HOLY CROSS MINISTRIES STAFF
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Emmie Gardner
CEO
Emmie is a passionate, mission-driven leader with 30 plus year history working in healthcare in a variety of clinical and administrative roles including mental health, cancer care, and senior services. She is a licensed clinical social worker, earning her MSW from the University of Utah. She also holds graduate certifications in Mediation and Conflict Resolution and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND). She is passionate about the intersectionality of culture and disabilities and has taken on a USU faculty position in Utah Regional LEND program through USU. Emmie is skilled in non-profit organizations serving on several local not-for-profit organization boards, enjoys advocacy and public speaking, and promotes staff development and team building.
Jessica Lerma Suarez
Director of Finance
Jessica has been part of the organization for over a decade. Her connection with Holy Cross Ministries traces back to 2003 when she began her journey as a volunteer at the People’s Health Center and Afterschool Program. From there, her involvement deepened as she joined the Mission and Planning Committee and the Board of Trustees between 2010 and 2012, representing the Hispanic community.
Initially stepping in as the Client Support Specialist, she quickly transitioned to Paralegal within the Immigration Program before assuming the role of Finance Specialist. Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in Business Management, culminating in her current role as the Director of Finance.
She is honored to be a steward of the organization’s resources and loves being part of the meaningful impact Holy Cross Ministries has in our communities.
Andy Cier
Director of Development and Communications
Andy Cier is Director of Development and Communications for HCM; the previous five years he was Director of Marketing / Strategy & Engagement for University of Utah Alumni Relations. Andy was graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he volunteered for several organizations through the Center for Social Concerns. Upon graduating, Andy was a volunteer for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, assisting with Refugee Resettlement, Refugee Foster Care, and Adoption Services for CCS, and with the Office of Communication for the diocese.
Following a long career in the ad agency world, Andy switched focus to higher education marketing and communications. His love for documentaries led him to a decade-long service on the Utah Advisory Board for the Sundance Institute. He also served multiple terms on the St. Mary’s (Park City) Pastoral Council, taught religious education, and taught English to new Americans. Andy, and his wife, Lynn, live in Park City, where he enjoys trail building, farming, photography, hiking, biking, and skiing.
Lauren Fields
Director of Grants
Lauren joined HCM as the Communications Specialist in August 2019. Prior to that, she spent several years as a writer, content manager, and digital marketer at Deseret News and Utah Humanities. Lauren earned an MA in English from Brigham Young University in 2016 and taught freshman composition courses during her graduate program. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, running, and knitting.
Citlali Jauregui
Communications and Development Specialist
Citlali has been part of Holy Cross Ministries since 2021. Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, she graduated from the University of Utah in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a minor in Economics. Before joining HCM, Citlali worked as a pharmacy representative at Molina Healthcare and gained valuable experience during her internship at Make-A-Wish Utah.
At HCM, Citlali is passionate about uplifting the organization’s mission through storytelling, resource sharing, and community engagement. She enjoys using her communication skills to highlight success stories, share vital information, and strengthen the connection between HCM and the communities it serves.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and her fluffy dog, Peluchin—fishing, hiking, or camping whenever she can.
Paola Gómez
Receptionist
I am Paola Gomez; I was born in Venezuela. I studied for a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at the Simon Bolivar University of Venezuela.
I love nature and natural places with waterfalls and green areas. I enjoy walking, swimming in the sea, and spending time with my family.
I am someone who loves to serve and support the community in the area where I am located. I believe that it’s a gift God gave us, and at the same time, we remember Jesus’ mission on earth: to serve. That’s why I decided to work at Holy Cross Ministries, and I feel happy to be part of the team because we all do our part to help people who need it.
HEALTH TEAM
Gisella Chace
Bilingual Therapist/Counseling Program Clinical Coordinator
My fifteen years of experience as a therapist has been focused on an empowering approach with clients. I have provided many years of individual and family psychotherapy services with a strong commitment to the client’s wellbeing. Before HCM, I worked 14 years with Valley Behavioral Health’s school based program mostly in the Salt Lake area. I also served as Family Advocate in the Head Start Program for three years prior graduate school. Originally from Ecuador with a career in marketing, immigrating to a new country changed my perspective on what kind of work I wanted to pursue. I went back to school for a B.A. in Sociology, and then completed a Masters in Social Work with an emphasis in Mental Health at the University of Utah. In my work and studies, I have spent many hours learning about how practices such as yoga and relaxation techniques can heal the body from trauma and stress.
