The following are our department managers from both the administrative and program sides of the organization. We are proud of the high level of competence that they represent.

You can easily send anyone of them an email by clicking on their picture or their name.

John A. Garrett, MSW – Executive Director
John has served as The Ridge’s Executive Director since June 2003. In this position John is responsible for the overall management of the organization.

 John received his BA in Sociology from UCLA (1975) and a master’s degree in Social Work from USC (1978). Since then he has worked 18 years in several nonprofit organizations in both clinical and administrative capacities before coming to Peppermint Ridge. These include two family service agencies, a residential program serving troubled teenagers, and a mental health association. John has also taught sociology at a community college for 4 years.  Seeing the special relationship between Peppermint Ridge residents and staff members is one of John’s favorite things about his job.

Raquel Krueger – Executive Assistant
Raquel Krueger was hired in October of 2006 as the Personnel Assistant to the Human Resources Department.  In March of 2007, she was promoted to Executive Assistant for the Executive Director.  She brings with her over 10 years of extensive clerical and administrative experience in both non-profit and for profit settings for which services provided were for the elderly in adult day services programs and nursing home environments.  She has obtained her education at Riverside Community College (RCC) and Computer Education Institute (CEI) in Riverside.

Tracy Mauser, MA – Director of Development
Tracy Mauser came to Peppermint Ridge in 2004 with seven years of experience in fund development.  She has an MA in College and University Administration from Michigan State and a BA in Speech Communications from Humboldt State.

Her biggest accomplishment to date is securing two grants from the Department of Transportation which resulted in the acquisition of two 14 passenger busses and three eight passenger vans. Favorite aspects of her job include building relationships with clients and their families and networking with community members to benefit the clients of Peppermint Ridge.

Tracy Richards – Director of Human Resources
Tracy Richards’ employment with Peppermint Ridge began in May 2005. She brought with her 10 years progressive human resources experience working with non profit residential homes for children and adults. While at the Ridge, Tracy has been instrumental in establishing a safety incentive program that has lowered workers compensation costs 32%. Working in the human resources department has given Tracy the opportunity to hire highly qualified caring employees that are dedicated to the Peppermint Ridge vision and values, while helping them toward their career goals. Tracy received her education from the University of California, Riverside.

Maribel Melero – Accounting Manager
Maribel began her employment at Peppermint Ridge as the receptionist in the front office on October 2002. She transferred to the accounting department in August 2003. There she worked as a clerk in all the various function in accounting. In March 2006, Maribel assumed the position of Accounting Manager.

Because of her intelligence and ambition, Maribel has progressed from Receptionist to Accounting Manager in a short amount of time. She welcomes a challenge and works hard to succeed. She is a quick learner and understands not only how accounting is a key element in the overall success of the organization

Maribel feels working at the Ridge is rewarding and she says she will be forever grateful for the opportunity to move up The Ridge ladder.

Mark Newman – Maintenance, Transportation and Information Technology Manager
Mark began in property maintenance about twenty years ago when he maintained a large apartment complex where he resided.  He also spent five years in the residential construction trade where he learned basic carpentry and framing.  In 1991 he began his employment with Peppermint Ridge, at which time, he feels he was fortunate enough to have a Supervisor that was very well versed in all phases of construction. 

Mark believes he has received excellent on-the-job training. He has learned a lot about air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and all other fields that apply to facility maintenance. Over the years, his love of learning has allowed him to move up the company ladder. In 2000, he became the Maintenance Manager.  

Along with supervising the Maintenance Department, Mark has assumed the role of Information Technology Manager, and he is also in charge of the Transportation Department.  As the IT Manager he is responsible for overseeing the operation of all computers and phone equipment including trouble shooting and repairs so the company can continue to run smoothly and efficiently.  He also manages the Transportation Department, which is a fleet of seventeen vehicles and two buses.  As the manager of this department, he supervises the transportation our residents to their day programs, as well as, maintaining all Ridge vehicles, making sure they’re safe and reliable. Mark’s love for our residents is clearly evident in way he manages his responsibilities and employees. Mark credits the teamwork of his crew for the success of his departments.

Mark was our 2005 Employee of the Year.

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Foster Gomonda - Quality Assurance Director
Foster came to Peppermint Ridge in 2005  as QMRP/Administrator, with eleven years experience working with developmentally challenged adults in residential and day program settings. Other work experiences include  performing Case Management, Marketing and Business Administration and many social economic issues in private and public organizations. Foster, as our Quality Assurance Director is responsible for  managing and implementing of all residential programs, program support services , ensuring the organization is providing highest quality care to people we support in our home’s and ensuring that the organization is compliance with Federal and State regulations. Foster holds Degrees In Business Administration and Social Work.

