Tu Casa, Inc.'s dynamic team is dedicated to crossing county-lines and cultural barriers to ensure all child and adult victims have access to our services.
Theresa Ortega, MPA - Executive Director
Theresa works with children and families through the SLV CAC Program, and serves as the hub of communication for the many multi-disciplinary partners. Theresa is also a qualified forensic interviewer for children 3 years and up. Theresa worked for the Alamosa County Department of Human Services for five years as a Child Welfare Caseworker before being hired by Tu Casa, Inc. in 2013. Theresa has a BA in Spanish and Sociology with an emphasis in Social Welfare.
Shelly Martinez, BA - SLV CAC Program Director/Forensic Interviewer & Family Advocate/MDT Coordinator
Shelly has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with Social Welfare emphasis. Shelly worked as a Child Protection Caseworker for eight years before being hired by Tu Casa as the Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator and Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate. She currently holds the position of Forensic Interviewer, Family Advocate and MDT Coordinator at the Children's Advocacy Center of the San Luis Valley. She is originally from Montana but has lived in the San Luis Valley for 20+ years. "I enjoy working with the SLV Community and with the Tu Casa, Inc. Team. Helping children have a voice is very important to me. This is truly my dream job."
Juana Francisco, BA - Family Advocate
Juana joined Tu Casa, Inc. in 2022 as an intern from Adams State University and then became part-time while still attending school. After graduating with her bachelors degree, Juana transitioned to a full time trilingual Family Advocate for The Children’s Advocacy Center of The San Luis Valley. She hopes to provide advocacy for non-English speaking families who are experiencing Child sexual abuse.
Megan Lang, BA - Tu Casa Program Director/Sexual Assualt Response Team (SART) Coordinator/Sexual Assault Victim Advocate
Megan joined the Tu Casa, Inc. staff in 2022 as the SART Coordinator and Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate. Prior to joining Tu Casa, Inc., Megan had 6 years of experience serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in Michigan. Megan graduated in 2017 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Family Studies. Megan has a passion for working with survivors and takes great joy in seeing survivors become empowered and work toward healing.
Janine Jiron - Victim Advocate
Janine Jiron began working as a victim's advocate in August 2021. Her experiences with domestic violence and navigating the court system herself gives her much valuable insight and a unique capability to make our clients feel seen and heard. She is from Monte Vista, born and raised in the Valley. She has an Associate's from Trinidad State Junior College and is currently completing her Bachelor's in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
Marisol Raya-Trejo - Bilingual Victim Advocate
Marisol Raya started working as the Bilingual Victim Advocate at Tu Casa in 2024. In her role, Marisol supports adults both English and Spanish speaking in the San Luis Valley who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Marisol really likes to give back to her community as she is also a Victim Advocate for the Alamosa County Sheriff's Department.
Chenoa Candy - Youth Representative/DV Advocate Assistant
Chenoa Candy joined Tu Casa, Inc. in 2018 as a youth representative. She is a San Luis Valley native and graduated from Alamosa High School. "Tu Casa, Inc. does important work for the community and I'm proud to be a part of this group."
Maria Avila - Victim Advocate Assistant & Administrative Assistant
Maria Avila started working as the Bilingual Victim Advocate at Tu Casa in January 2023. In her role, Maria supports adults both English and Spanish speaking in the San Luis Valley who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Prior to coming to Tu Casa Maria had been working as a preschool teacher and has an Associates in ECE.
Maira Rodriguez - Outreach/Education Coordinator
Maira Rodriguez is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at Tu Casa, Inc. Maira graduated from Adams State University with her Bachelor of Arts in English. Maira has done independent work as a Spanish tutor, writer, and in interpretation and translation. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in English and Creative Writing, and she is also currently an editor for a literary journal. Before joining the Tu Casa, Inc. team, Maira worked with young children, ages 6 weeks-5 years, in a preschool setting. She is helpful by nature and believes in the power of collaboration, team work, inclusivity, love and giving.
Khrystynn Cano RN- SANE Nurse
Khrystynn is an ER nurse with over 12 years’ experience in delivering emergency medical treatment to patients as well as providing emotional support during critical medical situations. She currently works as a Clinical Nurse Manager for a small community hospital as well as working with Tu Casa Inc. She provides her patients with empathy and compassion while preserving privacy and dignity throughout treatment.
Sarah Herrera - SANE Nurse, AFNE Nurse
Jerald Montoya - Financial Administrator