Welcome 2023-2024 Leadership Visalia Cohort

(left to right) Melissa Lopez, Petra Gaytan, Kurt Hardcastle, Tiffany Garcia, Adriana Soto, Maria Rodriguez Ornelas, Joe Iniguez, Erika Vega, Daniel Alcaraz, Robert Meier, Dave Byl, Victoria Balderas, Ty Stelow. (not pictured) Kellie Asher.

Welcome 2023-2024 Leadership Visalia Cohort

Daniel Alcaraz, Tri Counties Bank

Daniel Alcaraz is a Senior Business Banker with Tri Counties Bank and has been in the banking industry for 10 years. His journey began as a teller with Bank of America and quickly rose through the ranks to specialize in small business banking. Daniel takes great pride in his dedication as a professional in his field and making a positive impact on his customers’ financial lives.

Kellie Asher, Elite Medical

Kellie Asher joined Elite Medical in 2018 and steadily advanced to the role of Clinic Operations Manager in 2020. As the primary point of contact for all clinic staff members, she plays a crucial role in communication with many of the company’s clients. In 2005, she successfully completed her Front/Back Office Medical Assistant course and obtained certification from Tulare Adult School. With 18 years of experience as a Medical Assistant, she has worked in various clinical settings, including Work Compensation, internal medicine, neurology, and family medicine. Kellie was born and raised in Tulare and is a wife and mother of three. During her free time, she relishes being outdoors, whether it's fishing on her boat or camping with her family and friends.

Victoria Balderas, Community Services Employment Training (CSET)

Victoria Balderas is a Human Resources Senior Program Coordinator with Community Services Employment Training (CSET) and has 10 years of experience within Human Resources. As a Central Valley native, Victoria has a passion for learning and providing opportunities and growth to others. She has four children with her high school sweetheart and when not working, travels with her family with competitive sports.

Dave Byl, American Ambulance of Visalia

Dave Byl is the Operations Manager for American Ambulance of Visalia. As a licensed paramedic for over 24 years, Dave has extensive experience in Emergency Medical Services related to training, operations, administration, budgeting, and deployment. While primarily focused on daily operations and general administration of ambulance services, Dave has experience with EMS education, basic and advanced life support multi casualty management, and has been instrumental in assisting Tulare County Health and Human Services with COVID-19 management. When not working, Dave loves to BBQ with friends and family and compete in local BBQ competitions.

Tiffany Garcia, California Dairies, Inc.

Tiffany Garcia currently serves as the Talent Acquisition Specialist at California Dairies, Inc. She has a passion for people and tries every day to show that through her interactions. Tiffany currently lives in Lemoore with her beautiful family where they enjoy all things outdoors: swimming, camping, boating, and football.

Petra Gaytan, Kaweah Health

Petra Gaytan is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has served the Mental Health field for over 18 years. She currently serves as the Psych Assessment Team Manager at Kaweah Health Hospital, overseeing three teams: Social Work, Psychiatric Assessment and Triage, and Recreation Therapist. Born and raised in Tulare County, Petra’s goal is to continue to grow and learn as a leader and to provide the utmost care and support to her patients and staff. When not working, her life revolves around her family and enjoys traveling.

Kurt Hardcastle, Visalia Unified School District

Kurt Hardcastle is a Business Teacher within Visalia Unified School District and an adjunct professor with over seven years of experience. In addition, he has been a small business consultant for over 12 years, providing guidance and support to numerous enterprises. Raised in Visalia, he has a deep sense of community values and a commitment to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Kurt has served 10 years on the United Way of Tulare County Board of Directors, where he has actively contributed to various social initiatives and philanthropic endeavors.

Joe Iniguez, CASA of Tulare County

Joe Iniguez is a Family Connections Program Coordinator with CASA of Tulare County. He was born in Tulare, raised in Visalia and currently resides in Woodlake with his family. Joe is an Orthodox Traditional Roman Catholic, who when not working, enjoys road trips, hiking, praying, and taco-tasting.

Melissa Lopez, Revel Events Co.

Melissa Lopez is the Catering and Events Director at Revel Events Co. and has been with the company since 2019. She has helped build the organization which includes five venues, multiple hospitality staff, catering services, and bar services. Prior to her current position, Melissa lived in New York for over 20 years where she managed large dental teams. Dentistry was always a passion, but her love for serving others allowed Melissa to flourish in the hospitality industry quickly. When not working, Melissa enjoys crime and mystery shows, and is a huge Disney fan.

Robert Meier, Visalia Police Department

Robert Meier is a Sergeant within the Patrol Division of the Visalia Police Department (VPD). Originally from Turlock, Robert graduated from the police academy in 1998. Prior to his eight years at VPD, he worked with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department and Porterville Police Department. Robert is the treasurer of Enchanted Playhouse Theater Company, which promotes literacy in children. When not working or volunteering with family, Robert is working on obtaining a second degree in theatre.

Maria Rodriguez Ornelas, Kaweah Health

Maria Rodriguez Ornelas is a Senior Communications Specialist at Kaweah Health. She has been serving at Kaweah Health for more than three years doing social media, media relations, and reputation management. Maria is incredibly passionate about conveying authentic, profound messaging through video storytelling. When she's not running around with a camera, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, sightseeing, dancing, and is a soccer fanatic.

Adriana Soto, Tulare County Board of Supervisors

Adriana Soto is a Board Representative with Tulare County Board of Supervisors. As a DACA recipient and the first generation in her family to attend university, Adriana graduated with a B.A. in political science and has hopes of going back to receive her master’s degree in public administration. She has lived most of her life throughout the Central Valley, both in cities and unincorporated communities. Her long-term goal is to continue to help her community in the sidelines by connecting them to resources. When not working, Adriana enjoys checking off her bucket list, including riding in a hot air balloon and skydiving.

Ty Stelow, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office

Ty Stelow is a Captain at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Ty graduated in 2002 from the Sequoias Kings and Tulare County Police Academy. He has been with the Sheriff’s office for over 21 years and has progressed from deputy to sergeant to lieutenant and has served in various roles. Ty currently oversees personnel, internal affairs, dispatch, training, and special projects. He has pursued multiple professional growth opportunities such as with the West Point Leadership Academy, San Diego Regional Correctional Leadership Program, and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. When not working, Ty enjoys traveling by vehicle across the country and is an enthusiast of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Erica Vega, Eagle Mountain Casino

Erika Vega is a Legacy Rewards Coordinator at Eagle Mountain Casino and has worked for the company for 10 years. Her position revolves around customer service and focuses on providing guests with the best experience every time they visit. Erika is a mother to a son, loves Italian food, and enjoys road trips with awesome music.