Our team

Bip Roberts is a 12-year Major League Baseball veteran from Oakland, California, best known for his time with teams like the San Diego Padres. While his professional career was marked by speed and skill on the field, his legacy off the field began during his playing days in the late 1980s, when he became an early advocate for youth and community empowerment during the height of the “Just Say No” campaign.

As a Padre, Roberts worked directly with at-risk youth, including members of the Bloods and Crips, encouraging them to trade gang colors for leisure suits and career paths. After retiring from baseball, he returned to Oakland to coach at Skyline High School, mentoring hundreds of students and athletes.

His commitment to community deepened through his work with Youth Sports Nation, where he helped guide and support thousands of young people across 17 cities. He later partnered with The Uncuffed Project, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrated into society. At the same time, he collaborated with the City of Richmond to help unhoused residents transition from encampments to employment and stability.

Roberts also contributed to the Alameda County District Attorney’s diversion programs, using his platform to promote second chances and alternative pathways to incarceration.

Today, he serves as the CEO of BIP Inc., a social impact organization focused on supporting the unhoused, providing respite care, and delivering wraparound services for underserved communities. Bip Roberts continues to be a force for positive change, combining compassion, leadership, and lived experience to uplift those most in need.

Janis supports Better In Person's day-to-day operations, helping keep the organization, its people, and internal systems running smoothly. Her role supports staff coordination, human resources, and the operational needs that allow the team to serve the community effectively.

My philosophy is all about balance—finding joy in each moment while blending work, family, fun, and spirituality. In my practice, I focus on helping individuals live in the present, appreciate life’s blessings, and work toward meaningful goals with care and compassion. My approach is interactive, engaging, and sprinkled with humor, making the process both effective and enjoyable.

As an immigrant who came to the U.S. as a child, I learned the beauty of blending different cultures and perspectives. These experiences shape my understanding and compassion, which I bring into my work.

I earned my degrees from Sacramento State University and the University of the Pacific, specializing in counseling psychology and marriage and family therapy. For over 35 years, I’ve been passionate about creating a supportive space where clients can develop the tools to live happier, healthier lives.

I specialize in various therapeutic practices, including individual, family, and couples therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), emotional intelligence, and consulting. These evidence-based approaches help me support clients in processing past experiences, navigating current challenges, and building skills for personal and professional growth. I truly believe in a person’s ability to heal, grow, and thrive.

Tsu supports justice-impacted individuals as they navigate resources, services, and pathways toward greater stability. He connects community members with practical support and provides consistent guidance throughout the process.

Vincent works directly with justice-impacted community members to help identify needs, navigate available resources, and connect to supportive services. His role centers on relationship-building, advocacy, and helping people move toward their individual goals.

Rosemary works with students and families to help them navigate school systems, resources, and support opportunities. She helps strengthen connections between young people, their families, schools, and the services available to them.

Velma supports students and families in navigating educational resources and accessing the support they need to thrive. Her work helps build stronger connections between schools, families, and community-based services.

Mia helps connect Better In Person with the communities it serves, building relationships and making sure people know how to access available programs and resources. She supports outreach, community engagement, and connections with local partners.

Mechaka supports the administrative work that keeps Better In Person organized and responsive. Her role helps coordinate day-to-day needs, maintain internal processes, and provide support to staff and programs across the organization.