VISTA: Meet our Members

Monique Calatayud

VISTA Criminal Legal Systems and Police Data Tracking Fellow- Contra Costa Public Defender's Office

Adriana Monique Calatayud, who goes by Monique, is a recent graduate of California State University Channel Islands, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her academic and professional experiences have focused on mental health support, student success, research, and expanding access to resources. Through her work at a residential treatment center for adolescents, she has supported young people navigating mental health challenges and substance use disorders, developing skills in crisis response, compassionate communication, and collaborative care.

During her service year at Contra Costa Public Defender's Office Monique is committed to serving others with empathy, patience, and respect. Through AmeriCorps VISTA, she looks forward to contributing to sustainable community solutions, strengthening access to resources, and building the skills to advance equal justice for all. She ultimately hopes to pursue a career in law and public service.

Sophia Harris

VISTA Data Systems Analyst for Public Defender Mental Health Diversion Program – Solano County Public Defender

Sophia is a doctoral candidate in Sociology whose research sits at the intersection of labor, technology, and inequality. Shaped by a transnational trajectory — a BA in International Studies from the University of Washington, an MA in Global Studies from Humboldt University of Berlin, and time living and studying across seven countries — she brings a comparative sensibility to questions of work and class. Her dissertation examines credential inflation, structural downclassing, and labor market contraction among software engineers, interrogating how the ideology of meritocracy shapes tech workers' understanding of their own precarity. As an AmeriCorps VISTA Data Systems Analyst at the Solano County Public Defender's Office, Sophia draws on her methods expertise to help build out a reporting system for the Mental Health Diversion program: work that connects her commitment to rigorous data practice with frontline advocacy for underserved communities.

Angela Pruitt

Communications and Engagement VISTA – Neighborhood Defender Services- Detroit

Angela Pruitt is a dedicated AmeriCorps VISTA serving with the Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) through the National Legal Aid & Defender Association NLADA sponsorship.. With a unique blend of experience in legal advocacy and public health, Angela is also a Certified Community Health Worker that leverages expertise in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) to bridge the gap between community needs and justice system outcomes.

Prior to joining AmeriCorps, Angela in her professional and volunteer career collaborated closely with attorneys across diverse sectors — including the State of Michigan, the American Heart Association, and the Friend of the Court — to develop strategies, conduct research, and support policy initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and health equity. This cross-disciplinary background enables Angela to navigate complex legal frameworks while maintaining a community-centered approach to problem-solving. In her current role as a Communication & Engagement VISTA to help NDS in their mission to improve justice outcomes and tell their story through annual reports, impact statements, capabilities statements, newsletters and social or multi-media tools.

Passionate about creating systems that work for everyone, Angela is committed to integrating data-driven insights, stakeholder collaboration, and advocacy to create sustainable solutions that empower underserved populations and strengthen community resilience.

Amelia Smollens

Grant Writer VISTA- Neighborhood Defender Services- Harlem

Amelia Smollens currently serves as the NDS Grant Writer VISTA at Neighborhood Defender Service in New York through the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s AmeriCorps VISTA project. Amelia's work focuses on researching funding opportunities, developing grant proposals, and building sustainable fundraising and grant management systems that support holistic public defense. With a background in marketing, development, and prospect and grant research, Amelia brings a commitment to community service to her role. She supports NDS's mission to expand access to justice for communities impacted by poverty and the criminal legal system. She is a veteran AmeriCorps VISTA, and alum having served three prior terms.

Alina Hernandez

Community Partnership VISTA - Santa Cruz County Public Defender

Alina is originally from Cupertino California and recently graduated from Scripps College with a BA in psychology. Studying psychology helped her see how strongly social circumstances, systems, and access to resources shape people's lives and opportunities. She is now serving as the Community Partnership VISTA with the Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender. In this role she is excited to helping develop and implement a reentry program that supports people leaving incarcerating as they return to their communities. After her service year she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in the public sector. Outside of work, Alina enjoys going on walks with her dog, trying new coffee shops, and reading.

Max Mannina

VISTA Peer Partnership Coordinator – Committee for Public Counsel Services

Max is a recent college graduate from Villanova University with a double major in Economics and Criminology. Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, he is excited to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the Mental Health Litigation Division at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) in Worcester and give back to his home community. This opportunity will build on his many volunteer experiences throughout high school and college, including the Special Olympics, Worcester's civil legal aid organization, and multiple mentoring and tutoring programs. During his year of service, Max will help develop and organize a "Know Your Rights" event as well as a "Re-Entry Support Group" for individuals transitioning to the community. Following his service year, Max hopes to attend law school.

Noah Vinogradov

Reentry Coordinator VISTA

Noah is from the Philadelphia area and is a recent graduate of Georgetown University, where he earned a degree in Culture and Politics with a minor in Music. He joined AmeriCorps with a strong interest in public service and was particularly drawn to the opportunity to serve with NLADA. Through academic and professional experiences, Noah has focused on understanding challenges within the U.S. criminal legal system, with a specific interest in diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration. During his service, he looks forward to supporting individuals in need and gaining hands-on experience that will help inform his future career path, including the possibility of pursuing law school. Outside of work, Noah is actively involved in music, enjoys running and spending time outdoors, and values meaningful conversations with friends.

Elijah Wright

Community Resource and Grant Data Development VISTA, Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office

Elijah will serve as an NLADA VISTA member with the Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office. Originally from Seattle, he spent the past three years living and studying in the United Kingdom and graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Digital Cultures and Media. His academic work focused on the relationship between technology and society, with an emphasis on using digital tools to improve organizational effectiveness. During his service, Elijah looks forward to supporting a public defender office committed to providing high-quality legal representation. He is especially interested in applying his background in digital systems and media to support team operations and service delivery. Outside of work, Elijah enjoys traveling and is a dedicated Seattle sports fan.

Jason Huang

Community Resource Data Capacity VISTA, Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office

Jason is originally from Elk Grove, California, this VISTA member is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Data Science. His decision to serve as a VISTA is grounded in an interest in strengthening systems and improving access to information and resources through thoughtful use of data and technology. During his service, he is excited to apply his technical background to support operational improvements and help organizations work more effectively. He is especially interested in continuing to build skills in data analysis, automation, and emerging technologies while learning from experienced colleagues. Outside of work, he enjoys trying new recipes, exploring local spots, and is always up for a good karaoke session.