Primary Coaching Staff
Benchmark Young Adult School Primary and Residential Coaches have earned the designation of Certified Coach through the Next Step For Success® training course, "Coaching Struggling Teens and Young Adults," which is specific to coaching young adults in a program such as Benchmark. They have been credited with 30 hours of Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) as recognized by the International Coach Federation (ICF).
LaToya (Toii) S. Boone
Primary Life Coach (ACSTH Certified)/Supervisor, Student Services
LaToya has been with the Benchmark Young Adult School since 1996. She began her career as a resident counselor, mentoring life skills such as menu planning, grocery shopping and meal preparation, as well as teaching daily living skills such as laundry, cleaning and budgeting. LaToya's ability to employ commonality as a way to reach out and communicate with students garnered her position as a primary coach. LaToya discovered a need to guide young women toward empowering themselves and has made that philosophy her mission as a primary coach. LaToya was also promoted to Dean of Student Services in 2004, assisting students to transition effectively through Benchmark’s curriculum levels. She leads groups, assists in workshops and develops the weekly student schedule. She also assists the Dean of Program on projects throughout the year. LaToya is currently completing her upper level requirements toward her B.A. in Psychology and plans to obtain a Ph.D. in Psychotherapy. Toii, as she is affectionately called by her co-workers, loves photography, art, music, traveling and attending concerts.
E. Michael Valenzuela III, CATC, CADCA, Intervention Specialist
Primary Life Coach (ACSTH Certified)/Recovery Programs Coordinator
Michael joined the Benchmark coaching team in 2005. Prior to working at Benchmark, Michael was a Senior Program Coordinator at a 150-bed substance abuse program in Jamestown, California. He also worked with Stanislaus County School District to formulate and implement focus groups in order to deal with peer pressure, drug/alcohol addiction, social and family problems. Michael has taught classes in domestic violence prevention and life skills. Michael is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) and also holds a Certificate in Improved Supervisory Skills, Certificate in Drug & Alcohol Studies; Certificate in Addiction Severity Index and a Certificate in Dual Diagnosis, which provide the qualifications to counsel in those areas. Michael earned a double A.A. in Human Services and Liberal Arts and he is registered with California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE) and California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). As a Primary Coach, he is responsible for managing a peer-group of approximately 10-12 students, facilitating their emotional growth and independent living curriculum, coaching the skills necessary to make significant changes in their lives, assisting them to develop their life skills and overcome drug/alcohol addiction. He also participates in extra-curricular activities, such as AA/NA meetings, fitness outings and off-property leisure activities. Michael accompanies students on wilderness trips and assists them in their recovery issues. As primary coach, he also co-facilitates Framework for Recovery. Michael enjoys reading, drawing, writing poetry and spending precious moments with his two children.
Paul "Steve" Ornelas, A.A., Ret. USMC
Primary Life Coach (ACSTH Certified)/Fitness Coordinator
Steve originally worked for Benchmark from May, 2002 to August of 2005. After a year in Texas as Director of Operations for Transitions of Galveston Island, he returned to Benchmark in July, 2006. He brings over 12 years experience in the field of emotional growth, which he attained at both Benchmark Young Adult School and through CEDU Family of Services. Along with his work experience, Steve brings with him an honorable military background where he went to the official school of hard knocks – the United States Marine Corps. Steve holds an A.A. Degree in Criminal Justice. His experience also includes raising four children, further adding to his qualifications. He has been working with young people for over 20 years in other realms such as coaching high school baseball and football. As a Primary Coach, he is responsible for managing a peer-group of approximately 10-12 students, facilitating their emotional growth and independent living curriculum, coaching the skills necessary to make significant changes in their lives, develop life skills and overcome drug/alcohol addiction. He also participates in extra-curricular activities, such as AA/NA meetings and off-property leisure activities. With his experience in coaching, Steve also runs the fitness program for Benchmark, teaching the students the importance of staying fit and having a well-balanced diet.
Ed Pinedo
Manager, Special Programs
Ed brings a variety of work and life experiences to the Benchmark School. As a young man, he was in the United States Navy, became a private pilot, and then opened up his own businesses. The first was an auto supply company and the second was a restaurant. He has also been a counselor in a residential treatment rehabilitation center, and was a counselor at Hilltop Institute until 1993. At that time, he joined Benchmark and was instrumental in helping build Benchmark as the school’s first employee. Ed’s duties at Benchmark have been varied and many. He helped establish the direction of the school, and developed our work education program from infancy as well as our workshops and wilderness trips. He is part of the Board of Directors, as an auxiliary member and is involved is all facets of the school. He currently teaches our Department of Motor Vehicle classes, and does one-on-one work with students who require more direct supervision. He has been married for 40 years, and the father of two grown daughters. He has five grandchildren. He loves family activities, sailing, camping, kayaking, golf and the challenge to create something good.
