OUR MISSION
Children’s Network coordinates preventative programs and services through collaboration and engagement with community and county partners to strengthen and promote child, family, and community well-being.
OUR VISION
Children’s Network envisions positive outcomes for children and families in San Bernardino County. This is achieved through active and engaged collaborations of county and community partners, relevant training opportunities for service providers, and promoting public awareness and shared understanding of risk factors of child abuse and neglect.
Children’s Network Staff
- Ashley BrooksherAshley Brooksher
- Samantha CowellSamantha Cowell
- Denise McKinneyDenise McKinney
- Angel Magallanes Angel Magallanes
Ashley Brooksher
Children’s Network Officer
Ashley began her career with San Bernardino County in 2007 after earning her Master of Social Work degree from California State University San Bernardino. Prior to this, she was a Title IV-E intern at the Children and Family Services (CFS) Gifford office and had worked in a group home and at the University Center for Developmental Disabilities throughout her undergraduate education. Ashley served as a Social Services Practitioner (SSP) in the CFS North Desert Region from 2007-2014 as a carrier worker, adoptions worker, and mentor for the training unit. In 2014, Ashley became a Supervising Social Services Practitioner (SSSP) in the Barstow office in the CFS North Desert Region. Ashley supervised a blended unit in Barstow until she promoted to Child Welfare Services Manager (CWSM) in 2018 in the CFS Western Region. In 2019, Ashley returned to the North Desert Region until she became the Children’s Network Officer in August 2024 with Children’s Network. As the Children’s Network Officer, Ashley is excited to team with community and County partners to provide children and families of San Bernardino County with programs and resources to keep children safe and families healthy.
Samantha Cowell
Staff Analyst
In July 2023, Samantha joined San Bernardino County Children’s Network as their Staff Analyst II. In this role, there are multiple responsibilities which include overseeing fiscal responsibilities with grants for all programs at Children’s Network. Her goals for overseeing fiscal responsibility are to demonstrate ethical spending by upholding the guidelines and policies of the grants and utilizing all funding to benefit the mission of Children’s Network.
Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the California State University San Bernardino and 13 years of service at two major education agencies in the Inland Empire- San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and Riverside County Office of Education.
Denise McKinney
Executive Administrative Assistant
In August 2005, Denise joined San Bernardino County Children’s Network and is currently serving as the Secretary for the department. She ensures that the day-to-day operations of the office run smoothly and provides excellent customer service.
Angel Magallanes
C.A.S.E. Coordinator
Angel Magallanes joined the Children’s Network team in September 2017 and currently serves as the Coordinator for the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) in the County of San Bernardino.
Angel has a diverse educational background, with dual bachelor’s degrees in Sociology, complemented by a minor in social work, and another in Human Services. Her academic journey also includes the attainment of a Master’s in Educational Guidance and Counseling, accompanied by a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) (M.S. with PPS).
C.A.S.E. stands as the County of San Bernardino’s Multi-Disciplinary Response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). Angel actively contributes to the county-wide effort to enhance awareness of human trafficking prevention through training initiatives. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring that essential resources are accessible to the young individuals affected by CSEC.
Angel brings a decade of experience as a dedicated Social Service Practitioner (SSP) with Children Family Services (CFS). Throughout her career, she has consistently channeled her passion and commitment toward empowering the youth in our county, enabling them to thrive and fulfill their potential through the various programs and departments she has been involved with.
Hillary Steenson-Ray
Associate Children’s Network Officer
Hillary Steenson-Ray joined Children’s Network in April 2018, bringing extensive experience as a Special Education teacher and behavioral therapist. Just six months later, she transitioned to the role of Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator, where she led impactful initiatives to strengthen community resources. Her leadership roles included serving as Chair of the Child Abuse Prevention Committee, Co-Chair of the Inland Empire Maternal Mental Health Collaborative, and Co-Chair of the San Bernardino County ACEs Task Force. Through these efforts, Hillary worked to increase community awareness and education on positive parenting, child abuse prevention, perinatal health, and family wellness. Notably, she facilitated the NaCO award-winning ACEs Resource Cards project, equipping agencies with up-to-date information on vital local services.
