SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Nikki Buckstead
Chief Executive Officer
Nikki Buckstead, Chief Executive Officer
Nikki Buckstead
Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Buckstead began working in the nonprofit social services field in 1991. Her passion has always been in service and helping others. She’s held several leadership positions in mental/behavioral health, substance use treatment/prevention, and family homeless services over her 30+ year career. She has also held various consulting roles, providing strategic planning, cultural competency coaching, program implementation, and building cross-functional teams and relationships.
As part of her leadership positions, she has also been the CEO of two national nonprofit organizations focusing on advocacy, education, and systems change. She brings this breadth and depth of her experience to her current role as CEO of the Child & Family Center here in the Santa Clarita Valley, where she works daily with a fantastic team of caring professionals. https://www.childfamilycenter.org
Nikki has served on various local, state, and national boards, including advising and facilitating Governor Schwarzenegger’s California Methamphetamine Implementation Initiative. She was elected to serve on Orange County’s Homeless Continuum of Care Board, filling the seat for systems change and advocacy for families and children who were housing insecure and/or homeless. She was appointed a Commissioner to the Sacramento County Behavioral Health Commission and served as vice-chair. She is a member of the LA County Department of Children and Family Services Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, which works on policy to ensure coordination of multi-agency development of services for the prevention, identification, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
She has hundreds of hours of leadership training through the California Health Initiative Leadership Academy and Women’s Executive Leadership Forum and extensive National Leadership Training through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency, Department of Human Services (DHHS).
She co-wrote “Recipe for Success” with acclaimed author Jack Canfield and others. She has been a featured speaker at various events promoting workplace wellness, individual and family self-care, women’s leadership, and community engagement.
Ms. Buckstead is a certified meditation teacher and yoga instructor, a Certified Project Manager Professional through Cornell University, and a Certified Workplace Wellness Manager through the National Wellness Institute.
Having visited over 30 countries, she loves to travel and experience different cultures. She enjoys spending her time having new experiences and being with friends and family. You can find her enjoying paddleboarding, hiking, museums, and music.
Ana DeGuzman-Silva
Executive Assistant
Ana DeGuzman-Silva, Executive Assistant
Ana DeGuzman-Silva
Executive Assistant
Ana DeGuzman-Silva is a seasoned Executive Assistant who had the pleasure working with the Center’s CEOs over the past 20 years. Her strong organizational and analytical skills as well as her interest in law made her an asset in managing myriad of projects supporting the CEO and the Board of Directors.
Ana holds a Bachelor Degree in International Studies. She interned at a law office and worked as a Chancellor’s assistant for an embassy prior to immigrating to the US. She had 10 years nonprofit work experience in New York City prior to her moving in Santa Clarita in 1996.
Cheryl Jones
Vice President of Marketing and Community Outreach
Cheryl Jones, Vice President of Marketing and Community Outreach
Cheryl Jones
Vice President of Marketing and Community Outreach
Cheryl Jones is Vice President of Marketing and Community Outreach, and has been with the Center for more than twenty-five years.
She is responsible for all fundraising and communications activities, planning and executing campaigns and events, donor and funder relations, developing and executing marketing and communication plans and working with the board of directors. Cheryl is passionate about the mission of the Center and works every day to bring awareness to the community through a multi-channel approach of community outreach, communication and stewardship.
Prior to joining the Center, Cheryl was Director of Operations for a wholesale travel company in Los Angeles, planning and executing large group tours and excursions to Europe and the Middle East. Cheryl earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Certificate in Advanced Professional Development in Fundraising and Institutional Advancement from California State University at Northridge.
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP, Human Resources Director
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP, is a certified professional in Human Resources who has been working in the field of mental health and addiction treatment for over 13 years. Heather joined Child & Family Center in January of 2022 as the HR Manager and was promoted to HR Director in August 2022, overseeing the human resources department for the Agency. She has always had a passion for the mental health field and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology but decided to use her skills and knowledge to manage people operations.
Marcelo Bedy
Senior Controller
Marcelo Bedy, Senior Controller
Marcelo Bedy
Senior Controller
Marcelo Bedy joined the Child & Family Center’s team in January 2014 as the Contract’s Administrator. In 2018, Mr. Bedy moved into the Controller position and since 2020 has served as the agency’s Senior Controller.
Mr. Bedy holds a Certified Public Accountant degree, obtained in 1989 from the University of Buenos Aires – Faculty of Economic Sciences.
Mr. Bedy specializes in financial administration and for the past 40 years has successfully served in a variety of different industries including insurance, engineering, construction, medical and non-profit agencies.