My hope working with HCM is to support clients with mental health services and be part of a team that provides comprehensive services in a compassionate and responsible way.
Macarena Brandt
Bilingual Therapist
Macarena was born and raised in Chile, where she studied Psychology. She has been part of the Holy Cross Ministries team since February 2024. She is deeply committed to accompanying people in their personal growth and emotional well-being. An animal and nature lover, she values empathy and human connection as fundamental pillars of the therapeutic process. She is passionate about continuing to study and constantly updating herself to provide care based on current knowledge and good clinical practices. Her work focuses on facilitating psychotherapeutic processes from a professional, ethical, and evidence-based perspective, promoting the integral well-being of the people she serves.
Rodrigo Coloma
Community Needs Analyst
Carlos Flores
Bilingual Therapist
Carlos Flores is a mental health therapist driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals. He holds a Master of Social Work with a focus on mental health from the University of Utah and is passionate about guiding people toward healing and helping them realize their full potential. As a father of two daughters, he is especially focused on supporting youth mental well-being and strengthening parent-child bonds. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Carlos enjoys movies, theater, museums, concerts and running. His professional goal is to “empower individuals on their journey to mental wellness.”
Kennya Casiano Barriga
Bilingual Therapist
I am a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Utah. I have experience working with first-generation and low-income students and families to help them on their path towards higher education. I am passionate about everybody receiving an education and using resources to get them on their own unique path.
I graduated from the University of Utah with my Master’s in Social Work. I have always had a passion for serving others and working with the Latino population. These passions have led me to Holy Cross Ministries where I will be serving the Wasatch Back. Their mission and determination to support the needs of the community has allowed me the opportunity to work alongside them in this journey. I look forward to strengthening my skills and building strong connections through my work with Holy Cross Ministries.
Carolyn Jaramillo
Bilingual Therapist
Carolyn Jaramillo, MA, has over 11 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals, couples, and families in community, school, and healthcare settings in Chile and the United States. Trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Chile, she specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, and the socioemotional development of children, adolescents, and adults. Carolyn has collaborated on international mental health programs, offering clinical support to people in Latin America, Central America, and the United States. She has also worked in highly vulnerable public schools and in primary healthcare, leading preventive workshops and therapeutic groups.
Originally from Chile, Carolyn is married and the mother of two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, reading, and listening to music. Currently, she is part of the counseling team at Holy Cross Ministries, where she supports people in their healing, resilience, and well-being.
Rachel Townsend
Health Outreach Manager
Rachel Townsend holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Brigham Young University. She spent time doing religious and humanitarian work in Guatemala, where she learned Spanish and gained a love for serving others from all backgrounds. She is passionate about prevention initiatives and upstream approaches. Through her work in substance use addiction recovery, she also recognizes the immense need to support those who have suffered with little to no protective resources. She strongly believes that building stronger families builds stronger individuals, which builds stronger communities where we can all grow healthier together.
Rachel is a certified Family Life Coach and trained in Motivational Interviewing techniques. She currently serves as the Health Outreach Manager for the Promotora Program at Holy Cross Ministries. She loves connecting with her team and building relationships within the community. Outside of work, she loves hiking, camping, and backpacking, serving in her church community, learning about different cultures, and spending time with family and friends.
Esperanza Arias
Promotora / Community Health Worker
Esperanza Arias joined Holy Cross Ministries in April 1999. As a Promotora she helps people in the community by giving them information and referring them to the different services in the community.
Esperanza recently won the Familes Conexion award. As a Promotora Esperanza also teaches regular prenatal health classes and provides case management, support group, health access, and referral services through Holy Cross Ministries’ partnership at South Main Clinic. She also conducts home visits for seniors – giving them emotional and spiritual support.
