Community Veteran Justice Project
Meet The Team
Jodi Galvin
Executive Director
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Jodi Galvin has spent her career in public service. She is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience working within the criminal justice system. Jodi served as a Public Defender Investigator for eleven years in both the Mental Health and Criminal sections, and also as a Los Angeles City Attorney Prosecutor for twenty-one years. Coming from a military-connected family, Jodi has always been a valuable advocate for veteran affairs. Jodi is the Founder and Executive Director of the Community Veteran Justice Project; chairs the Legal & Re-Entry Committee for the LA Veteran Collaborative, has been an active member of the LACBA Armed Forces Committee; and has served on national, statewide and local veteran committees and projects.
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Peter Fendel
Volunteer Attorney
Peter is a Marine Corps veteran and an attorney licensed in California (awaiting bar results in Colorado). Peter graduated from Pepperdine Law School cum laude where he served as the president of the Veterans Legal Society and sat on the Veterans Recruitment Committee. He also attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he received a B.A. in Political Science. Peter has extensive experience working with veterans - serving as the veterans and military liaison in a Congressional office, volunteering with his fellow veterans conducting disaster response with Team Rubicon, and through his own journey as a service-connected V.A. patient. Peter has experience in civil litigation and water law, and is currently transitioning to a career in public service law. Peter enjoys golfing, hiking, and exercising where he lives in Colorado with his rottweiler, Bear.
Monica Mooring
Social Worker Field Supervisor
Dr. Monica Mooring is a social work professional with over 20+ years of direct practice at the macro-level, mezzo-level, and micro-level. She is passionate about helping those most vulnerable realize and achieve their highest potential as they define achievement.
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Jimmy Askew
Project Coordinator
Jimmy Askew is an attorney who is licensed in NY and in CA. A graduate of Cardozo School of Law in NYC, he has worked in entertainment and IP law as well as doing litigation support. He currently serves as a Neighborhood Council member in North Hollywood and as a member of Metro's Citizens Advisory Council. Jimmy's father spent 21 years on active duty in the Army Corps of Engineers, including a year in Vietnam, and he spent the first ten years of life as an army brat before settling down in Fairfax County, VA. He's excited to have this opportunity to give back to the veterans who have given so much.
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Billy enlisted in 1994 in the National Guard and commissioned in 2000 as an artillery officer. He is currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve. He is most recently home from a 2019 deployment to the Middle East. In 2009 Billy graduated from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, PA. He then began practicing in the state of Wyoming. Billy currently splits his time between Wyoming and California. He is currently attending classes at Pepperdine University, pursuing an LL.M. When in Wyoming, you can catch Billy on “stage” as a gunfighter outside the historic Irma Hotel. Billy is happily married to his wife Sara with 4 wonderful children.
William "Billy" Struemke
Program Developer
Jon Eady
CVJ Worker
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Jonathan Eady is a California Army National Guard veteran and Mechanical Engineering student at California State University, Northridge. Jon has worked to provide representation and resources to vulnerable student populations, including non-traditional and low-income students, as well as students with learning differences. While completing his undergraduate coursework, Jon also advocates for mental health destigmatization and exploring the intersection of engineering, public policy, and mental health.
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Taylor Murphy-Sinclair
Program Developer
Taylor Murphy-Sinclair is an actress, author, and educational therapist based out of Los Angeles. She obtained her MA in Psychology from The Chicago School in July of 2019. As a proud daughter of a veteran, she is thrilled to be be a part of the team at CVJP, where she puts all her writing skills to good use!
Morgan Cohn
Paralegal
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Morgan Cohn has been working in substance use treatment since 2015, starting as a Resident Advisor anderson working her way up to Operations Manager. She is passionate about helping others who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction and feels genuine joy watching the clients regain their health and well-being . Morgan herself has been in recovery for almost four years. She is pursuing a Paralegal degree at West LA College and after graduating plans to work for a criminal law firm that focuses on drug offenses. CVJP’s mission to help veterans find solutions in treatment rather than incarceration aligns with her current work and future career . In her free time, Morgan’s enjoys spending time with her wild toddler, hiking, and cuddling with fluffy animals.
