With over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry, Fernando has been immersed in the shop environment . HIs passion for mechanics ignited when he put together my engine, and it has only grown from there. He started out with our organization working with our summer programs and workshops and has shown his excitement for the industry. He is looking forward to years of helping the next generation of technicians.

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

Born and raised in LA, she's a mom and a career-changer. Starting out in education and community work before moving into the automotive world through events, partnerships, and marketing.

She works directly with Acceler8 students to connect them to opportunities in shops, dealerships, motorsports, fabrication, racing, content creation, or building their own business someday. One thing she's learned along the way: there's no one "right" path into this industry, or into life in general. Some people know exactly what they want. Some people are still figuring it out. Both are okay.

acarrillo@acceler8education.org