Meet the Team

Introducing the Eight16 Culinary Therapy Team—a group of passionate individuals dedicated to guiding you on a journey of healing through food. We believe in the transformative power of cooking to nourish both body and mind, and we're here to support you every step of the way with personalized care, mindful practices, and delicious, therapeutic meals.

  • Natasha Herrera is a dedicated social worker from San Diego with a deep-rooted passion for community service and advocacy. As a proud Mexican-American, Natasha’s commitment to social justice is both personal and professional. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from San Diego State University (SDSU), where she developed a strong foundation in social work principles and practice.

    Immediately following her undergraduate studies, Natasha began her career working directly with Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) and survivors of human trafficking. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into the complex challenges faced by these vulnerable populations. She then expanded her expertise as a drug and alcohol counselor inside San Diego juvenile halls, where she worked to support young people grappling with substance abuse and related issues.

    For the past five years, Natasha has been a vital member of Promises2Kids, a San Diego-based organisation dedicated to supporting foster youth. As a College Education Coordinator, she played a crucial role in assisting foster youth with their higher education goals. Recognising a significant gap in services, Natasha took the initiative to develop and launch a high school education program, addressing the unique needs of foster youth and helping to bridge the educational divide.

    Currently, Natasha is pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) and has the honor of being the first MSW intern at Eight16 Culinary Therapy. In this role, she is exploring innovative therapeutic approaches and contributing to the organisation’s mission of providing trauma-informed culinary therapy. Her work at Eight16 represents a new frontier in her professional journey, blending her passion for social work with creative and impactful therapeutic interventions.

    Natasha’s dedication to social work transcends her professional roles; she sees it as both her vocation and avocation. Her deep-rooted commitment to her community reflects her belief in the power of service and advocacy. Natasha describes herself as a community girl at heart, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. Through her work and personal life, she continues to exemplify compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

  • My name is Christian and I am a 36-year-old student at San Diego State University pursuing a degree in Social Work, with a focus on the clinical side of psychotherapy. I have a strong interest in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and enjoy applying these ideas to better understand and support the people I work with. My goal is to help break down barriers and challenge social norms in order to create more accessible and inclusive mental health support within the community. Outside of academics and work, I am a husband and proud father of two daughters. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching anime, cheering on the Padres, and exploring the outdoors through camping trips to places like Big Bear, Sequoia, and Yosemite

  • My name is Precious Letchaw, and I am a fifth-year Social Work major with minors in Africana Studies and Counseling and Social Change at San Diego State University. As a first-generation college student from Southeast San Diego and El Cajon, I bring lived experience navigating housing instability, family mental health challenges, and systems of care as an unaccompanied youth. These experiences have fueled my commitment to trauma-informed community healing. I am passionate about youth advocacy, restorative justice, and culturally grounded mental health work, with long-term goals of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and nonprofit leader. Beyond academics, I enjoy poetry, skincare entrepreneurship, mentoring young people, and international service. I have studied abroad in Ghana, volunteered with Ghanaian NGOs, and led community-based initiatives across San Diego.

    I believe in the power of storytelling, collective care, and creating safe spaces where underserved youth can thrive.

  • Yanira Rodriguez is a San Diego native and passionate advocate for educational equity and empowerment. As the Administrative Support at Eight16 Culinary Therapy, Yanira brings a wealth of experience in social services, education, and community-based support. Her work is deeply rooted in a trauma-informed, student-centered approach, and she is driven by a commitment to helping individuals overcome barriers and reach their full potential. 

    Yanira is a first-generation college student who began her academic journey at Southwestern College before transferring to San Diego State University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology. She later returned to SDSU to complete her Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Counseling, further deepening her expertise in trauma-informed care, mental health recovery, and cross-cultural communication. 

    Throughout her career, Yanira has held various impactful roles—including Career Coach, and Youth Employment Specialist—working with youth on probation, foster youth, and underserved populations. She currently serves full-time as an Administrative Technician at San Diego City College in the CalWORKs program, where she supports students navigating both academic and life challenges. 

    At Eight16, Yanira contributes part-time administrative support, assisting with day-to-day operations and helping the team maintain a supportive environment for therapeutic programming. She sees her role as an extension of her lifelong passion: supporting community wellness and healing through education, empowerment, and empathy. 

    Outside of work, Yanira is a devoted wife and mother of three. She finds joy in family life and embraces every opportunity to nurture growth, both at home and in her community.