Meet Our Team

Don Wells is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Psychology, History and Political Science and certification to teach secondary education. In 2004, he also earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.

Wells began his career as a high school history and psychology teacher before beginning an award-winning media career spanning three decades as an artist/animator, writer-producer, news director, project manager and communications consultant. The one constant throughout the years has been his commitment to use his talents and influence to serve the community.

Don was instrumental in the early formation of Just in Time for Foster Youth and used his leadership position at KGTV/ABC10 San Diego to help produce the My First Home Extreme Makeover segment, giving JIT much-needed visibility in its infancy. Since then, Don has been a consistent supporter of Just in Time, joining the board in 2009 and assuming the duties of Executive Director in 2010.

Diane is a co-founder of Just in Time for Foster Youth; she served as Vice Chair and then Chair of the Board until becoming the Development Director in 2014. Her responsibility is to engage the greater community in the Just in Time mission, ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization. Since 2003, she has been instrumental in raising the JIT budget from $20,000 to $4 million, serving over 800 youth annually.

Diane is credited with creating the Coach Approach to Mentoring, an innovative training founded on the belief that everyone is creative, resourceful and whole, and that transformative change occurs when we step outside our own agenda, build rapport, understanding and trust, and ask powerful questions that expand thinking and promote insight.

A graduate of the University of Michigan and the Hudson Institute of Coaching, Diane enjoyed a successful 24-year career as a senior account representative for First American Title Insurance Company in Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar, California. Earlier in her life, Diane was a high school English teacher, editor of a town paper and director of public relations for a nonprofit health resort, always in search of ways to serve and grow.

Simone feels a great sense of pride as an alumnus of foster care. She spent her five years in care at San Pasqual Academy where she developed a love and admiration for the foster youth community and began to create positive impacts as a mentor, tutor and teacher assistant. After emancipating, Simone attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she obtained her BA in Child Development with minors in Ethnic Studies and Psychology. 

Simone later earned her MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs at San Diego State University. Her decision to pursue a master’s degree was fueled by her desire to represent the foster youth community in higher education. During and after her master’s program, Simone contributed her lived experience and education to support students in the SDSU Guardian Scholars Program – first as a graduate assistant and finally as the Program Coordinator. In these roles, Simone supported the personal and professional development and academic achievements of her students while challenging them to be reflective, goal-oriented and make strides toward becoming the best version of themselves. 

Education is a very important aspect of Simone’s life. Not only has it helped her take control of her own destiny, it has also enhanced her opportunity to be impactful in the foster youth community. Simone’s passion and dedication to her community is what led her to Just in Time where she aspires to be a compassionate leader, an unapologetic advocate and a positive cheerleader. Simone is excited to be a part of an amazing team, a loving community and cannot wait to meet you.

Jennifer’s professional work experience spans over 20 years in the media and advertising industry as a sales and marketing executive. Born and raised in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY area, Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional & Technical Communications and double minored in Business and Psychology. In 2017 she left the world of media to go back to school and finished an Executive MBA program in December 2018. While earning her MBA, Jennifer also began studying the world of nonprofit and how her corporate skill set could transfer over. She knew she wanted to move into purpose-driven work for her second act.

When introduced to Just in Time’s mission, Jennifer knew immediately it was where she belonged. While never having been a foster youth herself, Jennifer understood from an early age that she would have to figure quite a bit out on her own, and experienced first-hand the power and positive influence a mentor and a community had on the trajectory of her own life. Joining the JIT team was life coming full circle and provided an opportunity to give back in many ways. She sees the uniqueness in all individuals, and intuitively knows that “one size doesn’t fit all” which matches up well with JIT’s unique theory of change and individualized approach to serving youth.

When she’s not in the office, you can find Jennifer with her nose in the book, hiking a mountain, skiing down a hill or wakeboarding behind a boat!

Amanda is a graduate of California State University Fullerton, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Entertainment and Tourism Studies. At Cal State Fullerton, she was heavily involved with the College of Communications and the Entertainment and Tourism Club. Halfway through her college journey, she became a student assistant for the CSUF Events team where she assisted with alumni events, concerts and the college’s commencement. As a student and a post-grad, Amanda also volunteered for a non-profit organization that helps people with eating disorders pay for treatment and receive resources.

After she graduated, Amanda received a job as a commercial coordinator at NBC Universal. She valued this experience and loved working in entertainment but realized that she wanted to dedicate her time to help and influence others in need. She had little financial support and at times, worked two jobs to support herself and graduate debt-free. Amanda takes pride in her financial responsibility and hopes to help others achieve financial security. She participated in multiple Just in Time programs and wants to spread awareness about the amazing opportunities and resources available through JIT.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Amanda is passionate about surfing, social movements, traveling and challenging herself to learn new things.

Nancy is a native San Diegan who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University San Marcos and her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from San Diego Mesa College. As a former foster youth, she has been connected to the Just in Time community as a participant, volunteer and staff member since 2009.

