Meet the L.A. Works Team
Natalie Aguilar,
Public Health AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Natalie is a first-generation college graduate, born and raised in San Fernando Valley. She received her Bachelor's in Public Health, Psychology, and Criminology from UC Irvine. She became a volunteer coordinator with AmeriCorps VISTA program then went on to obtain her Master's in Public Health from Cal State LA. Natalie is excited to return to the nonprofit world to help support the community. In her spare time, she enjoys going on walks with her fur pup, traveling, watching new shows, and trying new food spots.
Beth Albrecht,
Special Projects Associate
Beth is back on the L.A. Works team after a year spent traveling and volunteering around the world with her husband and three kids. She brings a global perspective to the local issues we face. She's collaborated with many folks across L.A. Works' departments on events and special projects. Currently, she's utilizing her graphic design skills and event planning expertise to help with the major events L.A. Works hosts. She holds a MPA from USC, a Studio Art degree from UCSB and a degree in Fashion Design from Parsons.
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MLK Jr. Day of Service Coordinator
Metzti was born in Cudahy and raised in Sylmar, CA where community activism and organizing revolved around her upbringing. After graduating high school a year early she dedicated her time to developing her leadership and team development skills through her presidency at M.E.Ch.A. and as an Intern Project Leader with AFT. She graduated from Los Angeles Mission College with AA's in Behavioral Science, Chicano/a Studies, Studio Art, and Communication. When Metzti is not organizing community events or catering with her coffee business, you can find her walking her pup, indulging in landscape photography, or eating breakfast for dinner.
Deborah Brutchey,
Executive Director
Deborah has proudly led the L.A. Works team since June 2009. Prior to her role at L.A. Works, Deborah fundraised in Santa Barbara for a family service agency and led a program at Stanford University serving children impacted by a parent with cancer. In 2001, Deborah was interim Executive Director of the AT&T Center for Service Leadership at the Pennsylvania State University. Deborah has served on the City of Los Angeles "We Serve LA" Community Service Advisory Cabinet and the Points of Light's Corporate Institute Leadership Faculty. She is a graduate of the Los Angeles Chamber Leadership Los Angeles class of 2014 and was named one of the City's 2020 Impact-Makers to Watch by Stratiscope. Deborah completed her MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business with a focus on social entrepreneurship. As the mother of two young girls, Debbie tries to model a healthy work-life balance to her team by spending her non-work hours at the pool, beach, with friends, traveling, and just enjoying the time with her family.
Social Impact Lead
Responsible for building relationships with Los Angeles change-makers, Nahtahna's appointment as the V.P. of Strategic Partnerships continues her life's work creating opportunity and change through advocacy, education and community outreach. With two masters degrees, she's an experienced educator having worked in high schools and colleges with opportunity youth, incarcerated adults, and returning students. As a Bohnett Fellow, she worked with Mayor Villaraigosa on his education reform agenda. At CASA of L.A., she recruited hundreds of volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. She enjoys running and spending time with her morkie, Sia.
Jessica Carrera,
Director of Americorps - Seniors RSVP
Jessica is a Stockton native who became an Angeleno while earning her BA at Mount St. Mary’s University. Jessica went on to work at her alma mater for three years post graduation in Student Financing where she served as the Co-Chair of the Committee on Staff Affairs. As an AVID graduate and Dell Scholar Jessica feels very passionate about empowerment through education. During high school, she volunteered as a tutor and looks forward to promoting educational programs through her role in the RSVP program. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, decorating and traveling - especially to her parent’s hometown ranch in Michoacán, Mexico.
Alisha Cathirell-Tanzer,
Director of Americorps - State & National, VISTA
​Alisha is an LA native, and comes from deep roots of activism and community involvement, in particular with education and youth athletics. She is currently enrolled as a full-time student at Arizona State University, where she is working online towards a BS in Public Service and Public Policy. Before resuming her education, Alisha volunteered for years as the Player Agent for Central Altadena Little League, managing players and coordinating between families, coaches, and league administrators. When not driving her future-astronaut daughter to and from cheer practice, Alisha can be found gaming with friends around the world, moderating fan groups, and listening to podcasts.
