ABOUT US

John Beleutz joined Health Projects Center as Executive Director in 2006. John has dedicated his career to delivering quality health and social services for vulnerable people. His work experience includes: Director of the Health Education and Training Center for the Community Health Partnership, Director of US Programs and Romania Country Representative for Population Services International, and Executive Director of the Pitt County AIDS Service Organization.

John was elected by his state-wide peers to serve terms as President of the Association of California Caregiver Resource Centers and President of the Multipurpose Senior Services Program Site Association. John started his career as a Community Health Worker for the US Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. He earned a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

John is a passionate advocate for providing access to health care for all members of our communities. He believes that people should be supported to age at home, with dignity.

Amanda has managed the Finance Department at Health Projects Center since July 2014. Amanda is a versatile accounting and finance professional with over thirty years of experience in the small business and non-profit sectors overseeing compliance, payroll, bookkeeping, forecasting, audits and budgeting.

Prior to joining Health Projects Center, Amanda was the Administrative and Finance Coordinator for Community Television of Santa Cruz County, Mountain Community Resource Center, and We Care Society, Inc. where she managed $2.5-3M annual budgets concentrating on social services. In addition to her responsibilities for finance, accounting, strategic planning and development, she was designated Board Clerk for Community Television and oversaw human resources, communications, data and evaluation at all three non-profits.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications (Public Relations) and a Minor in Business Marketing & Accounting from San Jose State University, San Jose, CA. In her spare time, she enjoys her crazy pets, gardening, doing crafts and collecting rocks as well as spending time with her son, two stepdaughters and her twin grandsons.

Sondra Bitonti, MSW, LCSW has been the Supervising Care Manager at the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) in Santa Cruz County since June 2015. She loves working with MSSP seniors to keep them safe in their homes- by providing them services and support that allow them to age in place safely and avoid nursing home placements. Sondra is also passionate about mentoring MSW students and as a Field Placement Supervisor has supervised multiple interns through different educational institutions while at MSSP.

Sondra has worked in several settings with children and adults, including a yearlong fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, an Outpatient Clinic for homeless and dual diagnosis clients, and worked in both educational and home settings with families needing therapeutic behavioral interventions for children with autism and other spectrum disorders. She received her Master of Science from Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City and graduated from the clinical program with a concentration in Health, Mental Health, and Disability.

Sondra was born and raised in Santa Cruz-and is thrilled to be working in her hometown. In her spare time, she enjoys beach combing, travel, watercolor and mosaic artwork, and spending time with her loved ones.

Jessica Mattila, MSW, LCSW is a social worker with over fifteen years’ experience working with family caregivers, older adults, and disenfranchised communities. Jessica holds a Master’s in Social Work degree from San Jose State University with a concentration in the Aged and Aging Population. Before working for Health Projects Center, she worked with dual diagnosis clients and adults with developmental disabilities in San Francisco, Redwood City, and Capitola.

Jessica has had the honor of working for Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center over the past five years - first as a Family Consultant and now as the Clinical Supervisor. Jessica is inspired to provide support and engaging services to assist caregivers on their journey.

Cynthia Savana Diaz is a dedicated public health professional with over 8 years of experience in healthcare administration, program management, grant writing and community health. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from California State University, Fresno, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Quality at George Mason University, expected to graduate in August 2025. Currently serving as the Enhanced Care Management Supervising Care Manager at Health Project Center. She is a skilled project manager, adept at developing and implementing strategic programs that align with organizational goals and community needs.

Cynthia’s previous roles, including Program Manager, Program Coordinator, Grant Writer, Community Health Worker, and Health Educator, have honed her skills in patient advocacy, community outreach, and health education. She has led initiatives to improve access to healthcare services, focusing on vulnerable populations, including those facing housing instability, underemployment, and language barriers. With a strong commitment to improving healthcare delivery and advancing health equity, Cynthia’s work reflects her passion for making a lasting impact on community health and wellbeing.

Mitch is currently the Associate Director with Health Projects Center. He was formerly with Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Hospice Department, serving as a community liaison. He has also served as Business Development Director for Central Coast VNA and Hospice for ten years.

He holds a Master’s in public policy with an emphasis on health policy. Mitch has previously worked in the Emergency room, worked as an ambulance medic, a coroner’s pathology assistant, a medical researcher and biotech marketing representative. Mitch has also been a board member for the Compassionate Care Alliance of Monterey County, The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, has served on the Policy Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and with the San Benito County Long Term Care Commission.

Mitch is native to the Monterey Peninsula, currently living in Pacific Grove. Mitch and his wife Angela have three grown children. Mitch enjoys sailing, running and is a private pilot.

Vanessa joined Health Projects Center in February 2020. In 2018, she graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and then graduated from San Jose State University with a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education. Vanessa has led health access programs for underserved communities and has experience in conducting seminars that range from various public health topics. Vanessa manages Health Projects Center’s educational programs and the Central Coast Area Health Education Center.

Vanessa was born and raised in Salinas and was ecstatic to move back home after college and give back to the community that helped her grow. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and going on long walks with her dogs Gina and Canelo.

Bailey Faustina is the communications and development manager at Health Projects Center. Bailey graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor of science in
public relations with an academic focus on hospitality and event management. While at SJSU, she was a part of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the Delta Zeta Sorority. In Delta Zeta, Bailey served as the Vice President of Programming, Parliamentarian, and head of the bylaws committee and other committees.

Bailey has been with Health Projects Center for a little over two years. She is in charge of advertising, social media, fund development and all things creative in her current role.

Outside work, Bailey enjoys spending time with her cat, Zuri, crocheting amigurumi and listening to science and crime podcasts (shoutout to Ologies).

Maria Ramirez is the Supervisor Case Manager for the Multipurpose Senior Service Program (MSSP) at Health Projects Center (HPC). She initiated her career at HPC during her graduate program, where she completed her practicum. Maria joined Health Projects Center in 2021 as a Case Worker for Partners In Care (PIC) and transitioned to the Multipurpose Senior Service Program as a Social Work Care Manager.

In 2017, she earned her Bachelor's degree at California State University Stanislaus (CSUS). In 2023, she earned her Master’s in Social Work degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. Maria is pursuing her License in Clinical Social Work.

Maria was raised in Salinas and is delighted to give back to her community. Maria enjoys traveling, family time, and spending time with her dog Luna.