Meet Us
Our Board Members
Carolina Ayala
FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Biography
Pattie Vargas
SECRETARY
Biography
Leah Shirley-Seykoski
CHAIR
Biography
Madeline Hodges
TREASURER
Biography
Admin Staff
Emily Gifford
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Biography
Jessica Kennedy
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Biography
Recovery Coaches
Dea French
MASTER SOCIAL WORKER, SENIOR CERTIFIED PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST/RECOVERY COACH, CMPSS-#MPS-CAYEUG
Biography
Sarahi Resendiz
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Biography
La Donna Robinson
FORENSIC PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Biography
Diana Hernandez
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Biography
Holli Fitch
INTERN (CSUSB) PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Biography
Gabriela Vazquez
INTERN (CSUSB) PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Biography
Anna Roccaforte
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Biography
Alyssa Murray, the administrative assistant at The Happier Life Project works in the background helping The Happier Life Project run smoothly. Alyssa has had both personal and professional experience working with the recovery community which provides her with a unique ability to empathize and connect with those who are affected by addiction as well as mental health conditions.
Carolina Ayala, the founder and executive director of The Happier Life Project leads the organization as a trauma-informed certified peer coach, facilitator, and advocate for the recovery community in Riverside County. Carolina’s unique approach combines her years of business administration experience with her direct experience as a justice-involved woman in long-term recovery.
A founding board member with lived experience. As an early team member of Happier Life Project, Madeline is devoted to reducing stigma around Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Disorders and helping connect people in need to resources. While pursuing a degree in Psychology, she is a Certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and is constantly exploring the intersection of nature and therapy though studying family constellation therapy, equine therapy, sustainable living practices, and permaculture. Madelina Collective is a network of women around the world who collaborate with the shared goal of bringing change, inspiration, and perspective to the world through art and innovation. She is actively engaged in fostering creativity and connection amongst women from diverse backgrounds in an effort to be a light for other seekers.
Leah is first and foremost a relationship builder who recognizes the significance of working in a collaborative and welcoming environment.