CENTRAL VALLEY TRAINING CENTER - Key Persons


Aaron Walker

Job Titles:
  • Program Director
Aaron Joe Walker joined the Central Valley Training Center, Inc. (CVTC) team on 7/25/2013, as an Instructor On-Call Substitute. Through time, Aaron acclimated to his role and soon promoted to an Instructor IV Team Lead then Interim Program Coordinator. As Aaron gained experience, he developed a passion for providing quality service to individuals with intellectual disabilities and found his calling. Aaron enjoyed his time as a leader and was able to implement his strong work ethic and morals to his team. As an Interim Program Coordinator, he worked alongside his staff and consumers, he felt a sense of responsibility to do more. Aaron soon promoted as CVTC's first RAPID Coordinator. In February 2019, Aaron's ability to take on challenging situations straight forward with a calm demeanor exemplifies the roles and responsibilities that comes with his promotion to Program Director of CVTC's Fresno East day program.

Brandi Barraza - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources Director
Biography Brandi started working for CVTC in 2012 as an Administrative Office Assistant and in 2014, became part of the Human Resources team as a HR Specialist. In 2008, after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Applied Professional Studies from Bethany University, Brandi entered the San Joaquin County Office of Education IMPACT program, passed the CBEST, and obtained a substitute teaching permit. Brandi has utilized her familiarity with the credential process to assist CVTC in recruiting and developing teachers for the company's designation as a Non-Public Agency. In March 2018, Brandi accepted the HR Coordinator position and looks forward to growing with the company in this new capacity. In her spare time, Brandi enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family

Chad David Fugate

Chad David Fugate joined Central Valley Training Center, Inc. (CVTC) in March 2023 as Program Director for RAPID South. Chad holds a bachelor's degree at California State University Fresno in Criminology and 10+ years' experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health diagnosis. He began his career after college providing direct care services at a juvenile sex offender group home and then as a case manager at a mental health agency working intensively with adults with severe mental illness. From this experience, Chad had the passion to further his career and as a Program Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations for a day program providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Program Manager, Chad enjoyed his time as a leader and contributed his strong work ethic to the team. Chad's ability to take on challenging situations with a straightforward and calm demeanor, combined with his passion for providing quality service and leadership led him to the Program Director position at RAPID South.

Fresno West

Job Titles:
  • Program Director

Jennifer Jones

Job Titles:
  • Regional Director of Operations
Biography Jennifer joined Central Valley Training, Inc. (CVTC) in 2019 as the Regional Director of Operations. In 2006, Jennifer graduated with her B.S. in Human Services and proceeded to spend a great many years of her career working at a Non-profit, serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and runaway and homeless youth. Over the years, Jennifer fulfilled a variety of professional roles including Youth Services Program Manager, Shelter Director, Director of Operations and ultimately, the role of Chief Executive Officer. After 12 years, Jennifer left the non-profit world and found a new passion- working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jennifer is thrilled to be a part of the CVTC team, a team that is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can live their best life!

Jessica Pulliam

Job Titles:
  • Program Director
Biography Jessica joined Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) in February 2013 as a Supported Living Professional at the Modesto Another Way facility. Jessica utilized her time as an SLP to learn and develop her skills in behavior management and leadership which lead to a promotion as a Program Manager for Stockton Another Way facility. During this time, she continued to learn and embrace the culture that CVTC had to offer and accepted the opportunity to serve as Merced Program Coordinator as well as On- Call management for the RAPID Crisis Response Team. Jessica continued to grow her leadership skills which lead to her promotion as Program Director at The Merced Day Program in October 2021. During her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time indoors and outdoors with her family, hiking, going to the beach, Ink Therapy, and baking.

Joann Jordan - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
Joann Jordan is the Chief Executive Officer of Central Valley Training Center, Inc. (CVTC), one of the leading businesses in the central valley that provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities. She has over 18 years of experience with CVTC, and as CEO, she oversees the company's administrative, student and consumer services, financial operations, human resources, expansion, and diversification of services. She also facilitates CVTC's Board of Directors, Executive Team and Corporate Management Team where she actively works towards achieving program service improvement, resource utilization and risk management. Joann joined CVTC in 1995. Joann's career path first began as an Instructor, teaching valuable life-skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 1998, Joann accepted the position of Administrative Office Assistant, while continuing with her education. In 2002, Joann accepted the position of Human Resources Coordinator and in September 2010 Joann was offered the position of Human Resources Director. In March 2018 Joann was promoted to Chief Executive Officer.

Joseph Matlen - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
Biography Joe was hired as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in April 2023. He has worked most of his career as a Controller or CFO for a few different companies in several industries. He has an accounting degree from California State University, Long Beach. Joe likes working with the operations side to try and provide value-added information to managers within the company and to provide timely and accurate financial information. He has always worked to identify detailed cost information so that company management knows where billing rates need to be.

