Where Our Youth Breaks Chains
Our Team.


Alex Ray Charfauros
Co-Founder & Co- Executive Director​​​
Alex currently serves the Board President of The Enai Foundation. Alex has embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation and personal growth since 2010 currently serving 14 years of incarceration. In 2016, he made a decisive life changing commitment to leave behind the criminal activity and gang involvement and instead choosing recovery, rehabilitation, education, and spiritual development. Within the last 8 years, he has achieved a series of significant milestones such as attending Bible College through The Urban Ministry Institute (T.U.M.I.), where he developed a strong foundation in faith and leadership. He has also served as Chairman of both Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) groups, demonstrating his commitment to supporting others in their recovery. In addition, Alex has engaged in extensive personal and professional development through the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (A.R.C.) and the Alternatives to Violence Project (A.V.P.). He has been involved in the rehabilitation of others by serving as a yard facilitator for the Preparing for Reentry Employment Program (P.R.E.P.). With Straight Life he has engaged criminal law students from Imperial Valley College (I.V.C.) to provide them with firsthand insight into the realities of incarceration from a prisoner’s perspective, demonstrating his community engagement and mentorship. In addition, Alex has pursued higher education and is currently enrolled at Southwestern College, where he is pursuing a degree in Sociology and Behavioral Sciences. His goal is to continue pursuing higher education to obtain a graduate degree in Social Work. Driven by a deeply personal connection, Alex is passionately committed to supporting the children of incarcerated parents as a father himself leaving behind his 7 year old daughter in 2010. Alex takes his accountability in understanding the challenges these children face. His experiences have fueled his unwavering dedication to this cause, which he views not merely as an organizational mission but as a way of living a purposeful life for him and his family. He believes that his story and his daughter's story uniquely position him to inspire others to support the mission, vision, and values that guide The Enai Foundation to shape a brighter future for children of incarcerated parents.

Alannamae Charfauros Salas
Co-Founder & Co- Executive Director
Alannamae currently serves as the Board Treasurer and as the Co-Executive Director and co-founder of The Enai Foundation. Alannamae (aka Enai) is driven by a deep, personal commitment to supporting children of incarcerated parents. Having experienced the incarceration of her own parent since 2010, Alannamae understands firsthand the emotional and social challenges these children face. Through years of overcoming personal struggles with recovery, domestic violence, homelessness, and raising a daughter with an incarcerated parent, she has gained invaluable insight into the importance of faith, relationships, community, and resilience. Guided by a strong belief in offering hope and love to those in need, Alannamae is passionate about ensuring that these children know they are not alone and that their future can be filled with opportunity, support, and purpose. She currently facilitates youth peer support groups to children of incarcerated parents.

Alan Charfauros
Board Chair
Alan Charfauros is a dedicated leader and advocate committed to uplifting and empowering children affected by parental incarceration. As the Board Chair of The Enai Foundation, he provides strategic oversight and guidance to support the organization’s mission of restoring hope, rebuilding family connections, and strengthening public safety. With a background in nonprofit leadership, advocacy and community engagement, Alan is passionate about addressing the unique challenges these children face, including emotional trauma, social isolation, and systemic barriers. Through collaborative leadership and community-driven initiatives, he works to expand The Enai Foundation’s programs, ensuring children receive the support, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. Beyond his role at The Enai Foundation, Alan actively advocates for social justice, equity, and policy reforms that create lasting change for vulnerable communities. He believes in the power of mentorship, education, and community support to break cycles of hardship and create brighter futures for children in need.

Geneveve Matundan
Chief Operating Officer
Geneveve currently serves as the Secretary and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She attended the University of Southern California with a Master's of Social Work degree and is a doctoral candidate at Capella University. With a strong background in leadership and social work, Geneveve has been instrumental in advancing the field of social work practice, focusing on improving strategic operations and compassionate service. Geneveve holds over 10 years of experience working in various settings such as private practice, community mental health organizations, non-profit organizations, community based healthcare, hospitals, and the private business sector. Her commitment to social work and community empowerment drives her work with students, colleagues, and organizations, ensuring that each contribution makes a meaningful impact on the individuals encountered.

Carissa Tarabola
Operations Manager

Meet Our Peer Mentors

Peer Mentor
Alannamae
Alannamae currently serves as the Board Treasurer and as the Co-Executive Director and co-founder of The Enai Foundation.
Alannamae (aka Enai) is driven by a deep, personal commitment to supporting children of incarcerated parents. Having experienced the incarceration of her own parent since 2010, Alannamae understands firsthand the emotional and social challenges these children face. Through years of overcoming personal struggles with recovery, domestic violence, homelessness, and raising a daughter with an incarcerated parent, she has gained invaluable insight into the importance of faith, relationships, community, and resilience. Guided by a strong belief in offering hope and love to those in need, Alannamae is passionate about ensuring that these children know they are not alone and that their future can be filled with opportunity, support, and purpose. She currently facilitates youth peer support groups to children of incarcerated parents.

Peer Mentor
Rachelle "Chili"
My father was incarcerated when I was 11 years old. Along with that came a profound sense of loss that ignited confusion, anger and shame, that my siblings,and I still struggle to face even into adulthood.However, despite that hole in my heart, it also emboldens me to cultivate compassion and empathy for those who have experienced the same, because no matter how society deems my father's character: no child should feel alone in that struggle of picking up the pieces their parents left behind—and burdened by the stigma that too often accompanies it. To me, being a peer mentor is about cultivating a safe space for young people and showing that their story is not their final chapter.

Peer Mentor
Natalie
My name is Natalie Orellana. I’m a Master of Social Work student at Herzing University with a background in military service, law enforcement, and crisis intervention. I served as a Deputy Sheriff with a focus on patrol, where I responded to mental health calls, domestic situations, and worked directly with vulnerable individuals and families in high-stress environments.
These experiences gave me a strong foundation in de-escalation, empathy, and building trust under pressure. They also showed me how critical early support and connection are for young people who may not always feel heard or safe. Having come from a difficult home environment myself, I understand how important it is for youth to have someone who sees them beyond their behavior and helps them feel valued.
I’m passionate about showing up consistently, listening with care, and helping youth and families access the tools they need to move forward. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy traveling, avid coffee drinker (makes me happy), and being a mom to my son, he inspires a lot of the work I do.
I’m looking forward to learning and growing with this team while making a meaningful impact.