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Meet Us The Staff and Board of Directors, Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc.

There’s a special kind of synergy that only few communities experience. Where compassion for local youth drives professionals and leadership to create something much greater than themselves. Through their unparalleled commitment, this is a place of healing and safe harbor, for the benefit of those less fortunate. These are the people behind hope.

Get to know the professionals who make up our Care team here:

ExecutiveAdmin StaffThe Board

Executives Leadership Team

Clarence Brown

Clarence Brown

Executive Director
Clarence Brown has served with distinction as Eggleston’s Assistant Executive Director and Executive Director for a combined forty years. He enjoys the legacy of being one of the longest serving directors of a social service agency for foster youth in California. During his tenure, he transitioned from a small six bed foster home into a top tier non-profit corporation. Under his visionary leadership and managed growth, Eggleston has expanded its program operations to include eight departments: Residential Treatment, Foster Care, Adoptions, Family Preservation, Substance Use Disorder, Behavioral Health, Human Resources and Accounting.

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Cassandra Judkins

Cassandra Gibson-Judkins

Assistant Executive Director
Cassandra Gibson-Judkins, Assistant Executive Director, is a licensed clinical social worker who has dedicated her career to providing services to children, youth and families. She has been a loyal employee at Eggleston since 1978. During her tenure at Eggleston, she has held numerous leadership positions in residential treatment, foster family, adoptions, and behavioral health program divisions. In addition, she served at the Department of Children and Family Services for 10 years, specializing in adoption services.

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Richard Alderete

Richard Alderete

Chief Financial Officer

Richard Martin Alderete is the Chief Financial Officer of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc.

Richard first joined the Eggleston team in 2017 as an intern in the Accounting and Finance Department. Richard was eventually hired full time as Eggleston’s Jr. Accountant and shortly after earned a promotion to Accounting Specialist.

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As he gained the trust of his superiors, he also gained more responsibilities within the Accounting and Finance Department, eventually being promoted to Senior Accountant. In 2023, Richard was promoted to Chief Financial Officer to oversee all financial aspects of Eggleston Youth Centers. He is responsible for the management of Eggleston’s endowment, funding, assets and grants.

Richard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 2018 when he graduated Cum Laude from Cal State University Los Angeles with a major in Accounting and a minor in economics. In order to expand his knowledge of Accounting and Finance and to add to his value as a professional in the field of Accounting, Richard began pursuing his CPA License. In 2022, Richard officially became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California.

Administrators Department Directors

  • Andrea Gonzalez
    Andrea Gonzalez
    Director of Administrative Services
  • Doris Vega
    Doris Vega
    Director of Foster Family and Adoption Agency
  • Melissa Banales, LCSW
    Melissa Banales, LCSW
    Program Manager of Behavioral Health Services
  • Richard Dawson
    Richard Dawson
    Director of Human Resources
  • Robert Thomas
    Robert Thomas
    Director of Substance Use Disorder Services

AdministratorsResidential -Short-Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP)

  • Don Gutierrez
    Don Gutierrez
    STRTP Administrator
  • Jacqueline Suarez
    Jacqueline Suarez
    STRTP Coordinator
  • Quoquese Gray
    Quoquese Gray
    STRTP Administrator
  • Jaime Caballero
    Jaime Caballero
    STRTP Administrator
  • George Bojorquez
    George Bojorquez
    STRTP Administrator

AdministratorsPerformance and Quality Improvement and Compliance

  • Dr. Jennifer Ray
    Dr. Jennifer Ray
    Performance and Quality Improvement Coordinator
  • Stephanie Rios
    Stephanie Rios
    Administrative Assistant and Compliance Officer

Key Members Board of Directors

We are fortunate to have the collective experience of thought leaders who have made positive contributions to public education, social service, and health agencies throughout Southern California, here at the helm of the Eggleston Board of Directors. Through their guidance and community inner-connectivity, more people receive the help needed to experience a better way of life.

April Mitchell, President

April Mitchell was appointed to the Board of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. in 2012 and currently serves as Board President. With more than 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, fiscal monitoring, and program development, she brings a strong record of strategic leadership and operational excellence. Her expertise includes applying complex financial and business data to evaluate administrative systems, strengthen organizational performance, and enhance overall efficiency.

