Executive Leadership
Brittany Lee, MSW
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Brittany Lee is the Founder and CEO of Helping Empower Reentry Services (HERS), a nonprofit grounded in compassion, resilience, and second chances. Born and raised in Monterey County, Brittany’s path has been shaped by both lived experience and professional expertise. Brittany holds a Master of Social Work from San José State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from BYU–Idaho. She also earned associate degrees in Sociology and Administration of Justice from Monterey Peninsula College and is a certified Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselor. Her career spans over a decade of service to vulnerable populations—including incarcerated individuals, foster and probation youth, and adults experiencing homelessness. Brittany is especially passionate about supporting system-impacted individuals in building new lives filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope. Her belief is simple but powerful: everyone deserves access to services and the chance to start over. Brittany brings authenticity and empathy to her leadership. Her lived experience drives her mission to break cycles of poverty, incarceration, and trauma—especially for women and families who have been historically overlooked. Through her leadership, HERS is not only a support system—it’s a movement for equity, healing, and transformation.
Directors
Stephanie Valdez
Maggie Lindenthal-Cox
Maggie Lindenthal-Cox
Director of Community Outreach
Stephanie serves as our Director of Community Outreach, bringing a deep commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing equity throughout our region. Born and raised in Monterey County, she plays a vital role in fostering meaningful community connections and driving collaborative efforts. Stephanie ho
Director of Community Outreach
Stephanie serves as our Director of Community Outreach, bringing a deep commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing equity throughout our region. Born and raised in Monterey County, she plays a vital role in fostering meaningful community connections and driving collaborative efforts. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from CSUMB and has dedicated her career to supporting system-impacted individuals, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Maggie Lindenthal-Cox
Maggie Lindenthal-Cox
Maggie Lindenthal-Cox
Director of ECM and Housing Navigation Services
Maggie serves as our Director of ECM and Housing Navigation Services, playing a key role in building strong partnerships and expanding access to critical services across the region. With a deep commitment to supporting systems that serve Medi-Cal populations, Maggie works tirelessly to stren
Director of ECM and Housing Navigation Services
Maggie serves as our Director of ECM and Housing Navigation Services, playing a key role in building strong partnerships and expanding access to critical services across the region. With a deep commitment to supporting systems that serve Medi-Cal populations, Maggie works tirelessly to strengthen care coordination and advocate for equitable, community-based solutions. Her dedication to uplifting underserved communities and fostering collaboration makes her an essential part of our mission.
Jennie Nestler
Maggie Lindenthal-Cox
Jennie Nestler
Director of Reentry Services
Jennie is our Director of Reentry Services, leading efforts to support individuals impacted by incarceration through holistic, community-based programming. A Monterey County native, Jennie brings over five years of experience working directly with returning citizens and incarcerated individuals. Her deep under
Director of Reentry Services
Jennie is our Director of Reentry Services, leading efforts to support individuals impacted by incarceration through holistic, community-based programming. A Monterey County native, Jennie brings over five years of experience working directly with returning citizens and incarcerated individuals. Her deep understanding of reentry challenges and unwavering commitment to justice-involved populations drive her work in building pathways to stability, dignity, and long-term success. Jennie plays a vital role in shaping services that are compassionate, effective, and rooted in lived experience.
Management Team
Mellisa Bacilio Ordonez
Mellisa Bacilio Ordonez
Mellisa Bacilio Ordonez
Mellisa is one of our Housing Navigator Supervisors. Mellisa has extensive knowledge and experience in connecting people with housing resources. Mellisa is dedicated to the populations we serve and genuinely cares about the work we do.
Jenny Delucio
Mellisa Bacilio Ordonez
Mellisa Bacilio Ordonez
Jenny is one of our Enhanced Care Management Supervisors. She brings deep knowledge and experience in care coordination, particularly in navigating complex systems to connect individuals with the support they need.
Mimi Skiles
Mellisa Bacilio Ordonez
Mimi Skiles
Mimi is our Compliance Manager, overseeing both project coordination and operational systems. With a strong background in the nonprofit sector and expertise in billing, Mimi ensures that our internal processes run smoothly and efficiently.