Structure & Strategic Plan

April Amey is a dedicated advocate, survivor, and community leader with lived experience that fuels her unwavering commitment to social justice, family reunification, and public health. As a survivor of domestic violence and breast cancer, and a system-impacted woman, April brings a powerful, trauma-informed perspective to her work. Currently serving on the Crisis Response Team at Canopy Roots, April supports individuals in moments of acute need, specializing in cases involving domestic violence, mental health, homelessness, and justice-involved individuals. She has served as a member of the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) Committee since March 2023, and on the Los Angeles County/City Domestic Violence Council since November 2020.

April holds multiple certifications including as a Court Advocate for Domestic Violence and a Certified Facilitator for Court-Ordered Batterer’s Intervention Programs. Her expertise extends into policy, having been selected as a Policy Fellow for both Wayfinder and Women Organizing for Justice and Opportunity (WOJO) in 2019. In 2019, April implemented the Family Reunification Program at the LA DOORS Probation Office, connecting incarcerated parents with vital services. She is also the Founder of Mothers Educating Mothers (MEM) at the California Institution for Women, a support group and educational platform focused on parental rights, visitation, and custody for incarcerated women, which has been active since 2014.

April's extensive background in healthcare includes over a decade of experience as an LVN and CNA, as well as training and service as a Full Spectrum Doula, Perinatal Educator, Lactation Specialist, Community Health Worker, and Peer Specialist. A passionate activist, April continues to advocate for marginalized populations, especially those impacted by incarceration, domestic violence, and systemic inequality — ensuring their voices are heard, and their rights are upheld.

Dawn L. Brown, President/CEO of EmpowHer Institute, has over 25 years of nonprofit executive management experience. She boosts revenue, improves programs, and expands advocacy for youth and women of color. Dawn has successfully led legislative initiatives in California (decriminalizing sex-trafficked girls, implementing community-based gang intervention, ending the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women) and national initiatives. She is a CA Black Women Trailblazer Hall of Fame inductee and received the Change Agent Award from The Los Angeles Chapter of Black Girl Ventures. Brown holds a BFA in Acting and an MA in Drama Therapy from New York University. Dawn graduated from the prestigious Duke Ellington High School of the Arts in DC, received her BFA in Acting from New York University’s renowned Tisch School of the Arts, and an MA in Drama Therapy from New York University’s School of Education.

Paloma Bustos brings nearly 15 years of experience supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking through trauma-informed, multidisciplinary collaboration with law enforcement, advocates, and clinicians. She co-launched Loyola’s RISE Clinic (2021–2024), a pioneering program that helped survivors of violent crime navigate the criminal justice system and co-taught a seminar on trauma-informed advocacy. Previously, as Program Director at CDLF Counseling, she collaborated with the LAPD on the Domestic Abuse Response Teams (DART), managing teams across five divisions and training both officers and domestic violence counselors on trauma-informed practices. Paloma is now focused on advancing policies that prevent trafficking and ensure systems provide meaningful, survivor-centered support.

Kenneth is a 65 year old widower hailing from Chicago, IL, making Willowbrook his home since 2014. He is first and foremost a Minister of the Love and Truth of Jesus Christ and attends “Prevailing in Christ Ministries” in Carson. He is Co-Chair for the Willowbrook Community Action for Peace (CAP) and a 5-year member of their coalition. He is also a Delegate and Steering Committee member of the Watts/Willowbrook Best Start Coalition since 2015.

Having been born with Sickle Cell Disease, Kenneth now works as a Lead Advocate for Axis Advocates, advocating nationally for better health care for patients living with Sickle Cell Disease. He is on the Board of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, who builds parks and gardens as well as creating and improving green spaces throughout Los Angeles County.

Kenneth considers it a privilege to represent Willowbrook and the CAP in the very important work of this Community Partnership Council.

Fernando Centeno has dedicated more than a decade to serving his community within Service Planning Area (SPA) 7. His work has focused on prevention, youth empowerment, and community collaboration. He has served as an Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Specialist with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, a Prevention Community Coordinator with Helpline Youth Counseling, and a consultant with Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH), where he helped develop and strengthen the Norwalk and Hawaiian Gardens Community Action for Peace (CAP) Coalitions.

Fernando contributes to cross-cultural and youth development initiatives, serving as the Past President of the Pico Rivera Sister Cities Association and the current President of the Orquesta Guadalupana de Tijuana Foundation, which supports youth from marginalized communities in Tecate, Mexico, through music education and mentorship. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Pico Rivera, Sister Cities Commission.

