Kayla Cardona returns to Casa Teresa as 50th anniversary ambassador

Casa Teresa has tapped Netflix’s “Selling the OC” star and Orange County real estate professional Kayla Cardona as a 50th Anniversary Alumni Ambassador ahead of its Oct. 24 gala in Irvine. Cardona will share her story as a former Casa Teresa resident to help raise awareness and support for mothers and babies facing crisis and homelessness.

Why it matters: - Kayla Cardona’s return gives Casa Teresa a high-profile alum with firsthand experience of the nonprofit’s services. - The role is meant to spotlight the long-term impact of stable housing, support services, and mentoring for pregnant women in crisis. - Casa Teresa is using its 50th anniversary to raise $250,000 for programs that help women and children build stable futures.

What happened: - Casa Teresa named Cardona a 50th Anniversary Alumni Ambassador. - Cardona is an Orange County luxury real estate professional and a cast member on Netflix’s “Selling the OC.” - The nonprofit said Cardona will take part in anniversary activities and public appearances leading up to the 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. - Cardona will attend the gala with her son, Jordan. - She will speak about her Casa Teresa experience during a VIP reception. - Cardona will also take part in coordinated social media promotion and select television, print, radio, podcast and digital-media interviews.

The details: - Cardona became pregnant at 17 and came to Casa Teresa later in her pregnancy. - She said the organization gave her safety, support and hope at a difficult time. - Cardona said the ambassador role is meaningful because it lets her show other women that their circumstances do not define their future. - Today, Cardona works as a luxury real estate professional, entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for women and children. - Her national profile grew through “Selling the OC,” where she has used her platform to talk about perseverance, motherhood and success. - Casa Teresa was founded in 1976 by Neill and Sally Sullivan. - The organization began as a small home for pregnant women who were alone and without support. - Over five decades, Casa Teresa expanded to five residential programs. - Its services now include shelter and basic necessities, individualized case management, education, parenting and life-skills classes, career development, therapeutic support and alumni services. - Tickets and tables for the gala are available through Oct. 5 at the gala website. - Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are also available. - Casa Teresa said interested supporters can contact Kiana Robles at (714) 538-4860, extension 110.

Between the lines: - Casa Teresa is turning an alumna’s success story into a fundraising and awareness campaign. - Cardona’s visibility on reality TV gives the nonprofit a broader platform for reaching potential donors and supporters. - The anniversary push frames Casa Teresa’s mission as both a historical milestone and a current social-service need. - Casa Teresa CEO Lisa Wood said Cardona’s return shows the lasting impact the organization can have across generations. - Wood said the nonprofit wants the community to support mothers and babies experiencing homelessness and crisis.

What's next: - Casa Teresa will continue anniversary outreach ahead of the Oct. 24 gala. - Cardona will help promote the nonprofit through media appearances and social media activity. - The gala will honor mothers, volunteers, staff, donors and community partners while supporting future programming. - Casa Teresa will use anniversary fundraising to back services that help women heal, become self-reliant and create stable homes for their families.