Meet Our Team
The heart of Operation HOPE lies in our dedicated team, who provide essential services and support to our residents every day. Their passion and expertise help guide individuals and families toward a brighter future.
The heart of Operation HOPE lies in our dedicated team, who provide essential services and support to our residents every day. Their passion and expertise help guide individuals and families toward a brighter future.
Esperanza is the Executive Director of Operation HOPE-North County (OHNC), where she leads with an unwavering dedication to empowering homeless individuals and families. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and program development, she is deeply committed to driving sustainable change through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and compassionate service.
Evelyn is dedicated to fostering organizational growth and success. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership, she brings extensive experience in donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising. A resident of North County for seven years, Evelyn is committed to creating meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve.
Lina has been the Program Director for Operation HOPE-North County since October 2024. Originally from New Jersey, she and her husband, Sean, relocated to Oceanside, CA, in 2015. With over 30 years of experience empowering underserved children and families, she is deeply committed to improving the lives of those facing homelessness.
Helen is passionate about social justice, community outreach, and meaningful change. Originally from Washington, D.C., she moved to North County, San Diego, to be closer to family and expand her impact. With a background in social services and a BSBA in Marketing, she has dedicated her career to volunteer coordination, resource accessibility, and advocacy for marginalized communities.
After retiring from a successful corporate career, Vincent was determined to dedicate his time to a cause that would make a meaningful impact. In early 2024, he became a volunteer with Operation HOPE-North County (OHNC). While working in the Pantry of HOPE, Vincent discovered a deep passion for supporting those in need. Witnessing how volunteers came together to provide food to the community moved him profoundly, strengthening his commitment to OHNC’s mission.
A North County native, Stephanie has been passionate about giving back to her community. She was drawn to Operation HOPE-North County's (OHNC) mission to provide a safe, empowering environment for families and single women navigating the complex challenges of homelessness.
Crystal’s decision to work at a homeless shelter derives from her own experience with homelessness, providing her with a deeply personal and empathetic understanding of the challenges faced by displaced individuals. Having lived through it herself, she is committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity, receives support, and has the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Shay is a passionate advocate for resilience and the importance of being seen, heard, and valued. As the Lead Case Manager at Operation HOPE-North County, she supports individuals experiencing homelessness in overcoming challenges and rebuilding their lives.
Sonia chose to work at Operation HOPE-North County because of her experiences with hardship and trauma. Having faced significant challenges, she profoundly understands many families' struggles, which fuels her passion for supporting those in need. Her journey enables her to connect with clients on a profoundly empathetic level, offering them guidance, understanding, and encouragement.
Patricia "Patty" has been the Administrative Assistant at Operation HOPE-North County since May 2024. She plays a crucial role in supporting daily operations and ensuring the organization runs smoothly. Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills help further OHNC's mission to uplift and support the community.
Cynthia is a dedicated Youth Coordinator who draws from her experiences as an at-risk individual to support and empower young people. Committed to giving back to her community, she provides educational, emotional, and personal guidance to help youth build resilience and navigate life's challenges.
Alyssa has been the Youth Coordinator at Operation HOPE-North County since February 2024, bringing over three years of experience working with children. She is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where youth can build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen relationships with peers and family members.
Michael is an IT Consultant and Project Manager at Operation HOPE-North County, specializing in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions. With extensive experience in IT strategy and nonprofit technology management, he ensures OHNC operates securely and efficiently through optimized systems and innovative solutions.
Anahí has worked at Operation HOPE-North County since the summer of 2023. As a Mexican native, she is passionate and dedicated to making sure our Latino community members are understood, appreciated, and assisted with trauma-informed care. As an advocate for women’s rights, she has a background in non-profit work in La Merced, Mexico City.
Lucina started her journey at Operation HOPE-North County as a pantry volunteer in 2022. It was not long before she transitioned into her Family Support Assistant role. As a Family Support Assistant, she works on building rapport with families to provide emotional support and guidance.
Shaun serves as a Family Support Assistant, leading the overnight shift since 2013. He is a passionate and dedicated employee who finds joy in watching clients grow and use the resources provided to find stable housing and employment. Seeing their progress keeps him motivated in his role.
Ruth, a lifelong North County resident and first-generation college graduate, has always felt a strong connection to her community. With a degree in Sociology, her academic background, along with her personal experience, has deeply influenced her approach to both social service and education. She is passionate about advocating for individuals facing challenges and supporting them in their journey to build better futures.
Miss Michelle, a San Diego native, began her journey at Operation HOPE-North County in 2023. As a Family Support Assistant, she is a dedicated employee who provides direct support to residents experiencing homelessness. She plays a crucial role in ensuring that the shelter runs smoothly by supporting clients and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Isaac is a dedicated Marine Corps veteran who proudly served his country for eight years. With a strong commitment to service, Isaac's life has been marked by leadership, perseverance, and compassion. His academic journey reflects his dedication to personal growth and helping others. He graduated from Mira Costa College and is on track to complete his BA in Sociology at CSUSM this fall.
Thomas is a dedicated full-time overnight Family Support Assistant at Operation HOPE–North County, where he has served for two years. Born in New York and raised in Florida, he moved to California over a decade ago to support his parents after his mother suffered a severe car accident.
Ariana is originally from Mexico but grew up in Oceanside, CA. She works as a Supervisor at an STRP youth group home and has been a family support assistant (FSA) with Operation HOPE-North County since 2022.