Our Staff

Executive Team

  • Executive Director

    Seymour I. Amster is a criminal law specialist and has been practicing law for over 30 years. He sees the educational system as the primary means to cause the youth in our community to become responsible members of society. He believes that our community will only benefit by the private institutions enhancing the public programs and the best way of improving our educational system is to provide programs that are needed. As President of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association (“SFVBA”) he caused the SFVBA to become more involved with the schools in the community then they had been. When he saw more needed to be done then what the SFVBA was capable of doing he caused the formation of PESA to address this issue. Many of the programs that the SFVBA were involved with at the schools were spun off to PESA, because PESA was in a better position to properly monitor them. Furthermore through PESA, Seymour Amster has been able to get more bar organizations involved with the schools in their community.

  • Director of Behavioral Health

    Dr. Johnson began his Social Work career with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. After 8 years of work in the Corrections Department of St. Louis County he moved to Los Angeles, CA. to pursue a career of coaching basketball and academic counseling in higher education. He completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Azusa Pacific University. Prior to working with PESA he coached basketball at St. Louis University, Long Beach City College, Los Angeles Valley College and was an Academic Counselor at Moorpark College and Social Work faculty professor at University of Southern California specializing in Military Social Work. 

  • Director of Youth Services

    Araksya Nordikyan is a first-generation immigrant who is motivated by her family’s sacrifice, her love for learning and her desire to become an asset to her community. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2020, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Law and her Master of Public Administration. Araksya’s ambition and commitment to civil liberties led her to join the Teen Court Program as a ninth-grader and since then she has served this organization in different capacities. In her current position, she leads the education department of PESA, overseeing the development and implementation of preventative educational programs for students across Los Angeles County. She also founded and currently serves as the President of the Teen Court Alumni Association and is the liaison for both the Los Angeles District Attorney’s JOIN Program and Los Angeles Superior Court Teen Court Program.

  • Director of Government Relations

    Ella Cavlan has worked in the social work field for about 3 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from CSULB in 2021 and her Master of Social Welfare from UCLA in 2023. She has worked with PESA since the beginning, but also interned at Keystone Treatment Center as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eating Disorder Group Counselor and with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. At the Mayor's Office, Ella assisted in the management of the Early Childhood Education Student Advancement Program (ECE-SAP) and co-developed the Early Childhood Education Co-Generation Connection Pilot Program (ECE-CCPro). Moreover, she has qualitative research experience through the writing of her IRB approved Master’s Thesis. Ella started as a Bachelors of Social Work intern at PESA in 2020, supplying her with years of direct practice work with the clients of the Behavioral Health Department. Over the years, her passion for Macro Social Work grew, thus bringing her to the role of Director of Government Relations where she supervises Macro MSW interns, runs various macro committees centering grants and local government, and works to influence policy.

  • Director of Youth Development and Social Justice

    Nigel Holly is the Director of Youth Development and Social Justice for PESA. Mr. Holly is a nationally recognized program development leader, who puts an emphasis on Youth and Young-Adults. Mr. Holly holds a B.S. in Business/Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He was honored at the National Press Club by the 400 Years of African American History Commission in March of 2023. Mr. Holly currently is a Board of Trustees Member for the California Association of Youth Courts, Board of Trustees Member for the California Institute of Health and Social Services, the California Affiliate for the National Pen or Pencil program, Founder of Future Leaders California, Antelope Valley Justice Sunday Coordinator, has two Presidential Service Awards (Silver and Gold), he is a former Commissioner for the City of Lancaster, and is the Youth Development and Programs Coordinator for the City of Lancaster.

  • Director of Administration

    While taking time away from school and figuring out what path she’d like to go down, Aimee Ladd started working with PESA in July of 2021. It had been over a year into the Covid-19 pandemic so working from home for many had become the norm and that is where she picked up. Sat at her desk and in front of her computer, Aimee started off as administrative assistant to Cindy Henriquez. She began learning the ropes of administrative duties. Previously only having worked as staff at her local Boys and Girls Club, Aimee had no idea what PESA was, did, or who anyone involved was. Though over time she started to see the impact and services that PESA provides to various people and communities. Now, as the Director of Administration Aimee continues to take on the role and responsibilities of administration such as scheduling meetings and Teen Court sessions, handling payroll, onboarding interns/clients, and much more.

