510-858-6622 info@omelagah.com
Matt Omelagah, MSW

Matt Omelagah, MSW

Co-Founder, CEO

Email: matt@omelagah.com

Matthew Omelagah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Omelagah, Inc.  In this role, Mr. Omelagah is responsible for overall company performance including; operations management, business development and company strategy. Mr. Omelagah is responsible for 140+ employees delivering quality services throughout Northern California.

Mr. Omelagah started his career in human services working at Excell Center, a residential treatment program for at-risk youth in Turlock, CA. Excell Center is part of the Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) social services agency providing foster care and adoption services throughout the state of California.  As Director of Recreational Activities, Mr. Omelagah was responsible for the overall design and implementation of all recreational programing at the center.

After graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work, Mr. Omelagah joined Golden Gate Regional Center in San Francisco California where we worked on the closure of Agnews Developmental Center.  Mr. Omelagah worked on the Community Resource Development Unit. The unit’s efforts resulted in the development of 13 new single-family homes in San Mateo County, providing community-based, service-enriched housing for people with developmental disabilities.  These homes and other community resources enabled the successful transition of 50 people out of an institutional setting into loving caring community environments.

In 2008, Mr. Omelagah joined Brilliant Corners.  The mission at Brilliant Corners is to create affordable, community-based supportive housing for underprivileged populations.  As COO, Matt managed overall company operations and business development strategy.  Matt initiated program design and implementation of Brilliant Corners’ innovative scattered-site supportive housing programs for various populations, including individuals and families transitioning from homelessness or long-term care.  Matt managed scattered-site supportive housing programs with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (Housing and Urban Health), the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (HUD-VASH), and Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (Housing for Health).  Matt was part of the initial program design and start-up of The Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP).  This program has housed over 12,000 people in Los Angeles County since program inception. 

Mr. Omelagah received his Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Social Enterprise Administration from Columbia University, School of Social Work and a B.A. in Organizational Communications from California State University, Stanislaus. Mr. Omelagah also served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Columbia University, School of Social Work from 2012 to 2016.


Ebony Omelagah

Ebony Omelagah

Co-Founder, COO

Email: ebony@omelagah.com

Ebony Omelagah is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Omelagah, Inc. Ebony has 20 years of experience working in the developmental services field. Prior to establishing Omelagah, Inc., Ebony worked as the Forensic Social Worker at Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC). In her role at GGRC, Ebony provided services to nearly 500 judicially involved consumers; helping them navigate the legal system and serving as a support and advocate for people with developmental disabilities who have interfaced with the court system.

Prior to working with GGRC, Ebony served as a Client Service Coordinator for the AHRC New York City. Her work in the Supported Employment Program, helped her develop an appreciation for the importance of community integration, and quality vocational and educational training for people with learning and developmental disabilities. Ebony started her career in the developmental services filed working with children who had forensic involvement in Level 4 Residential Facilities in Turlock, California. 

Mrs. Omelagah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Stanislaus. Ebony is also a certified Adult Residential Facility Administrator. When she is not working at Omelagah, Inc., Ebony enjoys spending time with her family, interior design projects, traveling and volunteering in her local community. 


Richard Ng

Richard Ng

Human Resources Director

Email: rich@omelagah.com

As Human Resources Director, Richard Ng brings 25 years of experience in non-profit management focused on developmental disabilities and youth. He has found a keen interest and experience in leadership, organizational strategy/ development, and business systems.  His work has focused on leading teams to support growing organizations going to scale.

At Omelagah Inc., Rich is responsible for leading the HR, administrative, and technology functions.  He is focused on working with the leadership team to support growth and evaluate efficient business processes and workflows. Rich is passionate about the mission of Omelagah Inc. to support those with developmental disabilities with a forensics background to provide them an opportunity to fully be part of their community.  Rich is a Bay Area native and a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. 


