Built on Compassion

Resiliency Village was founded in 2019 by Mark Dyken, Shelley Muniz, and Dr. Brenda Chapman—three passionate community leaders with a shared vision to address homelessness, trauma, and poverty in Tuolumne County. Drawing on their backgrounds in education, advocacy, and creative expression, they built the foundation for a village rooted in compassion, healing, and holistic care.

Mark Dyken, now serving as Executive Director, brought years of experience in trauma-informed education, youth services, and grassroots organizing to the vision. Shelley Muniz, a long-time educator and published author, and Dr. Brenda Chapman, a former teacher, principal, and superintendent, helped shape the early framework for a trauma-informed, service-rich community.

While Shelley and Brenda are no longer with Resiliency Village, their vision and early contributions remain part of the organization’s heart. Today, under Mark’s leadership, Resiliency Village continues to grow as a peaceful place of belonging, helping individuals and families move forward with dignity, stability, and hope.