Welcome.

Overseeing a department and its programs is the straightforward part; the real work lies in helping families navigate their circumstances and creating meaningful change for at-risk youth. To do this well, my staff must be equipped with empathy, patience, clear communication, and accountability, among other qualities. Staff development is the foundation for meeting our KPIs, achieving our program goals, and having meaningful impact. 

Overseeing the operations of a short-term foster care agency serving unaccompanied children detained at the U.S.–Mexico border has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I saw my own children in every child who walked through our doors, and the work challenged me to grow both personally and as a leader.

I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most hardworking and compassionate staff I know, whose dedication rivaled the altruism and selflessness of my peer social workers at the County of San Diego’s Child and Family Well-Being Department. Even with a multi-million-dollar budget, we could never replace what the minors in our care needed most: their parents.

I sometimes joke that I was more stressed as a social worker in San Diego County’s Child and Family Well-Being Department than I ever was patrolling the streets of Iraq. While that is an exaggeration, there is truth behind it.

The workload for each case was immense. The children and families involved under the Welfare and Institutions Code often require far more support than the average family. There are deep-rooted issues that must be addressed before a child can safely reunify with their parents. When reunification happened, it was incredibly rewarding. This was proof that the long hours and hard work made a difference. When children could not return home because key protective issues were never resolved, it was heartbreaking. Children simply need their parents to feel whole.

Being a social worker in this field and department helped me appreciate the resilience of children and families, the importance of strong support systems, and the profound responsibility that comes with this work.

Serving as a Correctional Deputy Probation Officer was one of the most eye-opening chapters of my professional life. Inside those halls, titles and uniforms mattered less than humanity. I saw firsthand how trauma, systemic inequities, and limited options shape the paths of young people long before they ever enter the justice system.

The work was demanding and, at times, emotionally heavy, but it deepened my belief in second chances and early intervention. I learned how critical it is to balance accountability with compassion, structure with dignity, and safety with genuine relationship-building. Those experiences reinforced my commitment to working upstream, focusing on prevention, diversion, and community-based support, so fewer young people ever have to learn their hardest life lessons inside a facility.

Working as a housing specialist for homeless veterans was both humbling and deeply personal. Every time I met a veteran in need, I imagined them as one of the Marines I had served with, someone I might have stood beside overseas, someone who had worn the same uniform and carried the same weight. That perspective made it impossible to see the work as just paperwork or units to be filled; these were brothers and sisters who had earned far better than life on the streets or in unstable housing.

That mindset pushed me to go the extra mile, digging deeper for resources, advocating harder with landlords, and staying persistent when the process became slow or frustrating. Identifying and securing affordable housing wasn’t just about keys and leases; it was about restoring stability, dignity, and a sense of belonging for fellow veterans. My time in that role reinforced my belief that no one who has served this country should be left without a safe place to call home, and it strengthened my lifelong commitment to service long after taking off the uniform.

Becoming a Marine played a significant role in shaping the man I am today. It provided the structure and discipline I did not have at home, and the memories and friendships I formed during my service will stay with me for life. 

The Marine Corps is exceptional at developing leaders, and it certainly made one out of me. Although I had leadership experience in high school, the Marine Corps pushed me to new limits and helped refine my approach. My style has always been grounded in treating others with dignity and respect. I led beyond rank, focusing on the human side of leadership, and I cared for my Marines at a brotherly level—firm when needed, but always grounded in empathy and mutual respect. If we served together and you can speak to this, please share a note below. I would truly appreciate hearing from you.

Rafael was an amazing social worker who cared deeply for his clients. Rafael has a genuine compassion for others and is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Rafael has devoted his life to helping others and has touched everyone he has encountered in a positive light

-Laura C.