Mr. Bedy’s varied background and expertise in the various industries in which he has worked has prepared him to manage and oversee a dedicated and successful finance department. His in-depth experience also allows him to manage the Center’s large and complex contracts and grants to ensure the high quality and integrity of fiscal responsibility and reporting for the agency.
Jaime Piscione, LMFT
Vice President of Programs and Services
Jaime Piscione, L.M.F.T., Vice President of Programs and Services
Jaime Piscione, L.M.F.T.
Vice President of Programs and Services
Ms. Piscione comes to Child & Family Center with more than two decades of experience in the mental/behavioral health field – specifically in community mental health settings. Starting her career providing direct services and then moving into administrative and leadership roles, Jaime brings her extensive experience is in programs serving children, youth, adults and families to the Center. Her experience spans outpatient, intensive community-based, and crisis intervention programs. She also has experience with substance use disorder programs and shelter services.
Ms. Piscione has managed and overseen Wraparound Services, Full-Service Partnership, Outpatient Care Services, Intensive Field Capable Clinical Services, and Medication Support Services and others. She is motivated by providing high quality services to the youth and families Child & Family Center serves, and by working with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure we are continuing to our goal of excellent quality of care and timely services to the community we serve as well as ensuring our systems of care are sustainable within our organization and the larger community.
Jaime holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles.
For years, she was a Behavioral Health Surveyor with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilitates (CARF) and involved with accreditations of nonprofit health and human services agencies nationwide.
Jennifer Roecklein, MA, CPHQ
Vice President of Administration
Jennifer Roecklein, MA, CPHQ, Vice President of Administration
Jennifer Roecklein, MA, CPHQ
Vice President of Administration
Ms. Roecklein is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) who has been working in the field of mental health and substance use since 2011 and joined the Child & Family Center team in 2018.
Jennifer has served in various quality related roles with increasing scope of responsibility over safety, client experience, compliance, and licensing and accreditation. Jennifer has supported two agencies in achieving and sustaining accreditation, including Child & Family Center’s accreditation through The Joint Commission.
Jennifer is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention trainer with over 150 hours of training experience and has experience building and leading health and safety teams and facilitating health and safety training and education.
As Vice President of Administration, Jennifer is responsible for oversight of quality, compliance, student training, IT, facilities, and administrative operations. Jennifer is the Chair of the Quality Improvement Committee and Risk Management Committee, as well as the facilitator for the Cultural Awareness Team and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Reading Club.
Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Politics, Economics and Business, with an emphasis in Nonprofit Leadership, from Claremont Graduate University.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Cindy Boada-Doutt, LMFT
Division Director Outpatient
Cindy Boada-Doutt, LMFT, Division Director Outpatient
Cindy Boada-Doutt, LMFT
Division Director Outpatient
Cindy Boada-Doutt has over 27 years in the mental health field, Cindy has dedicated her life to the well-being of individuals and communities. Her extensive experience encompasses a variety of settings and populations, making her a versatile and compassionate leader in mental health care.
Cindy’s journey in mental health began over two decades ago. Since then, has held numerous roles that have enriched her expertise and solidified her commitment to mental health advocacy. Throughout her career, she has overseen a diverse array of programs including: Outpatient Services, Intensive Services (TBS, Wrap Around, FSP Child and Adult), Crisis Residential Treatment, Sub-Acute Facilities. Cindy’s work is marked by her ability to connect with and support wide range of populations to include birth to five, children/teens, and adults with chronic mental health issues and incarcerated adults.
Cindy has been dedicated to making mental health services accessible and high-quality. She believes in the power of community-based care and strives to create programs that are inclusive, responsive, and effective
Cindy earned her Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization of Marriage and Family at the University of La Verne. Cindy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Mary Brown
Senior Director of Administrative Services
Mary Brown, Senior Director of Administrative Services
Mary Brown
Senior Director of Administrative Services
Mary Brown oversees and directs various administrative services and business operations functions including program services, front office, childcare, information technology, facilities and grounds maintenance and improvements, vendor contracting/purchasing and risk management. Mary has over 15 years of collective experience managing Early Childhood/School Age programs and oversight of facilities operations. She joined the Child & Family Center in 2014 as the supervisor of the Therapeutic Preschool. When the program ended she transitioned into managing administrative services and later moved into her current role. Mary holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Psychology from California State University, Northridge.
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, MS, LMFT
Manager of Quality and Compliance
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, MS, LMFT, Manager of Quality and Compliance
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, MS, LMFT
Manager of Quality and Compliance
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in community mental health programs and private practice. She joined the Child & Family Center team in 2021. Ms. Caro-Delvaille has experience working within outpatient and intensive service programs such as Wraparound Services and has provided crisis stabilization services in clinics, in homes and in the community.