In addition to his community work, Fernando works for the University of Southern California as an Information Technology and Audio/Visual Technician at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Cat Clark-Perkins, BSHS (she/her/hers) is the CEO of Catron Academy Learning Institute in South Los Angeles. A survivor of domestic violence and mother of two, Cat has over thirty years of experience in public service in Los Angeles County/Courts/Sheriffs and is Former Acting Chair Board Member for District Attorney George Gascón. Cat volunteers as a facilitator and holds positions on multiple boards. She is an Ordained Evangelist, Church of The Living God, CWFF motto Christians Workers for Fellowship. During her teen years she was sexually assaulted at gunpoint. This was the beginning of her life battling trauma.

Cat is a Certified Peer Reentry Specialist and experienced domestic violence advocate trainer. She is also Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice Los Angeles Chapter Coordinator.

Cat is also an entrepreneur, life coach, and a founding member of the Sister Circle, which focuses on addressing issues that affect women living in low socio-economic communities. Cat is the treasurer for Cease Fire Committee, Community Violence Interventionist and peace ambassador. Cat is the Office Manager and Admin Asst for 2nd Call. Cat advocates and sits on the Board of Directors of Victim Services From The Inside Out with Porsche Taylor and facilitates the 10P Program in the Lancaster State Prison with Sam Brown.

Goose leads as the Executive Director of God’s Pantry, a non-profit rooted at the intersection of food insecurity and gang rehabilitation. Every year, GP feeds over 120,000 families in LA county by employing 200 formerly incarcerated and gang affiliated individuals. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Goose has a proven track record of leadership, strategic planning, and innovation. He is currently a fellow at the CVI Leadership Academy (CVILA) at the University of Chicago and he holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from National University. Goose is committed to driving impactful programs and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation to underserved communities.

Andy Estrada serves as a Case Manager in the Antelope Valley, providing direct support through a Hospital Violence Intervention Program as well as serving victims of hate crimes and incidents in the region. In this role, he works closely with individuals impacted by violence to connect them with resources, navigate systems of care, and support their recovery.

Andy brings additional experience in coalition-building, having previously led efforts to establish trauma prevention coalitions across communities in the Antelope Valley, Norwalk, and Hawaiian Gardens. He has collaborated with community leaders to strengthen their capacity to address local issues and has supported the implementation of community-informed solutions aimed at reducing community violence. His primary interests include addressing mental healthcare disparities in underserved areas and reducing rates of suicide through initiatives focused on firearm violence prevention.

Akuyoe is Founder/Executive Director of Spirit Awakening Foundation and a multidisciplinary artist originally from Ghana, West Africa; performing, writing and most recently directed the film interpretation of her critically acclaimed one woman play Spirit Awakening. She founded the arts organization to expand the reach of her programs and support services for underserved youth; the foundation now serves in over 18 facilities and schools with a small and mighty cadre of 32 performing and visual artists and counselors. Akuyoe gives all praises and glory to God.

Roman James serves LA County as a social justice activist, domestic abuse advocate, and commissioner for the Commission for Children and Families. In her role as a CCF commissioner, she also co-chairs its Racial Justice Committee. As co-chair of the Domestic Violence Council’s DV-LEAP (Lived Experience Advisory Peer) group, she uplifts the survivor’s voice in spaces that were once closed. Lastly, she is currently a member of the Coro LA 2025 WIL (Women in Leadership) cohort and is excited to continue developing her skills as an advocate for women and children and community leader.

Pharaoh Mitchell is the Executive Director of The Community Action League (TCAL), a community-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and community safety in the Antelope Valley. With over 30 years of experience in community service, advocacy, and social services, Pharaoh has worked extensively with underserved populations, including youth, families, and individuals impacted by poverty, homelessness, and violence.

Pharaoh’s work focuses on addressing the root causes of community violence through prevention, youth leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement. He is committed to building stronger, safer communities by empowering residents, especially young people, to develop leadership skills, access opportunities, and play an active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

Through his leadership at TCAL, Pharaoh continues to collaborate with community organizations, public agencies, and grassroots leaders to advance initiatives that promote violence prevention, healing-centered development, and equitable investment in communities most impacted by systemic barriers.

Amy Nguyen (she/her/hers) is a community advocate with over 13 years of experience in program management, monitoring and evaluation, and strategy in the humanitarian response and anti-trafficking fields. Amy is the Director of Empowerment Programs at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast). At Cast, Amy leads the organization’s social services, housing, and research and evaluation programs, supporting survivors of labor and sex trafficking of all backgrounds. Previously, Amy worked at Relief international (RI), where she designed and led programs for communities displaced by armed conflict and natural disaster. Her past field assignments were in Sudan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Jorge Rivera is the Co-Founder and Executive Co-Director of the Healing and Justice Center, a worker self-directed nonprofit advancing healing and social justice. With over 10 years in real estate, he practices as a Radical Real Estate agent focused on tenant protection, social housing, and community ownership. Jorge founded LiBRE (Long Beach Residents Empowered) and co-founded the San Gabriel Valley Tenant Alliance, and serves on the board of the San Gabriel Valley Community Land Trust. Rooted in trauma-informed practice, he integrates healing and collective care into organizing, believing true justice begins with our capacity to care for ourselves and each other.

