Staff
Rebekah Spicuglia, Executive Director
Cristel Ramirez, Director of Community Engagement & Program Innovation
Michael Fuentes, Por Vida Program Manager
Josie Suarez, Lead Case Manager Specialist, SMHS
Jazmin Gavilanes, Case Manager Specialist, PVHS
Chasity Lavata'i, Case Manager Specialist, ERHS
Isidro Saavedra, Case Manager Specialist, DHS
For information about OCA programs and activities, contact info@onecommunityaction.org, or (805) 608-8429.
For information about Por Vida program, contact mfuentes@onecommunityaction.org, or (805) 757-9525.
STAFF BIOS
Cristel Ramirez
Director of Community Engagement & Program Innovation
Cristel’s inspiration comes from her firm belief that the Santa Maria Valley is her community; therefore, it's her responsibility to be part of solutions that help her community thrive, to celebrate what deserves celebration, and to honor that which is honorable in the community. This challenge comes with the reward of knowing that she is making a difference for the better. Cristel is passionate about human trafficking prevention and youth safety. Her education and career background is varied and provides a foundation to the work she does today.
Michael A. Fuentes
Program Manager, Por Vida Program
Michael has worked with adolescents for over 17 years and was awarded the Latino Legacy Award in 2019 for recognition and dedication of service for his work in our community. He is inspired by the diversity of the cultures within our community, and in his words, “I have had similar struggles throughout my life and being able to help the families within the community to overcome the struggles they face. I see the potential of adolescents and know that any type of support can make a huge impact in their lives. Not only in their lives but in the lives of their families.” I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge with staff and teaching them from my experiences. Michael is passionate in what he does and empowers his staff to do the same. Seeing the growth of the team, and knowing that they can continue to grow, the vision of One Community Action provides him with enormous gratification. Michael is originally from Delano, Ca, however, has lived in the community of Santa Maria since 1994. You may ask yourself, what does Michael like to do outside of work? Well, Michael’s hobbies include: traveling, listening to music, and watching football (The Raiders); He enjoys spending time with his family, while eating his wife’s homemade menudo, his favorite food along with chicharrones! If he ever has some time to watch a movie, you can expect “Rocky” to be playing on his TV screen along with “Sons of Anarchy” and “Yellowstone''. What can you find on his Spotify playlist? Oldies, Chicano Rap, Old School, and Christian Worship Music.
Josie Suarez-Ramirez
Lead Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Santa Maria High School
Prior to working with One Community Action, Josie worked in the counseling field as an Alcohol and other Drugs Counselor. Josie has been working in the Santa Maria Valley Community with youth and their families for over 13 years. Josie is inspired by the struggles that she went through during her High School years while not having much guidance through those challenging times. This motivates her to be a positive influence and support in the lives of the youth and parents she works with in the Santa María Community. At work, Josie enjoys building connections and relationships with the youth and parents she works with. You may ask yourself, what does she do outside of work? Well, Josie’s hobbies include: hiking, arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family. The must-have dishes on her dining table are Mexican food and Japanese sushi. If she ever has some time to watch something on television, it may be movies that are based on true stories. Josie’s favorite book is Tattoos on The Heart by Gregory Boyle. When it comes to music, Christian Music, Mexican-Norteñas, Rancheras, Oldies and Old Skool are the ones that Josie always turns to. It should be noted that even though Josie was born in the Los Ángeles area, she has been in Santa Maria for most of her life (32 years) and she considers herself to be from Santa Maria. In Josie’s words, “I love my community and I feel it is important to help others, especially the youth in our community.”
Jazmin Gavilanes
Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Pioneer Valley High School
Jazmin is inspired by having observed that this community in particular is very underserved and that this community needs an organization to change this! She has seen the beauty of our uniting communities first hand while they make their town a better place. Hopefully, we can make it our own here! Jazmin enjoys working with her awesome students! You may ask yourself, what does she do outside of work? Jazmin‘s hobbies include: pottery, hiking and acrylic painting. Some of her favorite foods include sushi, green olives, and mint chocolate. If Jazmin ever has some time to listen to good music, you can expect there to be good jazz pieces or R&B soul playing.