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Danielle McNeil is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She served honorably in the United States Marine Corp for eight years. She finished a tour of service in California and decided to stay and attend UCLA, where she obtained a degree in Anthropology and a double minor in International Studies and Geography. She has a beautiful thirteen year old daughter who's been diagnosed with Autism. Danielle is a strong advocate for the homeless because she's been there herself. She'd like to be a part of any program that will help our veteran counterparts get back on track. She feels she can be of assistance to veterans who are trying to regain their independence and become productive active participants in society.
Danielle McNeil
CVJ Worker
Casio Shyn
Volunteer Attorney
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Casio Shyn is an attorney. Inspired by Vietnam-era Recon Marines he enlisted following 9-11, he prepared and trained for a lateral move into long-range reconnaissance and served in Operation Enduring Freedom. Casio has been in the Intellectual Property licensing business in China since 2007, working with the world's second largest laminate flooring company; and was a Founding Member of Wounded Eagle UAS, a non-profit that trains veterans interested in a career in the UAS industry. In his free time, Casio enjoys volunteering to support veterans and organizations; including regularly providing services for the Community Veteran Justice Project and its clients.
Marty Kreman
Volunteer Attorney
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Marty Kreman was raised in a military family, so veterans’ issues are very personal to him. Helping veterans was the impetus behind his choice to quit an 18 year career coaching and teaching to attend law school. While earning his JD at Pepperdine Law School, Marty worked for three years as a Certified Law Clerk in the Ventura County Public Defender’s office. There, he appeared on over 500 matters, chiefly in the Veterans Treatment Court. The many forms, motions, and training tools he created on behalf of veterans have been disseminated as educational materials and templates to private counsel throughout the state of California.
Gayle Tamler
Volunteer Attorney
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Gayle Tamler is a volunteer attorney for the Community Veteran Justice Project. Gayle received a BA from UCLA in Interpersonal Communications, and a Law Degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Gayle started her legal career as a Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney at Compton Superior Court and then downtown as a special prosecutor for the Child Abuse Unit. Gayle now devotes her efforts to helping families survive divorce with optimal outcomes for the parents and their children as a collaborative family law attorney. In her free time, Gayle volunteers her mediation skills in the Unlawful Detainer Court in Santa Monica and utilizes her legal skills to help veteran clients of the Community Veteran Justice Project get access to any services they need and deserve.
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Hector Hsu
Volunteer Attorney
Hector is a USC grad who studied History and Music during his undergraduate term. He graduated from law school at Western State College of Law and recently passed the bar. Hector desires to use both his musical and legal skills to help the disadvantaged. He aspires to become an international corporate attorney while continuing to pursue his passion for music. In his free time Hector plays the flute and guitar and recently started a band called Angels & Avengers, which he hopes will provide music therapy to people who suffer from debilitating sickness, loneliness and depression.
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Bryan Fazio is a Navy veteran and California attorney specializing in disability law and criminal defense. Bryan received a degree in political science from Concordia Irvine prior to joining the military, and was inspired to pursue law due to his own struggles with transitioning out of the military after battling cancer. For the past 4 years Bryan has assisted hundreds of low income veterans and their families get access to their earned veteran benefits. Bryan volunteers for projects that help veterans, and those facing criminal charges, including Veterans Legal Institute and the CVJP.
Bryan Fazio
Volunteer Attorney
Scott Cramer
Volunteer Attorney
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Scott sperved almost 42 years in the Department of Navy with 26 years as an active duty Marine Corps officer (retired as a Lieutenant Colonel) and 16 years as a federal employee (GS15). He attended law school while on active duty with a wife and three children helping. As an appellate attorney, Scott argued three prisoner civil cases in front of the 9th Circuit, handled immigration related appeals with the 9th Circuit and the Board of Immigration Appeals, and conducted numerous criminal indigent appeals at the state district and superior court levels.
