Leadership
Alexandra B
Intake Manager
Angelica S
DMH Program Director
Carla E
Information Systems/IT Manager
Elizabeth D
Human Resources Manager
Flaviola G
Community Relations Supervisor
Linda M
Quality Assurance Manager
Luis C
Executive Director
Sara P
Director of Operations & DCFS Program Director
Tania F
Associate Director
Alexandra B., B.A.
Intake Manager
Alexandra received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Criminology from the University of California Irvine. During her time there, she co-founded the H.E.A.R.T club at UCI, which focused on mentoring at-risk teenagers in recognizing the signs and repercussions of being in abusive relationships, the different types of abuse, how to get and ask for help, and finding resources. Alexandra leads the Intake department, which is responsible for overseeing incoming DMH and CalWORKs referrals, preparing all contracts for school-based mental health services, and providing the resources/linkage necessary to meet our referral’s needs. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts, exploring the outdoors, and trying new foods.
Angelica S, MA, LMFT 103198
DMH Program Director
Angie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. Angie has been working in community mental health since 2011 and became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in October of 2017. Angie has extensive experience providing therapeutic services to children, at-risk youth, adults, and families with DCFS involvement. Angie has been a dedicated employee at ECDA since March 2011 and has been part of the management team since 2017.Angie is devoted to the agency’s mission and is committed to providing mental health and social services to the low-income residents of the San Fernando Valley.
Carla E., MPA
Information Systems/IT Manager
Carla is the Information Systems/IT Manager from El Centro de Amistad and has been with the agency since 2013. Carla leads the IS department and is experienced in electronic health record and data management, DMH billing and IT project management. Carla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State University, Northridge. Her educational background allows her to work in the public/nonprofit sector while also focusing on leadership and management. Carla was born in Los Angeles, CA and comes from a Central American background. She is married and has two kids.
Elizabeth D.
Human Resources Manager
Elizabeth, also known as Lizz, is a proud first-generation Mexican American born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She was taught at a young age the value of hard work and loyalty. She has been with the ECDA team for two decades, joining in September of 2000. She has had the opportunity to hold various roles within the organization. She has provided administrative support, coordinated special events, and managed a comprehensive computer program. To finally reach her ultimate role of Human Resources Manager. Lizz received her Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix. When not at work, Lizz enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and family. She loves going to the movies, canvas painting, and puzzle-solving.
Flaviola G., BA.
Community Relations Supervisor
Flaviola holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Northridge in History with a minor in Chicano Studies. Flaviola serves as the Community Relations Coordinator at El Centro de Amistad and is an enthusiastic and resourceful communication professional with over 15 years of experience in community-based services. She is experienced in nonprofit program development, fundraising, community relations, and outreach. Flaviola is a dedicated employee serving over seven years at ECDA as the liaison for her organization while advocating for the underserved and the Latino community.
Linda M., MA, AMFT #126066
Quality Assurance Manager
Linda received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and then received her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She joined El Centro de Amistad in April 2020 as an intern and joined the CalWORKs department as an associate marriage and family therapist. In November 2023, Linda had the opportunity to transition to the quality assurance manager role.
Luis C., MBA
Executive Director
Luis has served ECDA since 2014. His experience in the nonprofit sector goes back twenty years and has been blessed to have worked with a plethora of agencies in executive and various capacities. He considers himself fortunate to have been born and raised in Pacoima of the San Fernando Valley (SFV) and lives in the SFV with his family. Luis received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from California State University Northridge and Master of Business Administration from Corban University. He loves to cheer on the Dodgers, Lakers and local college sports.
Sara P., MA., LMFT 82842
Director of Operations & DCFS Program Director
Sara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State University Northridge and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Sara has over 18 years of management experience in community mental health. She became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2014. While at El Centro De Amistad, she has created the Quality Assurance Department and DCFS Programs structure. As a Program Director at ECDA, she oversees the fiscal and delivery functions of various programs. Sara provides leadership and sets standards of operation and compliance with program contracts. She has extensive experience providing clinical services to the Latino community as well as other marginalized communities. Sara’s previous work experience included Intake Director at Pacific Lodge Youth Services. Sara has been a dedicated employee at ECDA since August of 2009.
Tania F, MA, LMFT | MFC 39561
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
(She/her/hers)
Tania holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master’s degree in Marital Family Therapy from College of Notre Dame. Tania has been working in community mental health since 1995 and became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in April of 2003. She has extensive experience providing therapeutic services with at-risk youth and adults, in clinical supervision, management, and leadership. She has been a loyal and dedicated employee at ECDA since October 2004 and is committed to serving the Latinx community at large.