Esperanza is the main facilitator of the program “NEFF- Niños Especiales Familias Fuertes” giving support to families with children with special needs. Esperanza was assigned to work at the South Main Clinic where she develops this program and strong relationship with parents and clinic staff.
Esperanza loves to dance, walk and spend time with her friends to talk and taste a delicious Colombia Coffee!
Jakelinne Capella-Aponte
Promotora / Victim Advocate
Jakelinne has been involved with the Sisters of the Holy Cross as a member of the Holy Cross Associates of Salt Lake City since 2015 and is currently part of their leadership group. She is an active laywoman and has engaged in different volunteer programs at the Diocese of Salt Lake City and the Cathedral of the Madeleine since 2007. She participated as a member of the Pastoral Plan Steering Committee at the diocese and as a member of the V Encuentro process, contributing to training the delegates of V Encuentro and aiding in the processes of evangelization, consultation and mission in parishes throughout Utah.
Jakelinne studied hotel administration and specialized in small business management at Externado de Colombia University in Colombia. She also has an associate degree in humanities from Salt Lake Community College. Jakelinne enjoys studying and taking courses to expand her knowledge as well as traveling to visit new places. She is also committed to promoting women to important leadership roles and supporting them as entrepreneurs.
Yeniffer Guerrero
Promotora / Community Health Worker / Doula
Yeniffer is originally from Havana, Cuba but has been in Utah for over 20 years. She loves nature, animals and is a first time mother to a spectacular baby boy.
She is a bilingual Doula and Lactation Specialist serving underserved communities in the non-profit sector. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she provides culturally sensitive support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. With a strong commitment to health equity, Yeniffer empowers families with education, advocacy, and compassionate care, working collaboratively with community partners to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Estefanny Castro
Promotora / Community Health Worker
I’m Estefanny Castro, originally from Colombia, and my journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of others. I got an associate degree in food processing and currently pursuing a bachelor’s in public health, my educational path has been guided by a desire to address health disparities and empower minority communities.
I’ve dedicated my time to volunteering in various non-profit organizations. This commitment stems from my goal to serve and empower minority communities, striving to create a better life for all. It is this passion that led me to Holy Cross Ministries, where I am currently engaged in meaningful work.
The organization’s mission resonates deeply with my values, offering an opportunity to contribute directly to the well-being of communities. Through my role, I aspire to make a tangible impact, working towards a future where everyone has access to the resources needed for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Ingrid Perez
Promotora / Community Health Worker
My name is Ingrid Perez, I am from Bogota-Colombia. I arrived in this country in 2015. Today I have a beautiful 5-year-old daughter. I like trips, concerts, podcasts. I enjoy working with communities because I find a deep sense of purpose in helping those who need it most. I find the ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of people who are facing significant challenges rewarding. Working with these communities will allow me to develop a deeper understanding of the realities and struggles they face, which in turn fosters my empathy and sensitivity towards diverse human experiences.
This job constantly challenges me to be creative to find innovative solutions and work collaboratively with others to address complex problems. Ultimately, working with communities inspires me to be an agent of positive change in my environment and to contribute significantly to the well-being of society as a whole.
Rocio Arellano
Promotora / Community Health Worker
Rocio was born in Peru, but at the age of ten, her entire family decided to move to Venezuela – a very beautiful country. Six years ago, the changing political circumstances pushed them to embark on another adventure in search of a better future. After some time living in Florida, the decision was made to relocate to Utah. Rocio has lived in Utah for a year and enjoys it, but driving in the snow is something she is still getting used to.
Tatiana Mateus
Promotora / Community Health Worker
Tatiana Mateus is an experienced legal professional with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Universidad Cooperative of Colombia, as well as certifications in Bookkeeping Clerk, Journalistic Writing, and Customer Service Management.
With a background in immigration law and customer service, Tatiana has worked as an Independent Immigration Application Preparer and a Labor Regulations Trainer. She currently contributes to Holy Cross Ministries in the Health Department, assisting the local community with managing and overcoming medical debt. Her bilingual communication skills, along with her expertise in legal and administrative tasks, including bookkeeping, significantly enhance her ability to support and serve those in need effectively.