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Karl Risinger
CVJ Worker
Karl Risinger served in the United States Army from 1994-2005 as a Weapons Trainer and Military Police. Never deployed, but took a Government contracting job in Iraq in 2010 because he had to see what his brothers and sisters had been through. Karl moved to Los Angeles in July of 2000 and has been active in the Veteran Community as well as the community around him. He has worked in the entertainment industry and been an event/project manager for several years. He enjoys watching football, playing with his children and being a loving husband.
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Louie Castillo
CVJ Worker
Louie is an Air Force Technical Sergeant on active duty and reserves and has been deployed three times; two in support of medical evacuations of the hurt, sick, and wounded from both war zones and humanitarian efforts. One of his deployments has been in support of drug interdiction in the Caribbean. With over 15 years of dedicated service, Louie has worked on and with assets (planes, equipment, etc.…) worth millions of dollars. Presently, he is a member of the 452d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at March AFB C.A.
Louie earned his Bachelor of Science in Management from Pepperdine University. He is a Los Angeles native and is currently working towards continuing his education. Louie likes reading books, creating art, and learning new things.
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Dom Delfosse
CVJ Worker
Dom is a student at UC Riverside. His recent experience organizing with labor unions and institutions such as the UFCW 1167, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the SEIU 1021 has shifted his career aspirations towards ultimately becoming an active fighter in the national social justice movement. He hopes to study law to lobby for policy that ensures appropriate accommodations for historically marginalized and disadvantaged populations in California. Dom speaks English and Spanish fluently and has many interests all centering around societal infrastructure. His free time is spent playing the violin, piano, guitar, bass and making beats on his laptop.
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Jameel Matin,
CVJ Worker
Jameel is an Engineer who cares about authoring software that is easy to reason about and building applications with impact. Previously he led cross-functional teams in uncertain environments, analyzed data for decision making, and advocated for continuous improvement in the U.S. Marines. He brings grit, passion, and accountability to projects that solve real problems with software.
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Bert Roberson
CVJ Worker
Bertrand (Bert) L. Roberson is a third generation Los Angeles native, who has successfully served in the United States Army and National Guard. He obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration and has over 22 years of accounting and finance experience, most of which has been at the junior and senior management level. He has 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. Bert is a product of immediate family serving in the Army and Navy (WW1 and Vietnam veterans), is a strong advocate for veterans, and has been a major supporter of disabled veterans.
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Ilya Kurbanov
CVJ Worker
Ilya served in the United States Army for 6 years. During that time, he deployed 5 times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Regiment. Currently, Ilya is studying Business at Pasadena City College and plans on completing his Business Degree at the University of Southern California. He is a member of the Veterans Club at Pasadena City College and the PCC advocate and volunteer for the CJVP. He is passionate about assisting Veteran students and becoming a stellar member of the PCC Community.
Pablo Pak
Law Clerk
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Pablo Pak is an Army veteran and native of Los Angeles dedicated to advocating for veterans and the armed services community. He founded the Farmers Insurance Veteran and Military diversity group, a program that has been recognized in publications such as Recruit Military and G.I. JOBS. Mr. Pak has also worked as a Student Veteran Work-study participant at El Camino Community College Veterans office and Arizona State University Veterans assistance office. Pablo holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Willamette Law, and is attending USC Gould School of Law for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree. After passing the California bar exam, Mr. Pak hopes to use his legal training to continue his advocacy work and give back to his fellow veterans.
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Lorez Barber
CVJ Worker
Lorez is an LA native born in Inglewood CA who attended Syracuse University in Upstate New York for a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Currently, Lorez attends USC at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Lorez' concentration is social change and innovation. Lorez enjoys spending spare time baking fine pastries, watching documentaries, or rollerskating.
