With over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry, I've been immersed in the shop environment since the age of five. My passion for mechanics ignited when I put together my first transmission at thirteen, and it has only grown from there. I thrive on transforming completely destroyed units into efficient, working machines, relishing the challenges that come my way. 

I hold a Master's degree in Instructional Design and a Bachelor's degree in Communication, complementing my hands-on expertise with academic knowledge. As an ASE Certified professional, I've successfully built over 2,500 units, continually striving to enhance my skills and contribute to the field. Stay Greasy!

A native of Boyle Heights, Mr. Casasola’s deep-rooted passion for automotive engineering began in the 1980s while apprenticing under his father, repairing and selling vehicles. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he officially entered the industry at age 18 as a porter at Bob Baker Ford in San Diego—a pivotal role that sparked a lifelong expertise in Ford vehicles.

Mr. Casasola’s career is defined by its breadth and versatility. His professional background includes:

Fleet Management: Overseeing large-scale operations for a major trucking company.

Entrepreneurship: Owning and operating specialized automotive and diesel repair shops.

Restoration: Building and restoring classic cars for private clients and personal collections.

In 2018, Mr. Casasola transitioned into the classroom with LAUSD. Today, he serves as an Automotive Technology Instructor, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of technicians. By blending decades of hands-on industry experience with a passion for teaching, he provides high school students and adult learners with the technical skills and real-world insight necessary to thrive in the modern automotive landscape.

Painting Instructor

Stonecold Kustoms

Instagram: @stonecoldkustoms

Yvonne grew up in Rialto, CA.  She was taught at a young age how to give back to her community through volunteer work and through her family scholarship charity fund, where students from underserved communities received a scholarship towards higher education.

It was because of the events of 9/11 that Yvonne felt the need to help in a bigger way. She made the decision to join the U.S. Navy and served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After 5 years of service and being honorably discharged from the Navy, she continued working towards her passion of serving others, by beginning her career as a Police Officer with Oxnard Police Department.  During this time, Yvonne couldn’t help but see the struggles that other families and youth were faced with, due to financial hardships, and little to no guidance or positive mentors in their lives.

Yvonne has made it a mission to help build opportunities, and guide youth towards a path that leads them to a successful future. Yvonne and her husband, Charles, helped form the Accelerate Education Group, Inc. It is because of the personal history and experiences they both endured, that helped guide and lead them towards a philanthropic path, by forming work force experience classes that will ultimately lead youth in a direction to an abundance of opportunities and a brighter future.

ynegrete@acceler8education.org