Who We Are
WHO WE ARE
Since 2001, Doors of Change has been transforming the lives of homeless youth. Established as a 501(c)(3) under the name “Photocharity,” we have raised over $7 million since our inception. We have served over 23,000 young people and helped place over 2,800 homeless youth in safe housing. Our mission is to act as advocates to support homeless youth ages 17-25 and provide access to the resources they need to improve their quality of life. We aim to get them off the streets into safe housing and help them attain self-sufficiency.
Nearly one-third of all homeless adults are reported to have begun their life of homelessness as a youth. Intervention and getting youth off the streets are paramount in breaking the long-term cycle of homelessness. In 2013 we identified a significant gap in the services and resources available to homeless Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 17-25, and re-dedicated our organization to serve this underserved population.
Before the pandemic, our award-winning music and art program successfully built these relationships. Suspending that face-to-face program led us to develop a broader approach to connecting with homeless youth. Now we reach out to our clients where they live, on the streets, and meet with them by phone. We help them via our new Homeless Youth Advocacy Program (HYAP). Our approach saves lives by focusing on each individual and building relationships in the responsive, open-minded, and personal way each young person needs.
MISSION: GETTING HOMELESS 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!
MISSION: GETTING HOMELESS YOUTH OFF THE STREETS
YOUR SUPPORT CAN TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS YOUTH
WHO WE ARE
BOARD ANGEL TEAM™
VIVIANA ALEXANDROWICZ
BOARD MEMBER
Viviana is an associate professor in the Department of Learning and Teaching at the University of San Diego. Her areas of expertise and scholarship focus are on the effectiveness of in-service bilingual teacher education, theory and methodology for teaching English as a second language, internationalization of the curriculum, community engagement, and Changemaking. Viviana has been involved in community service learning and engagement for over 20 years, mentoring faculty and guiding students in service. She also served on the board of directors for Bayside Community Center and has delivered a variety of workshops to families in Linda Vista. She is the co-founder of the Open University initiative which provided community members with free access to university courses and is a Global Change leader for Ashoka U.
STEVE BRAM
SECRETARY
LINDA CONOVER
BOARD MEMBER
GABRIEL IGARTUA
BOARD MEMBER
ANDREW MINER
BOARD MEMBER
Over the past two decades, Andrew has been assisting numerous nonprofits that focus on helping homeless youth, at-risk youth, and individuals and families that have experienced crisis and/or sudden loss. He has helped develop programs to give homeless children valuable life skills in the form of music, art, athletics, and entrepreneurship.
Professionally, he is an entrepreneur and marketer who helped launch and grow Neil Patel Digital into one of the world’s most sought after marketing agencies and industry software providers. Andrew is now leading Aggregate.ai as the emerging leader in Ai and big data activation and analysis. Andrew with his wife and children, enjoy time with their horses, surfing, and many other outdoor activities.
LAURA M. NAVA
BOARD MEMBER
Laura is an attorney that is licensed to practice in Mexico and licensed to practice in New York with over 30 years of experience. Laura is currently a member of the Corporate and Labor and Employment Practice Groups in the firm’s San Diego (Downtown) and New York offices.
Laura’s legal practice focuses on cross-border transactions involving Mexico and other countries of Latin America. Her main areas cover investments in Mexico, mergers and acquisition and international business. Laura also handles international mediation cases involving cross-border issues or Spanish-speaking parties. Laura acts as a mediator and arbitrator for disputes and controversies between US corporations and Mexican/Latin American corporations and individuals.
Laura is involved in Casa Cornelia assisting in asylum matters and visas. Also, from 2002 through 2011 she participated and worked on the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, for two of those years as a member of the Del Mar Unit and for the seven other years she founded, chaired and participated in the Milagros Unit of the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Laura is currently serving a two year term (2022 – 2024) as President of the US Mexico Chamber of Commerce – West Coast (LA) Chapter.
Laura grew up in Tijuana, Mexico and moved to San Diego in 1997. Laura is fluent in Spanish and English, and conversant in French and Italian.
Laura has two sons in their twenties that helps her realize the importance of providing love, guidance and care to young persons and specially appreciates the importance of working with homeless youth as they have found themselves in the despair or problems that took them to become homeless in San Diego.
Laura is very proud and enthusiastic about being a member of the Board of Directors of Doors of Change and working with this organization knowing how it helps homeless youth change their lives and become independent self-supporting individuals.
JOHN SIMONELLI
BOARD MEMBER
LACRETIA KELLY
Co-Chairman of Board
KIM WEZNIAK
TREASURER | BOARD MEMBER
JULIE YOUNG
BOARD MEMBER
PHIL BAKER
BOARD MEMBER
Phil Baker has developed products for many of the world’s iconic consumer hardware companies. He’s a former technology columnist for a San Diego newspaper and the author of two books, “From Concept to Consumer” and “To Feel the Music,’ co-written with Neil Young. He currently works for Young developing his archival website. Phil has a B.S., M.S., and MBA, holds several dozen patents, and was Entrepreneur of the Year for San Diego. He lives with his wife in Solana Beach.
GARETT HOUSEAL
BOARD MEMBER
ADAM LOEW
BOARD MEMBER
Adam’s passion for helping people as a luxury real estate expert in San Diego is unmeasurable and unparalleled. As a long-time executive for a large, international fitness chain, from New York to San Diego and Stockholm to Oslo, he has been responsible for thousands of lives being changed across the world. Throughout his career, he has always been involved in real estate as an active investor and conduit for others. As a luxury agent, he has helped numerous San Diego homeowners, negotiated many short sales and modifications, and professionally advised clients on all of their real estate needs.
Community Involvement
Adam also actively serves his local community on the Honor Council at Ecke-Magdalena YMCA, and as a member of the Fitness Committee at the Lawrence Family Campus JCC. Whether you are selling your luxury home, a first time home buyer, or an investor looking for a great opportunity, Adam will dedicate himself to your situation and engage his experience and expertise to ensure the best outcome.
STAFF
JOANNE NEWGARD
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.
NICOLE MCDONALD
LEAD CASE MANAGER
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.
CARINA STAERCK
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Carina has been with Doors of Change for over 4 years, and is our Executive Assistant. She has worked in the non and for profit world for over 20 years and enjoys working with people who are making a difference in the world. She is a San Diego native who enjoys spending time outdoors with her 4 children and friends.
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.