Ms. Mitchell currently serves as an Assistant Director for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, where she supports District/Charter schools and programs in optimizing fiscal operations. Previously, she held the role of Financial Manager and Human Resources Liaison at California State University, Dominguez Hills, overseeing administrative and financial functions for the College of Health, Human Services & Nursing and the College of Education. Her earlier public-sector experience includes key roles with Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services (Consultant), and the City of Inglewood, where she managed the Summer Youth Employment Development Program, providing employment opportunities for more than 800 youth each year.

Ms. Mitchell is a graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach.

Ruby Brown, Board Emeritus
Ruby Brown was appointed to the Board of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. in 2003. Ruby served as the Vice President when she retired from her role in December of 2023. She served with distinction during her two decades as a board member. Ms. Brown holds the following degrees: Master’s from California State University, Los Angeles and a Bachelor from Howard University, Washington, DC, and continuing education at UCLA, Los Angeles.

Work Experience:

  • Counseling Psychologist – Veteran’s Administration, Los Angeles
  • Early Intervention Coordinator-Westside Regional Center, Culver City, CA – 1988-1997
  • Vendor, Westside Regional Center, Culver City, CA – 2000-2015

Community Activities

  • Westside Regional Center, Culver City, CA-Board of Directors, Member – 1983-1986
  • Retired-L/MFT
Ormond Rucker, Treasurer
Ormond D. Rucker is a senior higher education professional with more than two decades of experience in human resources administration, U.S. immigration compliance, and international education within the California State University system. She currently serves as Senior Visa, Immigration, and International Specialist at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), where she acts as the campus Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In her role, Ms. Rucker provides expert interpretation and application of complex U.S. immigration law to support international students, faculty, and staff. She oversees employment-based visas and permanent residency processes for staff, SEVIS compliance, and institutional reporting, while also managing international agreements and supporting the development of global partnerships. Her work plays a critical role in advancing faculty engagement and internationalization initiatives across the campus.

Ms. Rucker brings extensive experience in regulatory compliance, labor relations, employee acquisition, policy interpretation, and budget oversight. Throughout her career, she has held progressively responsible positions in Faculty Affairs, Human Resources, and International Education, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational excellence and institutional integrity.

In addition to her professional role, Ms. Rucker has served on the Board of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. since 2016 and currently holds the position of Board Treasurer. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Africana Studies, both from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Ms. Rucker is deeply committed to public service, equity, and the transformative power of international education.

Irving Chopin, Secretary
Irving Chopin, a former foster youth, was appointed to the Board of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. in May 2013 and currently serves as the Board’s Secretary. He brings 20 years of experience in hospital operations and service-line analysis. His strengths include data analysis, report design, and database design.

Mr. Chopin currently works as an Accounting Technician. He previously worked for White Memorial Medical Center, a 350-bed hospital located in East Los Angeles, where he served as a Performance Improvement Coordinator for the Quality Department, a Decision Support Analyst, and a Data Coordinator. Earlier in his career, Mr. Chopin worked for Good Guys, an electronics store in Monterey Park, as a Computer Salesman.

Shonna Jeffreys, Board of Directors

Shonna Jeffreys was appointed to the Board of Directors of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. in 2018. She currently serves as an Administrative Services Manager I – Labor Relations with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), where she provides strategic consultation to executive leadership, managers, and supervisors on labor and employee relations, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, grievance administration, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.

With more than 28 years of service to the County of Los Angeles, Ms. Jeffreys has built a diverse career in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, workforce development, executive administration, and public policy. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with executive leadership, County departments, legal counsel, labor organizations, and community stakeholders to develop innovative workforce solutions, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and promote positive labor-management relationships.

Prior to joining DCFS, Ms. Jeffreys served in the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Executive Office, where she supported countywide workforce development initiatives, leadership development programs, policy analysis, succession planning, and employee relations programs. She also served as Head Board Specialist supporting the Los Angeles County Employee Relations Commission (ERCOM), collaborating with Commissioners, executive leadership, County Counsel, the Chief Executive Office, the Department of Human Resources, and labor organizations on employee and labor relations matters.

