Our Team

Administrative Leadership

Johnny Rodriguez: Founder and Executive Director 

Jose Juan “Johnny” Rodriguez was born and raised in Brentwood, California. He has more than 20 years of experience working with youth, young adults, school administration and the community focusing on youth empowerment, conflict mediation and violence intervention. Johnny originally started working with youth as a Campus Resource Officer at a local middle school. He saw the need some students had for additional support, so he began offering workshops, on his own time, in the hopes of teaching them to make better life choices. Committed to helping youth change their lives for the better, Johnny founded ODAT. Throughout his career, Johnny has received extensive training, has been certified by the National Safety Training Institute, LLC. and has also completed the Dialogue for Peaceful Change training by the Youth Intervention Network (YIN). Johnny has received numerous awards for his work throughout the community. In 2014, Johnny traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland to solidify a partnership with The Corrymeela Community, an organization that strives to decrease violence in Northern Ireland; as well as train others to do similar work around the world. This partnership has allowed ODAT graduates to travel to Belfast and complete training on peacebuilding and reconciliation and also allowed for a year-long internship at The Corrymeela Community. Upon their return, they serve as mentors to the younger youth going through the program. In 2014-2018 Johnny was elected as a member of the Brentwood Union School District Board. In 2018 he was elected Brentwood City Council and is currently the Vice Mayor of the City of Brentwood. Johnny wears an array of hats, but is usually found working with youth on local campuses, meeting with community partners to create more opportunity for youth or working with his staff in the office. Johnny continues to serve his community to provide more opportunities to empower youth.

Sarai Espinoza: Development Manager

Sarai Espinoza has dedicated her career to serving the community of East Contra Costa County, demonstrating leadership and a passion for helping others since the age of 14. A proud graduate of the One Day at a Time (ODAT) program, she has been involved with the organization since 2011—first as a volunteer, later as a community engagement team member, and now as Development Manager, where she oversees all programs, grants, and contracts. Sarai also serves on the Board of Directors for United Latino Voices and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with the goal of building sustainable programs that address local needs. She is driven by the belief that strong, compassionate leadership can transform communities for generations to come.

Beyond Violence

Julie Anaya: Intervention Specialist

Julie Anaya is an Intervention Specialist with our Beyond Violence program, where she works directly with victims of violent crimes between the ages of 15–25 throughout the East Bay area. Julie meets clients at the hospital bedside and continues to support them after release, working closely with them through the rehabilitation process by providing direct support and connecting them to community resources for a successful recovery.

Holding a degree in Administration of Justice, Julie brings extensive hands-on experience in community engagement and a strong commitment to relationship building. Her past experience includes working directly with victims of human trafficking, mentoring incarcerated youth and those on probation, and supporting ODAT’s on-campus, school-based programs over the years.

Deeply rooted in the community where she was raised and still resides, Julie is driven by a strong passion for empowering individuals and fostering lasting change.

Uplifting Peace

John Mixon: Neighborhood Change Agent

John Mixon serves as a Neighborhood Change Agent with ODAT, where he helps support youth and families through intervention, mentorship, and community engagement.

Enrique Hernandez: Neighborhood Change Agent 

Enrique Hernandez works as a Neighborhood Change Agent with ODAT, bringing a strong commitment to supporting youth, fostering safety, and creating positive opportunities in the community.

School Based Programs

Dee Reyes: Community Engagement

My name is Dee Reyes. I work as a community engagement staff member working in the school base program. A native of east Contra Costa County, I was born and raised in Pittsburg. 

My time with One Day at a Time started as a volunteer in 2009. I was able to be a part of ODAT’s Deer Valley after school group and give back to the community through events such as the Brentwood cornfest,Dia de los Ninos and the annual Cesar Chavez community march in Sacramento. In 2010, I was hired as a staff member facilitating my own after school groups within AUSD. Over time I was able to work ODAT’s other program Beyond Violence, a hospital based violence prevention program. I was also given the opportunity to participate in re-entry workshops for the formerly incarcerated. In my spare time, my wife and I enjoy traveling with our 15 year old son and enjoy watching him play high school football.

Athziri Martinez: Community Engagement 

Athziri Martinez is a dedicated Youth Mentor who brings deep community roots and a passion for youth empowerment to her work. Born and raised in Antioch, she is a graduate of Antioch High School and a proud alumna of the ODAT program. Her early involvement in community events like Day of the Kids, the Cesar Chavez March, and various volunteer initiatives helped shape her commitment to service.

Athziri earned her Bachelor’s degree in Latino Studies, with a minor in Race and Resistance, from San Francisco State University. Over the years, she has volunteered at organizations including Kaiser Permanente, Clinica Martín-Baró, and Cesar Chavez Elementary School’s after-school program. She also supported students with special needs and participated in youth leadership at St. Anthony’s Church.

In her current role, Athziri works with students from elementary through high school, offering one-on-one support in academics, behavior, attendance, and social-emotional development. She is especially passionate about helping youth find their voice, build confidence, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.