Our Story

Since 1997, Casa de Amistad, a non-profit organization, has served children and families in coastal North County San Diego through education and mentoring programs. Its academic mentoring program has grown from serving 3 children on its first night to serving over 260 children and their families annually.

Casa de Amistad students are from school districts throughout coastal North County San Diego, including:

  • Solana Beach School District
  • Del Mar Union School District
  • Encinitas Union School District
  • Cardiff School District
  • Carlsbad Unified School District
  • San Dieguito Union High School District

Over the past two decades, teachers in participating school districts have seen improved grades among Casa students, and 100% of students from Casa de Amistad’s graduating high school class of 2020 have enrolled in post-secondary education. In helping to overcome barriers to education, we are empowering these students and transforming a new generation of leaders in California.

Staff Members

Casa de Amistad continues to grow thanks to its dedicated staff members. Please hover over photos to see current photo.

Nicole Mione-Green, Executive Director
director@casadeamistad.org
(858) 509-2590

Nicole has been with Casa de Amistad since 2006. During her tenure, she has extended Casa de Amistad’s outreach into the community. Under her leadership, Casa de Amistad has been able to offer many new and innovative programs. She has also created numerous strategic partnerships with other local nonprofit organizations.

Nicole has worked in education in both the United States and Mexico. She has received a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Oregon and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, San Marcos. She is currently enrolled in the M.A. Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program at the University of San Diego. When Nicole was seven years old, she wanted to be a teacher.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys going to the beautiful beaches in Cardiff and Encinitas with her husband, daughter and son. She also likes to take her lab, Mavis, for walks in their neighborhood.

Catalina Beltran, Parent Coordinator
director.assistant@casadeamistad.org
(858) 461-8979

Catalina has been working at Casa de Amistad since 2011. In that time, she has worked as our Program Assistant and is now our Parent Coordinator. Catalina is a graduate of California State University, San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She has also earned a BLCAD teaching credential.

In 1997, Catalina was one of the first Casa de Amistad students. She completed her homework with a handful of other students and a few volunteers. Her best memory of Casa de Amistad was the relationship she developed with her volunteer, and she fondly recalls the field trips to visit local colleges.

Catalina thoroughly enjoys working as our Parent Coordinator, communicating with and engaging the parents at Casa de Amistad. Catalina appreciates her role in creating a space for parents to feel comfortable and secure. When Catalina was in second grade, she wanted to be a teacher. In Catalina’s free time she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Corey Ford, Program Coordinator
volunteer@casadeamistad.org
(858)356-4297

Corey first joined the Casa team in the summer of 2018 as the Encinitas Site Coordinator and Pre-K Program Teacher before working in her current role as the Program Coordinator.  A San Diego native and longtime resident of Solana Beach whose three children attend school here, she loves supporting the Casa volunteers, and working with the children and families in her community through her work at Casa.

Before working at Casa de Amistad, Corey served in various roles in the Solana Beach School District including guest teacher for five years, and Skyline Co-Site President for the Solana Beach Schools Foundation. She also previously worked as an elementary school teacher with a focus on second language learners, a writer, and in nonprofit program administration. She holds a BA in English from UC Berkeley and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University.  When she was in second grade, she wanted to be teacher. 

In her free time, her favorite activities are spending time with her husband and three sons, playing tennis, traveling, and reading.

Linda Carter, Student Coordinator
linda@casadeamistad.org

(858) 509-2590

Born and raised in San Diego, Linda has a strong connection to the San Diego community. She recently joined the Casa family as the Student Coordinator in May of 2019. As an alumna of Casa, Linda participated as a student from Pre-K until her high school graduation in 2010. 

As a child, Linda aspired to be a veterinarian when she grew up. Now, she is inspired to help make a difference in the community that Casa de Amistad supports. She has developed a strong passion for nonprofits, having focused on programs serving children and families in her past work experience. Linda is excited to grow as a professional, a community member and an individual through the work of her position at Casa. Linda is committed to education and her community and is always looking for events, discussions or volunteer opportunities to join.

Before working for Casa de Amistad, Linda received her MA in Education with a focus in Counseling and Guidance from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2018. She is also a graduate of Cal State San Marcos where she received a B.A. in Psychology in 2015. Outside of the office, you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends. She also enjoys outdoor activities, reading at the beach and cooking.  

Board of Directors 2020-2021 

Officers

Ken Deremer– President

Katherine Timm– Vice President

Jorge Sanchez– Treasurer

David Leshner – Secretary

 

Members

Dr. Melissa Famulari

Marty King

Tyler Wagner

Jan Wier