AnaLuisa Campbell
Promotora / Community Health Worker
I was born in Panama, but grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where I was surrounded by Latinos all my life, which I love because I heard Spanish all around me even though I was in Texas. As for hobbies, I love hammocking, watching people fish, being with friends, and I’m usually up for anything with friends even if it’s the last second!
What drew me to HCM was the role of being a doula and working with pregnant women and ensuring their safety and health. I can’t wait to get my prenatal classes started and to talk with clients about their health and how we can support them!
EDUCATION TEAM
Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski, CSC
Former Director of Education
Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski CSC hails from South Bend, Indiana. Sister met the Sisters of the Holy Cross while attending St. Joseph’s High School in South Bend. After graduating from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame IN, Sister taught social studies courses in Catholic high schools in Illinois and Indiana for 24 years and received Masters Degrees in American Studies from the University of Minnesota and in administration for non profits from the University of Notre Dame. While teaching at St. Joseph’s HS in South Bend, Sister Mary Ann began to volunteer in the summers to teach religion in the migrant camps in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. As migrants began to “settle out” Sister Mary Ann began to work with Latino youth new to South Bend schools and city life. She and Sister Suzanne Brennan CSC moved to live above La Casa de Amistad, a youth center founded by the Holy Cross priests and community leaders in South Bend and continued working with youth and their parents with Girls Scouts, religious ed, community organizing and also hosted lay volunteers from the Sisters of the Holy Cross Associates program who lived with her at La Casa, along with a refugee family from Cambodia and graduate students from the University of Notre Dame. When Holy Cross Ministries was started in Utah, Sister left South Bend for Utah, working with the education departments at Holy Cross Ministries and later for Catholic Community Services at the Wiegand Center in Salt Lake providing programs for homeless preschoolers in shelter and transitional housing. Sister returned to Holy Cross Ministries to resume education work in afterschool, summer, school readiness and Parents as Teachers programming. Sister Mary Ann grew up in South Bend with her parents, John and Irene, older brother Bill and younger sister Margy. Dad and Bill have died; mom is 98 and doing well at St. Paul’s Retirement Center in South Bend and Margy lives in Chicago. Nieces and nephews and their families are in and around South Bend. Sister Mary Ann enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, skiing, camping, and anything outside. Dog Bro shares the house and last year Sister Mary Ann started a beehive in the back yard to support pollination and the bee population. Sister serves on the Sisters of the Holy Cross Congregational Justice Committee and is a member of the Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame IN Board of Trustees. She is a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Park City.
Miriam Nieto
Director of Education
Miriam began working for Holy Cross Ministries in 2007 as part of the After School Program team. Shortly thereafter she undertook the preschool project now known as the School Readiness Program that takes place at St. Mary’s Church in Park City. After overseeing HCM’s preschool classroom as the School Readiness Program Coordinator, she transitioned as the Parents as Teachers Coordinator in 2021 and is now the Director of Education. She has always had a great passion for working in early childhood education and enjoys working with the community of Park City and serving the children and their families. She was born and raised in Mexico City; she graduated in Early Childhood Education from the National Autonomous University of Mexico “UNAM.” She lives in Salt Lake City with her family.
Hilda Marquez
Parents as Teachers (PAT) Case Manager
Hilda joined Holy Cross Ministries in 2012, working in the After-School Program. By 2013 she was coordinating parent outreach in the School Readiness Program where she developed a love for the families in the program. Her role included giving parents the resources that they needed in health and recreation as well as overseeing program registrations. In 2016 she had the opportunity to become Holy Cross Ministries’ first Parent Educator and is currently working with 20 parents and their children (ages 0-3 years old). To Hilda, working with these families is a passion, as she said: “I think I can make a difference, even if it is just a small one, I know that it is huge to these families. I can already see the difference.”
Maria Elena Huyck
Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parent Educator
Maria Elena Huyck was born in Rio Negro Colombia, South America. As a young aspiring professional, Maria studied in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Maria worked and lived in Colombia until marrying Charles Huyck in 2012, at which time she moved to Miami, Florida.