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Karen Straus
CVJ Worker
Karen Strauss is an award-winning media industry professional pursuing a Master of Social Work degree from USC. Karen has helped numerous large media companies innovate and expand their creative offerings while running a creative small business of her own. She plans to utilize her media career to fulfill her passion to help effect policy change for global human rights and animal rights issues. Karen is highly dedicated, compassionate, resourceful, and motivated. She lives between Los Angeles and New York where she works, completes her studies, and follows her passion of always evolving herself to gain new experiences and knowledge that can help her improve the sociopolitical climate of the world.
Sarah Martinez
CVJ Worker
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Sarah currently attends the University of Southern California and is working on her undergraduate studies as a Political Science major. She comes from a military family, therefore she has had exposure to military culture from an early age. During her teen years, she served in the California National Guard Teen Council. She is now a fourth year pre-law student. Sarah is passionate about advocacy in the military community and is happy to be a part of the CVJP team.
Jimmy Guevara
CVJ Worker
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Jimmy served in the Marines as an 0622 (communications) for 4.5 years in Okinawa and Camp Lejeune, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005. Upon returning home in 2006 to L.A., he felt out of place and never really felt included in the workforce. He then attended L.A. City College and transferred to Cal State Northridge, where he earned his double bachelor's in Psychology and Central American Studies. He moved on to earn his Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). "I decided that helping my fellow veteran family is going to be my new mission." and is now a part of the CVJP Team.
Aatif Muhammad
CVJ Worker
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Disabled US Navy Veteran with a BA in Human Services from California State Dominguez Hills and an graduate MSW at USC (2020).
Jack Hensley
Law Clerk
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Jack D. Hensley graduated with honors from the University of Miami, Florida, and remains a loyal Hurricanes football fan. Jack is currently in his last year at Loyola Law School and is excited to begin practicing law as a civil litigator. While in law school, Jack has worked at two large law firms, externed for the United States District Court, and clerked at a major television studio. Upon graduation and passing the bar, he will be returning to the firm where he worked as a summer associate, Richards Watson Gershon. But before Jack begins practicing, he hopes to be able to utilize his experience here at CVJP in order to serve those who have served our country.
Hedyeh Rezaei
CVJ Worker
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Hedyeh is starting her Masters in Social Work at CSUN this year. There, she has taken on roles such as CSUN's Pride Center Supervisor which allowed her to work closely with diverse communities. She is passionate about advocating, empowering, and creating programs that allow individuals to equitably have access to resources and opportunities that can change their lives. She enjoys taking her ESA dog on adventures and eating as much Persian food as she can! SHe's very excited to be a part of the CVJP team and helping serve our veterans.
Brandon Childers
CVJ Worker
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Brandon Childers is a Marine Corps veteran and fourth-year psychology student at California State University, Los Angeles. Brandon has worked with the veteran population since he separated from active service in 2015 and provides intake services for the Community Veteran Justice Project. His current research focus is in mental-health destigmatization, and veteran work-force integration. In his off-time Brandon enjoys playing guitar, and spending time with his high school sweetheart and wife, Lauren.
Bill Byers
CVJ Worker
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Bill Byers is a Vietnam era Army veteran and attorney. Bill received a BA from Ohio State University and a Law Degree from Southwestern University. Bill spent over 17 years of his legal career owning a family law practice in San Fernando, then several more years as the Senior Staff Council for the State of California’s Department of Corrections. Since retiring, Bill has dedicated much of his time volunteering for the Community Veteran Justice Project and supporting his fellow veterans.
Kelly Galvin
I.T. Consultant
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Captain Kelly Galvin, USA (Ret) retired from the military in 1996, but was recalled back to active duty in 2009. He deployed to Iraq and served in the MultiNational Corps-Iraq HQ.
He resides in Arizona with his wife, Sandy where he volunteers in the community doing websites and information management.
His novel, PowerPoint Ranger: My Iraq War Logs, is scheduled for publication on June 15, 2020 by Koehler Books.
