About — The Community Engagement and Social Innovation Model

Dr. Krystal Hays is an Associate Professor of Social Work at California Baptist University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, community development, and capacity building. She has served as a Community Capacity Organizer for a local mental health authority, where she led community organizing efforts, facilitated trainings, and supported grants administration to strengthen systems of care and expand community resources. Dr. Hays has worked as a researcher, consultant, and grant reviewer with various social service agencies and nonprofit organizations, helping to improve organizational processes, procedures, and outcomes. Her research focuses on reducing the burden of depression and improving mental health outcomes among African Americans, with particular attention to the role of religiosity and faith-based partnerships. She is also an author and online content creator who is passionate about translating research into accessible knowledge and training the next generation of social workers to serve diverse communities with excellence and compassion.

Dr. Antonio Méjico is Associate Dean for the Division of Social Work and Associate Professor at California Baptist University, where he provides administrative oversight for BSW, MSW, and DSW programs serving nearly 450 students and 30 faculty. He brings extensive leadership experience in higher education, focusing on program development, policy design, and training initiatives that advance equity and serve historically marginalized communities within faith-based contexts. With 17 years of prior experience across child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and mental health, Dr. Méjico has worked closely with gang-involved youth, justice-involved individuals, and children and families impacted by child welfare systems, including those facing severe abuse, neglect, and immigration-related challenges. He has also held executive leadership roles promoting inclusive policies and strengthening systems of care for vulnerable populations. Dr. Méjico specializes in faith-integrated diversity training, leadership development, and community engagement, and regularly provides consultation and training to social service and nonprofit organizations, reflecting a strong commitment to community development and preparing future leaders in social work.

Rev. Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson is a Los Angeles–raised minister, educator, and community leader whose work is grounded in social justice, community empowerment, and faith-based engagement. With a career that includes leadership in higher education, he is an accomplished author, speaker, and trainer specializing in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), resilience, leadership, and team building, with a strong emphasis on community-based intervention and capacity development. He is the creator of the nationally recognized Ten Step Rites of Passage Program supporting at-risk youth and families and currently serves as Executive Director of The Children’s Collective, where he advances initiatives that strengthen and empower underserved communities. Additionally, as Pastor of The Life Church in Riverside, California, and CEO of the National Family Life and Education Center, Dr. Lee-Johnson leads training, consultation, and outreach efforts that support individuals, families, and organizations locally and globally. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to equipping communities through education, faith, and transformative practice.