MEET THE TEAM

LEADERSHIP

Angelina Cardenas, MSW

Executive Director

Angelina Cardenas, MSW, serves as Executive Director of Option House, Inc., bringing more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and human services leadership. Her professional background spans domestic violence, mental health, special education, child welfare, developmental disabilities, housing stability, crisis intervention, and family-serving systems.

As Executive Director, Angelina provides strategic and operational leadership for Option House, overseeing a team of 15 professionals and a 32-bed domestic violence shelter serving women, children, and men who are survivors of domestic violence. She works in partnership with the Board of Directors to strengthen organizational operations, develop and implement policies, expand programs and services, cultivate funding opportunities, and advance the long-term sustainability of the organization.

Throughout her career, Angelina has held leadership positions overseeing programs serving children, adults, and families with complex needs. Her experience includes directing a 50-bed transitional foster care program funded through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, leading therapeutic crisis and developmental disability services, managing housing stability and eviction prevention programs, and providing family-centered Wraparound services. These roles have given her extensive experience collaborating across child welfare, behavioral health, courts, probation, education, healthcare, government agencies, and community-based systems.

Angelina’s leadership is grounded in trauma-informed, person-centered, and family-driven principles. She believes effective leadership requires compassion and accountability, while creating environments in which survivors are heard, staff are supported, and community partnerships are strengthened.

Angelina earned her Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and certified STRTP Site Administrator and holds additional professional training and certifications in Wraparound services, Person Centered Thinking, CANS/CAFAS, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and related areas. She is bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish.

As Executive Director, Angelina is committed to strengthening Option House’s capacity to serve the community, developing sustainable resources and partnerships, investing in the professionals who carry out its mission, and ensuring that survivors and families have access to compassionate, responsive services that promote safety, dignity, healing, stability, and hope.

LaTeara Burks, MPA

Interim Program Director

LaTeara Burks, MPA, serves as the Interim Program Director at Option House, Inc., where she provides leadership and oversight to programs supporting survivors of domestic violence and individuals and families throughout the community.

With more than a decade of experience in domestic violence and human trafficking advocacy and over 15 years of community service, LaTeara brings a strong background in prevention, outreach, program development, partnership building, and nonprofit leadership. Her work has included overseeing community education initiatives, coordinating advocacy services, developing trauma-informed programming, strengthening internal systems, and building partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and public agencies.

LaTeara earned her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership and is passionate about creating programs that are client-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and focused on meaningful long-term change.

A significant part of her work has centered on prevention and education, particularly with youth and young adults. Through Option House’s Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Program and other community initiatives, LaTeara works to increase awareness around healthy relationships, boundaries, self-connection, emotional safety, and dating violence prevention.

In addition to her leadership at Option House, LaTeara is an experienced community educator and speaker who has contributed to conversations surrounding domestic violence prevention, healthy relationships, nonprofit leadership, family and community wellness, and survivor-centered services.

In her role as Interim Program Director, LaTeara remains committed to strengthening Option House’s programs, supporting staff development, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring that survivors and families receive compassionate, accessible, and empowering services.

Alma Maravilla

Interim Shelter Director

Alma serves as the Interim Shelter Director at Option House, Inc., where she provides leadership and oversight of emergency shelter operations and supports the delivery of trauma-informed, survivor-centered services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

Alma began her journey with Option House as an intern, serving as a domestic violence advocate in San Bernardino County. Through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to survivors, she continued to grow within the organization, developing valuable experience in direct advocacy, crisis support, shelter services, and survivor empowerment.

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 knowledge of trauma-informed care, social services, advocacy, and effective approaches to supporting individuals and families experiencing crisis.

In her role as Interim Shelter Director, Alma is committed to creating a shelter environment where survivors are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect while receiving the support needed to move toward safety, stability, healing, and independence. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, lived experience, and a strong belief in meeting survivors where they are while empowering them to make decisions that are right for themselves and their families.

Alma is passionate about being a voice for individuals who may feel unheard and ensuring survivors have access to safe, supportive spaces where they can begin rebuilding their lives with hope and confidence.

Español

Alma se desempeña como Directora Interina del Refugio en Option House, Inc., donde brinda liderazgo y supervisión a las operaciones del refugio de emergencia y apoya la prestación de servicios informados por el trauma y centrados en los sobrevivientes para personas y familias afectadas por la violencia doméstica.

Alma comenzó su trayectoria en Option House como pasante, desempeñándose como defensora de víctimas de violencia doméstica en el condado de San Bernardino. A través de su dedicación, compasión y compromiso con los sobrevivientes, continuó creciendo dentro de la organización, adquiriendo una valiosa experiencia en defensa directa, apoyo durante situaciones de crisis, servicios de refugio y empoderamiento de sobrevivientes.

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 una maestría en Trabajo Social, fortaleciendo aún más sus conocimientos en atención informada por el trauma, servicios sociales, defensa de víctimas y estrategias efectivas para apoyar a personas y familias que atraviesan situaciones de crisis.

En su función como Directora Interina del Refugio, Alma está comprometida con crear un ambiente donde los sobrevivientes sean tratados con dignidad, compasión y respeto mientras reciben el apoyo necesario para avanzar hacia la seguridad, estabilidad, sanación e independencia. Su liderazgo se basa en la empatía, la experiencia vivida y una firme convicción de acompañar a los sobrevivientes desde donde se encuentran, empoderándolos para tomar las decisiones que consideren adecuadas para ellos y sus familias.

Alma siente una profunda pasión por ser una voz para quienes pueden sentirse ignorados y por garantizar que los sobrevivientes tengan acceso a espacios seguros y de apoyo donde puedan comenzar a reconstruir sus vidas con esperanza y confianza.

OPEN

Prevention & Outreach Coordinator

CalWORKs

Anais Gutierrez

CalWORKS Advocate

Anais began her career as an intern at Option House, where she developed a strong foundation in advocacy, client support, and community services. As a certified Domestic Violence Advocate and legal advocate, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing guidance, resources, and compassionate support during difficult times.

Currently pursuing an Associate degree in Human Services and Social Work at San Bernardino Valley College, Anais is committed to expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve her community. Her passion for advocacy, social justice, and helping others drives her continued professional and academic growth, with a focus on creating positive outcomes for those in need.

Anais comenzó su carrera como pasante en Option House, donde desarrolló una base sólida en defensa de derechos, apoyo a clientes y servicios comunitarios. Como defensora certificada de víctimas de violencia doméstica y defensora legal, se dedica a empoderar a individuos y familias ofreciendo orientación, recursos y apoyo compasivo en momentos difíciles.

Actualmente, Anais está cursando un grado asociado en Servicios Humanos y Trabajo Social en San Bernardino Valley College, y está comprometida a ampliar sus conocimientos y habilidades para servir mejor a su comunidad. Su pasión por la defensa de derechos, la justicia social y ayudar a los demás impulsa su crecimiento profesional y académico continuo, con un enfoque en crear resultados positivos para quienes más lo necesitan.

Jackie Zamora

CalWORKs Advocate

Legal Services

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.