In 2019, Hillary was promoted to Community & Event Coordinator, where she successfully planned and executed key community events. These included the annual Shine-a-Light on Child Abuse Awards Breakfast, the Children’s Network Conference, and numerous professional training sessions and outreach initiatives. Her efforts aimed to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals with the tools and knowledge to better support children and families. She also managed the Safe Sleep for Infants program, distributing portable cribs to families in need to promote infant safety.
In 2024, Hillary transitioned to Associate Children’s Network Officer while continuing her work as Early Childhood Mental Health Systems Coordinator. In these roles, she oversees day-to-day operations, staff supervision, and strategic initiatives focused on fostering safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. Her work helps mitigate long-term behavioral and social challenges by strengthening family relationships and community support systems.
Hillary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from California State University, San Bernardino. Her career is dedicated to creating positive outcomes for children and families through collaboration, education, and community engagement.
Xeneida Brown
Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator
Xeneida Brown is the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator at Children’s Network. Xeneida was born in the Republic of Panama, is a native Spanish speaker, and has been a resident of San Bernardino County for over 20 years. She is an alumni of Cal Poly Pomona and holds a BA in Sociology and a Master of Public Administration. Xeneida has a long history of community service, and has served as youth director, mentor, domestic violence and immigrant advocate, interpreter, emergency response and disaster preparedness volunteer and trainer, amongst others. She has worked tirelessly in support of individuals and families through her social service work as an advocate, case manager, and children and family specialist. She has chaired and co-chaired numerous committees in support of vulnerable populations; she is committed to giving back and making a difference and is a champion for children.
Juan Solis
Father Engagement Coordinator
Juan Solis joined San Bernardino County Children’s Network as the Father Engagement Coordinator in July 2018. As the Father Engagement Coordinator, Juan Solis leads the fatherhood initiative named, Inland Empire Father Involvement Coalition (IEFIC). Juan provides technical assistance to ensure that the support services they have are accessible and father-friendly. He also develops educational content to help community-based, county-based agencies and schools to be intentional and more father-inclusive. Juan Solis also coordinates with County and Community partners to host special events such as “Father’s Day Breakfast”, and Fatherhood Summit – “Fathers Are Irreplaceable”.
Joseph Muratalla
Office Assistant III
Joseph Muratalla started out with the County as a Public Service Employee in January 2022, where he was part of the Homebound Vaccination Program with the Department of Aging and Adult Services. Later, he would branch out to his current position as Office Assistant III with Children’s Network where he maintains the smooth and efficient operation of various programs within the department. With a diverse set of responsibilities, Joseph plays a vital part in supporting the daily functions of the department. With his many hats, he is the Building Manager who handles all requests and discrepancies from three separate departments, the department Safety Coordinator who provides safety training and ensures the department has all proper PPE, and the face of Children’s Network who always greets guests as they walk in, answering emails or phone calls with kindness and compassion or at events providing the best customer services.
Kelsey Brown
Office Assistant III
Kelsey Brown has been employed in various positions throughout Riverside and San Bernardino County. Her most previous post was working with Riverside County Office On Aging where she worked as an Office Assistant III/Case Manager. She worked closely with social workers to make sure that the clients had all that they needed. Now, she has branched out further as an Office Assistant with C.A.S.E. and the Children’s Network to provide support for her team and their various departments. Working together to provide services to the community and more efficiently run their online databases.
Marcus Brown Jr.
Media Specialist
Marcus joined the Children’s Network in 2023 as a Media Specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations Communications from California State University, Fullerton, and earned his Master’s in Marketing and Brand Management from Kingston University, London in the United Kingdom.
Marcus’ background includes 12 years of experience working with organizations and businesses in marketing efforts involving; Brand Development, Go-To Market Strategy, Content Creation, and Crowdfunding. In his role as Media Specialist, Marcus supports the department with the strategy and execution of marketing its programs and services. This includes graphic design, social media, website management, photography, and videography of events and trainings.
A Message from the Children’s Network Officer
Our programs and educational campaigns all have one overarching goal: developing the foundational capacity of our county and community service providers so that they can provide the appropriate care and resources to our children and families. Our program coordinators achieve this goal by providing various training opportunities, promoting public awareness and educational campaigns, attending outreach events, and developing collaborative partnerships with county and community partners.
Children’s Network is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, families and the community.
Ashley Brooksher, LCSW
Children’s Network Officer