  • Head of Media

    Social Media Specialist

    Monserrath Ramirez recently graduated from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2022, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Fashion Merchandising. During college, she was involved with the non-profit organization Hermanos Unidos and went on to become their Social Media Director and Social Networking Coordinator. She loved creating a safe and fun space for the community, online and in-person. She continued her work at DIG En Español, the first Spanish-written magazine in Long Beach, as their Social Media Manager. There, she received the California College Media Association (CCMA) award from the state for her graphic designs and the projects she led.

    Monserrath joins the PESA community to bring her skill set and talents to take this organization's digital marketing and newsletters to the next level. Humanitarian and community work has always been a passion of hers, and she is excited to be part of PESA's mission.

Behavioral Health Department

  • Practicum Educator Instructor

    Amancay Ledezma is an LCSW and works as a supervisor for Masters of Social Work interns for PESA. Amancay completed her Bachelors in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University Northridge and received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Amancay successfully completed her Masters level internship with PESA. After continuing her professional development and becoming a licensed clinician, Amancay is excited to be back supporting those who were once in her position as an intern, providing knowledge and insight through an empathic lens.

  • Parent and Family Coordinator

    Marta Ledezma is a Parent and Family Coordinator for PESA. Marta has a Bachelor of Science in Educational Psychology and a Master in Human Behavior. Marta has more than 20 years experience on education and mental health. Marta's role in PESA is to support children, youth and their families in successfully completing the program by being a liason between the families and the agency.

Government Relations Department

  • Assistant Director of Government Relations

    Jesus Gonzalez joined PESA in 2018, after graduating from Bellflower High School, where he was actively involved in the Los Angeles County’s Teen Court Program. He then received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach in 2022. During his time at CSULB, he promoted student leadership and public service by serving as the President of the Associated Students Incorporated, where his focus was to ensure that student voices were represented.

    Now, in his capacity as the Assistant Director of Youth Services, Jesus conducts educational presentations, does case management for diverted youth, collaborates with law school students, and proctors Teen Court sessions. He is also actively involved with PESA’s Funding Committee initiatives and writing for the PESA Post. In addition, Jesus coordinates PESA’s highly successful tutoring program, trains new tutors, and serves as a liaison between students and their parents and guardians.

  • Outreach Coordinator

    Steven Martinez is PESA's Community Outreach Coordinator, with over 30 years of experience in community advocacy. He has a strong background in housing advocacy, working with officials like Council Member Monica Rodriguez and former Council Member Alex Padilla to support low-income families. Martinez first connected with PESA over a decade ago, forming a partnership with Executive Director Seymour Amster. In his current role, Martinez focuses on bridging gaps between resources and community needs, ensuring students and families receive essential support through PESA’s programs. His passion for education and inclusivity drives his efforts to empower underserved communities.

Youth Services Department

  • Assistant Director of Youth Services

    Stephanie’s passion for Public Policy, Justice Reform and Education lead her to join the PESA team in 2021. She is a first generation hispanic woman and alumna of the University of California, Irvine. She has a Bachelors in Criminology, Law & Society and a minor in Psychology & Social behavior with a focus on Child Development and Developmental Psychopathology. Post graduation, she set a goal to continuously give back to the community; now as a Community Representative at PESA she is able to work in her hometown to spread knowledge, raise awareness and promote advocacy. She works closely with Teen Court, Civic Engagement, Tutoring, Government Entity, and has expressed she loves engaging with the youth throughout it all. In the near future, she hopes to continue her education with Legal Studies and/or Public Policy & Data Analysis.

  • Educational Life Coach

    Elizabeth Sosa was first introduced to PESA in 2019 when she was serving as a student juror for the Los Angeles Superior Court Teen Court Program at her high school. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies and a minor in Sociology from California State University Northridge in May of 2023. During her time at CSUN, she was reintroduced to the impactful work of PESA through an internship. As a PESA intern, her involvement with mentoring youth as an academic tutor inspired her to want to be a part of PESA's mission on a deeper level. Today, Elizabeth leads programs at five different high schools, collaborates with law school students, proctors Teen Court sessions, and is involved with various committees within PESA.

  • Assistant Education Specialist

    As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, Minelli Chitica has always felt a strong connection to her heritage and community. Growing up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Los Angeles, Minelli witnessed firsthand the injustices and struggles that her community faced on a daily basis. It was this desire to make a difference that led her to pursue a degree in Criminology and Justice Studies from the University of Northridge (CSUN). During her time at CSUN, Minelli became involved with the groundbreaking work being done by PESA. This organization's focus on restorative justice and rehabilitation for youth, rather than punishment, immediately resonated with Minelli. She was inspired by PESA's commitment to helping the community and knew that this was a cause she wanted to be a part of.