Ms. Jeffreys holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, with an emphasis in Public Sector Management and Leadership, and a Master of Philosophy, reflecting her advanced scholarship and commitment to public leadership and organizational excellence. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University, specializing in Public Management and Leadership. She is also a certified coach, speaker, and trainer through the John Maxwell Leadership Program.

Passionate about servant leadership and creating meaningful social impact, Ms. Jeffreys is committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen children, families, and communities. Her professional and volunteer service reflects a dedication to leadership development, foster care, workforce empowerment, youth advocacy, and improving opportunities for underserved populations. She is honored to support Eggleston Youth Centers’ mission of empowering children and families to thrive.

Omar Taylor, Board of Directors
Omar Taylor is Founder and Principal Attorney of Taylor P.C., a law firm whose practice primarily focuses on advancing business owners and investors. Also, Omar is founder of his own non-profit, Rally Way. Rally Way provides critical, educational and developmental resources to at-risk youth.

Omar brings extensive experience in commercial real estate asset management. In 2012, Omar was tapped by President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign to work in the state of Florida. He worked on strategy and organization efforts.

Omar received his degree in psychology from Morehouse College and his Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center. In 2014 he graduated from the ICSC Real Estate Associate Program and in 2017 he graduated from Goldman Sach’s Academy of Business. Also, he studied at the University of London in legal coursework. Omar is a member of the National Bar Association, John M. Langston Bar Association and the California Arts and Science Institute.

Mishanda Freeman, Board of Directors

Mishanda Freeman was appointed to the Board of Eggleston Youth Center in 2026. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in the social services and mental health fields. Currently, she serves as a Medical Social Worker with Kaiser Permanente.

As a former foster youth, Mishanda brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She has extensive experience supporting foster youth, young adults, and families through education, counseling, advocacy, and supportive services. In addition to her role at Kaiser Permanente, she maintains a private practice where she provides therapeutic services and evidence-based interventions for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and the challenges of everyday life.

Mishanda earned both a Master of Social Welfare (MSW) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from UCLA. Her commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and families, combined with her passion for empowering vulnerable populations, makes her a valuable member of the Eggleston Youth Center Board.

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Andrea Gonzalez
Director of Administrative Services

Andrea Gonzalez is the Director of Administrative Services of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. Andrea first joined Eggleston in October 2007 as a Case Manager and shortly thereafter as Supervising Social Worker. Subsequently, in August of 2017 her role expanded as she was appointed as the Director of Administrative Services.

Andrea earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from California State University Los Angeles in 2007. As she took on management roles within the organization, she discovered her passion for both the clinical and administrative aspects of social services. She pursued this blended interest by earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Children, Youth, Women and Families from California State University Los Angeles in 2011.

Since 2006, Andrea has worked and interned in several social service settings in various capacities, providing both direct and managerial service. Andrea has extensive experience working with children and families as a Clinical Social Worker working with at-risk youth in the residential and school settings and as a Clinical Social Worker at City of Hope Hospital where she worked closely with patients, families, and doctors.

Doris Vega
Director of Foster Family and Adoption Agency

Doris Vega first joined Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. in August 2010 on a contractual basis with the Adoption division. Subsequently, in September 2011, her role expanded as she was appointed Director of the Foster Family and Adoption Agency.

Doris Vega received her Master of Social Work Degree, with a specialization in Community Organization, Planning, and Administration from University of Southern California in 2001.

Since 2001, Mrs. Vega has worked with several foster family agencies in various capacities. She has 17 years of extensive professional experience working directly with children, youth, and families, as well as providing administrative oversight for child welfare programs. Mrs. Vega’s passion is social welfare advocacy and is dedicated to continuing her work to improve the lives and well-being of children, youth and their families.

Melissa Banales, LCSW
Program Manager of Behavioral Health Services

Melissa Banales, LCSW, fills the position of Eggleston’s Behavioral Health Program Manager.

Since joining Eggleston’s team as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist in June 2008, Melissa has consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication in providing clinical services. The desire to become a therapist led Melissa to Cal State University, Long Beach where she obtained a master’s degree in social work and shortly thereafter joined the ranks of Eggleston’s team of behavioral health therapists in July 2012.

