Primary Coaching Staff
Benchmark Young Adult School Primary and Residential Coaches have obtained International Coach Federation (ICF) sanctioned Life Coach Certificates, through the accredited 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
LaToya (Toii) S. Boone
Dean of Student Services/ICF Certified Life Coach
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.
Greg Burks, C.A.D.C.
Primary Coach/ICF Certified Life Coach
Prior to coming to Benchmark, Greg worked as intake coordinator at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. He joined the Benchmark coaching team as a resident counselor in 2003. Greg holds a Certificate in Dual Diagnosis; Certificate in Child Abuse Awareness, Certificate in Addiction Severity Index, and a Certificate in School Violence Prevention, which provide the qualifications to counsel in those areas. Greg is also registered with California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE) and California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). After two years, was promoted to a Primary Coach position, where 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, and 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. Greg is the father of two children and he enjoys golfing in his spare time. He is working toward the completion of his Certificate in Drug and Alcohol studies as well as his A.A. in Human Services.
Paul "Steve" Ornelas, A.A., Ret. USMC
Primary Coach/ICF Certified Life Coach
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.
E. Michael Valenzuela III, A.A.
Primary Coach/ICF Certified Life Coach
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 joined the Benchmark coaching team in 2005. He 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..