    She works closely with the students' parents to keep them informed of their child's progress at PESA. Minelli also serves as a proctor for some of the teen court cases that PESA holds at various schools in Los Angeles. The invaluable experiences gained through working at PESA have strengthened Minelli's determination to pursue her dream of attending law school.

Youth Development and Social Justice Department

  • Assistant Director of Youth Development and Social Justice

    Jennifer graduated with her Bachelors in Criminology and Justice Studies with a Minor in Psychology from California State University Northridge in May of 2022. It was in college where Jennifer found her purpose and motivation to focus her career on helping at-risk youth. She got the opportunity in college to work with CSUN’s Mentoring to Overcome Struggles and Inspire Courage (MOSAIC) program where she was able to be part of the mission to mentor at-risk youth in the San Fernando Valley. Being part of this program motivated Jennifer to come back to the Antelope Valley and work with at-risk youth. She started working for Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action (PESA) in February of 2022 as a tutor and she is now the Assistant Director of Youth Development and Social Justice and is helping run the tutoring/mentorship program at the Wilsona School District.

  • Educational Life Coach

    Jazmyn Martinez is an educational life coach dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through her roles at Future Leaders California and PESA. With a strong focus on high school students, Jazmyn is committed to helping them identify their goals, develop essential life skills, and navigate the challenges of adolescence. Her approach emphasizes motivation and personal growth, ensuring that each student feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Jazmyn believes in the importance of community and strives to foster a collaborative environment where young people can thrive together. In addition to her coaching work, Jazmyn is currently attending school to become a registered nurse. Her ambition to pursue a career in healthcare stems from her desire to serve and uplift her community, providing both guidance and support in various aspects of life. With her blend of experience, compassion, and dedication, Jazmyn Martinez is a driving force for positive change, working tirelessly to cultivate resilience and ambition in the leaders of tomorrow.

  • Educational Life Coach

    India has been with PESA since February 2022, just a couple of months after she graduated from high school. She found a love for education and youth advocacy early on in life, always dreaming of someday working in schools and becoming a teacher. India has spent years volunteering in schools and in the community as a Girl Scout troop leader. Throughout high school India had the opportunity to volunteer with a number of programs in the Antelope Valley that led her to PESA. With PESA India was able to work with students in the Wilsona School district while pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, which she completed in May 2024. Now pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Child, Adolescent and Family Studies at California State University Bakersfield, India continues to work with PESA dedicating her time and passion to supporting and uplifting the youths of her community.

  • Educational Life Coach

    Jamaal Schmidt recently became an Educational Life Coach with PESA, a role that allows him to integrate his artistic background with a focus on personal development and empowerment. As a coach, Jamaal works closely with youth to help them build confidence, set goals, and develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of self-expression and encourages his students to pursue their passions, whether in the arts, their education, or beyond.

  • Educational Life Coach

    Anouk Glosson-Harvey joined PESA as an Educational Life Coach bringing a wealth of experience in education and advocacy for social equity. A proud alumna of the University of California, Los Angeles, Anouk cultivated her passion for law as it relates to social justice and education while actively participating in organizations such as Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, the UCLA International Collegiate Health Initiative, and various academic support programs. These roles allowed her to serve as an advisor, advocate, and mentor, shaping her commitment to empowering others. At PESA, she focuses on helping students develop their personal and academic goals, fostering resilience and a sense of agency. Anouk is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive and realize their full potential.

  • Educational Life Coach

    Shawntwayne Cannon II is an Educational Life Coach at PESA, driven by a deep commitment to uplifting his community and addressing educational disparities. Born in Carson, CA, and raised in Lancaster, he experienced social injustices that shaped his passion for advocacy. An exemplary student, he graduated from Desert Winds High School with multiple accolades, including the Principal’s Award and the Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. After serving as an Avid Tutor during summer school, Shawn forged strong connections with dedicated educators. As Deputy Mayor and Lancaster's first Gen Z City official, he represents the underrepresented, advocating for systemic changes through initiatives like the Social Equity Commission. His leadership roles also include serving as a Field Representative for California’s 21st Senate District and President of the Antelope Valley Junior Chamber of Commerce. At PESA, Shawn channels his vision of harmony and progress to empower youth, bridging community needs with local governance to secure a prosperous future for the next generation.