Although exiting foster care was not the smoothest transition, Nancy was able to get connected with various programs that provided the necessary tools to help acclimate young adults into the world of adulthood. With support from Change a Life Foundation, CSUSM ACE Scholars Program, Fostering Opportunities Dollars for Scholars, Just in Time for Foster Youth, My Girlfriend’s Closet, Promises2Kids Guardian Scholars Program and the YMCA, she was able to complete her undergraduate studies – debt-free!

As an advocate for youth to empower their voices, Nancy has also participated in several panel and speaking opportunities throughout the years with organizations such as Access, FosterClub, Junior League of San Diego and Promises2Kids.

Ren has always been passionate about building quality relationships, enhancing personal growth, and applying her optimistic attitude to make a positive impact in society. Throughout her college career, she has worked, interned, and volunteered in various community-serving environments catering to diverse cultures.

Ren recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with distinctions from San Diego State University, with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication and minor in Television, Film, and New Media. She also received her Associate’s in Arts in Communication at Southwestern Community College. Her experiences and educational background has assisted her in the direction of leadership within non-profit organizations.

After learning about JIT’s success stories from her really good friends who were JIT participants, she knew she wanted to help in the process of encouraging former foster youth to become capable, confident, and connected. Now, she is excited to be a new addition to the JIT family!

During her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, reading motivational books, and learning new things. She is an aspiring influential individual who hopes to inspire others to tap into their full potential and reach self-actualization.

From the moment she became a Career Horizons coach, Trish fell in love with the people and mission of Just in Time for Foster Youth. She developed an amazing bond with a former foster youth and felt how everyone was working tirelessly to help youth like her become self-sufficient. After one year of volunteering, Trish joined the JIT staff as its Volunteer Engagement Manager. Trish combines her professional experience as a strategy director with her personal experience as a JIT volunteer to implement strategies that deepen volunteers’ connections with transition age foster youth.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of Trish’s approach, which she leverages to empower volunteers and integrate them into the organization.

Trish earned her MBA from the Yale School of Management. She holds three coaching certifications and has served as President of SANDAPT (San Diego Chapter of the Association for Psychological Type). Trish’s career in the for-profit sector spans 20 years and includes employment at American Express, Lexus, iCrossing, Toyota Financial Services and North Star Coaching.

Kathryn Clauzel is a driven and passionate young woman who first fell in love with child advocacy during a trip abroad where she got involved with a non-profit bringing food, mentorship and healthcare to children across western Tanzania. She came home from this trip with a newfound vision to gear her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo toward a career in the non-profit world, focusing on child advocacy and being a voice for the unnoticed. She’s so excited to bring her knowledge and hunger to learn to Just in Time and connect caring volunteers with youth transitioning out of the foster care system. 

Kathryn has worked for multiple established non-profit organizations in San Diego for more than four years and her past experiences have included program management, volunteer oversight, fund development and donor relations, marketing and event planning. She’s a jack of all trades, willing to go where the need is and build up her skills as she goes. At her core, Kathryn deeply believes each person has the invaluable opportunity to live a meaningful life and make the world a better place, and she’s thankful to be able to encourage this value with volunteers and partners at Just in Time.

In her free time, Kathryn enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband and dog, Lucy.

 

 

Kyra Kurita is an ambitious student pursuing two bachelor’s degrees from San Diego State University in Psychology and Speech Language & Hearing Sciences. She previously graduated from El Camino Community College with three associate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Communication Studies and General Studies of Culture & Communication. Her goal is to be a life-long learner, as she sees knowledge as the key to opening every door. She hopes to earn a doctorate in either Speech Language Pathology or Psychology.

Prior to her engagement with Just in Time, she struggled with her identity as a former foster youth, however it is now her passion. JIT helped Kyra accept her history in foster care and advocate for those in her community. Her goal is to help every individual find their own voice and learn to express themselves; communication is the essence of human connection in her opinion.

Kyra has experience creating inclusive environments that support the growth of self-confidence having previously been a manager for a music school, a preschool teacher and a tutor. In all of those positions, she worked tirelessly with numerous individuals with compassion and patience. No matter what job she has been assigned, she assures that her work positively impacts the lives of those around her and she connects on a personalized level.

Daniella is a graduate of San Diego State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Counseling & Social Change. During her studies at SDSU, she worked part-time at the International Student Center on campus, where she collaborated closely with students from around the globe to support the programs and services that help foster student success, global perspectives, intercultural awareness and international cooperation.

Previous to her studies at SDSU, Daniella worked for over three years in financial institutions such as Mission Federal Credit Union and U.S. Bank. During that time, she learned a lot about finance while also realizing her love for customer service and helping people in general. Upon this realization, she was determined to find a career that aligned with her passion for advocacy work along with giving back to the community she so closely identifies with.

Daniella first became involved with Just in Time back in 2016 as a participant in College Bound. From there, she joined Career Horizons and other services that JIT offers. Growing up in over a dozen foster homes in San Bernardino County, she was unaware that an entire community existed for former foster youth like herself. Now, she works full-time with Just in Time for Foster Youth as a Youth Services Coordinator.

When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find Daniella spending time with her “daughter” Frida, a terrier mix rescue.