Isidro Saavedra
Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Delta High School
Isidro was a student in the Santa Maria School system where he was able to graduate from Santa Maria High School and attend a 4 year University right after graduation. Isidro is inspired by teaching the youth in our community that there are alternatives to the negative choices we can make in life. While on the clock, Isidro enjoys helping guide young minds in a more positive direction. Growing up in the city of Santa Maria he is able to relate to the struggles of everyday life that many of our youth experience. He aims to teach the youth in our community that there are many positive options available. You may ask yourself, what does he do outside of work? Well, Isidro’s hobbies include soccer, running, hiking, gym time, and watching movies. Although he may have many hobbies he is also a father of 3 girls which he is raising in our community. If Isidro ever has some time to watch a movie, the film playing will either be, “Forrest Gump'', “Troy”, or “Batman: The Dark Knight''. Besides being a food fanatic Isidro does have a favorite snack which is Reeses chocolate.
Chasity Lavata'i
Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Righetti High School
Chasity is inspired to make a change in the community even if it's small; guiding the future generation to their full potential and becoming a contribution not only in their own lives and families but also to society. At work, Chasity enjoys being an extension that helps push for the OCA mission. Chasity is excited to be able to meet with students and build that relationship to help them succeed. You may ask yourself, what does she do outside of work? Well, Chasity’s hobbies include: reading, playing volleyball, indulging in family time, and hanging out with friends. Some of their favorite snacks include desserts that are not too fruity or have too much chocolate. If they ever have some time to read, you can rest assured that the Hunger Games book series, the Selection book series, Splinter book series and as many books pertaining to human habits and behaviors are on their reading list. Lastly, if Chasity has some time to watch a film, MCU movies are sure to be the ones selected to watch.
Cristel Ramirez, Director of Community Engagement & Program Innovation
Michael Fuentes, Por Vida Program Manager
Josie Suarez, Lead Case Manager Specialist, SMHS
Jazmin Gavilanes, Case Manager Specialist, PVHS
Chasity Lavata'i, Case Manager Specialist, ERHS
Isidro Saavedra, Case Manager Specialist, DHS
For information about OCA programs and activities, contact info@onecommunityaction.org, or (805) 608-8429.
For information about Por Vida program, contact mfuentes@onecommunityaction.org, or (805) 757-9525.
STAFF BIOS
Cristel Ramirez
Director of Community Engagement & Program Innovation
Cristel’s inspiration comes from her firm belief that the Santa Maria Valley is her community; therefore, it's her responsibility to be part of solutions that help her community thrive, to celebrate what deserves celebration, and to honor that which is honorable in the community. This challenge comes with the reward of knowing that she is making a difference for the better. Cristel is passionate about human trafficking prevention and youth safety. Her education and career background is varied and provides a foundation to the work she does today.
Michael A. Fuentes
Program Manager, Por Vida Program
Michael has worked with adolescents for over 17 years and was awarded the Latino Legacy Award in 2019 for recognition and dedication of service for his work in our community. He is inspired by the diversity of the cultures within our community, and in his words, “I have had similar struggles throughout my life and being able to help the families within the community to overcome the struggles they face. I see the potential of adolescents and know that any type of support can make a huge impact in their lives. Not only in their lives but in the lives of their families.” I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge with staff and teaching them from my experiences. Michael is passionate in what he does and empowers his staff to do the same. Seeing the growth of the team, and knowing that they can continue to grow, the vision of One Community Action provides him with enormous gratification. Michael is originally from Delano, Ca, however, has lived in the community of Santa Maria since 1994. You may ask yourself, what does Michael like to do outside of work? Well, Michael’s hobbies include: traveling, listening to music, and watching football (The Raiders); He enjoys spending time with his family, while eating his wife’s homemade menudo, his favorite food along with chicharrones! If he ever has some time to watch a movie, you can expect “Rocky” to be playing on his TV screen along with “Sons of Anarchy” and “Yellowstone''. What can you find on his Spotify playlist? Oldies, Chicano Rap, Old School, and Christian Worship Music.