Lindsey Stoeckle

Job Titles:
  • Regional Director of Operations
Biography Lindsey joined Central Valley Training Center, Inc. in January 2021 as a RAPID Services Manager. In 2015, Lindsey graduated with her B.S. in Psychology and proceeded to begin working toward her Masters in Counseling Psychology. Lindsey began her career in human services working at a Non-profit organization that offered a broad spectrum of services. Lindsey's first internship was with a local suicide prevention hotline where she was introduced to at-risk members of the community. Within one year at the hotline, Lindsey expanded her internship hours to begin providing individual and group rehabilitation services to chronically homeless individuals with a severe mental illness. Lindsey spent many years serving this population before broadening her scope to work with at-risk foster youth. Over the years, Lindsey has fulfilled a variety of roles within the mental health community and has an on-going passion for the at-risk and underserved populations within the central valley. In 2021, Lindsey discovered a new passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has used her time with CVTC to build rapport with the participants and their families or care providers, ensuring lasting connections and support systems for each participant enrolled. By October 2021, Lindsey promoted to Regional Director of Operations. Lindsey actively strives to network with other organizations to increase the services available for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Lindsey's free time she enjoys spending time in nature. She loves hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Lindsey also loves reading a good book in front of the fire with a steaming cup of coffee.

Mary Velazquez

Job Titles:
  • Program Director

Megan Williams

Job Titles:
  • Program Director
Megan Williams joined Central Valley Training Center in April of 2016 as a RAPID Instructor I Floater. Megan utilized her time, ambition, and tenacity to quickly move up to Job Procurement Specialist. As a Job Procurement Specialist, she oversaw employment for both Fresno East and West Day Programs and was able to pave the way for employment opportunities in the Fresno area creating numerous partnerships with employers that are still utilized today. Part of Megan's definition to success it to never stop learning, growing, and achieving and she was soon promoted again to Employment Coordinator stationed at the Fresno West Day Program. Megan has used her time at Central Valley Training Center to establish rapport, trust, and knowledge with participants, staff, and the community and is now overseeing the Fresno West Day Program as Interim Program Director. During her free time, Megan loves to spend time with her family and pets, cook and bake, get crafty, and get out in nature.

Michael J Carroll

Job Titles:
  • Program Director
Michael J Carroll started at Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) in August of 2010, as an Instructor On-Call Substitute at the Stockton site. In February of 2011, Michael promoted to an Instructor III at the Modesto program. Michael spent 4 years at the Modesto site, where he promoted to a Team Lead and then to Program Coordinator. In June of 2015 Michael transferred back to the Stockton site as a Program Coordinator. In April of 2021, Michael was promoted to Program Director at the Stockton West program. Michael is a certified Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Trainer and enjoys training staff. Michael has a great passion when working with the consumers and ensures they receive the best training, care, and respect. Before working at CVTC, Michael worked as a Youth Counselor for the California Youth Authority for 10 years and owned a Sports Nutrition store for 12 years. During his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter. Michael enjoys hiking and hunting and is an avid 49er fan.

Ray Nylen - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Biography Ray began his teaching career in 1972. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from University of the Pacific in 1972 and his Elementary Credential in 1973. He worked as a teacher and later as a Program Specialist at Stockton Developmental Center (SDC). During this time, he continued his education receiving his Severely Handicapped Credential in 1979 and his Learning Handicapped Credential in 1980. After eight years of service at SDC, Ray co-founded CVTC in May of 1982. In 1994 he became the President and sole owner of CVTC.

Sonya Fox - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
Biography Sonya started her career working in California as a Direct Support Professional in care homes while attending university. After graduation, she continued her career a Facility Manager and QMRP in the Santa Rosa area. Sonya joined CVTC in 2001 as Program Director - CARES Behavioral Respite, Program Director - Another Way Supported Living, Program Director - CVTC Stockton Day program, Northern Regional Director and Chief Operations Officer at CVTC. Working at CVTC provides opportunity for Sonya to do the work she enjoys with awesome people, in a great atmosphere. Accomplishments include - grants for service development in RAPID Mobile Crisis Response, Sacramento Behavior Services Day Program, Sacramento Employment Services Day Program and employment services. Sonya identifies and leads initiatives for partnering with organizations that support CVTC's mission examples include secure electronic files using Therap Services and standardized training using Relias Learning. Sonya is an advocate for the developmental disability service system in California and is an agency member of California Disability Services Association (CDSA). Sonya is a lifelong learner and avid reader of leadership, productivity and personal development content. Favorites include authors; Darren Hardy, Tim Ferris, Michael Singer, Daniel Goleman, Grant Cardone, Deepak Chopra, Gary Vaynerchuk, and many more. When not at work, you may find her traveling, doing anything outdoors including hiking, mountain biking and spending time with her two boys. Sonya is a graduate of Sonoma State University with a BA in Psychology in 1999 and Sacramento State University Executive Masters in Business Administration in 2007.

Stockton West

Job Titles:
  • Program Director