Who We Are
OUR STORY
Since 2001, Doors of Change has been dedicated to transforming the lives of unhoused youth in San Diego County through a philosophy of individualized, one-on-one care. Our mission is to transform the lives of unhoused youth through immediate response, personalized support, and pathways to housing, healing, and self-sufficiency. Since inception, we have served over 23,000 young people and helped place over 2,900 homeless youth in safe housing and shelter.
With approximately one-third of unhoused adults having first experienced homelessness as youth, early intervention for Transitional Age Youth (TAY) is the most effective way to break the generational cycle of poverty. Despite being the least-served demographic, TAY possess the highest potential for long-term self-sufficiency if reached before their situation becomes chronic. Our Homeless Youth Advocacy Program (HYAP) addresses the unique psychological barriers of this population, including trauma-induced distrust and a lack of stable adult guidance, by providing intensive, wrap-around case management. Our case managers act as “trusted adults,” offering the emotional stability necessary for youth to thrive. To best serve the youth in our program, our case managers are available 24/7, including weeknights, weekends, and holidays, and have a quick response time. Because of this we are often the first point of contact for newly homeless youth, which makes our role vital in breaking the cycle of homelessness before it even begins.
OUR BOARD
JEFFREY SITCOV
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT EMERITUS
STEVE BRAM
BOARD SECRETARY
LINDA CONOVER
BOARD MEMBER
JOHN SIMONELLI
BOARD MEMBER
ADAM LOEW
BOARD MEMBER
ANDREW MINER
BOARD MEMBER
LAURA NAVA
BOARD MEMBER
SHANNON PECK
BOARD MEMBER
JUSTINE YILDIZ
BOARD MEMBER
ROBERT SCHEID
BOARD MEMBER
JEFF LEVINSON
BOARD MEMBER
EMILY RODDY
BOARD MEMBER
ANNA M. JAUREGUI-LAW
BOARD MEMBER
WES HENSON
BOARD MEMBER
FRANCISCO LOAYZA
BOARD MEMBER
ALEXANDER CIULLO
BOARD MEMBER
OUR STAFF
JOANNE NEWGARD
PRESIDENT & PROGRAM DIRECTOR
MELISSA FLORES
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Melissa has a BA in Anthropology from the University of California San Diego, and a MA from the University of San Diego in Nonprofit Leadership & Management. As a member of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC), Melissa’s passion lies in helping and educating others and believes that by helping people reach their goal, one will in turn reach his/her own goal. In her free time. Prior to coming to Doors of Changing, Melissa worked at an international nonprofit in education and economic empowerment. In her free time, Melissa enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering at other local nonprofits.
ANNIE ARDITTI
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Annie is an East Coast native with over 10 years of experience in both the nonprofit sector and sales. Throughout her career, Annie has developed a strong skill set in program management, fundraising, business development and relationship building. Passionate about making a positive impact, she has a proven track record of driving growth, cultivating partnerships, and fostering strong connections with sponsors. With a deep commitment to community-centered initiatives, Annie excels in creating strategies that align organizational goals with meaningful outcomes. She is excited to bring her expertise to Doors Of Change and contribute to its continued success.
Annie enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring all that California’s beauty has to offer and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
VILMA MERCADO
ACCOUNTANT
Vilma Mercado has a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles, as well as additional qualifications in accounting and bookkeeping from Valley College and UCLA Extension. Vilma brings a wealth of expertise to her role and a career that spans across both the non-profit and private sectors. She previously served as Staff Accountant for a real estate brokerage and, prior to that role, as director at a nonprofit community development agency where she oversaw housing and economic development programs for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. She is proud of her efforts to advocate for lower-income families, promote financial literacy, and her role in increasing homeownership rates, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Vilma values integrity, self-improvement, and a strong work ethic. Outside of her professional life, Vilma enjoys traveling and volunteering. She strives to make a positive impact in her community and is thrilled to be a part of the Doors of Change family where her professional core values are aligned with the company’s mission and culture.
NICOLE DIAZ
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Nicole graduated in 2014 with a BS in Criminal Justice, a minor in psychology and is currently working on her Masters in Child, Youth and Family Services. She has been in the social services field for over 5 years. Nicole is devoted to her work and her clients and knows that each client must be approached differently. She is trained in a range of modalities including trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, cultural competency and mental health services.
TURQUOISE TEAGLE
CASE MANAGER
Turquoise served in the Navy for 10 years and was bestowed the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon.
Prior to joining Doors of Change as a Case manager Turquoise was the site coordinator for Crowne Plaza, an Outreach Coordinator for the Veterans Village, and an Unhoused Care Team Coordinator at Downtown San Diego Partnership. For their leadership and dedication to the unhoused community, Turquoise received the Staff of the Year award given by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. Turquoise is a model and spokesperson for Dapper Boi, an LGBTQ fashion brand that makes gender affirming clothes affordable and accessible. They also volunteer with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness for the Point in Time Count.
ANGEL GODINEZ
CASE MANAGER
Angel Godinez is an impassioned advocate for social justice and community empowerment. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University under her belt, Angel embarked on a journey to effect positive change in society. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Cal State San Bernardino, Angel is dedicated to honing her skills to address systemic issues and implement policies for the betterment of our community.
Since 2020, Angel has been deeply involved in homeless services, starting as a Residential Coordinator and steadily advancing to become a Case Manager. Through her unwavering commitment, she has successfully housed numerous clients and facilitated their access to vital supportive services, providing them with a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.
Angel’s expertise extends beyond their academic pursuits, as she holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care and Section 8 vouchers. These qualifications underscore her dedication to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals facing homelessness and trauma.
With his comprehensive education, hands-on experience, and fervent dedication to social welfare, Angel Godinez stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in our community.
AARON WESS
CASE MANAGER
Aaron Wess is a Youth & Education Specialist with five years of experience supporting youth and families. At Doors of Change, he helps young people access education, build life skills, and navigate resources that support long-term stability. Aaron is committed to empowering youth through consistent guidance, advocacy, and a strengths-based approach.
OUR GOAL: GETTING UNHOUSED YOUTH OFF THE STREETS
Your support can transform the lives of hundreds of homeless youth.
Help provide Intensive Case Management, safety essentials, food, and more for as little as 60 cents a day!
Support homeless youth when they need you most.
Your unrestricted gifts enable us to provide immediate shelter, case management, and life-changing ongoing support for Homeless Youth in San Diego County.