Yancy Comins,
Climate Action Coordinator
Yancy is a father, community builder, and a creative healing artist specializing in social impact and positive programming through music, wellness, and human connection. His commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in his roles on the DEI Advisory Board at the University of California and as a UC Master Gardener of LA County. Yancy's work underscores a deep dedication to diversity, equity, and community empowerment. As the founder of Hands In The Soil, he supports the healing and thriving of Black and Brown individuals through various holistic and spiritual-wellness programs. Yancy loves seeing people embrace their purpose and individuality. Personally, he enjoys traveling, nature, practicing yoga, making music, and impacting lives.
Stephen Davalos,
Vice President of External Affairs
Stephen joined the L.A. Works staff after having worked in the baking industry for 10 years. Growing up in Los Angeles, Stephen always loved the city. In 2016, he realized he felt called to do more to serve his community and began the hard process of changing careers. Since then, Stephen has been working for his church in Pasadena, playing music, and leading the youth group. In 2018, Stephen started working for City Service Mission and began to understand the nonprofit landscape of LA. In 2019, Stephen married the love of his life, Allison. Stephen and Allie live in Pasadena with their stubborn dog, Bosco. In his free time, Stephen enjoys hiking, baking, and throwing pottery.
Kate Ekman,
Nonprofit Relations Coordination & Community Impact
Passionate about volunteer engagement as a heartfelt way to make positive social and environmental impacts, Kate began focusing this passion while studying Environmental Policy at Northeastern Illinois University. It was there that she made a dream come true by successfully organizing the planting of seventy native species trees. After settling in Los Angeles in 2015, Kate began working with community volunteers at Beach Cities Health District and made another dream come true by working with the National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougar project whose push to support the local mountain lion population was instrumental in building the wildlife crossing bridge over the 101 freeway. Kate also served on the Board of DOVIA-LA for seven years before partnering with L.A. Works to expand the reach of the association for volunteer engagement professional. Kate has volunteered to plant more trees, participate in river cleanups and other beautification projects, support the alopecia community through legislative advocacy and more. Kate loves nature and to learn, hike, paint, garden, lounge and spend time with her beautiful family.
Ciara Kelly,
VISTA Leader
Ciara (Keer-ah) is a New Jersey native, with ties to Ireland from her immigrant parents and Baltimore from her time at Loyola University Maryland. There she received a B.A. in political science and a minor in writing. During her time at Loyola, she was an intern with the university's Center for Community, Service, & Justice working specifically with non-profits focused on immigration & refugees. After graduating in May of 2023, she relocated to Los Angeles. What was supposed to be a 3-month post graduate time off, quickly turned into living here for over a year after accepting a job as an AmeriCorps VISTA with L.A. based non-profit Reading to Kids. After wrapping up that year of service, she is joining as AmeriCorps VISTA Leader at L.A. Works. In her free time she is an avid movie goer, podcast listener, & exploring new places to eat.
Christine Gonzalez,
Co-Director of AmeriCorps Seniors - RSVP
Christine was born and raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Growing up, she participated in the leadership mentoring program, which led her to become a devoted volunteer since the age of 13. Having volunteered at several nonprofits, Christine’s passion grew in helping others. Christine worked in expanded learning for 10 years with LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program. As Program Coordinator in LA’s BEST, she launched the intergenerational partnership with AARP Foundation Experience Corps program, which brings together older adults to mentor and tutor students in need. In 2018, Christine graduated from Pacific Oaks College with her B.A. in Human Development with a concentration in Social Change. In 2020, she earned her M.A. in Nonprofit Management at Antioch University Los Angeles and her credential as a Certified Nonprofit Professional. When Christine isn’t at Dodger games with her husband, she enjoys swimming with & baking cakes for her 3 rescues, Dodger, Honey & Daisy.
Kobe Kim,
Nonprofit Relations VISTA
Kobe recently graduated from the University of Southern California. He is excited to start his position as a Nonprofit Relations VISTA for L.A. works. Kobe was originally born and raised on the East Coast near Boston, but has lived in Los Angeles for about thirteen years now. Kobe likes to stay active, and has played sports such as tennis, swimming, and surfing since his younger years. He also enjoys reading, cooking, pottery, and keeping up to date with professional sports like the NBA and tennis.
