Martin Luther King Jr. 

Arely Hernandez

Family Services Specialist 

Arely Hernandez first began life on the Monterey Peninsula as a student at Ord Terrace Elementary. Arely went on to Fitch Middle School (now known as Seaside Middle School), and then graduated from Seaside High School. Arely earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in Psychology and minor in Social Work from CSUMB in 2017.

Arely is currently working to complete her Master’s in Psychology from Brandman University. Arely looks forward to completing her hours towards licensure to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

In 2017, Arely began to work as the Family Services Specialist for Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts. Arely is very passionate about working with youth. Arely focuses on working with students towards an optimistic future, developing positive coping methods, as well as boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. Arely firmly believes in giving back to her community and making a difference one student at a time. 


Arely Hernandez comenzó su vida en la península de Monterey como estudiante en Ord Terrace Elementary. Arely pasó a Fitch Middle School (ahora conocida como Seaside Middle School) y luego se graduó de Seaside High School. Arely obtuvo su licenciatura con honores en Psicología y concentración menor en Trabajo Social de CSUMB en 2017.

Arely actualmente está trabajando para completar su Maestría en Psicología de la Universidad de Brandman. Arely espera completar sus horas para obtener la licencia para convertirse en terapeuta matrimonial y familiar con licencia.

En 2017, Arely comenzó a trabajar como Especialista en Servicios Familiares para la Escuela de Artes Martin Luther King Jr. Arely es una apasionada del trabajo con los jóvenes. Arely se enfoca en trabajar con los estudiantes hacia un futuro optimista, desarrollando métodos de afrontamiento positivos, así como en aumentar la autoestima y la confianza en sí mismos. Arely cree firmemente en retribuir a su comunidad y hacer la diferencia un estudiante a la vez.


Justin Stokes, MA

Family Services Specialist


My name is Justin Stokes. I have served in the Family Service Specialist position for six years for

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. I provide one-one-one or group sessions focused on

social skills, friendships, or coping with change. (i.e. new school, family dynamics, or distance

learning). I serve on Foothill Elementary PBIS Tier I & II/III teams. I also serve in the role as

parent educator for the district.

I have also worked in the non-profit sector for numerous years. I have a Master’s in Public

Administration from SUNY at Buffalo State College.