OUR TEAM

Raul Benitez is a dedicated social worker with over six years of experience serving children and families through case management, therapeutic support, and group facilitation. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinician, he brings a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to his work with diverse communities across Los Angeles County.

 

Raul currently serves as a social worker with Families Uniting Families’ Project Fatherhood program, where he supports fathers who are systems-involved or at risk of involvement in the child welfare system. In this role, he carries a caseload of 15+ clients, facilitates parenting groups, and provides one-on-one case management using tools like the Family Assessment Form (FAF), Eco-maps, and ACES assessments. He is known for building strong partnerships with service providers and using motivational interviewing to help parents strengthen their relationships and parenting skills.

 

Raul holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. His clinical training includes experience with MHALA’s Wellness Center, where he provided psychotherapy using CBT, DBT, and interpersonal therapy modalities. He has also worked with individuals with complex mental health needs at La Casa Mental Health Recovery Center and supported crisis intervention and resource navigation as a Community Resource Advisor with 211 LA County.

 

Raul is a U.S. Navy veteran and former youth program coordinator with LAUSD’s Beyond the Bell program. He is passionate about supporting families through healing-centered, strengths-based practices and continues to advocate for equitable services for underserved populations.

Julia Bobadilla is a bilingual (English/Spanish) social worker with over a decade of experience supporting children, youth, and families in the foster care and mental health systems. Since 2014, she has served as a Foster Care Social Worker with Families Uniting Families, where she provides intensive case management and advocacy for youth in care.

​

In her role, Julia works closely with foster children, resource families, and service providers to address each youth’s emotional, academic, medical, and developmental needs. She conducts weekly home visits, facilitates family reunification efforts, creates individualized treatment plans, and ensures permanency options are explored and supported. Her collaborative approach with schools, therapists, and the Department of Children and Family Services ensures holistic and trauma-informed care.

​

Julia holds a Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from the University of La Verne. She also completed a study abroad program at the Universidad de Barcelona in Spain, further expanding her global and cultural perspective on social work practice.

​

Before joining Families Uniting Families, Julia worked for seven years at Boys Republic, where she provided group and family counseling, collaborated with probation officers and social workers, and supported system-involved youth. She also completed internships at The Whole Child and Families Uniting Families, gaining experience in therapy, DMH assessments, and foster care case management.

​

Julia is CPR and First Aid certified, computer proficient, and known for her commitment to client advocacy, team collaboration, and culturally responsive care. Her extensive experience, empathy, and dedication make her a trusted and valued member of the Families Uniting Families team.

Gladys Cervantes is a compassionate and skilled social worker with a strong background in case management, program coordination, and client advocacy. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. Her dedication to empowering families and building community support systems has guided her work with vulnerable populations across Los Angeles County.

​

Gladys previously served as a Social Work Case Manager at Families Uniting Families, where she supported a caseload of 35 urban fathers through Project Fatherhood and Life Coaching programs. She conducted intake assessments, facilitated goal-setting, coordinated parenting classes, and collaborated with courts and service providers to help fathers reunify with their children and achieve long-term stability. She also contributed to program reporting by gathering and organizing both qualitative and quantitative data for grants.

​

With additional experience in administrative support and customer service, Gladys is known for her professionalism, leadership, and attention to detail. She is committed to providing trauma-informed, client-centered care and fostering environments where families can heal and thrive.

Lilian Garcia is a bilingual Associate Clinical Social Worker with deep experience in trauma-informed care, wraparound services, and family systems work. She is passionate about providing culturally responsive support to children, adolescents, and families facing emotional, behavioral, and systemic challenges. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lilian integrates therapeutic, advocacy, and case management strategies to promote healing and resilience in underserved communities.

​

Currently serving as a Clinician with the Children’s Institute, Lilian provides individual, dyadic, and family-centered therapy as part of a multidisciplinary team. Her previous role as an Intensive Care Coordinator included facilitating Child and Family Team meetings, coordinating services across educational and mental health systems, and supporting families in crisis through on-call crisis response.

​

Lilian earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, where she also completed a certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. Her clinical internships include Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Long Beach and Haven Health Hospice, where she supported school-age children and families navigating grief and end-of-life care. She also has experience working with the Los Angeles County Probation Department and the supportive housing community at Century Villages at Cabrillo.

​

In addition to her direct practice work, Lilian has volunteered as a Child Advocate for immigrant children through the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. She is a graduate of Leadership Long Beach and an alum of programs focused on equity, justice, and youth engagement.

​

Lilian is committed to advancing holistic, equity-driven mental health practices and empowering families to thrive across generations.