Rafael (Rafa) Navarrete has had a profound impact on my life and leadership. Being mentored by Rafa and working alongside him gave me a true example of servant leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is right—not what is easy. Rafa consistently invested in the growth of those around him and led by example. He never asked anyone to do something he was not willing—or had not already—done himself. Without complaint, he embodied a true “leaders eat last” mentality, encouraging staff to give back to the local community through efforts such as volunteering at a food bank and finding creative, values-driven ways to advocate for the best possible outcomes for the children we serve. At MarSell Wellness Center, Rafa kept our team grounded in our mission to serve children with compassion and excellence. He equipped leaders with the tools and support needed to maintain a strong team culture and high standards of quality and compliance. Despite being my direct supervisor, he treated me as a valued collaborator—encouraging me to aim higher and reminding me I was capable of more. Working with Rafa made me a better leader and a better person, and his absence was deeply felt by staff and leadership alike. Even now, when I encounter leadership challenges, I ask myself, “W.W.R.D.—What would Rafa do?”—a testament to the lasting influence his leadership continues to have on my work and values. 

-Alyssa C.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Rafael Navarrete for the past three years as my former colleague at Marsell Wellness Center San Diego. During this time, I had consistent professional interaction with him and observed his high moral standards, genuine compassion for others, and ambitious dedication to his professional responsibilities. Throughout our professional relationship, Rafael has demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility. He frequently volunteers for additional roles beyond his primary duties and shows a clear commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and responsibly. I have observed him manage challenging situations with thoughtfulness while maintaining appropriate boundaries and discretion. In the workplace, Rafael has demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with others and communicate with professionalism and intention. Rafael is receptive to feedback and shows a genuine willingness to learn and grow. His actions reflect someone who takes his responsibilities seriously and conducts himself with integrity. Based on my direct experience and observations, I believe Rafael to be a responsible and a compassionate colleague. 

-Jessica L.

 Working with Rafael was one of the most meaningful professional experiences of my career. He trusted me in my role as Medical Coordinator, and that trust created a foundation where collaboration, accountability, and growth came from naturally. What truly sets Rafael apart is that his leadership extends far beyond job performance. He consistently encouraged me not only to be a better employee, but a better person overall. He was the first leader who invited me to give back to the community through volunteering with Feeding San Diego- an experience that left a lasting impact on me and reflected the kind of values he lives by. Rafael is more than a boss. He is a leader who inspires, a mentor who supports, a cheerleader who uplifts, and a friend who genuinely cares. He goes above and beyond in everything he does, always thinking of others before himself. There are simply too many good things to say about such an exceptional human being in a single testimonial. It was truly a pleasure working with Rafael, and I would choose to work under his leadership at any stage of my career. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with him is fortunate. 

-Sarai R.

I had the pleasure of working with Rafael for several years in the social work field while he served as Program Director. Rafael is the kind of leader who understands that social work is not merely a profession, but a calling, one where character, ethics, and values are deeply intertwined. As a Program Director, Rafael cultivated a strong, team-oriented work culture. He consistently supported and encouraged staff, made a point to recognize individual strengths and efforts, and led with authenticity and respect. He maintained an open-door policy and genuinely cared about our experiences as employees, creating an environment where people felt heard, valued, and empowered. Rafael’s passion and commitment to social work ethics were evident in everything he did. He kept his team engaged, forward-thinking, and focused on both professional and personal growth. His leadership style balanced accountability with compassion, helping us stay grounded and motivated both independently and as a team. In a demanding and emotionally intense field, Rafael brought empathy, warmth, and even a welcome sense of humor. He never lost sight of the impact of our work and consistently reminded us of the importance of the services we provided to minors, marginalized populations, and underserved communities. He was always ready to step in and lead when action was needed. Working under Rafael’s leadership was both meaningful and inspiring, and any organization or community would be fortunate to have him in a leadership role. 

-Nidia B.

 Rafael embodies emotional intelligence and he always understands the mission/task at hand. These traits will always serve him well and those he serves alongside. 

-Brian B.