Kendra Vara

Kendra Vara

Accounting

 

Email: kendra@omelagah.com

 

With more than 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll, and fundraising, Kendra Vara has her BA from Georgia State University, and has worked in both private business and non-profit organization settings. Kendra grew up in a family with eight siblings, the youngest five of whom are adopted and have different kinds of developmental disabilities. She has been involved with the disability community all her life. 

Kendra lives in Pacifica with her husband and three children. She enjoys travel, biking, and volunteering . The best advice she ever got was, “You can’t make everybody happy. You’re not a taco.”

 

 


Rochelle Scott Augusta

Rochelle Scott Augusta

Human Resources Specialist

 

Email: rochelle@omelagah.com

 

Rochelle has over 12 years of experience working in the field of Human Resources. Prior to joining our team at Omelagah, Inc., Rochelle worked for Anka Behavioral Health, Inc as their HR Partner/ Corporate Recruiter.

Rochelle has a passion for supporting people to get to their next plateau in life. She worked with at-risk youth 18-24 years old with forensics background giving them a second chance to be part of a community and reducing the chance of recidivism. A native of the Bay Area from San Francisco, Rochelle received a certificate from California State University East Bay with an advanced HR certification. Currently, she is working on studying for the PHR/ SPHR certification.

Rochelle enjoys spending time with her husband and family. She loves to enjoy the simple things in life ( beaches, art, long scenic drives, parks). She also loves to cook Filipino food. In honor of her mother she started a part-time catering business called, Lil’ Linda’s Filipino Goodies.


John Keene

John Keene

Forensics Training Consultant

 

Email: john@omelagah.com

 

John Keene serves as a forensic training consultant for Omelagah Inc. His focus is preparing direct care staff to provide quality services to the clients under our care. He is also passionate about supervisor and management development which increases the organizational focus on its mission, vision and core values.

John began his partnership with Omelagah Inc. in 2012. He has over 32 year experience and expertise in the areas of Public Protection, Community Reintegration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Human Resources, Staff Development, Training Development and Delivery, Community Supervision, Public Safety and Community Corrections. John believes fundamentally in the spirit of “second chances” and public service.

John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, He earned a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge. John is a certified Professional Organizational Coach and holds several master trainer certifications in various disciplines and modalities.

Program Leadership

Lorenzo Pennix

Lorenzo Pennix

Regional Manager

Mr. Pennix joined the Omelagah,Inc. team after 33 years of dedicated service with the Alameda County Probation Department. After graduating from California State University-Hayward with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, he began his career with the department’s Juvenile Services Unit as a Deputy Probation Officer, working with youth sentenced to camp by juvenile courts. He worked intensely with youth preparing them to transition back into the community, co- facilitated groups focusing on life skills and job preparation and assisted youth in re-enrolling in community schools and job training programs. Mr.Pennix also worked in the Placement Unit where he was responsible for finding safe and suitable group homes for youth throughout the state of California. After being promoted, Mr. Pennix was assigned to Adult Services. As a seasoned deputy, he was assigned some of the most complicated cases, including individuals sentenced for assaultive behavior, domestic violence and sex offenses as well as supervising individuals with mental health issues. After promoting to management, Mr. Pennix was assigned as the Unit Supervisor of the domestic violence unit, supervising a team of 10 deputies and overseeing the day-to-day operations within the unit. He was chairman of the committee that produced the department’s Domestic Violence Protocol, outlining the rules and regulations pertaining to domestic violence programs in Alameda County. As a Supervisor, he played a major role in mentoring and training new deputies, preparing them for promotions within the department. His passion for working with individuals with forensic backgrounds and proven leadership skills, makes Mr. Pennix a strong addition to the Omelagah, Inc. leadership team.

 

Eldwin Chappell

Eldwin Chappell

Regional Manager

Eldwin Chappell is the Regional Manager for Community Living Services in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this role, Eldwin oversees Supportive Living Services (SLS) and Coordinated Family Supports (CFS) programs for GGRC, RCEB and SARC. 