Tina Rowe is an Indigenous (Apache and Diné) mother and community leader rooted in the foothills of Altadena, California. She serves on the Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention Community Partnership Council and is a core leader of the Reimagine Child Safety Coalition, advancing prevention-centered strategies that reduce family separation and system harm.

Tina is a California Domestic Violence Counselor at Shepherd’s Door in Pasadena and Co-Chair of the Lived Experience Ad-Hoc (LEAP) Committee within the LA County Domestic Violence Council. At the state level, she served on California’s Mandated Reporting to Community Supporting Task Force, where she co-chaired the Lived Experience Expert (LEX) Committee and contributed to efforts to narrow the legal definition of general neglect. She was subsequently appointed to the state-codified Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee (MRAC) and also serves on the Family First Prevention Services (FFPS) Leadership Advisory Council and Community Pathway Subcommittee.

As Founder and CEO of A Child’s Dream – Altadena, Tina partners directly with parents through Sacred Groves, Families Stronger Together LA, Indigenous circles, and Positive Indian Parenting facilitation — building regenerative community pathways rooted in culture and collective care. Tina believes in miracles.

Stephanie Sepeda is a California native, mother of four, and grandmother of six. A survivor of childhood trafficking, trauma, and addiction, she turned her pain into purpose by establishing Project Resilience in 2022. As an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, human trafficking advocate, and experienced street outreach worker with an Associate’s Degree in Sociology, Stephanie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Project Resilience provides trauma-informed care, outreach, and recovery support—meeting people where they are and walking with them toward healing, transformation, and the power of new beginnings.

In 2008 Johnny Torres began his career in gang intervention as an educational support aide for high risk youth attending S.E.A. Manchester site in South Central L.A. He went on to serve the cities of Boyle Heights, El Sereno and Lincoln Heights as a Gang Intervention worker for S.E.A. in conjunction with L.A. City Mayors' Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD). He was promoted to Lead Intervention Worker for Hollenbeck 1 GRYD overseeing El Sereno and Lincoln Heights, then promoted to Program Coordinator for Hollenbeck 2 and 3 GRYDs. In 2018, L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis established a Community Health Team that provided gang intervention services and crisis response for the residents of East Los Angeles. Torres was chosen to spearhead this indispensable service and is the Program Coordinator for the D-1 team and TPI Street Outreach Team serving families from East L.A. to La Puente and the San Gabriel Valley. He received the honor from Supervisor Janice Hahn to provide and coordinate intervention services to the cities of Whittier, Pico Rivera and Santa Fe Springs under the District 4 program.

Johnny is also a facilitator with Urban Peace Institute training intervention workers. Johnny has sat on countless panels and conferences to address strategies to promote peace and reduce violence, build on race relations, and establish understandings of conflict resolution with the goal of preserving sacred life. Johnny is also a member of the Chihene Nde Apache tribe and utilizes cultural and historical awareness as a form to bring self-awareness and self-celebration to youth within the community, and educate them of their indigenous ancestry in hopes to create self-reflection, self-worth and self-love by building healthy relationships with all those around them starting with self.

Natchawi or Nat Wadman, MSW is Director of Program Impact for Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF). She leads the overall strategy of research, evaluation, learning and impact of the organizational mission and the community program, building culturally responsive services for domestic violence and sexual violence survivors and healthy and safe communities by addressing the root causes and consequences of family violence and violence against women in AANHPI communities.

She was appointed as the Culturally Specific Populations – Asian/PI Representative on the California Services*Training*Officers*Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women (VAW) Implementation Committee and a member of the Sexual Assault Committee, advising the sexual assault program for the Peace Corps in 2023. She also served as a Co-Chair on California Department of Public Health Rape Prevention Education Advisory Group. She previously worked in international development sector and a wide range of work in youth engagement, development, and leadership as well as program development in education, livelihood, and health programs. She was also a key member of the emergency response team providing support to countries and areas with conflicts and disasters.

Jonathan M. Wicks, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in behavioral health, domestic violence, child welfare, crisis intervention, and community-based services. He has developed and facilitated trainings for healthcare providers, educators, social service professionals, and government agencies on topics including mental health, maternal and infant health, violence prevention, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care. Jonathan's work focuses on translating emerging research into practical strategies that strengthen individual, organizational, and community well-being. He is committed to advancing evidence-informed practice and helping organizations, communities, and individuals cultivate equitable outcomes through prevention, systems change, and capacity building.