In 2016, Maria became Vice President of a Non-profit organization, Sons of God Ministries (SOG), focused on ministering to the Colombian Police and Military, as well as convicted criminals in the prisons of Colombia, and to the poor and less fortunate.
Maria loves the outdoors, paddle boarding, exercising, and has a special heart for animals. Maria currently has 2 German Shepherds, 1 Schnauzer, and 3 cats! Maria loves watching the wildlife (Moose, Deer, Badgers, Chipmunks, Ground Squirrels, Hummingbirds and others) that frequently visit her home in the mountains near Heber City where she lives. Maria is also an avid maker of jewelry and enjoys teaching others this art!
Maria has a heart and passion for God, family, children, the poor and less fortunate and desires to help those in need.
Esperanza Quintero
Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parent Educator
Esperanza was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She immigrated to the United States with her husband in 2001 and has raised 2 young adults and 4 pets! She loves animals, going on walks, cooking, and reading books. Driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact, Esperanza’s greatest aspiration is to contribute to the well-being of children and families. Witnessing the joy and satisfaction on their faces brings her immense fulfillment. She firmly believes in the transformative power within each of us to instigate change and create thriving communities.
Ivoone Chapa
School Readiness Program Coordinator
Ivoone began teaching at HCM’s School Readiness Program in October of 2017. Bertha Ivoone Chapa (she goes by Ivoone) is originally from Peru, where she attended and graduated from the National University of Trujillo with a Bachelor’s in Education. Ms. Chapa’s studies also included English and German languages. Ivoone loves working with children and had over 3 years of experience working with kids from ages 3 to 12 before she joined Holy Cross’ education team. She is fully dedicated to her students and feels as if she is the learning from them on the daily basis. In her spare time, Ivoone enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with her friends and dancing (she has taught traditional Peruvian dance.)
Juana Gonzalez
School Readiness Program Teacher
Mrs. Gonzalez has more than 20 years of experience in the area of education. Mrs. Gonzalez has a bachelors degree in Phsychology and in Preschool Education from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional de la CDMX, She also has a degree on Teología por la Fudacion AO Internacional. Mrs. Gonzalez has over 10 year experience as supervisor. She has her own Kindergarten School in Mexico. Her focus of work has been with kindergarten ages, and we feel very fortunate to have her on our team. Mrs. Gonzalez is married and a mother of two. She enjoys spending time with her family, drinking coffee, and loves living in a place surrounded by snow.
JUSTICE TEAM
Lorina Tester
Director of Immigration Programs, Senior Attorney
Lorina is the Director of Immigration Programs, Senior Attorney for Holy Cross Ministries. She is an accomplished attorney with 20 years of experience in U.S. immigration law, beginning with the recruitment and retention of foreign national employees, to the implementation of immigration strategies and policies, all the way through U.S. Department of Homeland Security compliance investigations.
In 2003, Lorina moved to Utah from a law firm in New York City to join a prominent university and national research institution. In her position as Associate General Counsel, she centralized and managed all immigration and compliance matters for the university and affiliated medical school. Lorina established her own law firm in 2010 where she focused on business immigration, including temporary employment authorization visas, employment-based green cards and matters involving F-1 international students and J-1 researchers and scholars. Lorina also has expertise with marriage-based green cards, affirmative asylum and citizenship and naturalization applications.
As an active Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Lorina has been elected Chapter Chair and served on the AILA Board of Governors. She has also served on AILA’s Verification & Documentation Liaison Committee and the AILA / U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Nebraska Service Center Liaison Committee. Lorina frequently engages in pro bono legal services and community engagement. She is excited about shifting to nonprofit work where she will support the mission of Holy Cross Ministries.
Ingrid Golon
Legal Representative
Ingrid joined Holy Cross Ministries as a Legal Representative in January 2020 with previous experience working as a domestic violence victim advocate for West Valley City and as a paralegal with the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake. She has a degree in paralegal studies from Salt Lake Community College and has been living in the Salt Lake area since 1990, although she is from Guatemala originally.