Cecilia Gomez is a Social Worker with Families Uniting Families’ Project Fatherhood program, where she provides one-on-one case management and facilitates parenting education and support groups for both fathers and mothers. She is passionate about advocacy, community empowerment, and helping families navigate challenges with empathy and care.

 

Cecilia’s journey with Project Fatherhood began during her undergraduate internship, where she supported parents through case management, curriculum development, and group facilitation. She also gained valuable experience at New Hope Grief Support Community, co-facilitating middle school grief groups and strengthening her skills in empathy, critical thinking, and client advocacy.

 

In addition to her social work experience, Cecilia  served as a secretary and longtime volunteer at St. Athanasius Church in Long Beach, coordinating events, managing records, and supporting community outreach.

 

Fluent in Spanish and English, with beginner skills in ASL, Cecilia brings a culturally responsive and inclusive approach to her work. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach in 2025 and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at CSULB, with an expected graduation in 2027.

 

Beyond her professional commitments, Cecilia enjoys connecting with her community, adapting to new challenges, and supporting families in building brighter futures.

Luz Gonzalez is a dedicated social worker and Long Beach native who has been a valued member of the Families Uniting Families team since 2014. She began her journey with the organization as an intern with the Project Fatherhood program and was later promoted to Social Work Case Manager after earning her Bachelor of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2015.

​

In her current role, Luz provides comprehensive case management to fathers and their families, with a focus on supporting those impacted by the child welfare and criminal justice systems. She is actively involved in client outreach and recruitment, intake assessments, and the development of individualized service plans. Luz also coordinates with community partners to ensure families receive the resources and support they need, and plays a key role in collecting program data to inform service delivery and reporting.

​

Luz is deeply committed to ethical, strengths-based practice and adheres to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics in her work. She is known for her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and ability to build trust with the families she serves.

​

In pursuit of continued professional growth, Luz returned to CSULB to earn her Master of Social Work degree, which she completed in May 2022. Her commitment to learning and service makes her an integral member of the Project Fatherhood team and a trusted advocate for families in the Long Beach community.

Rosalva Gutierrez is a seasoned administrator and advocate with over 30 years of experience in child welfare, foster care, and adoption services. She currently serves as the Program Manager at Families Uniting Families, where she oversees the foster care and adoption programs and works closely with the Executive Director to ensure high-quality services for children and families.

​

A founding member of Families Uniting Families, Rosalva has played a key role in shaping the agency’s systems and services since 2004. Her work has included case management, human resources, training coordination, compliance monitoring, and program evaluation. She has facilitated orientations, conducted home inspections, maintained psychotropic medication and licensing logs, and supervised educational support programs in partnership with LACOE. Her contributions have helped hundreds of families navigate the foster care and adoption process with care, professionalism, and cultural responsiveness.

​

Fluent in Spanish, Rosalva is a certified Project Fatherhood facilitator and a State of California Notary Public. She is also trained in CPR and First Aid, and has been certified in MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) training. Rosalva’s early career included roles at Homes of Hope Foster Family Agency, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, and the L.A. County Probation Department, where she provided critical administrative and bilingual support to social workers, probation officers, and families.

​

Rosalva brings warmth, wisdom, and decades of dedication to her work, championing the well-being of children and the empowerment of foster and adoptive families throughout Los Angeles County.

Dr. Devon Ivey is a seasoned researcher, program developer, evaluator, and grant writer with over 20 years of experience supporting social service organizations, schools, and government agencies nationwide. He currently serves as the Director of Research for Project Fatherhood at Families Uniting Families, where he oversees program strategy, evaluation, and expansion to support fathers impacted by the criminal justice and child welfare systems. His work integrates trauma-informed parenting education, community partnership development, and public policy advocacy to strengthen family well-being and social equity.

 

Dr. Ivey has led or contributed to more than 378 funded proposals totaling over $75 million, securing support from foundations, local governments, and federal agencies to expand programs for underserved communities across 15 states. His expertise includes conducting formative, summative, process, and impact evaluations for education and social service initiatives, with a strong emphasis on fatherhood, reentry, child welfare, and youth development.

 

With a career spanning community-based organizations, school systems, correctional facilities, and higher education, Dr. Ivey brings a multidisciplinary approach to research and program design. He holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, where he studied the experiences of Black fathers navigating the child welfare system. He also earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction for Science and a Bachelor’s in Biology. He is an active member of multiple leadership councils and coalitions, including the NAACP, California Fatherhood Council, and the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP).

