Marquis Who's Who Honors Pedro Francisco Riddell, DHS, MSW, LSW, LACC, for Expertise in Mental Health Services
Press Release March 19, 2026
Pedro Francisco Riddell, DHS, MSW, LSW, LACC, is a distinguished leader in mental health services with nineteen years of dedicated experience
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Mr. Riddell's career reflects unwavering purpose, determination, resilience, and an enduring belief that true success is measured by positive impact on others rather than background or resources.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, March 19, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Pedro Francisco Riddell, DHS, MSW, SWC, LACC, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Riddell currently serves as chief executive officer, therapist and ally at ITZA Corazon Community Services LLC, a role he has held since 2024. In this capacity, he has led the agency in expanding its reach to address a wide spectrum of community needs. Under his leadership, ITZA Corazon Community Services has launched several initiatives, including Itza Ride, which provides transportation for elderly and disabled individuals to medical appointments, and Itza Pantry and Itza Closet, which supply groceries, clothing and car seats to families in need. Mr. Riddell has also partnered with Crossfire Ministries to create a free pantry that ensures consistent access to food for individuals facing hardship. Through these efforts, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring that no member of the community is left without assistance.

In addition to his work at ITZA Corazon Community Services LLC, Mr. Riddell maintains a contract with United Families through the Colorado Department of Human Services. In this capacity, he receives referrals for complex cases involving children who have been removed from their homes due to language barriers, socioeconomic challenges or misunderstandings within the system. His primary focus is on helping parents understand the reasons behind these interventions, guiding them toward appropriate resources and supporting them in regaining stability. Mr. Riddell considers his greatest accomplishment to be hearing from caseworkers and attorneys that families are progressing toward reunification. He regards the reunification of children with their parents as more impactful than any other form of service and emphasizes that children are never at fault and deserve supportive and present caregivers.

From 2021 to 2024, Mr. Riddell was a therapist at Bright Space Counseling, where he provided mental health services to individuals and families navigating complex emotional and psychological challenges. Prior to this role, he served as a therapist at Palomé Child and Family Specialists LLC from 2020 to 2021, focusing on therapeutic interventions for children and families.

Mr. Riddell's earlier experience includes serving as a critical intervention specialist at CBEM from 2018 to 2019, where he managed crises for clients with developmental disabilities. He was also a licensed mental health clinician at RCS from 2017 to 2018 after working as a therapeutic residential coach at the same organization in 2017.

In 2016, Mr. Riddell worked as a case manager at KPB Immigration Law Firm PC, assisting clients with immigration-related matters. That same year, he held positions as a marketing coordinator for the UCLA Fund and as a researcher and intake administrator at The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. In 2015, he contributed as an office administrator at UCLA.

His professional journey also includes experience outside the human services sector. In 2014, Mr. Riddell was an information technology manager at Mendocino County Farm Supply after working as a deli clerk at Raley's from 2013 to 2014. He served as a student services assistant at Mendocino College from 2012 to 2014 and held supervisory roles at Starbucks Coffee Company from 2010 to 2012 and Tractor Supply Company from 2007 to 2009.

Mr. Riddell's military service is marked by dedication across several roles in the United States Army. From 2023 to 2025, he served as a section chief, followed by serving as the command group noncommissioned officer in charge from 2022 to 2023. Between 2019 and 2022, he was a UH-60 helicopter repairer following his service as an interpreter and translator (09L) from 2018 to 2019.

Mr. Riddell's academic background includes a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California, earned in 2020. He completed a Bachelor of Science in ethnic, cultural, minority, gender and group studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2016, after receiving an Associate of Arts in visual and performing arts with honors from Mendocino College in Ukiah, California, in 2014.

He holds several certifications, including a Licensed Social Worker through the Department of Regulatory Agencies, State of Colorado, valid from 2020 to 2027; an ordained minister through Universal Life Church Ministries since 2013; and a CITI Program certification through the University of Miami, obtained in 2015.

Throughout his career, Mr. Riddell has credited his success largely to the guidance of his mother, whose encouragement during times of adversity inspired him to focus on learning and growth rather than setbacks. He also acknowledges his adoptive parents for providing unconditional acceptance regardless of background or appearance, which shaped him into a compassionate leader dedicated to service.

Mr. Riddell's path was shaped by an early desire to serve others and deep admiration for those in uniform, a conviction strengthened by the events of September 11, 2001. Although initially unable to join the Reserve Officers' Training Corps due to his immigration status, he pursued higher education until receiving his green card and enlisted in the Army immediately thereafter. While serving as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic, he continued his studies, ultimately earning citizenship before transitioning into human services, where he combined military discipline with therapeutic expertise.

His civic involvement is extensive: Mr. Riddell served as a community health educator for AIDS Healthcare Foundation from 2015 to 2016; as president of GSA Network from 2013 to 2014; as vice president of the National FFA Organization from 2002 to 2007; and as a volunteer with Hearthstone Village Haiti, supporting international outreach efforts.

Among his recognitions are several Army Commendation Medals, a nomination for the Army St. Michael's Medal, an associate degree with honors from Mendocino College, and features such as being highlighted in SSA Magazine and Future Farmers of America Magazine.

Through Itza Corazon Community Services LLC, Mr. Riddell has supported organizations such as Future Farmers of America, where he was featured, and has partnered directly with the Salvation Army, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Outside his professional commitments, Mr. Riddell enjoys working out at the gym and spending time with family.

Looking ahead, Mr. Riddell aims to expand his agency into a holistic system of care serving underserved communities by providing free clinics, homeless shelters, particularly for veterans' mental health services, food pantries, therapeutic programs, reunification support, and foster parent training—with ambitions for replication across states, nationally, and internationally, ensuring comprehensive support for families, veterans and children everywhere.

Mr. Riddell's career reflects unwavering purpose, determination, resilience, and an enduring belief that true success is measured by positive impact on others rather than background or resources—principles that continue to guide his leadership within human services and beyond.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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