EDSON PONCE
Thousand Oaks
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Program Leader with 10+ years of experience overseeing behavioral health, parenting, and community-based programs. Expertise in organizational leadership, program scaling, grant management, and cross-sector partnerships. Proven ability to design and lead high-impact programs that strengthen family systems and improve community outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Parenting Program Manager
Alliance for Community Empowerment
01.2022 - Current
- Direct and scale court-approved parenting and behavioral health programs serving 100+ participants across diverse communities
- Lead full program operations, including strategic planning, grant management, implementation, and outcome evaluation
- Supervise multidisciplinary teams and MSW interns; drive staff development, retention, and performance accountability
- Design and implement evidence-based curricula to improve parenting skills, reduce risk factors, and enhance family stability
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with community agencies, increasing referrals and program visibility
- Utilize data and performance metrics to improve engagement, service delivery, and program effectiveness
Behavioral Health Coordinator
Foothill Unity Center
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed behavioral health services, including assessments, case management, funding and crisis intervention for high-risk populations
- Coordinated care across multidisciplinary teams and external providers to ensure continuity of services
- Facilitated therapeutic groups and developed individualized service plans aligned with client goals
- Supported public health initiatives focused on child abuse prevention and early developmental screening
Marketing Director / Operations Coordinator
Robert's Construction
06.2012 - 01.2021
- Managed business operations, financial tracking, and project coordination
- Oversaw budgeting, bidding processes, and stakeholder communication
- Supported residential development projects in partnership with investors and contractors
Parent Educator
Richstone Family Center
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Delivered evidence-based parenting programs and trauma-informed services to high-risk families
- Facilitated group interventions focused on family dynamics, emotional regulation, and child development
- Provided in-home services and early childhood screenings to support developmental outcomes
Program Instructor / Supervisor
ISANA Academies
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed after-school programming and supervised staff to ensure compliance and program quality
- Developed enrichment curriculum to support academic achievement and social-emotional development
Behavioral Therapist
Aviva Family & Children’s Services
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Delivered behavioral interventions and case management services for youth and families
- Trained and supported foster and adoptive families to improve placement stability and outcomes
Education
B.A. - Sociology
University of California
Santa BarbaraSkills
- Program Strategy & Leadership
- Behavioral Health Systems
- Grant Management & Compliance
- Staff Supervision & Workforce Development
- Program Evaluation & Data Analysis
- Community Partnerships
- Policy Development & Quality Assurance
- Budget Oversight
- Project management
- Detail-oriented
- Problem-solving
- Talent Recruitment
Accomplishments
- Wellness Initiative Recognition (Supported Agency Wellness)
- Fort Phoenix (Leadership Recognition)
- Marketing/ Events Committee Appreciation
- Rising Phoenix Award (Program Efficiency)
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid
- Domestic Violence Counselor
- Nurturing Parenting
- Triple P Teen Parenting
- Motivational Interviewing
- CCTP/CCTP-II
- DBT & ACT
- Mandated Reporter
- Lactation Educator
Languages
Bilingual: English / Spanish
Timeline
Parenting Program Manager
Alliance for Community Empowerment
01.2022 - Current
Behavioral Health Coordinator
Foothill Unity Center
01.2021 - 01.2022
Parent Educator
Richstone Family Center
01.2019 - 01.2021
Program Instructor / Supervisor
ISANA Academies
01.2018 - 01.2019
Behavioral Therapist
Aviva Family & Children’s Services
01.2017 - 01.2018
Marketing Director / Operations Coordinator
Robert's Construction
06.2012 - 01.2021
B.A. - Sociology
University of California