Rafa is an incredible person and leader. I had the privilege of being mentored by him, and he consistently leads with humanity and respect. He inspires people to be their best and encourages them to share that with the world. Thank you for being a great boss and for always leading with your heart. We miss you Boss! 

-Camille V.

I have navigated a rocky path in my 24 years as a dedicated correctional deputy probation officer in San Diego Ca. It was during this time that the moons aligned and I met Rafael “Nava” Navarrete. Years removed from military service however always a Marine. While a few come in late or leave early…while a few are often out for whatever reason… while a few make a u-turn and go home with anxiety driven fear working institutions, collectively there is a huge void. I’d like to stress, Nava was always there. Our job was often stomach churning and it took a special person able to put their ego aside and step forward to offer indiscriminate services to a new population that was redirected from prison back to local jurisdiction under the public safety realignment act of 2011.  Clients in our facility often lacked in courtesy and often full of undesirable behavior likely influenced by drugs and the criminal gang lifestyle. Most in public service understandably have bed side manners however the constant disrespect or violent outburst aimed at them create barriers that others see as an excuse to avoid and to go the other way. I have seen it many times and sometimes on the daily. Not for Nava. He has courage. He is curious. Nava sees this differently, an opportunity to build a relationship. A story of a journey just waiting to come out. As an active listener Nava doesn’t have to say much. People open up to him. Just being present, providing compassion and empathy day after day making a push to be good in the face of adversity. Nava is not afraid of challenges that are beyond reach. He often rallied superiors and subordinates just the same including his charges who had a stake in our collective suffering. Nava is a strong willed team player who encourages others to make a push to succeed. Nava is the definition of moral integrity.  When we’re close to bending that knee or tempted to take short cuts Nava speaks up and reminds us all of our commitments. That is who he is. Being there for someone at 2am while the world is asleep. Nava is one who makes any community better. I have seen Nava many a times befriend those who seek to do harm, manipulate or distance themselves from others. Using his experience, Nava fosters trust expecting little to nothing in return.  This is his habit. Modeling behavior that maybe one day will be reciprocated. What I find chilling is the fact that I have observed people who normally would not make a connection with anyone, reach out and extend the olive branch of peace to him. And for Nava always showing humility to accept. I believe Nava is a visionary thinker with a goal to eliminate a natural divide and coach us into achieving his vision of an unseen reality. As a team we had daily deadlines such as programming and time out of room schedules. Accountability was high on our agendas, success and failures were owned by us all. We saw how one another failed and it hurt. Once when Nava failed he owned up to it but what was amazing was those clients who had failed on their own and Nava was there for them, now the clients were there for him. Amazing. If Nava is involved in any organization it is a huge come up as he is a tried and tested leader. Nava possesses advanced knowledge of group dynamics. Nava has the incredible ability to empower a team and like a hand in a glove, has the wherewithal to empower the downtrodden. I have seen his results. I too have benefited from his work. When I was young there was a tv show titled highway to heaven where an angel was sent to earth to help those in need. I humbly proclaim that to be a great description of Nava. At the time I didn’t think we needed help. We were used to doing things the way we did, that is until Nava came along. He is on a journey no doubt about it. Whether you see or read about Nava locally or abroad please stop and introduce yourself. I was lucky that I did. When I retired, I sought the peace and comfort of our family ranch. Nava and I were professional and never hung out outside of work. We respected one another and enjoyed each other‘s family stories. Though our ranch was big and our food was blessed to be abundant. I only invited one person to celebrate with my family and that was Nava. I was grateful for him to attend because I knew that he had to leave his team behind to be there. And I’m not talking about just co-workers. I’m glad that I came across this page. In closing, I would like to add a lasting impression. One evening around midnight I went outside to the recreation area which was fenced in with concertina razor wire. I saw Nava up on the ladder with a headlamp struggling to put up a basketball net for the community. He didn’t have to, but he knew that if he didn’t, no one else would.

-Oscar M. R.