Michelle Sideris
Director of Development
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Michelle Jacqueline Sideris is the Director of Development for the Community Veteran Justice Project. A New England native, Michelle received her BA in Communications from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, and her JD from Massachusetts School of Law. Michelle started her career in Boston and practiced civil litigation for five years. Upon moving to Los Angeles she became the Director of Business Development at a Fortune 500 company where she excelled at building relationships with law firms and in-house legal departments across Southern California. Michelle now devotes her efforts to serving the veteran community by developing a robust donor portfolio for the advancement of CVJP. In her free time, you will find her water sailing for both leisure and competitive racing out of Marina del Rey.
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Valerie Pasion
Staff Attorney
Valerie Pasion currently lives in Orange County with her husband and their 4 children. Her mission in life has always been to serve a purpose greater than her-self and to do her best to be a voice for our undeserved communities.
Valerie graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor's in Criminology, Law and Society and received her Juris Doctor Degree from The UCLA School of Law with specialty in Critical Race Studies. She has extensive experience in law, even owning her own firm, but is now living her dream as the staff attorney for CVJP. Serving the veteran community through legal advocacy and other veteran resources is a calling that Valerie has happily accepted.
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Sara Ozuna
Project Coordinator
Sara Ozuna is a project coordinator for Community Veteran Justice Project and has an extensive background in research and education as well as a personal passion for mental health. She completed her bachelors in sociology at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona as well as a master’s in education with an emphasis on sociology from the California State University Los Angeles. Sara’s research experience has included the areas of education, behavioral science and social work. She is dedicated to working with veterans and other specialized groups in need of representation and better community services.
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Nicole Flynn
MSW Intern
Nicole is currently in her second year at California State University, Northridge, obtaining her master’s degree in social work, and has a B.A. in social welfare and social justice. Before her internship at CVJP, she completed social work internships at Seasons Hospice and OneGeneration. Nicole also worked as a counselor at Gateways Hospital, working with adults with severe mental illness. She is passionate about serving vulnerable populations, mental health treatment, advocacy work, ending mass incarceration, and social justice reform. When she isn't focused on social work, Nicole is spending time with her son and husband.
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Sean Stone
Project Coordinator
Sean is a Master of Public Policy graduate from the University of Michigan. Prior to earning his Master’s degree Sean worked for the County of L.A 5th District Supervisor and helped implement the annual “Salute to Veterans and their Families”, as well as represented the Supervisor at the monthly L.A. Veterans Collaborative. Sean has two years of legislative affairs experience while with Pete Conaty & Associates, the firm that was responsible for the legislative advocacy of over 800,000 California veterans and eight Veteran Service Organizations across the state. While interning with Pete Conaty, Sean was earning his Bachelor’s of Political Science from the University of California, Davis, which was completed in 2014. Sean is the proud son of a veteran of the United States Navy and also an L.A. native.
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Mark Rosenfeld
Volunteer Attorney
For over 20 years Defense Attorney Mark Rosenfeld has been helping veterans with criminal and Department of Motor Vehicle troubles. He is proud to work alongside CVJP in helping veterans through a difficult and confusing time. Attorney Rosenfeld is on the Board of Governors of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, a Specialist Member of the California DUI Lawyers Association, and a State Ambassador and Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. Attorney Rosenfeld is qualified to analyze blood, administer breath tests and has completed the instructor training for the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Working with CVJP gives Attorney Rosenfeld a chance to give back, and show his gratitude, to our veterans in their time of need. For more information go to Attorney Rosenfeld’s Video University: https://www.mrduila.com/video-university/
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Alixandra Powers
Law Clerk
Alix is a Captain in the US Army Reserves and has over 11 years of military service. She is familiar with the issues that affect military and Veteran communities and is working with CVJP to ensure these communities are protected. She is currently a student at Southwestern Law School and is interested in racial justice, gender equality, and Veteran's issues.
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Angelique Ajala
Law Clerk
Angel Ajala is a rising 2L at Southwestern Law School, and a continuing Law Clerk with CVJP. Through her work and study, she hopes to aid in and empower the individual's realization of access to justice in our court system. She has volunteered with various youth and public interest organizations, as well as being heavily involved in on-campus activities and working with off-campus coalitions and groups. She is excited, honored, and humbled to continue working as a Law Clerk.
