Who We Are

Peace Pros LA is a non-profit 501c3 made up of professionals from various fields that conducts trainings, workshops and dialogues.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, MSW, is a former college football scholarship athlete and has more than 15 years experience working with teenagers and young adults.  Michael currently works with the City of Santa Monica's Human Services Division. Michael works passionately to challenge mythical notions of masculinity, and tries to redefine masculinity daily with youth, young adults, and his peers

barrie levy

Barrie Levy, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker, a clinical and organizational consultant, psychotherapist and educator. A faculty member of the Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on Sexual and Domestic Violence. She also teaches Men's Self-Defense (a violence prevention effort) at Santa Monica College.

Kimberly nao

Kimberly Nao, PhD, has been an educator and student advocate who is currently an assistant professor at Mount Saint Mary's University where she directs the Induction and Instructional Leadership Programs. She has a particular interest in diversity and inclusion and social justice education. For the past 20 years she has worked with adolescents and adults facilitating workshops and professional development related to gender, sexuality, and race in higher education and secondary schooling. 

Mike Cortrite

Mike Cortrite, EdD, is a retired police officer, adjunct professor of leadership at Cal. State Northridge and of male violence prevention at Santa Monica College, and an educator at the Museum of Tolerance. He has a doctor of education in leadership degree from UCLA.

Lisa Golden

Lisa Golden, EdD, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in treating people who experience violence and trauma. She has been active in the Santa Monica community for many years as a parent educator and leader. She is a strong advocate for preventive mental health as a community priority.

Dave Focareta

Dave Focareta is a community mediator, conflict resolution specialist, and trainer.. He has authored curricula for mediation trainings for both youth and adults and has designed and delivered trainings and workshops on healthy communication, collaborative problem solving, and conflict resolution. He is currently a crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line, where he provides support to teens and adults at high risk for self-harm and suicide.