Josie Suarez-Ramirez
Lead Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Santa Maria High School
Prior to working with One Community Action, Josie worked in the counseling field as an Alcohol and other Drugs Counselor. Josie has been working in the Santa Maria Valley Community with youth and their families for over 13 years. Josie is inspired by the struggles that she went through during her High School years while not having much guidance through those challenging times. This motivates her to be a positive influence and support in the lives of the youth and parents she works with in the Santa María Community. At work, Josie enjoys building connections and relationships with the youth and parents she works with. You may ask yourself, what does she do outside of work? Well, Josie’s hobbies include: hiking, arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family. The must-have dishes on her dining table are Mexican food and Japanese sushi. If she ever has some time to watch something on television, it may be movies that are based on true stories. Josie’s favorite book is Tattoos on The Heart by Gregory Boyle. When it comes to music, Christian Music, Mexican-Norteñas, Rancheras, Oldies and Old Skool are the ones that Josie always turns to. It should be noted that even though Josie was born in the Los Ángeles area, she has been in Santa Maria for most of her life (32 years) and she considers herself to be from Santa Maria. In Josie’s words, “I love my community and I feel it is important to help others, especially the youth in our community.”
Jazmin Gavilanes
Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Pioneer Valley High School
Jazmin is inspired by having observed that this community in particular is very underserved and that this community needs an organization to change this! She has seen the beauty of our uniting communities first hand while they make their town a better place. Hopefully, we can make it our own here! Jazmin enjoys working with her awesome students! You may ask yourself, what does she do outside of work? Jazmin‘s hobbies include: pottery, hiking and acrylic painting. Some of her favorite foods include sushi, green olives, and mint chocolate. If Jazmin ever has some time to listen to good music, you can expect there to be good jazz pieces or R&B soul playing.
Isidro Saavedra
Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Delta High School
Isidro was a student in the Santa Maria School system where he was able to graduate from Santa Maria High School and attend a 4 year University right after graduation. Isidro is inspired by teaching the youth in our community that there are alternatives to the negative choices we can make in life. While on the clock, Isidro enjoys helping guide young minds in a more positive direction. Growing up in the city of Santa Maria he is able to relate to the struggles of everyday life that many of our youth experience. He aims to teach the youth in our community that there are many positive options available. You may ask yourself, what does he do outside of work? Well, Isidro’s hobbies include soccer, running, hiking, gym time, and watching movies. Although he may have many hobbies he is also a father of 3 girls which he is raising in our community. If Isidro ever has some time to watch a movie, the film playing will either be, “Forrest Gump'', “Troy”, or “Batman: The Dark Knight''. Besides being a food fanatic Isidro does have a favorite snack which is Reeses chocolate.
Chasity Lavata'i
Case Manager Specialist, Por Vida Program, Righetti High School
Chasity is inspired to make a change in the community even if it's small; guiding the future generation to their full potential and becoming a contribution not only in their own lives and families but also to society. At work, Chasity enjoys being an extension that helps push for the OCA mission. Chasity is excited to be able to meet with students and build that relationship to help them succeed. You may ask yourself, what does she do outside of work? Well, Chasity’s hobbies include: reading, playing volleyball, indulging in family time, and hanging out with friends. Some of their favorite snacks include desserts that are not too fruity or have too much chocolate. If they ever have some time to read, you can rest assured that the Hunger Games book series, the Selection book series, Splinter book series and as many books pertaining to human habits and behaviors are on their reading list. Lastly, if Chasity has some time to watch a film, MCU movies are sure to be the ones selected to watch.
