Our Stories - Casa Youth Shelter

Joshua Singleton
Communications Manager, Casa Youth Shelter

Josh serves as the Communications Manager at Casa Youth Shelter, where he collaborates in strategies that amplify the organization’s mission through storytelling, outreach, and engagement. He manages content across web, social media, and print, ensuring consistent messaging that drives volunteering, donations, and advocacy.

A Biola University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Josh has worked across PR, marketing, and graphic design before joining the nonprofit sector. Now in his fourth year in the non-profit space, he is motivated by the chance to aid in life-saving work with youth and the opportunity to strengthen local communities in Southern California.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys reading, writing, music, basketball, cooking, hosting dinner parties, and traveling with his wife. His vision is to make Casa Youth Shelter better known, ensuring more people can support its mission and help the organization continue its life-changing work.

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Van Le
Program Supervisor, Casa Youth Shelter

Van serves as a Program Supervisor at Casa Youth Shelter, where he plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the agency. He manages staff scheduling, oversees grocery operations for the shelter, supervises and trains new hires and fieldworkers, and leads weekly house meetings and life skills groups for clients, helping youth build practical skills for daily life.

Van’s journey with Casa Youth Shelter began in the fall of 2017 when he started as a fieldworker. Over the years, he has advanced to Youth Supervisor and now proudly serves as Program Supervisor. This progression reflects his dedication to supporting his community and his commitment to making a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of the youth and families Casa Youth Shelter serves.

Passionate about creating positive change, Van finds motivation in providing guidance, stability, and care to families during critical moments. He strives to foster a safe and nurturing environment where youth can grow, learn, and thrive.

Outside of work, Van is a die-hard Lakers and Chargers fan and enjoys collecting yo-yos!

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Melissa Rivera-Flores
Program Care Coordinator, Casa Youth Shelter

Melissa serves as the Program Care Coordinator at Casa Youth Shelter, acting as the warm connection that links youth and their families to essential community resources through case management and outreach.

A Cal State Fullerton alumna, Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with an emphasis in mental health and substance use disorders, alongside a minor in Child Development. Her career has spanned school-based counseling, Early HeadStart programs, and her nine-year journey at Casa Youth Shelter, driven by a passion for understanding, validating, and improving the experiences of children and families.

Melissa is inspired by the motto, “Be the someone you would have liked to have when you were younger,” striving to witness and support the resilience and hope of the youth and families Casa Youth Shelter serves. She credits her deep love for the shelter to the meaningful connections and transformative work she experiences every day.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys singing and dancing—whether graceful or not, it’s always undeniably fun. Through her role, she hopes to foster connection, helping youth and their families grow, heal, and thrive within supportive communities.

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Alyssa Robbins
Operations Manager, Casa Youth Shelter

Alyssa serves as the Operations Manager at Casa Youth Shelter, where she primarily focuses on finance and donation management while supporting multiple areas of the organization.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton and brings over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. For the past four years, Alyssa has been proud to contribute to Casa Youth Shelter’s mission, helping provide critical support and services to youth in need.

Alyssa is inspired by witnessing the positive transformations in the lives of the youth Casa Youth Shelter serves and by supporting the dedicated staff who make those changes possible every day.

Outside of work, she is a proud—and enthusiastic—basketball and soccer mom. She enjoys spending time with her two children, exploring new activities with them, relaxing with documentaries, and organizing. In her role, Alyssa strives to strengthen Casa Youth Shelter’s impact by ensuring the organization has the resources and operational support necessary to provide life-changing care, while uplifting the staff who make it all possible.

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Kathleen Cyr
People, Culture, and Quality Manager, Casa Youth Shelter

Kathleen serves as the People, Culture, and Compliance Manager at Casa Youth Shelter, where she oversees human resources operations, supports staff development, and ensures compliance with organizational policies. Her work balances day-to-day operational needs with long-term goals, fostering a safe and supportive environment for both employees and residents.

With 16 years of experience in nonprofit operations and staff training for at-risk youth, Kathleen’s journey with Casa Youth Shelter began in 2009 as an undergraduate intern. She has held various roles within the organization, deepening her commitment to its mission, and later earned a master’s degree in human resources to strengthen Casa Youth Shelter’s organizational capabilities.

Kathleen is inspired by the direct impact Casa Youth Shelter has on at-risk youth, providing stability, guidance, and hope. Her personal values of compassion, integrity, and empowerment align closely with the organization’s mission, motivating her to support both residents and staff in meaningful ways.

Outside of work, Kathleen is an animal lover and currently a full-time cat mom to her fur-baby, Neo. She enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with family, including visits to her son, who serves in the Army. In her role, she strives to strengthen communication and trust across teams, creating a collaborative and uplifting environment for everyone at Casa Youth Shelter.

