Meet our Staff

Stephanie D'Avirro

Director of Programs

Stephanie, from neighboring Glendora, has been with NHH since 2015 as Director of Programs. Previously, she served for several years in a nonprofit for children in South Los Angeles. Stephanie graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2008 with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in elementary education. She brings strong teaching skills both at the elementary and middle school levels and has experience in relating to others in a cross-cultural setting. In addition, Stephanie’s experience in urban ministry has equipped her well to support the families of Azusa and to help them thrive.

Elizabeth Guardado-Maeda

Bookkeeper

Elizabeth, from the City of Whittier, joined NHH in 2014 as an Administrative Assistant during her four year college journey earning her B.A. in Business Management in 2018. At NHH, She relates to the students and families NHH’s serves who are also striving for a better future. She saw the importance of the difficult “behind-the scenes” work that would help NHH mission continue to flourish. Her devotion to NHH and the need for a passionate human calculator lead her to take her place on the team as bookkeeper. Elizabeth has stayed connected after graduation and continues to make a difference by doing the books for NHH.

Jennifer Hicks

Executive Director

Jennifer, originally from Hacienda Heights, joined the NHH team in July of 2014. She has worked in after-school programs since 2002, primarily serving vulnerable communities. She holds a B.A. in History from the University of Arizona and a M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Previously the Director of Programs for a faith-based nonprofit in LA's skid row, Jennifer is enthusiastic about engaging churches in the needs of local under-resourced communities for the common good of both groups. She loves NHH's commitment to parent empowerment and development as a distinctive piece of empowering Azusa's families.

Stephanie Urias

Administrative Coordinator

Stephanie, from the neighboring city of Duarte, joined NHH in 2018 as a Program Assistant. While working with NHH as an undergraduate student, she loved the community, support, and resources NHH provides for both its staff and the families they serve. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University in 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology, she decided to continue her work at NHH with much of the “behind the scenes” work that occurs at NHH as the Administrative Coordinator. Stephanie greatly enjoys working on the administrative tasks that keep the program running smoothly, as well as the connectedness to staff and families that comes with working at NHH.

Darincka Vargas

Teen and Alumni Coordinator

Darincka, an Azusa native and joined the NHH team in August of 2020. She grew up attending the program as a child and held onto the values of community that she learned there. Darincka graduated Azusa Pacific University with her BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Biblical Studies in 2020. Her passion for the city of Azusa has led her to be an active member in the community. Through her years of volunteering in the community she has developed a passion for equipping the youth in Azusa with the resources they need to reach their full potential.