Meet Our Team

Don 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.

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.

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.

Virgo immigrated from the Philippines in 2000 and transferred to San Diego State University from Fullerton College in 2015. He recently graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. One of his long-term goals is to obtain a master’s degree in Higher Education and promote the success of former foster youth in underrepresented fields such as biology. He hopes that his impact on others will lead them to embrace their experience and celebrate their achievements.

Virgo has invested his time at SDSU as a voice to empower his peers in the former foster youth community. Through his student leadership positions in SDSU’s Guardian Scholars program and Delta Lambda Phi, a fraternity for gay men, he has learned how to represent his community and love his intersecting identities. His passion for leadership stems from his desire to establish brave spaces for his peers that are inclusive and encourages them to share their experiences.

Originally only drawn to Just in Time for the physical resources, Virgo has since learned the impact that can be created by a team with a shared vision. This impact motivated him to leave his previous employment as a dialysis technician and join the revolution that is changing the perception of foster care.

Cori Fusselman graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has grown over the past 13 years as a mortgage professional. Cori was well versed in many mortgage lending programs and especially enjoyed working with first time home buyers. With this knowledge, she volunteered numerous times as a guest speaker and educator in Just in Time’s Financial Fitness program, teaching the necessary steps to prepare for future home ownership.

Cori previously volunteered with Promises 2 Kids as a mentor in their Guardian Scholars program. In 2012, she and her husband became foster parents through Angel’s Network to their now adopted 6-year-old daughter. They also have two boys, 8 and 10 years old. Cori enjoys watching her oldest son play soccer and both boys practice Martial Arts, and her daughter loves ballet, tap and hip-hop dance.

Cori exited the mortgage business in December 2017 to pursue working full-time with foster youth. She is excited to combine her passion in serving foster kids with her professional knowledge and experience in lending and finance to help young adults gain auto financing access within Just in Time’s Changing Lanes program.

Kathryn 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.

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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.

 

 

Ozzy received his Associate of Science in Physics from Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga before moving to San Diego in 2015 to pursue his undergraduate degree. He is currently in his senior year at San Diego State University, where he is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphases in Engineering, Computer Science, Counseling and Social Change.

In his time at SDSU, Ozzy has been very involved on campus in a variety of ways, especially in roles where he encourages other former foster youth to own their stories and follow their dreams. He served as the president of the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity during the 2018-2019 school year, a values-based fraternity that focuses on brotherhood, scholarship, community service and cultural awareness; as a SOAR (Success, Opportunity, Academics, Relationship) mentor for the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs, guiding incoming freshman through college life, first as a Transfer-Bridge Mentor then as Assistant Coordinator for the program; and as an active member of Guardian Scholars, a program that serves former foster youth students, where Ozzy assisted with outreach, recruitment, mentorship and creating care packages.

Ozzy is driven by a motivation to help foster youth succeed and is empowered through his experiences supporting others. He loves the feeling of knowing that together, youth who come from traumatic or uncertain backgrounds can truly thrive. His future aspirations after he graduates from SDSU in May 2020 include becoming a college advisor for sciences or college coordinator, and pursuing a master’s degree related to his passions.

As a new member of the JIT team and former JIT participant, Ozzy hopes to support, inspire and motivate participants along their journeys to self-sufficiency and well-being, and aims to serve as a role model for what you can achieve and overcome when you are surrounded by a community of support.

In his free time, Ozzy enjoys hanging out with his frat brothers, playing video games and volunteering in the community with his fraternity.

Kareli is a strong, passionate individual who believes everyone has a meaningful purpose in the world.

In 2015, she attended California College San Diego but quickly learned that the medical field was not the right fit for her. Since then, she has been exploring what it is that she truly enjoys. You can find her at the gym, beach or spending time with her siblings.

Kareli first got connected with Just In Time as a participant back in 2017. She joined Career Horizons & Financial Fitness the next year where she learned the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships. 

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

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.

Steven is a graduate of San Diego State University, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. He also received his Associates in Applied Arts at Golden West Community College.

One of Steven’s biggest talents is his unique ability to relate to a variety of audiences on a personal level; he attributes this gift to working in the service industry for over seven years, supporting teens as a youth group leader in his church and growing up in the foster care system.

Steven spent 10 challenging years in the foster care system where he had to overcome many obstacles brought on by moving to 30 different homes before he turned 18. He believes that moving and interacting with so many foster families and group homes made him a stronger individual in dealing with obstacles and hardships.

Steven has participated in many programs at JIT including Financial Fitness, My First Home, and Bridges to Success. As a previous participant, he can relate to youth’s circumstances and knows how difficult it is emancipating from the system with no resources to survive. He’s always wanted to give back to youth with similar backgrounds, and by becoming part of the JIT staff, he now knows he can make a difference in many young people’s lives.