Meet our Staff
Emelin Benavides
Development and Communications Coordinator
Emelin grew up in the neighboring city of Baldwin Park and has lived in the community for the past 8 years. She joined the team in March of 2025 and is looking forward to working with NHH to provide resources for the Azusa community. Emelin graduated from Mt. Sierra College in 2017 with a B.A. in Graphic Design. She has a daughter in the Azusa Unified School District and enjoys volunteering at her daughter's school and helping her local PTA with design assignments. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends and make wonderful memories with her daughter.
Amy Gomez
Early Childhood Coordinator
Amy arrived to Azusa in 2001, attended Mountain View Elementary, and graduated from Gladstone High School in 2010. After high school, she attended Marymount California University and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in 2014. Amy has been a participating member/parent in NHH and is familiar with the program. She joined the team in 2023 and comes with a deep background of Early Childhood development. She is passionate about building and empowering her community.
Darlene Gonzales
Teen and Alumni Coordinator
Darlene, an Azusa Native, grew up attending schools in the Azusa Unified School District. She joined the team in January 2023 as an elementary intern, and later as a part of summer staff. Darlene graduated Azusa Pacific University with her BA in Psychology in 2023, which has equipped her to serve NHH families as the Teen and Alumni Coordinator. Her passion for serving Azusa families has led her to be an active member in the community, and she is excited to partner with Azusa families and to continue her journey with NHH.
Jennifer Hicks
Executive Director
A native of the San Gabriel Valley, Jennifer joined the NHH team in 2014. She has worked in after-school programs since 2002 including previously leading a multi-site school-based model and another serving families experiencing homelessness in LA’s skid row. She holds a B.A. in History from the University of Arizona and a M.A. in Family Life Education from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about NHH’s mission of joining with Azusa families and community partners to elevate student success. In her free time she enjoys paddle boarding, hiking and following Arizona basketball.
Joseph Luna
Administrative Coordinator
Joseph was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles. He now lives in West Covina with his wife and 3 children. In the Spring of 2025, Joseph graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Kinesiology. In the past, Joseph has served in the elementary program as a program assistant and also a tutor in the high school program. He believes that NHH is a place where students and families can gain access to opportunities that can lead to a lifetime of success. In his free time, he loves running, sports, and family vacations.
Janae Martinez
Volunteer Coordinator
Janae grew up in the neighboring city of West Covina. She joined the team in February of 2024 as an intern for the elementary program and worked as a part of our extended summer staff. Janae graduated from Azusa Pacific University with her B.S. in Psychology and will be pursuing her Master's in Social Work at California Baptist University. In her free time Janae loves to spend time with family and friends. Janae is passionate about helping others and giving back to the community, especially as the Volunteer Coordinator at NHH.
Carlos Miranda
Director of Programs
Carlos Miranda was born and raised in the city of Boyle heights/East Los Angeles. He is proud of being raised by a single mother who migrated from Guatemala to the U.S. Carlos attended East Los Angeles College, transferred to Azusa Pacific University, and majored in Sociology. He has been working with youth since 2010 and has had the opportunity to volunteer for multiple organizations such as Boyle Heights 4 Square Church, Young Life East Los Angeles and previously worked as the Teen and Alumni Coordinator at NHH. In his free time, Carlos enjoys the small things in life such as hanging out with friends, playing sports, and eating some good tacos al pastor.
Kevin Mo-Wong
Relocation Coordinator
Kevin was born and raised in the Bay Area and moved to Orange County to attend Hope International University. During that season, Kevin and his college friends started a community based nonprofit engaging Latino immigrant neighborhoods. Kevin worked with the nonprofit Solidarity for over twenty years, eventually holding the role of Executive Director. He and his wife, Crystal, spend most of their time trying to reign in their two young kids. Kev is a little too obsessed with Bay Area sports teams, loves to travel rediscovering nature, and spends too much time getting sucked into a new TV series. He is now excited to come alongside NHH to support the board, staff, and families as NHH relocates their facilities.
Noemi Zelaya
Family Engagement Coordinator
Noemi has lived in Azusa since 2003 and graduated from Azusa High School. She has 4 kids and has been a parent volunteer within the Azusa Unified School District. Noemi has been involved with Neighborhood Homework House for 7 years and is passionate about the work done here. In her spare time, she likes to spend quality time with her family and go on fun adventures. She looks forward to working alongside NHH families.