Carly Kinnear,
Corporate Events Coordinator
Carlie is an alumnus of the Gender and Women’s Studies at Cal State Northridge. There she spent her free time at the Women’s Center focusing her activism on menstrual awareness and elevating voices through art as the editor of the Center’s publication ROAR. Seeking adventure and to further her studies, Carlie took a leap of faith and went to The Hague to continue her academic journey. At the International Institute of Social Studies she had the privilege to study with students from all over the globe. Arriving back in LA she knew she had to join a mission driven organization and jumped at the opportunity to join the team at LA Works. In Carlie’s free time she loves hiking, photography, and thinks that LA public pools are the bee's knees.
Megan Gordon,
Workforce Development Coordinator
After 10 years as a flight attendant living in Miami, Megs moved to LA and started the transition into a new career. Traveling all over the world and experiencing real issues, Megs knew she wanted to do so much more with her time. Partnering with L.A. Works is her way of giving back.
RSVP Data & Culture Manager
Meredith joined the L.A. Works team after working for various museums and art galleries since 2010. Growing up with roots in both Los Angeles and Chicago, Meredith is a California girl with a Midwestern sensibility. Meredith earned both her B.A. (DePaul University) and M.A. (University of Oregon) degrees in Art History, and recently earned her MLIS (San José State University) with a concentration on archival methods and digital preservation. Meredith is an experienced Art Educator with a particular interest in the intersection of art and healthcare. Meredith loves spending time with her dad, getting cuddles from her rescue cat Lou, reading everything by Octavia E. Butler, watching movies, gardening, and animals named after food.
Johnathan Lopez,
Senior Corporate Event Manager
Johnathan was born and raised in the Los Angeles County. He went to Cal Poly Pomona where he received a Bachelor's in Music and has worked in several fields both during and after his studies. Johnathan has worked in the food service industry, as a music tutor for lower and upper division music students, as a legal assistant for a personal injury lawyer and even as a dialogue editor for animation. When Johnathan isn't working, he enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends, maintaining his character in the FFXIV MMO, or exploring new cities with his boyfriend.
Kelsey McRae,
Corporate Event Manager
Kelsey grew up in the mountains of Colorado. After graduating from Colorado State University with a BA in Communications & Media Studies and a Minor in Ethnic Studies, she moved to Los Angeles in 2013. She started her life in a very- LA fashion, writing challenges for a cooking show and eating everything she could get her hands on. After a few years of eating professionally, Kelsey started working in programming at a non-profit that raises funds for the 73 Los Angeles Public Library Branches. She continues to be the person at the party telling everyone of all the benefits of being a library card holder. In her free time Kelsey spends time with her friends and (light of her life) cat, Franklin, watches too much TV, reads books, embroiders – and does every other perceivable craft known to mankind.
RSVP Outreach Coordinator
Raymond came to L.A. Works through a personal search for volunteer opportunities and a desire to get involved in the greater Los Angeles community. An actor by profession, Raymond received his MFA in Acting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Raymond has been an arts educator and advocate since 2004, working with nonprofits and grant organizations while teaching acting at Universities and professional studio programs. A native of Tennessee and a resident of NY/NJ for ten years, Raymond still can't get over the sunshine, beaches, deserts, and mountains. So, when he's not organizing volunteers, acting, teaching, or writing, Raymond can be found in the outdoors or "fiddlin" around with a carpentry project.
Facilities and Event Coordinator
Stephen was born and raised in Southern California. Earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in Human Resources and Management from Cal Poly Pomona. He developed his sense for community service from his time in BoyScouts that continued into working local community events around Los Angeles including community outreach and volunteer coordination. Stephen has worked in a wide variety of fields including food service industry, sales, Disney, and election services. When Stephen isn’t working, he spends his time cooking, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or hiking.
Director of Corporate Engagement
Jessica moved to Los Angeles in March 2021 from her hometown of Wellington, FL. After graduating from the University of Florida with a BA in Business Administration (with a focus on the European Union and Innovation), she jumped right into the nonprofit world as a Team Leader for AmeriCorps NCCC, and then continued her nonprofit career as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader in Flint, Michigan. Her passion for nonprofit events was formed during her time working for Girl Scouts as a Girl Experience Manager, designing and implementing programs and events for girls across South Florida. She is passionate about connecting volunteers to meaningful projects in the LA community and inspiring others to be a force of good. In her free time, she loves to travel to new destinations, hike in the wilderness, go to live music shows, and read just about anything.
