Founders

Meet Our Founders

Steve and Elisabeth met as teenagers at church. They dated for almost 4 years and then married in 2001. Steve and Elisabeth have lived in Ontario with their two teenage boys since 2008.

Steve and Elisabeth have been serving the community together since 1996 by building homes for the unhoused community, feeding those with food insecurities, serving on the boards of multiple non-profits and community organizations, leading organizations that include parenting support for new mothers, parents that have lost children, and children in foster care with special needs.

Elisabeth's Bio:

Elisabeth Armijo is a dynamic educator, speaker, and organizational leader who brings over two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and staff development. With a Master’s in Education from Pepperdine University and a background that spans classrooms, treatment centers, and executive leadership, Elisabeth partners with schools, agencies, and organizations to transform how teams engage with students and clients; especially those with exceptional needs. Specializing in trauma-informed practices, behavior intervention, and strengths-based instructional design, Elisabeth delivers professional development that is both research-based and deeply human. She is certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Human Resource Management, and has a proven track record of equipping professionals with practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse individuals, managing behavior with empathy, and creating inclusive environments. Elisabeth has served as a program director for a residential treatment center, a K–12 Education Specialist, and a community leader on advisory boards focused on special education and mental health. She has presented nationally and is known for her ability to connect across disciplines and roles. Whether working with educators, nonprofit teams, or executive leadership, Elisabeth’s training fosters insight, confidence, and culture change. She helps organizations unlock the full potential of their team; so they, in turn, can bring out the best in those they serve.

Steve's Bio:

I'm a dedicated leader, coach, and advocate with over a decade of experience serving youth, individuals with special needs, and underserved communities. As President of Meraki Now, I lead organizational strategy and inclusive programming for students with special needs and their families, while building strong partnerships with schools, city programs, and local businesses. My work also spans the disability and athletic communities. I currently serve as Pantry Coordinator at the Service Center for Independent Life (SCIL) and Head Coach at The Den Basketball, where I focus on intentional mentorship, accountability, and character development on and off the court. Previously, I supported students with special needs through the Ontario-Montclair School District and spent over a decade in leadership with the Christian Youth Athletic Association. Across every role, my focus remains the same: restoring dignity, building character, and creating inclusive spaces where individuals can grow, thrive, and lead.