Ingrid came to Holy Cross Ministries because she was very interested in the broad range of services HCM offers clients and loves working with women committed to empowering other women. In her free time, Ingrid enjoys making jewelry, meditating, gardening and going on nature walks with her dog.
Lorena Cardenas
Legal Representative
Lorena is currently a student in Salt Lake Community College’s Legal Studies Program, where she is studying to become a paralegal. Lorena has lived in Utah since age 11, but she is from Mexico originally and immigrated to Arizona when she was five years old.
Lorena’s first interaction with Holy Cross Ministries was as a client receiving legal immigration assistance. Once Lorena received her visa and learned of a job opening in HCM’s Legal Immigration Program, she was eager to share her knowledge and draw on her own experience to help others with the immigration process. She understands firsthand the feelings of confusion and frustration immigrant families can face, and she is happy to be in a position where she can help and empower these clients. When she isn’t working or studying, Lorena is kept very busy by her three-year-old son, who loves watching movies and going to the park.
Lorena Cardenas
Legal Representative
Lorena is currently a student in Salt Lake Community College’s Legal Studies Program, where she is studying to become a paralegal. Lorena has lived in Utah since age 11, but she is from Mexico originally and immigrated to Arizona when she was five years old.
Lorena’s first interaction with Holy Cross Ministries was as a client receiving legal immigration assistance. Once Lorena received her visa and learned of a job opening in HCM’s Legal Immigration Program, she was eager to share her knowledge and draw on her own experience to help others with the immigration process. She understands firsthand the feelings of confusion and frustration immigrant families can face, and she is happy to be in a position where she can help and empower these clients. When she isn’t working or studying, Lorena is kept very busy by her three-year-old son, who loves watching movies and going to the park.
Luzmila Zepeda
Legal Representative
Luzmila began working for Holy Cross Ministries in March 2005, starting as a legal assistant. She worked especially with immigrant clients, assisting with their immigration challenges or giving them appropriate referrals. In 2010, Luzmila became a BIA Legal Representative. As a BIA, Luzmila started to represent clients before the U. S. Department of Homeland Security/USCIS. Later, she became a Department of Justice (DOJ) representative for Holy Cross Ministries. In 2019, Luzmila moved to California where she had the opportunity to continue working as a DOJ for Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego. In 2021, Luzmila returned to Holy Cross Ministries. Serving the community with justice and equality is her calling. Luzmila is always grateful for the opportunity to serve others with the dignity and compassion that they deserve. The solid principles and experience she gained as an attorney in Peru have carried over to her career in the United States as she continues to work with issues related to the protection of victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. She maintains the same level of dedication and commitment here in the United States.
Teresa González
Legal Representative
Teresa began working for Holy Cross Ministries in 2001, helping individuals navigate the health care system as a Promotora and also providing legal immigration assistance. As of September 2019, she works solely with the Legal Immigration Program as a legal representative. In both areas, Teresa has had the pleasure of serving families by informing them of the resources they have access to in the community or by assisting them with the immigration process. She feels blessed to have contributed to HCM’s mission in this way, helping individuals and families achieve independence and total participation in the community.
Teresa was born in El Salvador. As a teenager, she migrated to Costa Rica as a refugee, where she formed her family. She graduated with a degree in social work from the University of Costa Rica. Teresa loves Utah and enjoys dancing, reading and spending time with friends.
Maribel Real
Immigration Services Manager
Maribel began working at Holy Cross Ministries in April of 1998 as a Promotora based in the Holy Cross Ministries office of Midvale, UT. In December of 1998, she was transferred to the South Main Clinic in Salt Lake City to initiate HCM’s Promotora Program within a clinical setting; this was a pilot program under the partnership of Karen Buchi, MD, the University of Utah Pediatrics Program and the Salt Lake County Health Department Prenatal Program. Maribel transitioned to the Director of the Promotora Program in January of 2004, as well as becoming a Legal Assistance in the Immigration Department of HCM working alongside attorney Sister Sharlet Wagner with the commencement of the U Visa program. Maribel became a BIA Accredited Legal Representative, under the sponsorship of HCM, in March of 2010 allowing her to file and legally represent clients, thus ensuring the continuation of the U Visa program at HCM.