Meet the Team

Our team of coaches consists of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for empowering individuals. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and creativity to every program, ensuring innovative solutions and exceptional service

Dr. Irene Pinkard

Dr. Irene Pinkard is the PIE Principal and CoFounder. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from California State University, Long Beach (CA); Master of Science Degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach; and, Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Pinkard is the former Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Oxnard, educator, and community leader ,is an education consultant for organizations, businesses, and secondary/community college districts.

Dr. Pinkard served on the Oxnard Planning Commission, the National Black School Board Association and the California Black School Board Members Association. She is a past president of the Ventura County chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has served as president of the 20th Century Onyx Club; Zonta International of Long Beach, Personnel and Guidance Association – Black Caucus and professional Business and Creative Services; and Ventura County Drug and Alcohol

As a seasoned speaker and consultant, she
conducts staff development, self-improvement and sexual harassment/anti-discrimination workshops and provides consulting in Human Resources/Risk Management for
companies, organizations, school districts, and community colleges.

Kevin Goolsby

Kevin Goolsby has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampton University in Psychology, M.A. from University of Phoenix in Education and M.S. in Religion from Channel Islands Bible College. Kevin is employed as the Community Liaison for the Rita Waters Learning Complex in Los Angeles and has been employed by local community colleges, government agencies, high school districts and nonprofit organizations working with at risk youth. He is a certified Anger Management and Parenting facilitator/instructor and currently conducts Anger Management Workshops for high school students, at risk youth court ordered intervention for adults throughout the Los Angeles area. He has served the Black College Tour for over 20 years as Chaperone and is an active member of Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles.

Barbara Richards

Barbara Richards, is a Guidance Counselor for Ventura Unified School District. She has a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree from CSU Northridge and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) in School Counseling.

Barbara has taught at Morgan Creek Christian Academy and Vista Del Mar Continuation School. She interned with City Impact Counseling Center and currently is employed as a School Counselor at Ventura High School where she also advises two student clubs. She is a Co-Coordinator and Chaperone for the Black College Tour and is very active in her church.

Joseph Richards Jr.

Joseph Richards, Jr. attended college at California State University, Los Angeles and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration / Accounting. He received his Masters Degree in Negotiations, Conflict Resolution, and Peacemaking from California State University, Dominquez Hills.

Joseph has worked in business for over 37 years, six years in Financial Institutions and over 31 years in school business. He currently is the Deputy Superintendent of Business Services for the Ventura Unified School District. He has served Ventura Unified for 23 years. He is a Co-Coordinator and Chaperone for the Black College Tour and is very active in his church. He has served as a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club, as a coach for youth soccer, basketball, and track. Joseph is a Rotarian and has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. He also serves on the Board of several organizations throughout the community.

Crittendon "Crit" K. Ward

Crittenden “Crit” K. Ward obtained his B.A. Degree from the University of Connecticut where he majored in Economics. He is a veteran of more than 40 years in the Financial Industry where he has held many senior level positions. He began his career as a National Bank Examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency where he rose to the rank of Commissioned National Bank Examiner, Level II. Crit was Vice President in charge of Credit Administration at the American National Bank in Hamden, Connecticut; and, Senior Consultant with the firm Clifford Shank & Associates of Calabasas, CA. Currently, Crit is Senior Vice President in the Operational Risk Management Group of Citibank, N.A.

Crit is a 40 year active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. During that time he has held several officer positions in various local chapters across the country. Crit has spent countless hours mentoring young men, particularly in his area of expertise, Finance. He is also very active in his church.