EXECUTIVE TEAM
Teddie Valenzuela, LCSW
Executive Director
Teddie has been with Amanecer for over 20 years now. In her time at Amanecer, she has been responsible for many program implementations and expansions. Teddie was instrumental in growing our contracts with the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Children and Family Service (DCFS). In 2019, she was promoted to Executive Director.
Outside of work, Teddie enjoys Pilates, gardening, traveling and walking her beloved poodle mix on her 1.5 mile nature trail in LA National Forest.
Alice Cardenas
Chief Financial Officer
Alice is the Chief Financial Officer at Amanecer. Prior to joining Amanecer, Alice served on the Board of Director’s Executive Team for over 9 years. With more than 20 years of professional experience, Alice provides effective leadership of the organization’s Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Billing Departments. She enjoys working collaboratively with Amanecer’s Senior Team and Board of Directors. Outside of work, Alice enjoys family time and traveling.
Nicole Cuevas, LMFT
Chief Clinical Operations Officer
Nicole is the Chief Clinical Operations Officer at Amanecer Community Counseling Service. She leads the Clinical and Compliance aspects of the organization. She has worked in the mental health field for the last 10 years and has experience with the Department of Mental Health, DCFS, Probation, Substance Use and Prevention, and the unhoused population. As a Licensed MFT, she is certified in Trauma-Focused CBT, Managing Adapting Practices (MAP), and Crisis Intervention (CORS). Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Charlie, and traveling.
Diana Guerrero, LCSW
Chief Program Officer
Diana is the Chief Program Officer at Amanecer Community Counseling Service, overseeing all the clinical programs of the organization. She was previously the director for the Adult programs and Trauma Recovery Center and was part of the growth and expansion of trauma recovery services into central California. Diana has over 10 years working within public child welfare, county mental health programs and in non-profit leadership. She has worked with 0-5 populations, and as a clinical trainer providing trauma informed parenting classes in Los Angeles County. Diana has extensive knowledge of community care licensing regulations and foster care laws. Diana is certified as a SAFE Home Practitioner and Supervisor in the PRIDE model. Outside of work, Diana enjoys traveling, staying active, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
Angela Duran
Human Resources Manager
Angela is the Human Resources Manager at Amanecer. Practicing Human Resources in a variety of industries (manufacturing, staffing, and construction) and previously serving in the role of ‘HR Department of One’ has provided her the opportunity to work in all areas of HR including recruiting, onboarding, training, employee relations, performance management, leadership training and development, workers compensation, benefits, and safety. Outside of work, Angela enjoys making new memories and traveling with her husband, spending time with her family and friends, and attending sports events.
DIRECTOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Ashley Arrieta, LCSW
Director of Trauma Recovery Center and Domestic Violence
Ashley is the Director of the Trauma Recovery Center and a USC graduate, Ashley has 10 years of experience working in the Social Work Field. Her experience ranges from Foster Care, DCFS, the Elderly and Disabled, and various mental health specific programs. As an LCSW, Ashley has been working with nonprofit organizations on a macro level with grant funded programs. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, friends, husband, and daughter. She also enjoys anything involving food and music.
Emmanuel Reyes, LMFT
Director of Community Based Programs
Emmanuel is the Director of Community Based Programs. He has worked in the mental health field for over 9 years working with various populations ranging from Birth-to-Five to Adults. Emmanuel has been working in the non-profit mental health sector for 7 years. He was initially hired as the School Based Program Manager in 2021. Emmanuel is certified in Seeking Safety, Managing and Adaptive Practice, CORS, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Parent Child Interactive Therapy. Outside of work, Emmanuel enjoys spending time with his family, friends, partner and enjoys trying new life experiences..
Marilin Lourokis, LMFT
Director of Clinical Programs
Marilin is the Director of Clinical Programs. Marilin has been with Amanacer CCS for over 11 years. Along with her experiences managing communities’ project in different parts of the world, Marilin has an outstanding clinical training including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focus Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Anger Management, Managing Adapting Practice, CPP, Crisis Management, among others. In her spare time, Marilin enjoys traveling, reading, and the company of her pets, friends, and family.
Estefania Orelo, LPCC
Assistant Director of Compliance
Estefania is the Assistant Director of Compliance at Amanecer Community Counseling Service. She has worked in the mental health field for the last 5 years and has experience working in School Based settings , Family Preservation, and outpatient programs. She was initially hired as the School Based Program Therapist in 2019. In 2022 she became the School Based Program Manager. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, she is trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and Incredible Years (IY), and certified in Managing Adapting Practices (MAP) and Seeking Safety. Outside of work, Estefania enjoys spending time with her family, friends, traveling, watching movies/shows, and attending/watching soccer games.
Yeni Ramirez, AMFT
Assistant Director of Trauma Recovery Center and DV Programs
Yeni Ramirez, is the Assistant Director of the Trauma Recovery Center and Domestic Violence programs at Amanecer Community Counseling Service. She has worked in the mental health field for the last six years and has experience with running the domestic violence program, working with community, children, and families. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, she is certified in Managing Adapting Practices (MAP). Outside of work, Yeni enjoys spending time with her husband, family and her dog, Charley, and traveling.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Veronica Alvarado
NELMmarketing,
President & CEO
VICE PRESIDENT
Alexia Valencia
Goodness Sake Strategies LLC
Founder & President
TREASURER
Javier Hernandez
Herdz Tax Services,
Owner
Maria Maher
Candela La Brea,
Partner
Dulce Vasquez
Arizona State University,
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Andy Rosillo
Indie Printing,
Owner
Eric Sarabia, Esq.
Acelera Advisory Group,
Co-Founder & CEO
