Meet the Team

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Mrs. Gloria Morris is the founder of HPEC, Managing Director, and author of the Principal-Based Lifestyle Training success curriculum. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from CSU East Bay (then, CSU Hayward) in Political Science and Public Affairs and her Master’s Degree from Alliant International University (then, CSPP) in Organizational Behavior Psychology. She went on to receive a Doctoral Degree in Christian Counseling from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College. She has received numerous certifications, including a certification in Mental Health and Recovery from the California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies (CASRA) through Merced College and the Merced County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services agency.

In her free time, Mrs. Morris enjoys watching old action and crime TV shows like Perry Mason (1957), Columbo (1968), and Murder, She Wrote (1984). She also enjoys relaxing and spending time with her three daughters, two grandsons, and her husband, Mr. Morris.

Contact: hpechomeworkmatters@gmail.com

Mr. Robert A. Morris is a US Navy veteran and Founding Senior Pastor at the Valley Harvest Church of Merced. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from CSU East Bay (then, CSU Hayward) and his Doctoral Degree in Theology from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College. He previously worked as the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Worknet in Merced County, where he led efforts that won a distinguished governor's award. 

He enjoys going on long walks, reading, and watching baseball, basketball, and football. He also enjoys spending time with his three daughters, two grandsons, and wife, Mrs. Morris.

Contact: rmvhcmerced@gmail.com

Mrs. Angil Herrera serves as the Program Manager for HPEC 2.0 and is passionate about supporting children, families, and underserved communities. After graduating from high school, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she developed leadership skills, traveled extensively, and gained valuable experiences that shaped her commitment to service. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix. Her professional background includes experience as an ABA Behavior Technician, Integrated Special Education Case Manager, and Social Casework Assistant, where she supported students with diverse needs and helped connect families with important resources and services.

Throughout her career, Mrs. H has been driven by a passion for helping children reach their full potential and ensuring families have access to the support they need. She enjoys working at HPEC 2.0 because it allows her to be part of an organization that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and investing in the future of the community.

Outside of work, She is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys spending time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts and journaling.

Contact: aherrera.hpechomeworkmatters@gmail.com

Ms. Meiby Rios has a bachelor's degree in Sociology from CSU Stanislaus. She first came to HPEC as an intern during her senior year of college. She later became a Program Manager at HPEC's main site at 557. As a Program Manager, she oversees daily operations, collaborates with community members to recruit volunteers, and provides training for incoming Tutor-Mentors. 

During her time with HPEC, Ms. Rios has seen the positive impact HPEC has on students' grades and overall outlook on education. One of her hobbies is to immerse herself in various different types of books. 

Contact: hpechomeworkmattersmt@gmail.com

Ms. Anj Ward graduated from UC Merced in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Management and Business Economics with a minor in Psychology. She previously worked as a Paraprofessional with the Empire Union School District in Modesto, CA, supporting students with learning differences 1:1. She began with HPEC in the summer of 2025 as the Family & Encouragement Center Liaison, before transitioning into her current role as the HPEC Executive Assistant & Site Lead. 

Ms. Anj always knew she wanted to work in education. While at UC Merced, she worked as a Student Ambassador for the university, where she shared her educational experience with youth from all over. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Ms. Anj wants to ensure youth feel higher education is possible, attainable, and an option. In her free time, Ms. Anj likes to play tennis and run. 

Contact: anjaneesaward11@gmail.com

Mrs. Catherine Lopez (or Rivera Hernandez) has a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in writing from UC Merced. She received a Master's Degree in Sociology from CSU Fullerton and an additional Master's from UC Merced. She is currently a PhD student at UC Merced, where she studies how environmental disasters impact immigrant communities. 

Previously, Mrs. Lopez served as an AmeriCorps fellow, where she taught reading and literacy skills to elementary-aged youth in LA. She also has experience in program coordination and management in the nonprofit K-12 education sector. She joins HPEC as the summer Family & Encouragement Center Liaison, hoping to give back to the Merced community and support youth literacy and education. In her free time, she loves reading, playing video games, and spending time with her niece.

Contact: criverahernandez@ucmerced.edu