Monica has spent most of her life serving the less fortunate. She initially started her career in advertising as a graphic designer but found that volunteering at a family homeless shelter in her free time filled her soul. Monica then spent almost 18 years with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, an international child welfare organization, where she first served as a volunteer at the program site in Honduras. It was this experience that solidified her love for Latin culture. After six years at the childrens’ home in Honduras as a Communication Officer, Monica then went on to join the international arm of the organization as the Director of Communications and supported the marketing and fundraising efforts in nine program countries in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as eleven fundraising offices in Europe and the United States. 

Monica was part of the Executive Leadership team, managed all internal and external communications, led a multicultural staff, monitored programs and developed high-quality collateral materials for a 35-million dollar organization. 

In 2020, Monica had the opportunity to work closer to home and served as the Communication Officer for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and then moved into pet therapy at Gabriels’s Angels, a non-profit that provides free pet therapy services for vulnerable children.

As the Program Director with Rancho Feliz, Monica manages the sponsorship programs, facilitates volunteer groups and helps with marketing, communications and events. 

Monica lives in Phoenix and enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling and camping with her family, and taking art classes.