Manager of Tech Operations
Synjin holds a B.F.A. in Studio Art/Printmaking & B.S. in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, she set out became a DJ and found a day-job as global pop-up & event manager for Skrillex's record label, OWSLA. Her formal training in art plus a decade of managing small businesses led her to discovering how much she loves working building the digital infrastructure behind opportunities for advocacy. When she's not behind her laptop, she DJs at music festivals, restores discarded furniture, and shops for cute clothes for her Sphynx cats.
Vice President of Programs
Gyasi {Jah-C} got his start in volunteerism with HandsOn Bay Area our San Francisco affiliate back in 2009 where he served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Corporate Project Leader. After his term of service as a VISTA, he spent two and half years with The Mosaic Project as their Youth Leadership Project Director. When he’s not promoting volunteerism here at L.A. Works, Gyasi enjoys songwriting and performing music around Los Angeles. He’s an LA native and San Francisco State University graduate with a deep passion for giving back and creating opportunities for others.
Jasmine Perry,
Workforce Development Manager
Jasmine C. Perry is an independent documentary filmmaker, who tackles social issues relative to communities that experience discrimination and/or exclusion. She began doing work with Kidsave, a nonprofit that advocates for at-risk foster care youth, and after being exposed to the realities of children in the system, she is now dedicating her time and energy into being a part of the solution.
Director of People & Culture
Paulina was born and raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Took off to UC Davis for college where she found her passion for Volunteerism and Community Service. For eleven years Paulina worked in many roles with the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, Sacramento's premier Expanded Learning non-profit organization. Paulina has worked with the Sacramento Unified School District as both Summer Program Coordinator and Expanded Learning Program Manager. In her tenure as Program Manager for California Middle School, she has earned certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Developing After-School Leadership Academy, and Social Emotional Learning. During her downtime, one can find Paulina exploring the current EDM scene, indulging in the area's up-and-coming dining hot spots, or making her way to East L.A. to visit her family with her two furbabies, Pankake and Juneau.
Corporate Event Specialist
Nathan was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from McGill University in 2018 with a BA in History. Before joining L.A. Works, Nathan was an international development consultant at a D.C.-based firm. At the beginning of 2022, Nathan moved to Los Angeles and fell in love with the city. With L.A. Works, Nathan has had the incredible opportunity to meet and collaborate with his community and fellow Angelenos as they build towards a better future for the city we adore. In his spare time, Nathan enjoys music, live events, movies, chess, and exploring everything his new home has to offer.
Public Health AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Jenevieve was born and raised in San Francisco. Growing up in a mixed Chinese/Mexican household, she developed a passion for supporting her community, especially for youth from underserved populations. After graduating from the University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Biology, she moved to Los Angeles to serve as a VISTA at a nonprofit focused on supporting youth experiencing homelessness and eventually transitioned to VISTA Leader at L.A. Works. Jenevieve is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Southern California but during her spare time, she enjoys gaming with friends, binge-watching shows, playing with her cats, and checking out new food places.
Workforce Outreach & Social Media Coordinator
Elisa is a first-generation college graduate, born and raised in Los Angeles County. She received her B.A. in Film, Television and Media with a minor in Theatre Performance from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her social media experience includes freelance work for small businesses and content creators. While outside of work, Elisa loves to travel, hike, go to the movies and cook with loved ones.
Cheyla Reyes,
Climate Action Fellow
Cheyla Reyes was Born and raised in Orange County California. After high school she attended Laguna College of Art and Design, majoring in entertainment design with an emphasis in Illustration. During college, Cheyla worked as a full-time illustrator and as a art Teacher for children. She is highly creative and wonderfully communicative. She is great at problem-solving and making connections with those around her. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog.
Steve Schaeffer,
Grant, Audit Compliance Manager
Steve Schaeffer is a writer and event producer whose work has been featured by many of America’s top not-for-profits and corporations across the country. As an event producer, he has created gala fundraising events and meetings for some of New York City’s top not-for-profit companies, including Roundabout Theatre Company, The College Board, Atlantic Theater Company, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and MCC Theater. Steve is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television and also studied at the University of Hull in England. Outside of work, Steve is usually ingesting pop culture of all kinds: movies, tv, theatre, books and podcasts…oh, so many podcasts! He also manages to go outside frequently, too.