Eldwin has over 20 years of experience working with adults and children with developmental disabilities. He has extensive experience working with adults with forensic backgrounds and complex care needs. Eldwin began his career working with people with developmental disabilities in 2003 working at Excell Center, a residential program for boy’s ages 10 through 18. He worked his way up to Night Shift Supervisor where he oversaw seven group homes that collectively housed 50 youth. Eldwin was highly involved in teaching/implementing day-to-day living skills and planning recreational activities At Excel.

In 2009, Eldwin relocated to the San Francisco Bay area where he accepted the position as Program Supervisor at Partners for Independence (PFI) Day Treatment Program. At PFI, Eldwin provided behavioral management and vocational skills training for adults with diverse disabilities including developmental and mental health issues. Eldwin’s main focus was to promote independent living skills along with job and community based training.

Eldwin earned his Bachelor degree in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus. Eldwin is also a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Trainer (CPI).

Victor Cardona

Victor Cardona

Regional Manager

Victor overassess day-to-day operations for Omelagah, Inc. programs our Central Valley region.

Victor joined the Omelagah, Inc. team in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Victor quickly demonstrated his compassion and ability to work very well with individuals with developmental disabilities. As a result, Victor promoted to Lead Direct Support Professional and then soon after to House Manager of Bridges Home and Home Administrator of Steps Home. Victor is very dedicated to delivering quality services to clients at Omelagah, Inc. and brings a positive team attitude to work every day.

Victor is the embodiment of our companies commitment to developing our staff and promote talent from within the organization. He also embodies our company core values.

Victor is willing to do “whatever it takes” to deliver quality services.

Paula Siflet, MPA

Paula Siflet, MPA

Regional Manager

Paula Sifflet has over 25 years of experience in the developmental  services field, both in the private and non-profit sectors. Paula currently serves as the Regional Manager for Program Services in the North Bay Region. Paula is responsible for the day-to-day program operations and implementation of client programming through the mechanisms of personnel, clinical and administrative management.

Prior to joining the Omelagah Inc.,  Paula spent twelve years working at STA/Norcal and Norcal Vocational providing management and oversight of a crisis facility, day programs, adaptive skills training, mobile crisis and supported living.  During her long stint with STA/Norcal and Norcal Vocational, she operated in the capacities of Program Director, Administrative Director and Regional Manager.  The culmination of these experiences has given her a unique systemic picture of the developmental disabilities service delivery system.

Paula graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University

 

Sheri Lott, MS, BCBA

Sheri Lott, MS, BCBA

Clinical Supervisor / Administrator, Waldo House

Sheri is the Home Administrator for Waldo House and also provides clinical support for a number of Omelagah, Inc. programs. Sheri comes to Omelagah Inc. from the STA Nor Cal where she served as Clinical Director since 2012. The most rewarding aspect of working with individuals with significant behavioral challenges for Sheri, is being able to see the progress people make while at Waldo House and knowing that the skills developed here will be life changing.

 Sheri has worked in both the developmental disability and mental health service systems in North Carolina, Oregon and California.  She has worked in a variety of positions including Direct Support Professional, Case Manager, Outpatient Therapist, Mobile Crisis Counselor and Clinical Director of a crisis facility for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Sheri brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Omelagah Inc. leadership team.

She received her BS in Special Education from Western Carolina University and earned her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Portland State University.   Sheri is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Kolu Sokodolo

Kolu Sokodolo

Administrator, Wilton Stables

Kolu Sokodolo has 15 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities with complex care needs. Kolu also has experience working as a Nursing Assistant.

In addition to working at Omelagah Inc., Kolu has a passion for working with children with special needs. Kolu has been a foster parent for 10 years and supports autistic children.

A native of in Liberia, while in Africa, Kolu cared for children with difficult behaviors and supporting orphan children who lost one or both parents to war, HIV, AIDS and Ebola. She is the founder of the Kolu Sokodolo Children’s Foundation and continues to support many children in need back home in Africa.

Kolu has dedicated her life to service and working with people in need. She enjoys her work and brings her outgoing and positive energy to work everyday.