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Jennifer Ramirez
Development Manager, Casa Youth Shelter

As Development Manager at Casa Youth Shelter, Jennifer oversees the planning and execution of fundraising events, coordinates meaningful group volunteer opportunities, and develops strategies to engage corporate partners in impactful ways. She is responsible for securing both monetary and in-kind donations to support the organization’s mission of serving youth in crisis. Through strategic relationship-building and thoughtful stewardship, Jennifer creates lasting connections that inspire community investment in Casa Youth Shelter’s programs and services.

With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer has worked across a variety of initiatives, including alternative sentencing programs and affordable housing projects. She is passionate about ensuring that children and families facing abuse, neglect, and trauma are aware of the resources available to them and feel empowered to seek support.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her parakeet. In her role at Casa Youth Shelter, she hopes to raise awareness of the organization’s programs and increase funding to expand access to life-changing mental health services, helping more youth and families achieve safety, stability, and hope.

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Alex Powell, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor, Casa Youth Shelter

Alex Powell, has been working in the mental health field for over 13 years. Her journey with Casa Youth Shelter began as an undergraduate fieldworker and later as a Youth Supervisor, providing support to youth in crisis. She earned her Master of Social Work from Cal State Fullerton in 2015 and brings extensive experience in community mental health, residential treatment, and private practice, including supervising therapy, case management, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, and Therapeutic Behavioral Support services.

Alex returned to Casa Youth Shelter in July 2023 as Clinical Supervisor, where she oversees MFT and MSW practicum students and provides clinical support to residents and staff. She has a wealth of experience delivering individual, group, family, and couples therapy, as well as crisis intervention and case management. Her eclectic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Theory, with a specialization in at-risk youth, including those impacted by human trafficking, foster care, and the juvenile justice system.

Alex is passionate about giving teens a voice and choice, helping them regain confidence in their skills and providing a safe space where they know they matter. She strives to be a “hope facilitator,” empowering youth, families, and graduate students alike to find hope in challenging situations and supporting them through their growth and healing.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys crocheting and has taught herself to create over 30 different animals, a hobby she started while caring for her daughter during nap time.

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Genevieve Cerda
Director of Advancement, Casa Youth Shelter

Genevieve has been in the fundraising world since 2014 and hasn’t looked back. As Casa Youth Shelter’s Director of Advancement, she’s the one writing grants for corporate and foundation partners, steering our marketing and communications, and always looking for new ways to keep our mission thriving.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics) from California State University, Long Beach (Go Beach!) and her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of La Verne. Over the years, Genevieve has raised funds for everything from multimodal transportation (yes, that includes biking) to affordable homeownership — and she truly loves the art and challenge of fundraising.

What inspires her most about Casa Youth Shelter? The kids. While her own upbringing looked different, she’s grateful for the support system she had growing up and is passionate about making sure our youth have someone in their corner, too.

When she’s not at work, you’ll find Genevieve hanging out with her furbaby Rambo, traveling whenever possible, lifting weights, or doing yoga.

Her goal at Casa Youth Shelter? Simply put — to bring in more resources so we can reach more youth in crisis… and to do it with heart, humor, and impact.

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Lupita Gutierrez
Executive Director, Casa Youth Shelter

Lupita Gutierrez has dedicated her career to making sure no young person falls through the cracks. Since joining Casa Youth Shelter in 2011, she has served in nearly every capacity—from staff coordinator to Chief Operating Officer—before being appointed Executive Director in 2025. Over more than a decade, she has guided the organization through times of change, rebuilding trust, strengthening systems, and expanding programs while preserving the heart of Casa Youth Shelter’s trauma-informed care. What inspires Lupita most is seeing youth discover that they are not alone, that their story is not finished, and that they are capable of creating a brighter future. She believes Casa Youth Shelter’s role is not only to provide safety in moments of crisis, but also to help young people imagine and work toward lives filled with stability, connection, and hope. Her leadership style is rooted in transparency, collaboration, and accountability, and she is passionate about creating opportunities for both staff and youth to grow. She has led cross-functional teams in delivering 24/7 residential care, strengthened partnerships with schools and community organizations, and worked alongside the Board of Directors on long-term sustainability and vision.

Outside of her work, Lupita loves going to the movies—one of her favorite things since her first job at a movie theater as a teenager—and spending time with her two sons, who keep her grounded and remind her daily why this mission matters. They also help her stay current on the most current teen lingo. Looking forward, Lupita’s vision is to make sure Casa Youth Shelter is stronger than ever: an organization trusted in moments of crisis, recognized as a leader in prevention and healing, and prepared to walk alongside youth as they build lasting stability and success.

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