Meet Our Team

At Valley Center Insurance Agency LLC, our team is made up of experienced insurance professionals specializing across commercial, farm, personal, health, and life insurance. Clients work directly with knowledgeable advisors who understand both coverage and long-term risk — not call centers or automated systems.

Erik Jensen

Founder & Owner

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Erik is the Founder and Owner of Valley Center Insurance Agency, Inc. He has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law.

He is a former insurance litigation attorney and insurance adjuster who has over 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry.

He has been a licensed insurance agent since 1999. Erik grew up in Valley Center on an 11-acre avocado and lemon ranch. He returned to Valley Center in 2002 with his wife where they raised five children.

Rick Restivo

Health & Medicare Insurance Manager

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Rick Restivo has extensive knowledge in all types of healthcare products, and has been consulting with individuals and business owners on health benefits for over 20 years.

He excels in developing employee benefit plans for employer groups of all sizes. Rick is certified to offer all Medicare health products, and specializes in assisting individuals transition from employer group health plans to Medicare.

Rick is also a licensed and certified Healthcare Consultant for Covered CA, and can assist individuals and families in understanding and purchasing individual health insurance policies. Rick has a BSBA, is a husband and father of three, enjoys travelling, playing golf and restoring his classic truck.

Victoria Herrera

Personal & Health Lines Customer Service Representative

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Victoria joined our agency in 2018 and earned her California Health License in August 2020. Victoria graduated from Valley Center High School in 2001 and later completed the Nursing Program at Palomar College in 2016.

As an Agent, she takes pride in providing exceptional customer service and delivering a personalized touch to every client’s needs—whether big or small.

Outside of work, Victoria and her family enjoy spending time together at rodeos, caring for their horses, volunteering in the community, and embracing a country living lifestyle.

Rachel Alessio

Personal Lines & Farm Insurance Agent

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Rachel is an Escondido Union High School Graduate. She’s been a Property & Casualty Agent since 1994.

Her primary experience is personal lines, but she has been actively working in farm and commercial accounts for the last 6 years. Rachel grew up in Valley Center where she and her husband proudly raised their three boys. 

Eduardo Villegas

Personal Lines Agent

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Eduardo is our Personal Lines Agent in the Valley Center office and he likes to go the extra mile to make sure all our clients are well taken care of.

He’s been an agent for eight years with experience in both personal and commercial insurance. Eduardo is a 1st generation immigrant born in Guatemala. He came to California when he was seven years old. California has been his home ever since.

As a parent of four kids, three of which are under the age of 18, he is always involved in some kind of youth activity. Eduardo is a travel enthusiast, has visited over nine countries in the world, and is always looking forward to his next adventure.

Rachel Alessio

Personal Line Insurance Agent

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Rhona started working in insurance in June 2020 and became a licensed agent in March, 2021. Insurance has become her passion.

She has experience in both personal and commercial lines. She enjoys spending time in the desert, camping and off-roading with her husband and family.

Joel Censena

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Licensed Insurance Agent

Joel graduated from Sage Creek High School in San Diego County. He’s been the agony's licensed agent for almost 3 years.

When he’s not working, Joel enjoys spending time with his fiancée and 3-year-old son, going on picnics at the park, driving to see the ocean, reading and writing stories for both children and adults. Stories that teach lessons or teach kids to be happy with themselves.

Tammy Badgett

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tammy joined Valley Center Insurance Agency in 2022, bringing 34 years of experience in real estate to her role. Her extensive background has allowed her to seamlessly expand her professional network into the insurance industry.

A native of San Diego, Tammy has been happily married to her husband, Eddie, for 28 years. Together, they have three adult sons and three grandchildren.

In her free time, she enjoys camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains and cherishing moments with her family. Tammy’s unwavering commitment to both her profession and personal life exemplifies her dedication to the VCIA team.

Robert Shepherd

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Commercial Lines Account Manager/Broker

Robert is a Commercial Lines Account Manager/Broker at Valley Center Insurance Agency, Inc. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from UC San Diego. Robert has been a licensed insurance agent since 1989, starting out in Life/Health and later adding Property & Casualty. He started his career with VCIA January 2024.

He is a resident of Valley Center, but grew up in Escondido. Robert is the father of three: two boys and one girl. In his spare time, he is usually playing music, both live and recording original songs. He sings, plays guitar, bass & harmonica.

“Being an insurance agent is both challenging and rewarding, and it fits nicely with my education in Philosophy, due to its reasoning and problem-solving aspects."

Alex Bane

Commercial Insurance Agent

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

With 16 years of experience in commercial lines insurance, Alex is a strategic leader known for combining disciplined execution with real-world business insight. A proud U.S. Marine veteran and MBA graduate, Alex brings tenacity, advanced financial acumen, and a decisive make-it-happen mindset to every client relationship. His strength lies in translating complex risk into clear, actionable solutions, while advocating relentlessly for the long-term success of the businesses he serves.

Beyond the boardroom, Alex is a devoted family man who values balance and perspective. You’ll often find him on the golf course, at the beach, or enjoying long walks with his dog. A true movie fanatic, he appreciates the power of a great story—whether on screen or in building lasting partnerships. Grounded, approachable, and results-driven, he leads with integrity and delivers with purpose.

Vanessa Montes

 Insurance Agent

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Vanessa R. Montes was born and raised in Escondido, California, and is a proud graduate of Escondido High School.

She has been part of the insurance industry for 18 years and truly enjoys helping customers by clearly explaining their coverages and making sure they feel confident in their decisions.

Vanessa is happily married and the proud mother of three wonderful daughters. In her spare time, she loves traveling to Mexico and relaxing while enjoying her home.

Nick Pursell

 Life and Health Insurance Agent

📞 760-749-0622 | ✉️ erik@vciainc.com

Nick is the newest addition to Valley Center Insurance Agency joining the team in November of 2025. Nick was born, raised, and still lives in Escondido and graduated with an MBA in Business from Azusa Pacific University.

Nick's been in the insurance industry since 2023 helping individuals and business owners with life and health insurance solutions. Nicks happily married with three daughters. Nick loves to play and watch sports, listen to country music and hang out with his family and close friends.