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Ismael Guzman
Veteran Coordinator
Ismael is a Los Angeles native. He served in the Marine Corps from 2014-2018 as an 0451/Parachute Rigger with 2nd Radio Battalion and Marine Raider Regiment. Upon completing his term of enlistment, Ismael enrolled for school at Pasadena City College where he received his associate degree in Humanities. While at PCC, he served as President of the Veterans Club, did VA work-study at the Veterans Resource Center, and graduated from Leadership Pasadena. Ismael has also dedicated his time to volunteer as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles since 2018. He now attends UCLA and is pursuing his bachelor's degree in Political Science.
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Steve Lund
Volunteer Attorney
Steve Lund
Dob: 11/16/1954
Education:
BBA: Gonzaga University 1978
JD: Western State University School of Law, 1981
31 years Deputy public defender Los Angeles Public defender’s office.
Retired 2019. Still licensed but not practicing
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Cleveland Foy
CVJ Worker
Cleveland Foy is an Honorably Discharged Naval Veteran. After transitioning out of the military, Cleveland pursued his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at California State University Northridge, CA. Post- Graduation, Cleveland will be attending law school in Southern California and has a vision of his career path focusing on veteran advocacy. During Cleveland’s military journey, he has been challenged with PTSD, physical disabilities, and homelessness. Cleveland wants fellow Veterans to know there are programs and services to assist and looks forward to helping them access these resources.
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Megan Rodriguez
CVJP Worker
My name is Megan Rodriguez. I am a proud veteran caregiver of over 5 years and served in the United States Air force as a Security Forces Member during “Operation New Dawn.” A disabled veteran myself, I graduated in 2019 with a Masters in Global Affairs and Management from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, ASU. Currently an entrepreneur, investor, yoga teacher and veterans advocate, dedicated to individual and collective empowerment.
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Ed Clemena
CVJP Worker
I am Edgar “Ed’ Clemena. I am a Peer Support Volunteer that has over 6 years of experience as a patient working with Veteran Administration’s staff including: Therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Peer Support Specialists, Medical Doctors, Mental Health Doctors, and other Veterans since June 2015. I have learned how to support my fellow Veterans after going through both Vocational and Alcohol Rehab myself. I am reaching out to others to assist them to use services offered by the Community Veteran Justice Project a Non-Profit Organization. My fellow Veterans, feel free to contact me for more information and I will reach out to assist you in any way I can. I am a dedicated Peer Support Volunteer and can get you the services you need. I am giving back to my fellow Veterans the same way other Veterans reached out to me. I hope to hear from you. When I do, I can start the process of making it happen for you.
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Queen Smith
IT Support
Queen is an Information Technology professional with 32 years of experience with the State of California. She held technical, supervisory and management positions. Work assignments included project management, contract management, feasibility studies and post implementation evaluation reports, applications support, database management, systems administration and support, networking, security, web site management, data center management, help desk and desktop support, and customer service. She is a graduate of California State University Los Angeles. She is the daughter and granddaughter of war veterans. She has a passion for helping other people go beyond the ordinary, to stretch out and become more, to do more than they ever dreamed they could do.
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Bea Navarro
Project Assistant
I was married to a marine and have three boys raised now. One is an active Marine and one just out of the Navy, a nuke. My husband just died in February and I’m looking for some thing I can do that would really help those who have served our country. My heart is there with you all who have served and I pray that I can be a part of helping you.
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Mario Miramontes
CVJP Worker
Mario Miramontes is a certified peer support specialist who has engaged in various non-profit organization through out the greater Los Angeles area. His goals and ambitions consist of providing support and services to the veteran community in the hopes of helping prevent suffering due to mental health and substance abuse issues, causing homelessness. Mr. Miramontes has overcome obstacles and barriers in relation to these matters making him an example and role model for others to follow.
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