actualmente se desempeña como Directora Interina del Refugio, donde supervisa las operaciones del albergue y apoya a los sobrevivientes en su camino hacia la seguridad y la estabilidad.

Cuenta con un título de Asociada en Servicios Humanos y Ciencias del Comportamiento de San Bernardino Valley College y una licenciatura en Servicios Humanos de Simmons University. Actualmente cursa su maestría en Trabajo Social, fortaleciendo sus conocimientos en atención informada por el trauma y en defensa de las víctimas.

Alma está profundamente comprometida con el empoderamiento de los sobrevivientes y con acompañarlos en su proceso hacia la sanación y la independencia. Su liderazgo se basa en la empatía, la experiencia vivida y una firme convicción de crear entornos seguros y de apoyo. Le apasiona ser la voz de quienes han sido silenciados y trabaja incansablemente para promover la dignidad, la seguridad y la esperanza en su comunidad.

Prevention & Outreach Services

LaTeara Barnes, MPA

Prevention & Outreach Supervisor

LaTeara Barnes serves as Prevention and Outreach Supervisor at Option House Inc., where she leads comprehensive programs aimed at preventing teen relationship abuse and empowering youth. She oversees trainings, community outreach initiatives, and the coordination of volunteers and interns, ensuring programs are both effective and accessible.

In addition to program management, LaTeara actively contributes to community-wide efforts as a member of the Child Abuse Awareness Committee, Women’s Awareness Subcommittee, and Community Policy Advisory Committee, driving policy development, advocacy, and public awareness initiatives.

With a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership, LaTeara brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit service, including 10 years in domestic violence and human trafficking prevention and 7 years in youth empowerment, applying her expertise to create safer, more resilient communities.

Vacant

Prevention & Outreach Assistant

CalWORKs

Chrissy Ferguson

CalWORKS Advocate

Christina has been employed with Option House for over 6 years in various positions at the Agency. She started as an Intern at Option House Inc while pursuing my degree in Social Work. Christina enjoys working with people and educating people about Domestic Violence.

Christina ha sido empleada de Option House durante más de 6 años en varios puestos en la Agencia. Comenzó como pasante en Option House Inc mientras cursaba mi licenciatura en Trabajo Social. A Christina le gusta trabajar con la gente y educar a la gente sobre la violencia doméstica.

Jackie Zamora

CalWORKs Advocate

Legal Services

Roxanne Imbert

Legal Advocate

Roxanne is a Legal Advocate providing assistance with Temporary Restraining Orders for victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. Before coming to Option House, Roxanne was in the Title and Escrow Industry for over 20 years.

Roxanne es una defensora legal que brinda asistencia con órdenes de restricción temporales para víctimas y sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica. Antes de llegar a Option House, Roxanne estuvo en la industria de títulos y depósitos en garantía durante más de 20 años.

Vanessa Mejia

Legal Advocate

Vanessa began her journey at Option House Inc. as an intern and has since served as a Case Manager and Certified Domestic Violence Advocate. She is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Human Services at San Bernardino Valley College, with plans to graduate this fall, and holds a Certificate in Case Management in the Public Sector. Now working as a Legal Advocate, Vanessa is dedicated to providing guidance, advocacy, and support to individuals seeking safety and justice. She is passionate about empowering others and contributing to a safer, more resilient community.

Vanessa comenzó en Option House Inc. como pasante y ha trabajado como Administradora de Casos y Defensora Certificada de Violencia Doméstica. Actualmente cursa su título de Asociada en Servicios Humanos en San Bernardino Valley College, con planes de graduarse este otoño, y cuenta con un Certificado en Gestión de Casos en el Sector Público. Ahora, como Defensora Legal, está comprometida a brindar orientación, defensa y apoyo a personas que buscan seguridad y justicia. Le apasiona empoderar a otros y contribuir a una comunidad más segura y resiliente.

Housing Services

Lamenthia Malone

Housing Navigator

Lamenthia Malone is a housing navigator who helps people and families find stable homes. With 2 years of experience, Lamenthia specializes in connecting clients with resources, navigating the housing market, and supporting them throughout the process. She believes everyone should have a safe place to live and is dedicated to making this happen for those who require assistance.

Lamenthia Malone es una asesora de vivienda que ayuda a personas y familias a encontrar hogares estables. Con 2 años de experiencia, Lamenthia se especializa en conectar clientes con recursos, navegar por el mercado inmobiliario y apoyarlos durante todo el proceso. Ella cree que todos deberían tener un lugar seguro para vivir y está dedicada a que esto suceda para quienes necesitan ayuda.