 

 

James graduated with his Bachelor of Arts and minor in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University. Prior to moving to San Diego, James spent 16 years in the foster care system, growing up in multiple foster homes throughout the Bay Area of California. As an adolescent, he understood the negative effects and impacts the foster care system can have on young people, and made a goal to someday help other former and current foster youth who experience them first-hand.

While enrolled at SDSU, James spent a majority of his time helping others through the Guardian Scholars Program. In this role, James served as a Community Outreach Officer where he was in charge of managing relationships with foster youth liaisons at community colleges across San Diego County. It was also his duty to present the benefits of SDSU’s Guardian Scholars Program to other former foster youth.

With a desire to continue to empower former and current foster youth, James recently made the decision to join the Youth Services team at Just in Time for Foster Youth. Since he was a young teenager, James knew he had a calling and passion in life; JIT’s mission fits the purpose he has set out to accomplish. As not only a participant but now an employee, James is deeply committed to the Just in Time community.

In his spare time, James enjoys being outdoors and can be seen involved in activities such as hiking, surfing and skateboarding. He also enjoys reading, producing lo-fi music and sports — and loves to watch NBA games whenever possible.

 

 

Kareli is a strong, passionate individual who believes everyone has a meaningful purpose on this Earth. Growing up, she faced many childhood adversities, from feeling neglect to growing up in a home of domestic violence and uncertainty. Even through everything she has experienced, she believes that the challenges and struggles she has faced have shaped her into the woman she is now. 

Kareli first got connected with Just In Time in 2017 as a participant, thanks to her sister Sam. She then joined Career Horizons and Financial Fitness the next year, where she learned the importance of building meaningful relationships and how to manage finances efficiently. 

Kareli is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to such an important and impactful organization that she is proud to be a part of! 

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Gayle is a certified public accountant with a degree in accounting and a MBA from Arizona State University in Tempe. She spent the first five years of her career as an auditor with Deloitte, where she audited not-for-profit organizations, regional governmental groups and publicly held companies. After receiving her MBA and raising her family, Gayle joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in Los Angeles and spent the next 11 years providing accounting and consulting services to multinational corporations, not-for-profit organizations and various governmental entities within the federal government of the United States and the countries of Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia.

As an experienced auditor and consultant, Gayle has helped organizations achieve best-in-class finance and accounting functions through the implementation of enabling technology, re-engineered processes, redesigned procedures and training. After leaving PricewaterhouseCoopers and settling in San Diego, Gayle spent the next few years as Controller for the Information Technology division of Sony Electronics. She thought about retiring but after reading an article about Phillip Rivers, his Rivers of Hope Foundation and its assistance to youth at Just in Time for Foster Youth, she volunteered on the Audit Committee of JIT and was soon asked to be its part-time CFO, which she gladly accepted in 2012. Fully committed to the JIT mission, Gayle uses her skills and experience to help keep the finance and accounting functions running smoothly so everyone else can do what they do best in order to serve JIT’s youth.

Karen joined Just in Time for Foster Youth’s staff in 2015, but was very familiar with the organization as she had been involved as a volunteer and friend since its inception. She is thrilled to be a part of this dynamic nonprofit.

Previously, Karen worked at USO San Diego in development. She has been a volunteer, board member and president for various organizations in San Diego County including St. Germaine Children’s Charity, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, San Diego County Federation of Republican Women, La Jolla Republican Women, Federated and the La Jolla Opera Guild. She has also chaired the major fundraisers for all of the above organizations.

Karen and her husband have had six AFS exchange students – students in their senior year of high school. Their “children” live in Denmark, Chile, Germany, Slovakia and Italy. Their daughter from Ukraine immigrated to the US in 2003 and is now an American citizen. Through Just in Time, the Millers now have another daughter – Victoria, a former foster youth and welcome addition to their family!

Prior to her work with nonprofits and volunteer organizations, Karen was a Senior Buyer at San Diego Gas & Electric. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Foreign Languages, majoring in German and minoring in Russian.

Lori has spent her entire adult life doing bookkeeping but when her two children went off to college, she became a certified bookkeeper and QuickBooks user to launch her own bookkeeping company. Her clients have included non-profit organizations, property management companies, real estate agents, attorneys and people just wanting to get their bookkeeping out of the shoe box and organized professionally.

Lori’s relationship with Just in Time for Foster Youth began in 2009 when she was contacted and hired as bookkeeper by one of JIT’s founding members. In those early days at the Casey Family Programs Building, there was only one office and one staff member. As JIT grew, Lori helped it evolve with its transition to QuickBooks Online and customized the accounting process, researched payroll and insurance needs, and implemented new filing systems to better serve JIT’s specific business model as a non-profit organization assisting transition age foster youth.

Lori has been a constant at JIT for almost a decade, reconciling accounts, making sure the bills are paid, and managing the financial tasks of accounting and record keeping with strict attention to detail. Lori appreciates JIT’s mission, loves working with the young people on staff and seeing the youth served become better prepared to go out into the world on their own. Her dedication has helped JIT become the strong organization it is today.