About Javiera Monardez - Popelka
Javi, our Founder - The Heart of Familia Solutions
Javiera P. Monardez Popelka, MD, MPH, NBC-HWC,
- widely known as Javi, is a visionary leader in education and public health with over 15 years of experience designing and implementing trauma-informed, equity-centered programs for youth and families. As the Founder and CEO of Familia Solutions, she has led the development of culturally responsive curricula, guided multi-state partnerships, and overseen digital innovation initiatives that advance adolescent health, violence prevention, and social-emotional learning. Her expertise spans clinical, nonprofit, university, and community systems, enabling her to bridge research, practice, and community impact seamlessly.
Javi is a devoted wife and mother of two children—a daughter and a son. She approaches family life with the same care, empathy, and intentionality that she brings to her professional work, balancing the demands of leadership with nurturing a loving and supportive home. Her experiences as a parent inform her perspective on family-centered programs, allowing her to design initiatives that are realistic, relatable, and culturally grounded for the families she serves.
Javi’s professional journey includes leadership roles at Sandy Hook Promise, Hennepin Healthcare, and the University of Minnesota, where she implemented evidence-informed programming, trained multidisciplinary teams, and evaluated outcomes across diverse populations. She has led national Train-the-Trainer initiatives, developed hybrid and mobile learning programs, and co-authored peer-reviewed research on telehealth equity, mobile learning, and family-based prevention strategies. Her work consistently integrates developmental science, cultural responsiveness, and continuous quality improvement to create programs that are both effective and sustainable.
Javi’s vision is rooted in empowering families and strengthening communities through culturally grounded, evidence-based practices. Her approach combines professional expertise, lived experience as a Latina immigrant, and personal insight as a mother, making her a trusted leader, mentor, and advocate for youth, families, and organizations seeking meaningful, lasting impact.
Her commitment goes beyond delivering services—it’s about creating spaces where families feel seen, heard, and supported. By bridging cultural understanding with practical strategies, Javi continues to inspire meaningful change, helping communities build resilience, connection, and a stronger foundation for future generations.
