Mi Escuelita was featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune and highlighted for its work to create a safe space for children exposed to traumatic childhood experiences. Read more to learn about the journey that Mi Escuelita’s children take and how South Bay Community Services is working through this program to break the chain of violence and allow these children to go on to live healthy, productive lives.
430 F Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Office Line: (619) 420-3620
24/7 Hotline: (800) 640-2933
Annie Sawyer, Director of Philanthropic Giving, joined the SBCS team in 2022 to spearhead a capital campaign to support the construction of a new center for impact and headquarters building. With more than 15 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising and resource development, Ms. Sawyer works with individual donors at all levels to engage in meaningful philanthropy that addresses the most pressing needs of children, youth, and families in San Diego County. She also oversees an external communications program that demonstrates the critical impact of community support.
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Kathryn Lembo, President and CEO, has been with SBCS since 1982. She is responsible to the 11-member Board of Directors for overall administration of the agency which operates on an annual budget of over $95 million, employs a staff of 400 professionals, supported by over 1,200 community volunteers, and touches the lives of over 50,000 people annually, including 1,200 residents in our housing programs. It is under Ms. Lembo’s leadership that the organization has grown from a tiny drop-in center for drug-abusing teens, into one of the largest social service and community development agencies serving San Diego County.
Valerie Centeno, MA, LMFT, Director of Clinical Services, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, a Certified Danger Assessor and Certified in Mental Health First Aid. Ms. Centeno has special expertise in the area of children’s mental health and domestic violence, and oversees trainings and clinical supervision for all SBCS programs.
Sandy Keaton, MA, Director of the Youth & Community Wellness Department, has worked within non-profit and governmental sectors for over 30 years. Her experience and expertise in the field of Criminal Justice Research is closely aligned with her role overseeing SBCS’ Youth Prevention and Intervention initiatives including Juvenile Diversion, Alternatives to Detention and Achievement Center programs. Her focus on data and analytics is integral to the agency’s success with results’ based accountability and programmatic sustainability.
Elizabeth Iniguez, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, is a qualified and experienced Certified Public Accountant with more than twenty years’ experience in non-profit accounting. She has been with SBCS since May 1993, and has utilized various accounting and auditing functions including preparation of monthly journal entries and financial statements, quarterly agency budgets and reconciliation of various grant balances and budget analysis. Her team is comprised of an Accounting Manager and 12 Fiscal staff who manage over 30 separate federal, state and local contracts; and payroll for over 400 employees.
Mauricio Torre, Vice President of Program Operations has been with SBCS since 1997, and has demonstrated a commitment to working with, and empowering, low-income and minority groups, particularly youth. He has spearheaded the Promise Neighborhood Initiative and it is under his direction that SBCS manages a cradle to career continuum of services for three underserved communities within San Diego County. Mr. Torre has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is bilingual/bicultural: speaking, reading and writing Spanish as well as English. His experience working creatively and dynamically with at-risk youth and inspiring them to reach their full potential has enhanced his ability guide the agency in new and exciting directions.
Ismena Valdez, Vice President of Business Operations, has been with SBCS since 1995 and oversees all of the Human Resources, Facilities and Legal operations of the organization. She has spent time working with numerous direct service programs throughout her tenure with the agency and her experience and expertise has helped the organization grow immensely over the years.
Larissa Tabin, MS, Vice President of Development and Philanthropy, oversees the agency’s Volunteer Program, Internal and External Communications, Grant Writing, Donor Relations and Philanthropic events. Ms. Tabin holds a Master’s Degree in Criminology and has been with the agency since 2009. Her focus on development has helped to bring millions of dollars to the agency over the years.
Valerie Centeno, MA, LMFT, Director of Clinical Services, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, Certified Danger Assessor, and Certified in CADRE (Change Agents Developing Recovery Excellence). Ms. Centeno sits on the County’s Children Youth and Family System of Care Committee, and is a member of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. She oversees the agency’s training and clinical supervision for all SBCS programs.
Valerie Brew, MA, Director of the Child Well-Being & Family Wellness Department, has worked in the field of child maltreatment for over 25 years. Ms. Brew has been with SBCS since 2004, and currently oversees SBCS’ Family Stabilization Services which include Shelter and Support Services, 24 Hour Family Response Team, and the agency’s Children’s Services. Her hard work and dedication has contributed to the agency’s recognition as a Public Health Champion and local leader in Child Abuse Prevention.
Stacey Musso, MA, LMFT, Director of the Behavioral Health & Wellness Department, recently joined the SBCS team, and comes with over 20 years’ experience providing school based mental health services in residential, day treatment and outpatient programs throughout San Diego County. Stacey has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Ms. Musso has a history of creating new and innovative Mental Health programs; and a passion for helping youth, their families and the San Diego community.