Jeanine is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) instructor. In addition to her direct service experience, Jeanine has served within community mental health training, quality assurance, and quality improvement departments for more than 10 years where she has focused on improving outcomes for the clients served at Child & Family Center.
Kelly Dorsey, PhD
Manager of Clinical & Student Training
Kelly Dorsey, PhD, Manager of Clinical & Student Training
Kelly Dorsey
Manager of Clinical & Student Training
Dr. Kelly Dorsey is the Manager of Clinical & Student Training at Child & Family Center, and she has over 15 years of experience providing mental health services. As a licensed psychologist, she specializes in providing therapy and conducting psychological assessments with children, teens, and families. In addition, she is passionate about training, and enjoys supporting others in their learning. Dr. Dorsey is trained and certified in various evidence-based practices. Some of these include: Trauma Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practices, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services, Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing.
Dr. Dorsey received a B.A. degree from the University of California, Irvine, majoring in psychology and political science. She continued her studies in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles, earning an M.A. and Ph.D. Throughout her mental health career, she has specialized in working in community mental health settings. In her current role as Manager of Clinical & Student Training, she oversees and supervises graduate level students who are gaining clinical experience and working towards completing their degrees in the mental health field. In addition, Dr. Dorsey manages and supervises the psychological testing services provided at the Child & Family Center.
Anissa Lee
Assistant Controller
Anissa Lee, Assistant Controller
Anissa Lee
Assistant Controller
Anissa Lee serves as the Assistant Controller at Child & Family Center. She joined the Agency in July 2015 with more than twenty years of professional experience in accounting and reporting. She works closely with the Senior Controller in leading the Finance team in all financial functions with the commitment to efficiency, quality and integrity.
Anissa attained her B.S. degree at CSU, Long Beach, California. Anissa has her career in Accounting since she left college. She was the Accounting Manager of an international skincare company for twelve years before she came to Child & Family Center. She has experience and competency in budgeting, cash flow forecasts, GAAP, internal control, mergers, financial reporting, internal and external audits, and tax returns.
Destiny McCune
Marketing and Outreach Program Manager
Destiny McCune, Marketing and Outreach Program Manager
Destiny McCune
Marketing and Outreach Program Manager
A proud Santa Clarita native, Destiny McCune brings close to a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, specializing in events, community outreach, and innovative programming. Destiny earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication with a minor in Nonprofit Advocacy and began her journey of service as a certified domestic violence advocate, supporting vulnerable populations with compassion and care.
Destiny has a proven track record in program management, grant writing, marketing, and event planning. She has successfully secured significant grant funding, managed complex programs, orchestrated large-scale events, and led diverse teams. Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, she uses her expertise in strategic communication and organizational development to design impactful programs and events that drive meaningful change in the communities she serves.
Family is at the heart of everything Destiny does. In her free time, she enjoys raising her two children, spending time on the coast, thrifting for hidden treasures, interior design, and making magical memories at Disneyland.
Melissa Mercer, MSSW, LCSW
Division Director, Intensive Services
Melissa Mercer, MSSW, LCSW, Division Director, Intensive Services
Melissa Mercer, MSSW, LCSW
Division Director, Intensive Services
Melissa Mercer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that joined Child and Family Center in March 2017 as the Full-Service Partnership (FSP) Program Manager. In August 2018, she was promoted to the Division Director position that oversees all intensive services and field-based programs for the agency.
Ms. Mercer has over 20 years of experience providing and supervising community mental health services for children, teens, adults, and families. She has practiced community mental health in several states, including California, Arizona, Maine, and Kentucky. Ms. Mercer has worked in a variety of settings including day treatment, residential, birth to five programs, intensive and field-based services.
Melissa earned her Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, bargain hunting, traveling to new places, and spending time with family and friends.
Amy Warren, PsyD
Manager of Training & Education
Amy Warren, PsyD, Manager of Training & Education
Amy Warren, PsyD
Manager of Training & Education
Dr. Warren is a licensed psychologist and has been with Child & Family Center since 2016. Dr. Warren specializes in children’s mental health with over twenty years of experience working with child and families in various settings. For the last ten years, she has provided trauma-informed mental health services to children and families in community mental health care settings.
Dr. Warren currently serves as Manager of Training and Education where she oversees graduate level practicum and internship programs, serves as a clinical supervisor for psychology and Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) trainees, and serves as the administrator for the American Psychological Association (APA) Continuing Education program. Dr. Warren is certified in various evidence-based practices, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Incredible Years (IY) Social Skills Group Facilitator, Triple P, and is rostered as a practitioner and supervisor in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).