Melissa Rubio
Founder & Consultant
Melissa Rubio is an accomplished education leader with over two decades of experience driving systemic change in K–12 schools. Her work centers on transforming school culture through restorative practices, integrated student supports, and equity-driven frameworks like MTSS and Whole Child systems. Melissa has led districtwide initiatives that prioritize student wellness, safety, and inclusion—particularly for historically underserved communities.
As a Mental Health & Wellness Educator Preparation Consultant with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Melissa designs and delivers professional development for educators and mental health professionals. She brings extensive expertise in restorative communication, healing-centered engagement, and behavioral health integration, and was selected as a 2024 international presenter at the Restorative Justice Conference in Estonia.
Melissa has successfully directed large-scale funding initiatives, including managing Department of Behavioral Health grants to launch wellness centers, develop referral systems, and support caregivers through child-centered design. She has also led the creation of board policies and administrative regulations to sustain school-based mental health programs.
Her work in combating chronic absenteeism blends data analysis with restorative attendance practices and student-led solutions. In Riverside USD, her efforts led to a 5% districtwide increase in student attendance. Melissa is also highly experienced in Federal Program Monitoring, with a focus on Educational Equity, Homeless Education, Title IX, and UCP compliance.
Melissa’s leadership is grounded in restorative justice, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed care. She is known for her collaborative approach, guided by Adult Learning Theory and a deep commitment to culturally responsive, healing-centered systems.
Angelica Manzo
Consultant & Professional Trainer
Angelica Manzo is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and an expert in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and culturally responsive mental health practices. As Executive Director of Wellness Ranch, she brings a unique approach to healing—combining traditional therapy with equine-assisted interventions to support emotional and psychological well-being across all age groups.
A first-generation Latina, Angelica is deeply rooted in community wellness and advocacy. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, affirming spaces for individuals navigating trauma, grief, and emotional challenges. Her leadership at Wellness Ranch has transformed the space into a haven for children, teens, adults, and elders seeking mental health support grounded in connection, empathy, and resilience.
Angelica’s experience spans individual counseling, program development, and public education. She regularly partners with schools, nonprofits, and community-based organizations to lead workshops, trainings, and wellness initiatives that elevate suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Her work reflects a powerful commitment to equity, access, and healing-centered engagement.
With Spaerca Group, Angelica supports school districts and community agencies through professional development, consultation, and strategic planning that center wellness, student voice, and culturally attuned practices. Her vision and compassion make her a trusted leader in advancing restorative, inclusive systems of care.
Dr. Patricia Mbugua
Consultant & Professional Trainer
Dr. Patricia Mbugua is a seasoned special education leader with a strong track record of advancing equity, inclusion, and student success. She currently serves as the Director of Special Education and Support Services at Real Journey Academies, where she oversees the design and implementation of programs that support students with disabilities across multiple school sites.
With a career spanning leadership roles including Program Specialist, Coordinator, Assistant Director, and now Director, Patricia brings deep expertise in instructional leadership, compliance, and systems-level change. She is committed to building inclusive, student-centered learning environments through strategic planning, staff development, and data-informed decision-making.
As a professional trainer and facilitator, Patricia has led district-wide training in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), legally compliant IEPs, inclusive practices, and collaborative problem-solving. Her work empowers educators and administrators to strengthen supports for all learners while meeting both legal and ethical responsibilities.
Dr. Mbugua holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, a Master’s in Special Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She brings not only professional excellence but also personal dedication to this work as a wife and mother of two sons, Joseph and Andrew. Her approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every student.
Sarah Amici
Consultant & Professional Trainer
Sarah Davidson-Amici, LCSW, is an experienced psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She currently practices at Kaiser Permanente and maintains a private practice. As a strength-based therapist, Sarah focuses on identifying and building each client’s unique abilities to foster a fulfilling and meaningful life.
With extensive experience in medical settings, Sarah has supported clients facing complex health challenges, helping them navigate both physical and emotional obstacles. Her time working in hospice care deepened her sensitivity to end-of-life experiences, emphasizing the importance of family involvement and compassionate grief support.
In addition to her clinical work, Sarah has served as a mentor and clinical supervisor, guiding undergraduate and graduate social work students in their professional development.
Dr. Michael O’Neill
Consultant & Professional Trainer
Dr. Michael O’Neill brings over 30 years of experience in education, with a career spanning pre-K through higher education and roles at the district, county, and state levels. His work has influenced school systems across urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout California and beyond.
Michael’s expertise lies in instructional leadership, systems transformation, and curriculum design rooted in equity, creativity, and strategic vision. He has authored curriculum guides, led the development of school board vision and strategic planning documents, and contributed to educational articles that continue to shape practice.
As a speaker, trainer, and facilitator, Michael has delivered keynote speeches, lectures, and workshops across the U.S. and internationally. His leadership has helped school districts and county office programs achieve measurable improvements in student outcomes, earning recognition and awards for progress in equity and achievement.
Michael’s background in the arts and his early work with the Education Branch of the Los Angeles Music Center inform his dynamic, creative approach to curriculum development and relationship-building. His ability to engage diverse stakeholders with both clarity and compassion is central to his effectiveness.
A key contributor to statewide leadership development through the California State Leadership Association, Michael helped shape statewide expectations in areas such as school culture, systems thinking, and instructional coherence.
At Spaerca Group, Michael supports schools and organizations through strategic coaching, training, and thought partnership — always centering student success, adult learning, and the deep work of sustainable change.