Anthony Stallworth – Community Care Administrator/Safety Coordinator (Aspen, Cypress, Mandel Manor, C-Home and V.I.P/L.I.F.E)
Anthony Stallworth is 46 years old and resides in Moreno Valley, CA.  He was born in Pensacola Florida and has been a resident of California since 1984.  He retired from the U.S Army in 1988 (Honorably Retired). He earned an AA in Administration of Justice from Monterey Peninsula College in 1991 and a BS in Rehabilitation Services from California State University – Los Angeles in 1997.

Anthony is a DSP instructor for Riverside County and a CPI and Red Cross First Air/CPR instructor since 2005. He is a Community Care Administrator at Peppermint Ridge since 2002.  He enjoys working at Peppermint Ridge for it provides an environment that’s caring by improving the quality of life of the people they support one person at a time.  He believes The Ridge is the most enjoyable, rewarding job he has ever had - a wonderful place to work and an extraordinary place to live!

Cynthia Lapina – QMRP/Administrator (Del Park and Roger Residence)
Cyndi began working for Peppermint Ridge in June 2003. She has held the positions of Direct Training Staff (DTS), AM Supervisor, and Facility Manager. Because of her dedication and commitment to the residents, she was promoted to QMRP/Administrator in January 2007.

Prior to working at Peppermint Ridge, Cyndi worked in several positions. In addition to working as a care giver in an organization serving elderly clients, she has worked in sales and purchasing. Her BA Degree in commercial management has provided her with human behavior, management, and organizational skills that are valuable in her current position.

Colleen Keehan – Activities Coordinator
Colleen began working in the field of developmental disabilities in 1988, upon her graduation from High School.  She served as an Instructional Assistant, while going to college part time.  In the next few years, Colleen worked as a job coach, an independent living skills instructor, and as an on call DTS at an ICF home in Simi Valley.  Never one to limit her options, Colleen also worked as an International Customer Service Representative, where she honed her office skills.  She also briefly wrote parking tickets for the Ventura County Sheriffs Department.

In 1996, Colleen discovered therapeutic horseback riding, and began volunteering with a local group.  An avid equestrian and animal lover, she was thrilled to introduce persons with developmental disabilities to the incredible world of horses.

Upon completing her BA degree in Liberal Studies, Colleen came to work at Peppermint Ridge as a QMRP.  An opportunity to develop an activities program presented itself, and Colleen has not looked back.  She loves introducing the "Ridgers" to things they may never have been exposed to: Horseback riding, sailing, yoga, and gardening.  Colleen feels she is privileged to work in an environment that takes such a holistic approach to the individuals served here:  that fun, recreation, introspection, relaxation - in addition to medical, psychosocial, occupational needs-these are all integral components to the well-being of the person as a whole.

Matt Duff– QMRP/Administrator (Wynn Home and Evergreen Estates)

Matt was born and raised in Orange County, California.  He moved to Riverside County in 2005, where he began his career with Peppermint Ridge.  At The Ridge, he started as a DTS and then was promoted to a Lead DTS shortly after.  Matt obtained his QMRP/Administrator position in September of 2007.  Prior to working at Peppermint Ridge, he worked in the grocery industry and later in law enforcement.

Matt attended and graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.  Currently, Matt is pursuing a graduate degree in physical therapy.  Matt feels that Peppermint Ridge has been a wonderful company that encourages and provides great flexibility to its employees for pursuing educational goals.  Matt feels that education is the key to success and should always be an ongoing process.

Annette Vigil – QMRP/Administrator (Conner Residence)

Annette was raised in Corona and enjoyed attending company picnics with her mom here at the Ridge.  She now lives in Riverside with her husband and son.  She began working with Peppermint Ridge in April 2008.  Prior to working at Peppermint Ridge, she worked in several positions.  Annette taught private kindergarten, assisted the manager in an exporting company, and she started her career here in Norco at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC).

Annette obtained an AS degree from RCC (1995) and BS degree from National University (2002).  She is in the process of completing her Masters of Education. 

Michell Rubio-Cajimat - QMRP/Administrator (Garrison House and Villa Vadnais)

Michelle started working with Peppermint Ridge in May 2008. She currently resides in Lake Elsinore with her husband and two children. She attended the University of California Riverside from 1996 and graduated with her B.A. in Psychology in 2000. While she was a student she worked at Olive Crest as a child care worker. Upon graduating she began working at Majesty Village Board and Care as the lead mental health worker for nearly 2 years. She then moved on to work as a consumer service coordinator for Inland Regional Center.

She found joy and fulfillment in working with the clients and from there decided to remain in the field of social services where she could contribute to the mental health and well-being of others. Not only has enabling and encouraging others to reach their maximum potential enriched the lives of the clients, but hers as well.