RSVP Workforce Development Coordinator
Born and raised in Lancaster, CA, Justin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside making him the first generation college graduate. After graduating from UCR, Justin began working for a local coffee shop in Santa Clarita, then quickly began his own venture in the coffee world sharing his story with the communities of LA County. Through his experiences in leadership, Justin discovered his passion for the people of Los Angeles and inspiring those communities to never give up on their dreams, hence the opportunity to work with LA Works. When Justin is able to find some time, he absolutely loves spending time with his girlfriend, reading motivational books, playing guitar, playing Smash Ultimate, and going on adventures to new coffee shops!
AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager
Jonathan was born in Orange County, but was raised in the Greater Los Angeles area. He went to California State University Dominguez Hill where he received his Bachelor’s of Art in Kinesiology. He graduated summer 2020, and was offered a job to be Physical Therapist aide at a clinic. While working there he grew more attached to his hobbies. Some of his hobbies are but not limited to hiking, cooking, swimming, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. He is very excited to start his career with L.A. Works, and anticipates a great year.
Pooja Singh,
Public Health Americorps Program Manager
From sunrise to sunset, Pooja’s love for sweet tea, art, and warm weather makes an exciting transition to the West Coast. With a soft spot for Los Angeles, this South Carolina native is returning back to the L.A. Works community. Pooja wants to get back into the volunteering sector and work alongside people who also share a vision to support a happier, healthier world, but to do so, we must lead by example. With previous experience in non-profit and volunteering in the US and overseas, Pooja hopes to utilize her skills and experience to help build a stronger community and encourage others to do the same.
Isaiah Suarez,
RSVP Project Leader & Outreach Coordinator
Isaiah is a Hispanic and Filipino LA-born, IE-raised graduate of Life Pacific University with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. With a focus on the intersection of Queerness and faith, he passionately advocates for the importance of the LGBTQ+ community’s vibrant presence in church spaces. Growing up in the church, Isaiah developed a love for people and volunteerism. He believes that a collective mission of diverse individuals is essential to breaking down exclusive barriers and creating a thriving, inclusive community. With previous experience in program coordination and volunteer engagement, these interests have led him to L.A. Works, where he is excited to give back to the city and the people who have helped him grow into himself. In his free time, you can find Isaiah at a local show catching his favorite bands, writing at a coffee shop while sipping on matcha, or reading a sad book at the park. He also enjoys vinyl collecting, learning the guitar, and ranting about why Paramore is the greatest band ever.
Ellen Tiep,
Finance Manager
Ellen, as a native Angeleno, joined L.A. Works after working many years for various for-profit companies. She wanted to use her skills with an organization that loves Los Angeles as much as she does and is as dedicated to programs that benefit society. She graduated with a BS in Business Administration. In her spare time, she loves creating wearable art by stamping empowering words and messages on different metals, photography, music and binging on Netflix while hanging out with her dog & husband.
Director of Communications
Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Samantha grew up with a passion for community engagement. Her volunteer work with nonprofit organizations such as Black Women for Wellness, Little Miss African American and The K.I.S. Foundation allowed her to focus on the causes important to her – health, youth, and education. Upon earning her Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations from the University of Southern California, Samantha served in various communications roles serving the nonprofit, corporate and consumer sectors. She has garnered coverage for her clients in a variety of local and national media outlets, including KABC-TV, Essence and 94.7 The Wave. When she’s not working, you’ll find her baking, at spin class, watching reality television or leading her team to victory at pub trivia.
Greyson Yocom,
Workforce Development Coordinator
Graysen was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in history in 2022. His interests in non-profit work and education led him to take on the role of Workforce Development Coordinator with L.A Works. Outside of work, he enjoys writing novels, playing sports like basketball and tennis, and exploring Los Angeles with his friends and family.
Supporting Roles
P.J. Schumacher, Financial Consulting
PJ has been serving as a notary, business management consultant, controller, and tax accountant since 1985. He formed Schumacher Financial Consulting in 1991 to provide full-charge bookkeeping services to a wide variety of clients, as well as serving in the capacities of controller and tax accountant. P.J. joined the L.A. Works team in 1993.