Our staff is dedicated to empower youth with resources, knowledge, and support. Whether it's waking up at 4am to get ready to head out on a field trip, showing up after school to run programs, or being a supportive and encouraging point in a young person’s life; we’re always here with a smile on our face and an enthusiastic attitude.

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 has shown leadership and dedication in helping others by serving the community of East Contra Costa County since the age of 14. She has volunteered and worked in several different organizations such as First 5, C.O.P.E. Family Support Center, You Me We Oakley, and the Child Care Council and Regional Center of East Bay. She is currently working with ODAT as our Development Manager. Sarai graduated from the ODAT program and has volunteered at ODAT since 2011, she was previously employed through ODAT as a community engagement team member and has experience in our Beyond Violence program. Her love and passion for helping others is what lead her to her studying Business Administration, in hopes to sustain a program that will always be able to serve the community. Sarai is currently working towards achieving her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is also CPR certified, completed Mandated Reporter General Training, as well as  the Dialogue for Peaceful Change training by the Youth Intervention Network (YIN).

Rick was the co-founder and managing editor of the four independent weekly newspapers in Costa County, California. Over the years he’s been involved with many charities, and was named  the 2010 Brentwood Citizen of the Year for his community involvement. He retired from The Press in 2013 to focus on helping non-profit organizations with funding, outreach and publicity. He and his wife, Cyndy,  have been married 40 years, and have two children and three grandchildren.

Juliana "Julie" Anaya has volunteered over the years for ODAT assisting the executive director at some of the local schools and has now officially joined the team. With her first degree completed from Los Medanos College majoring in Criminal Justice she is planning on completing her bachelors at Cal State East Bay. Julie also spent several years volunteering in a Juvenile Hall detention facility. Her role was to assist in a course for the girls in motion program. She was a mentor in the facility and was able to work directly with girls when released. Her work included but was not limited to; positive decision making, setting and accomplishing educational goals, employment and successfully completing probation. Julie also has over 5 years of experience working directly with human trafficking victims and sitting on the board of Directors for Human Trafficking Agency.