Our Team
The Heart and Professional Expertise of GHAMA
Sarah Jenkins, Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Jenkins is the visionary force behind GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR, bringing over two decades of experience in community development, non-profit management, and systemic advocacy, ensuring the organization maintains both its professional credibility and its foundational warmth. Holding an advanced degree in Social Work and Public Administration, Sarah’s leadership is defined by a passionate commitment to evidence-based practice blended seamlessly with genuine, personal compassion for every member of the Ione community. Her work involves strategic oversight, forging vital partnerships with local businesses and government entities, and tirelessly fundraising to sustain and expand GHAMA’s vibrant network of support services. Sarah believes the most effective change starts with listening closely to the voices of those in need, and she ensures that every program decision is rooted in a deep understanding of the real, daily challenges faced by Amador County residents, fostering a culture of empowerment from the very top of the organization.
David Chen, Director of Program Operations
David Chen manages the day-to-day execution of all resource and mentorship programs at GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR, leveraging his background in logistics and educational technology to ensure that all services are delivered efficiently, equitably, and with maximal impact. With a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, David specializes in streamlining complex processes, making the often-confusing landscape of resource access simple and approachable for participants across all age groups. He trains the mentorship team, oversees the curriculum for all skill-building workshops, and is dedicated to maintaining the welcoming, structured environment that defines the GHAMA center in Ione. David’s commitment is deeply personal; he is driven by the belief that robust, well-organized operational management is the most compassionate form of service, guaranteeing that participants spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time focusing on achieving their personal, long-term goals.
Elena Rodriguez, Community & Family Liaison
Elena Rodriguez serves as the essential bridge between GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR and the diverse families and residents across Amador County, bringing five years of direct experience in grassroots outreach and family counseling to her critical role. Trained in crisis intervention and certified in trauma-informed care practices, Elena excels at building immediate trust and understanding the nuanced needs of those who may be hesitant to seek help, often serving as the first point of contact for new participants. Her work involves coordinating home visits, liaising with local schools and parent-teacher organizations, and organizing all family-centric events, ensuring GHAMA’s services are culturally relevant and geographically accessible to even the most remote areas surrounding Ione. Elena’s deep-seated passion for advocacy and her ability to speak multiple languages make her an invaluable asset, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to inclusive, comprehensive, and non-judgmental support for every family unit.
Mark O’Connell, Workforce Development Counselor
Mark O’Connell guides individuals through the complexities of career advancement and economic stability as the dedicated Workforce Development Counselor for GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR, bringing a robust professional background in human resources and vocational training. Mark holds a certification in Career Coaching and has a proven track record of helping participants identify transferable skills, craft compelling resumes, and master effective interviewing techniques to secure higher-wage, sustainable employment opportunities within Amador County and beyond. He develops and leads the popular financial literacy workshops, focusing on practical skills like budgeting, debt management, and understanding credit, ensuring participants achieve not just a job, but true economic independence. Mark’s success is rooted in his highly motivational and pragmatic approach; he empowers individuals by teaching them to recognize their inherent worth and potential, providing the practical steps needed to turn their professional aspirations into reality.
Programs/Services
Tailored Support Across All Age Groups
GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR is proud to offer a diverse and continually evolving portfolio of programs designed to deliver tailored support across the entire spectrum of age groups found in the Amador County community, ensuring that our vibrant network is accessible and relevant to all residents. For our Youth (Ages 6-18), we provide after-school tutoring, mentorship pairings, and social development camps focused on building leadership skills and academic engagement, while our Adult Services (Ages 19-59) focus heavily on workforce readiness, financial literacy, job search assistance, and essential resource navigation to foster economic independence. Additionally, our Senior Outreach Program (Ages 60+) is dedicated to combating social isolation through community events, connecting seniors to health services, and providing support for accessing digital resources, all with the unwavering commitment to enhancing lives through compassionate, localized service from our home base in Ione.
Community & Engagement
Fostering Deep and Active Family Involvement
GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR views the active participation and deep involvement of family units as absolutely central to the sustained success of every individual we serve, which is why our engagement strategies are built around fostering a truly collaborative partnership between our organization and the families of Amador County. We consistently host dedicated Parent Education Workshops, covering topics such as positive discipline techniques, effective communication, and navigating school systems, empowering caregivers to serve as strong, informed advocates for their children and their own well-being. Furthermore, we actively encourage all family members to attend and volunteer at our community events and resource fairs, creating shared, positive experiences that reinforce the supportive network that extends beyond our center in Ione and into every home we touch, solidifying our mission to enhance lives through connection and care.
Join Us
Invest Your Career in Compassionate Service
Choosing a Career with GRACEFUL HEARTS AMADOR is an opportunity to move beyond a typical job and invest your professional expertise directly into compassionate, purpose-driven service, becoming an indispensable part of a vibrant network dedicated to measurable, positive social change in Amador County. We are continually seeking highly skilled, dedicated, and empathetic professionals across various disciplines, including social work, non-profit management, community outreach, and educational program development, who share our deep commitment to integrity and excellence. Working at our Ione center means engaging daily in meaningful work that directly impacts the life trajectory of individuals and families, providing the critical guidance and resources needed to transform challenges into enduring successes and contributing to a supportive culture that values grace as highly as it values goal attainment.