Eric Umali

Eric Umali

Administrator, Doors & Bridges Home

Eric Umali serves as the Home Administrator of Doors and Bridges Home,  two Forensic Adult Residential Facility located in the East Bay.

Eric is trusted with overseeing program operations- responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the residents. Joining Omelagah Inc, in 2012, Eric served as Lead Direct Support Professional. Bringing over 16 years of experience in supporting people with intellectual and behavior challenges. In previous roles, Eric has served as an Activity Coordinator and House Manager. In all roles he follows the same principle, “knowing is not enough, we must apply”. He embodies this belief each and every day by giving his all to each and every task. Eric is passionate about the mission of Omelagah Inc.- to support individuals with developmental disabilities with a history of forensic involvement by proving opportunities for a second chance.

Nemond Williams

Nemond Williams

SLS Supervisor

Nemond Williams serves as the Supported Living Services (SLS)  Supervisor for the West Bay and East Bay regions. 

Prior to his role as SLS Supervisor, Nemond  worked as a Direct Care Staff / Adaptive Skills Trainer for Omelagah, Inc. He held those positions over the last 10 years and has extensive experience providing in-home care and supporting clients in the community. He enjoys the process of supporting his clients achieve their preferred futures and progress towards their goals. He has a passion for person-centered service delivery.

Prior to joining Omelagah, Inc., Nemond worked at Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) as part of their administrative services support team. He also worked for ALC Supported Living Services. Nemond studied Psychology at the University of Phoenix.  In his free time, he enjoys reading and listening and creating music.

Osyuki Reyes

Osyuki Reyes

Administrator, The Avenue Home

Osyuki Reyes is Home Administrator for The Avenue Home located in Redwood City, California. Osyuki brings over ten years of experience supporting individuals in need and those with developmental disabilities. Prior to working with Omelagah, Inc, Osyuki worked as a Direct Support Professional for SH Morgan Inc. in Aptos, California. She started her journey almost 4 years ago at Omelagah, Inc serving as a Direct Support Professional and was promoted to Lead Direct Support professional.

Osyuki’s day-to-day action embodies her belief in person-centered support and second chances. Osyuki discovered her passion for improving people’s well-being while she was in Mexico and served as an Altruistic Physician in her church. She realized the best way to achieve happiness and success is through helping others in meaningful ways. Osyuki focuses on providing quality services to the people we serve by applying person-centered practices daily.

Osyuki holds a Pharmacy Technician Certificate from the Northern California Nursing Academy. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her three pets.

Tyrone Rush

Tyrone Rush

Administrator, Steps Home

Tyrone Rush joined the Omelagah, Inc. family in May of 2018 and now serves as Home Administrator of Steps Home in Turlock, CA.

Tyrone is originally from the great state of Michigan. His family moved to California in August of 2017 from Pennsylvania with my wife and 3 kids 19, 12 and 9. His previous work experience is working with individuals, in a school setting k-12 that supported Autism and Emotional disturb youth and working as a corrections officer. Tyrone fell in love with the possibility of wanting to make a difference in peoples lives. My passion to help individuals to learn and be as independent as possible in a world of jig saw puzzle. (Not one size fit all). He is very person-centered.

Tyrones motto is to be kind and kindness will return. Positive {+} Positive= Positive.

Ramon Romo

Ramon Romo

Administrator, Amador Home

Ramon is the Home Administrator for the Amador Home located in Dublin, California. As the Home Administrator for a forensic home, he is committed to utilize my over 20 years of experience in the administrative field to provide a safe and supportive environment to clients at Omelagah, Inc.

Roman’s background includes working closely with individuals with end-stage renal disease, giving me valuable insights into the unique needs and challenges of those requiring specialized care.

Ramon first joined Omelagah, Inc. in 2020 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). He is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue growing with the company within this dynamic and rewarding field. Ramon passion is quality service delivery and he continues to focus on making a positive impact and empower the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.

Want to join our team?

We’re always on the lookout for smart, passionate, and compassionate people. Also, we’re hiring! Come join our team.