Our Team

Denise Rodriguez Bowman MSW
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Founder & Executive Director

Damen Butvidas
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Trainer & Consultant
SpeakHeart youth AmbassadorS

Mila Borrego
SpeakHeart Youth Ambassador

Audrina Villagrana
SpeakHeart Youth Ambassador

Founder & Executive Director
Denise Rodriguez Bowman MSW
Denise brings over two decades of expertise as a trainer, consultant, and practitioner supporting children, families, and communities facing adversity and trauma. A Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Trainer, HeartMath®, and Somatic Healing Practitioner, she integrates these modalities and other body-based practices and resilience skills into schools and community settings, helping youth and adults restore balance and strength. Denise has conducted more than 7,500 child forensic interviews, serves as an expert witness, and has trained thousands of professionals in child abuse investigations, human trafficking response, child forensic interviewing, disclosure patterns, and trauma response. She began her career in child welfare as a social worker and supervisor for 16 years, later serving as Director of Forensic Services and Victim Advocacy at a local Child Advocacy Center, where she expanded forensic services and co-led the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. Today, she continues her work as a forensic expert, somatic practitioner, consultant, mentor, coach, and trainer. A born and raised desert dweller, Denise attended K-12 schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) before continuing her education at College of the Desert, later transferring to complete her university studies. Having persevered through adversity, she hopes to inspire students to see that with courage and determination, they too can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Denise holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. As Founder and Executive Director of SpeakHeart Alliance, Denise leads with heart to develop programs rooted in justice, healing, and community resilience. Guided by a deep belief in the power of inner transformation, she approaches leadership as a practice of courage, compassion, and continual growth. A dedicated networker who thrives on connecting with fellow movers and shakers, she also serves on the Board of Nickerson-Rossi Dance and teaches dance to children. Whether she is in a barre class, on the dance floor, or advocating for collective well-being, Denise remains a lifelong champion for empowerment and equity. Most of all, being with her family and her children brings joy and light to her life—whether they are exploring, camping, at the beach, or simply sitting alongside each other.

Training & Consultant
Damen Butvidas
Damen Butivdas is a highly specialized investigator with over 30 years of law enforcement experience, primarily focused on crimes against persons and the protection of vulnerable victims. He served 28 years with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, retiring as a Sergeant in 2024. From 2017-2019 he served as a Senior Investigator with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the Special Victim’s Unit. His career is highlighted by his leadership within the Riverside County Human Trafficking Task Force, where he obtained the rank of Master Investigator. In this role, he spearheaded complex investigations into human trafficking and sexual assault, earning the 2022 Award of Distinction from the California Peace Officers Association for his outstanding efforts in trafficking reduction. Throughout his tenure with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Butivdas became a subject matter expert in Sexual Assault and Child Abuse (SACA) investigations. His technical proficiency includes the authorship of over 500 search warrants and the management of high-stakes interviews and interrogations. This expertise has led to his qualification as an Expert Witness in the Riverside County Superior Court for cases involving child sexual assault and crimes against persons. Today, he leverages this deep investigative background as a Public Safety Academy Instructor at the College of the Desert, where he trains the next generation of law enforcement in the rigorous standards required for sensitive, person-centered criminal investigations. In his spare time, Damen enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his wife of over 30 years and his amazing kids.

SpeakHeart Youth Ambassador
Mila Borrego
Mila Borrego is a compassionate youth leader dedicated to supporting others in becoming their best selves. A former Cielo Vista Charter student, she was trained in Regulate to Educate through her Peer Mentoring class, where she developed strong social-emotional and leadership skills. As a SpeakHeart Youth Ambassador, Mila brings empathy, confidence, and authenticity into her work with younger students. She supports after-school programming and serves as a positive role model, helping youth build connection, confidence, and self-awareness. Mila leads with heart and continues to grow as a leader committed to uplifting those around her. Outside of her leadership work, Mila enjoys going to concerts—one of her favorite things—and is especially a big fan of Billie Eilish. She loves spending her free time participating in Project Empower and helping plan activities for others. Mila also dances ballet folklórico and participates in occasional performances. In addition, she enjoys playing flag football, spending time with her teammates, and making meaningful memories with her family and friends.

SpeakHeart Youth Ambassador
Audrina Villagrana
Audrina Villagrana is a highly dedicated and enthusiastic individual who approaches her work with passion! She thrives on challenges and consistently puts forth her best effort. When interacting with children, Audrina demonstrates remarkable patience and care, finding genuine joy in supporting their learning and development. She finds it incredibly rewarding to witness their growth moments. Audrina also infuses creativity into her endeavors, whether she's generating new concepts or devising engaging activities for young learners. If a child is having a difficult time or is simply having a bad day, she connects with them on their level and makes sure to find something interesting in every activity, even if the child lacks interest. In her free time, Audrina pursues her passions with pride. Soccer has been a part of her life since the age of four, teaching her valuable lessons about teamwork and the importance of perseverance. She also has a deep love for writing, finding a special kind of magic in crafting stories and expressing her thoughts and ideas through words.
