Team
Who We Are
Opening Doors for Youth is a volunteer mentor group of dedicated advocates striving to connect young people with opportunities to reach beyond their dreams.
Meet Our Awesome Mentors
We empower under-resourced Paso Robles students from middle school to adulthood to become confident, community-minded young adults ready to make a difference in their world. This is done by offering a variety of options for educational, work, and life experiences that allow youth to experience success and learn what matters most to each of them.
Dan Mosunich
Mentor, ODY Founder
After a 40-year career as a teacher and school administrator, I chose to focus on my passion: supporting underserved students nearing high school graduation. I saw that many bright, capable students lacked the support to reach their potential in college or the workplace. In 2017, I began mentoring students individually, helping them explore their dreams and make choices that align with their goals. I’m deeply concerned by how many young people lack access to resources that could help shape their future.
I excel at building strong connections with students. Drawing on my deep knowledge of the education system, I help link students to programs, people, and steps that improve their chances of long-term success. I focus on mentoring ninth and tenth graders, guiding course selection, extracurriculars, and study habits to maximize options in upper grades and beyond.
My greatest joy is my family—my wife, two children, and two grandchildren. I’m a fan of Legos, baseball, basketball, and soccer, and I’m always up for a spirited game of Connect Four or Jenga.
Christin Newlon
Mentor, Program Lead
Christin Newlon has spent her professional and retired life dedicated to education.
She moved to Paso Robles in 1994 to accept the position as Principal of Templeton Elementary School. After 10 years as a principal in the Templeton Schools, she moved to be the head of Human Resources at the County Office of Education under Julian Crocker, former Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Superintendent and County Office of Education Superintendent.
In 2014, Christin was offered the position of head of Human Resources for San Luis Coastal where she remained until she retired in 2021. Since retiring three years ago, Christin has been an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) mentor to a young adult in the foster care system, and is a founding member of the Opening Door for Youth program at Paso Robles High School.
Miriam Lomelino
Mentor, College Success
I have lived in Paso Robles for 24 years, having moved here from Southern California. I practice Family Medicine locally with my husband, Todd.
Our children attended Paso Robles schools and as a member of this community I have always sought ways to give back. During the early days of the pandemic, I volunteered with our local Medical Reserve Corps and helped vaccinate and educate community members.
As a child of Mexican Immigrants, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by underserved students. I started volunteering with ODY in the Spring of this year and have felt immensely rewarded. I have met many students and have learned about their life experiences, dreams and aspirations. I have also been able to share with them a little about my story and about my career path as a physician.
Outside of my work and volunteering, I enjoy spending time with family (especially my two grandchildren), RVing with my husband and taking long walks while listening to a good podcast.
Matt Magnuson
Mentor, College Success
I have worked as a librarian at Coalinga College since 2006, overseeing the library, tutoring services, and media services. I have also taught ESL and linguistics courses at the college. Prior to Coalinga College, I worked as the Education Librarian at Miami University of Ohio.
Through my work in education, I have learned that meaningful connections and a sense of belonging are essential to student success. I believe that mentorship can help students see possibilities for their future and feel supported in pursuing their goals. These experiences led me to begin volunteering with Opening Doors for Youth in spring 2024.
Originally from the Bay Area, I have lived in Paso Robles since 2007 with my wife, Fabiola, who is a teacher at Georgia Brown. Our two daughters attended Georgia Brown, Flamson, and graduated from Paso Robles High School. Outside of work, I enjoy playing board games, exploring new places with my family, and fighting with the garden.
Kelly
Pope
Mentor, Science/Tech Enthusiast
Some say endless curiosity is a blessing, some say a curse. Instilled early on in me by my dad, curiosity has enriched my life every day. Always interested in nature, science, and how the world works, I built a telescope at age 12 and forever had dreams of becoming an astronaut.
While I studied engineering and built innovative new imaging machines for doctors, my passion for education led me to develop video games and educational software for k-12 students and their teachers.
And now, full circle, to mentor with ODY. My approach is to listen deeply to each student, understand their dreams and challenges, and help them discover options that may not have been visible to them. I want them to feel comfortable, yet want to challenge their thinking. I want to nurture their curiosity, give them the opportunity to dream, help them think differently about possible choices for their life trajectory.
Todd
Lomelino
Tutor
I am originally from the midwest but moved to California to work in aerospace engineering. In my mid 20s, I decided to change career paths and pursue a career in medicine. I moved to Paso Robles after completing my residency in Family Medicine in Southern California. I have been practicing locally for 24 years along with my wife, Miriam.
I have two sons who both graduated from Paso Robles High School. I joined the ODY team during the last school semester and have tutored students in Math.
My other interests include mountaineering, backpacking, playing the piano, and working on my endless home projects. I look forward to continuing to work with ODY and meeting more students.
Marina
Joseph
Mentor, Operations Guru
I began my career in India as a Computer Science educator, teaching at both the school and college levels. After moving to the United States in 2000, I transitioned into the software industry in Silicon Valley, where I served in leadership roles in partnerships and operations until my recent retirement.
Five years ago, my husband and I made Paso Robles our home. Since retiring, I’ve enjoyed pursuing lifelong interests—studying Spanish, learning piano, and embracing new experiences. I love connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. Traveling, gardening, dancing, exercising, and staying close to family and friends around the world bring me great joy.
As a first-generation immigrant, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. I’m committed to giving back by supporting local underserved students as they explore their educational and career paths, and by being a positive, encouraging presence in their lives.
Karrin
Nicol
Mentor, Human Resources Guru
I am a Paso native and PRHS graduate. After college, I worked in international Human Resources roles for high-growth tech companies in the UK/Europe and in Asia Pacific.
Part of my work in Human Resources centered on coaching others in career and professional development, and I believe those experiences will be valuable as a Mentor for Opening Doors for Youth. I hope to instill underserved students with the belief that their future is worth intentional planning, and that thoughtful preparation can positively impact their lives and their communities.
After living abroad for many years, in 2017 my husband and I returned to the Central Coast. For the past six years I have been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children. I love traveling, cooking, listening to books, yoga, and being outdoors as much as possible.
Tony
Clarke
Mentor
Ann
Venn
Mentor
Ann Venn was employed by Paso Robles Public Schools for 36 years. She taught 5th grade at Pat Butler and 6th grade at Flamson Middle School. She was also the lead for the TIP program which assisted new teachers in their first two years of teaching to earn their credentials. She loved mentoring new teachers.
After retirement, she worked at Cal Poly supervising student teachers in their placements at school sites for several years. She has a passion for assisting students to succeed and therefore she is now working with ODY volunteering to assist 9th and 10th graders to get students ready for college.