That accomplishment was further amplified by Melissa’s passing the Board of Behavioral Sciences clinical social work examination, becoming licensed, and promoting to Behavioral Health Supervisor in May 2019.

Melissa’s evolution at Eggleston is a testament to her hard work, inner drive, perseverance and commitment to the organization’s goals. Her skills in clinical supervision, team collaboration, and client care; earned her the well-deserved advancement to lead the behavior health program beginning in 2024.

As the Behavioral Health Program Manager, she manages the STRTP and outpatient mental health programs. She works closely with the mental health team to ensure that Eggleston’s programs continue to meet the highest standards and that effectively serve our community.

Richard Dawson
Director of Human Resources

Richard has more than 37 years of extensive Human Resources leadership experience, with deep expertise across a broad range of HR disciplines, including employee relations, talent acquisition, workforce training and development, organizational effectiveness, compliance, and strategic people management.

Richard holds an MBA and an impressive array of professional HR credentials, including SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHRca, and HRPM certifications, reflecting his advanced knowledge and commitment to excellence in the human resources profession.

In addition to his executive HR leadership experience, Richard has served for more than 17 years as a Senior Certified Professional Instructor for both HRCI and SHRM through their Education Partner programs, helping to develop HR professionals and business leaders through instruction, mentorship, and professional development.

Throughout his distinguished career, Richard has worked across diverse industries and is recognized as a trusted advisor to leadership and employees alike. He has strong expertise in federal, state, and California employment laws, along with a thoughtful and strategic approach to human resources leadership. Richard is also known for his strong business and financial acumen, consistently aligning HR strategy with broader organizational goals to support organizational effectiveness and long-term success.

Richard’s experience and leadership has been a tremendous asset in supporting Eggleston’s workforce, strengthening HR operations, and advancing organizational excellence.

Robert Thomas
Director of Substance Use Disorder Services

Robert Thomas, M.A., serves as the Director of Eggleston’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Division.

Robert joined the organization in November 2025, bringing over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, with a specialized focus on SUD treatment across residential, partial hospitalization program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), and outpatient levels of care.

Robert’s expertise includes program development, operational oversight, clinical quality improvement, and compliance management. He has led multi site programs for both adolescents and adults, improved treatment access and engagement, and developed outcome driven clinical systems to monitor performance and quality. He has also guided major organizational change initiatives that strengthened regulatory compliance, patient safety, and program fidelity. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Robert mentors clinical and operational teams to build strong, high performing services.

Robert holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). His combination of clinical expertise and executive operational leadership positions him to guide Eggleston’s SUD programs with compassion, strategic vision, and a commitment to improving outcomes for youth and families.

Don Gutierrez
STRTP Administrator

Bio Coming Soon…

Jacqueline Suarez
STRTP Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon…

Quoquese Gray
STRTP Administrator

Bio Coming Soon…

Jaime Caballero
STRTP Administrator

Bio Coming Soon…

George Bojorquez
STRTP Administrator

Bio Coming Soon…

Dr. Jennifer Ray
Performance and Quality Improvement Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon…

Stephanie Rios
Administrative Assistant and Compliance Officer

Stephanie Rios serves as the Compliance Officer for the Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) division and is a member of the administration team at Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. She joined the organization in February 2024.

Stephanie’s career reflects a strong commitment to community service and advocacy. She has held various administrative roles across the nonprofit sector and in education. She has worked directly with families experiencing homelessness and with foster youth, helping them access basic needs, counseling services, and essential community resources.

Known for leading with compassion, she approaches her work with a deep sense of responsibility and genuine concern for the well being of others.

Her administrative expertise includes processing board items, coordinating events and trainings, securing new contracts, overseeing staff time, and managing multiple budgets. Stephanie is skilled at building collaborative relationships and ensuring that systems and processes support both compliance and quality service delivery.

She finds fulfillment in contributing to meaningful community work that promotes long term positive outcomes. Stephanie is proud to support the mission of Eggleston Youth Centers, Inc. and to play a role in the impactful services the organization provides to youth and families.