Meet Our Team

Executive Assistant & Placement Counselor

Vicky Odle, Executive Assistant and Pre-placement Counselor, is a California native, residing in Ventura with Alan, her wonderful husband of more than 35 years. After raising their two children, and working alongside her husband in the family business, Vicky felt her needs grow, both professionally and spiritually. In 2001, Vicky went to work as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. After eight years of office work, Vicky received an opportunity to facilitate and counsel in the private rehabilitation field. It soon became evident to Vicky that her passions would always reside in an environment where giving back was prominent.

Later, when Vicky found herself in the position of having to advocate for her mother and father during their time of illness, she came to see the vital need for strong advocacy voices in our health care facilities. When offered a staff position at Long Term Care Services, Vicky felt no hesitation, and knew she had found her calling. Being able to help seniors and their families maneuver their way through the difficulties of long term care placement and residency has become an overwhelming passion for Vicky. Watching the program’s Ombudsman Volunteers give their time so selflessly to support these resident’s issues and needs is also hugely rewarding and inspiring for Vicky.

Vicky says, “Working for the Ombudsman Program has been a true gift. I feel complete. I wake up every day feeling incredibly blessed, and grateful God has given me the opportunity to serve our seniors and their families, while working alongside such inspiring individuals. Helping secure respect to our frail senior population should be a goal for all.”

Case Coordinator

Naty Avila, Data Assistant and Translator joined the Ombudsman Program in August 2021. She is a lifelong resident of Ventura County having grown up in Fillmore. Her passion for advocacy is rooted in her upbringing having served her Spanish-speaking parents as their translator and growing up with a father with Parkinson’s/Dementia. Her desire to help others has led her to pursue a career in social services and she is currently working on her degree.

Naty has a natural ability to connect with people and her caring and empathetic demeanor helps her connect with the residents and their families. In her spare time, she enjoys running with her Ventura-based run club and spoiling her dog, Charlie.

“The best part of my job is being able to help and counsel families who are overwhelmed by the challenges of caring for an elderly loved one.”

Field Services Specialist

Mat Bennett was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to California in 1990. She has lived in Ventura County since 2020.

Mat is a believer in fitness and has worked in the past as a fitness consultant and private trainer. She joined the program in 2020, right after her mother passed away. She served first as a volunteer and then during the covid lockdown joined the staff in the position she now holds.

Mat says, “I continue to do this work because it is so important, and I always remember that I do this as a Mitzvah for the memory of my mom.

Matt has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, and lives in Simi Valley with her husband and two beautiful cats.

Field Services Specialist

After being a volunteer for 9 years, MaeRetha, joined the Ombudsman Program as Field Service Specialist. “I am proud to be included in this great team of dedicated staff and volunteers advocating for the elderly in Ventura County.”

MaeRetha brings of wealth of knowledge and clinical healthcare experience to our program. She has a B.S. degree from Saint Louis University, School of Nursing and Allied Health and Masters’ degree in Business Administration from National University. MaeRetha is also a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and a Certified Health Coach. She retired in Los Angeles area after working for the State of California 28 years in northern California in various health programs as a health education consultant, health program specialist and analyst working on issues that impact health outcomes for some of this state’s most vulnerable populations.

MaeRetha also has an academic background as Program Director and adjunct professor in Health Sciences and Health Informatics at five colleges three of which were California’s Community Colleges: Solano, Los Rios and Moorpark.

MaeRetha has been serving her community in various ways over the years as volunteer/mentor for various organizations like STAND Against Domestic Violence, the California Black Women’s’ Health Project, Dress for Success – Los Angeles, Youth Saturday School for NAACP Ventura County.

MaeRetha enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends. She has two adult children and two grandchildren. Her personal interests include meditation, decorating, reading and cooking.

People often ask why she loves spending time with seniors and it’s because she lost her parents before they aged and this is her way of honoring them. “I feel blessed and honored to be in seniors’ presence protecting their rights for quality care and services.”

Field Services Generalist

Alexa Covey grew up in Ventura County before moving to Arizona in 2020, where she discovered her passion for advocacy through the Ombudsman Program. From 2022 to 2025, she served as a Certified Ombudsman, gaining valuable experience supporting residents in long-term care. Returning home in 2025, Alexa joined the Ventura County Ombudsman Program to continue empowering older adults and ensuring their voices are heard.

With a background in social work and child protective services, Alexa brings strong investigative and interpersonal skills to her role. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work from Northern Arizona University. In her free time, Alexa enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new outdoor destinations.

Field Services Specialist

Stephanie James is excited to join the staff as Field Services Specialist. Now that her children are raised and married, she is looking forward to pouring her attention and affection in a new direction. A California native, she and her husband of 33 years have been in Ventura County for 15 years.

She received a BA in English and a BS in Secondary Education from San Diego Christian College. She taught high school English for many years, setting that aside to school her own children at home. She has worked with several elderly ladies as a home-helper, and quickly learned she loved being with the elderly! Helping her own elderly parents has opened her eyes to some of the difficulties the elderly face. She is enthusiastic to begin serving the elderly community in a broader scope in Ventura County.

“It is clear throughout Scripture that God’s heart is with the widow and that we are to minister to them in their affliction”, says Stephanie. “I am blessed and privileged to work toward fulfilling that mission.”

Volunteer Coordinator

A native of California’s central coast, Christina Ruiz has called Oxnard home for the past 10 years, where she lives with her partner of 25 years, Alvaro. Christina brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in business operations, team development, and community relations to her role as volunteer coordinator for the Ventura County Ombudsman program.

Christina most recently owned and sold a Farmers Insurance agency, overseeing all aspects of operations, sales, and client service. Selling her business created the opportunity to pursue meaningful, purpose driven work, with a focus on advocacy and service.

With over a decade of experience in senior living and elder care, Christina has worked closely with residents, families and care teams, fostering a deep commitment to the dignity and protection of older adults and other vulnerable populations. Christina also holds a degree in Business from Cal State Northridge and is a certified dementia practitioner.

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