Mike Smith
Mike Smith is an education lawyer. He is a founding partner of the Lozano Smith law firm, which specializes in the representation of school districts and other public agencies. Mike is a strong advocate of student voice, civil dialogue, problem solving and inclusivity.
Selena Farnesi
Selena Farnesi grew up in Fresno and participated in Civic Education and Service-Learning Programs all through her youth. Those experiences created a lifelong passion for Civic Education and Community Service that Selena carried with her to Fresno State, where she graduated with a BA in Anthropology, a BS in
Philosophy, and served as Student Body President. She went on to graduate from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with her Juris Doctorate in 2015. She returned to work as a Deputy District Attorney for Fresno County from 2016–2021. She is currently the Director of Academic and Student Affairs at McGeorge School of Law and teaches Trial Advocacy.
Neftaly González
Neftaly González is a undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley pursuing a B.A in Political Science with a minor in Ethnic Studies and Public Policy. Born and raised in the Central Valley (Visalia, CA) Neftaly found it important to promote spaces for youth involvement with necessary discussion surrounding issues that affect marginalized communities. She is heavily involved in activism around the issues of human rights, ethical leadership in healthcare, ethnic studies, climate change and LGBTQ+ rights. Neftaly aspires to hold a governmental role, committed to a “life as a servant leader”.
Dr. Kim Cole
Dr. Kim Cole works at Fresno State with preservice teachers and first-time college students. Kim has worked in Civic Education for the past 15+ years in addition to service-learning and mentoring programs.
Dr. John Minkler
John Minkler, Ph.D., was a history/civics teacher and an administrator since 1971. He was a Coordinator at the Fresno County Office of Education, Director of the Center for Multicultural Cooperation, a consultant for the Education Commission of the States and Co-Founder of the Academy for Civic and Entrepreneurial Leadership. John is author of Active Citizenship, Empowering America’s Youth and COO and Co-Founder of the Civic Education Center.
Christina Cassinerio-Wilson
Christina Cassinerio-Wilson is a Restorative Practitioner serving Fresno Unified and an experienced Conflict Resolution Educator. Mrs. Cassinerio-Wilson received her master’s degree in Special Education from Fresno State along with a Master’s in Educational Administration and School Leadership. While attending graduate classes at Fresno State she was an active member of Fresno State’s Mediator Mentors and worked alongside Dr. Pam Lane Garon and Karen DeVoogd to teach students and support central valley schools in implementing peer based peaceful problem solving, peer mediation. She furthered her commitment to learning about conflict resolution by completing the Dispute Resolution Certificate program at Pepperdine University’s Straus’s Dispute Center. She continues to support students, schools, and community organizations in providing opportunities for youth to engage in service learning, meaningful contribution with an emphasis on the transformational work of building, affirming, and repairing relationships.
Steven Hart
Pic: Waiting
Steven Hart, Ph.D.,Professor, Fresno State
Bio: Waiting
Dan Kimball
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Dan Kimble
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