“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Mario Guerrero holds a lot of responsibility as the Program Manager at CASA El Dorado. Between training new volunteers, supporting advocates, and serving as a liaison between CASA and the local court, Mario is incredibly devoted to helping the children in this community. Get to know Mario a bit better in his Q&A below.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Mario Guerrero!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
Currently, I serve as the Program Manager at CASA El Dorado in South Lake Tahoe, CA. As the Program Manager, I have many responsibilities including recruiting, screening and training new volunteers, providing support and case management to our advocates, reviewing and analyzing case files and court reports, serving as a community liaison between CASA and our local court system and service providers and oversee adherence to national CASA standards, rules of court, CASA policies and procedures. As for accomplishments, I feel most accomplished when our children are reunified with their family and/or when a child successfully completes probation.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
I’ve been blessed at CASA El Dorado as we’ve had many points of pride and have witnessed amazing growth by some of our CASA kids and their parents. I don’t have one specific moment that stands out to me; however, I’m extremely proud to announce that 17 children were able to reunify with their parents and successfully overcome the challenges that led them into the court system(s).
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live b
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
This quote by Maya Angelou resonates with me on a daily basis. Throughout my professional life, I’ve realized that it’s impossible for me to resolve anyone’s problems or challenges, but If I can support someone feel empowered to resolve their own problems and challenges, then, I believe I’ve served them best, as that individual is learning to exercise critical thinking skills and become independent.
Who is your role model?
My greatest role models are my mother and father. My parents are often my source of inspiration and growth as they’ve sacrificed so much in order to provide a future for my brother and I. My parents have always been consistent and instilled values in my brother and I such as integrity, respect, discipline, ambition and always provide to those less fortunate than us. Aside from my parents, I’ve been blessed to have an amazing older brother, friends and a beautiful fiancé supporting me stay true to my values throughout my journey in life.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
Tahoe has always been my home. I moved to South Lake Tahoe during my childhood and have always considered it “home.” As for my career, I’ve always been passionate about working with children and supporting families be safe and healthy. Throughout all my years working with at-risk kids in South Lake Tahoe and northern California, I’ve come to learn that it truly takes a village to raise a child. The stronger the village, the stronger our children!
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
Yes, I’m very active in our community as I volunteer as a youth football coach and serve as the Vice President for South Tahoe Pop Warner. I love working with children, empowering them to form their own identities and supporting them become critical thinkers. Often, I don’t view myself as a coach, but rather a teacher. I teach invaluable life lessons through the game of football.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my loved ones, reading biographies of individuals I admire, watching movies, eating Italian cuisine and mountain biking. During the summer, I love being outdoors and exploring Tahoe’s east shore.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds
I love the South Shore and have amazing memories throughout this beautiful land. Currently, I would have to say my favorite stomping grounds are the beaches located by Camp Richardson. Grateful to enjoy world class mountain biking in the morning and top it off with a rum runner at the Beacon while soaking in that Tahoe sun.
Learn more about CASA El Dorado
Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.