 

Dr. Ivey is committed to advancing research-driven, equity-centered practices that uplift fathers and transform the systems that shape their lives.

Mayra Love is a bilingual social worker with a strong background in family support, parenting education, and trauma-informed case management. She brings over eight years of experience supporting families, youth, and system-involved parents through a strengths-based, culturally responsive lens. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mayra is passionate about helping parents navigate the challenges of reunification, emotional healing, and personal growth.

​

Mayra currently serves as a Social Worker and Parenting Group Facilitator with Families Uniting Families’ Project Fatherhood program. Since 2017, she has worked closely with fathers impacted by the child welfare system, providing case management, emotional support, and parenting education. She facilitates weekly group sessions, conducts needs assessments, and coordinates with DCFS caseworkers to advocate for family stability and reunification.

​

Her clinical training includes internships with Mental Health America of Los Angeles and the Centralia Elementary School District, where she provided counseling to transition-aged youth (TAY), students with behavioral concerns, and foster youth. She holds certifications in domestic violence counseling, mandated reporting, and adoption-competent mental health care.

​

Mayra earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. She is certified as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) and trained in motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and the Nurturing Fathers Program. Mayra is known for her empathy, reliability, and unwavering commitment to empowering families through advocacy, education, and healing.

Stephanie Mendoza is a bilingual social worker dedicated to supporting children and families through trauma-informed care, advocacy, and collaborative service coordination. Since 2020, she has served as a Foster Care Social Worker at Families Uniting Families, where she works closely with youth and their resource families to ensure safety, stability, and healing.

​

In her role, Stephanie conducts weekly home visits, provides in-home training and support to foster families, and facilitates Child and Family Team meetings. She also coordinates services with schools, therapists, and other providers, while monitoring family visits and ensuring all documentation and referrals are completed in compliance with state and agency standards. Known for her strong organizational skills, empathy, and responsiveness, Stephanie plays a critical role in helping families navigate the child welfare system.

​

Stephanie holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a minor in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential and is certified in CPR and Psychological First Aid.

 

Her previous experience includes roles as a psychiatric social work intern with LAUSD, a community care advocate for survivors of violence at the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice, and a residential counselor at Victor Treatment Centers. She is fluent in Spanish and passionate about empowering families with the tools and support needed to thrive. Stephanie’s commitment to equity, safety, and family well-being makes her an invaluable member of the Families Uniting Families team.

Carlee Okerman is a founding member of Families Uniting Families and a highly experienced social worker with over 25 years of dedicated service in foster care, adoption, and child welfare. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from California State University, Long Beach, Carlee brings clinical insight, administrative expertise, and a deep commitment to children and families in care.

​

As Supervising Foster Care Social Worker and Adoption Program Director, Carlee oversees case management, home studies, adoption finalizations, and staff supervision. She has played a vital role in shaping the agency’s foster care and adoption programs—writing Structured Analysis Family Evaluations (SAFE), supporting resource families, managing documentation, and ensuring licensing compliance. Carlee also supervises new social work staff and mentors interns from CSULB and USC.

​

Her previous roles include Independent Living Coordinator, where she developed life skills programming for youth aging out of foster care, and Social Worker with Homes of Hope Foster Family Agency, where she supported foster youth through behavioral interventions, crisis response, and family engagement.

​

Carlee’s work is grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based practice and is driven by her passion for helping children find permanency and stability. In addition to her professional roles, she has served on the boards of local PTAs and youth-focused nonprofits, further reflecting her long-standing commitment to community and family well-being.

​

Carlee’s leadership, knowledge, and compassion make her an integral part of the Families Uniting Families team and a trusted guide for foster and adoptive families throughout Southern California.

Ivan Orozco is a Project Fatherhood Social Worker with a strong background in youth and family services, case management, and educational support. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Information Systems from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and recently completed his Master of Social Work with a specialization in Child and Family Wellbeing at California State University, Long Beach.

 

Ivan has served in a variety of roles supporting youth, families, and communities—including as College Success Manager at the P.F. Bresee Foundation, where he oversaw scholarship programming and provided mentorship to first-generation college students. His professional background also includes positions as a CARES Counselor and Family Advocate/Case Manager at Bresee’s Family Source Center, resilience coaching at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and case management through the City of Gardena’s Juvenile Justice Intervention Program.

​

In his current role with Project Fatherhood, Ivan provides social work support to fathers and families, helping them access resources, strengthen relationships, and achieve long-term stability. His commitment is to empowering young people and their families through culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and practical support that fosters growth and success.

Fernanda Ruiz is a dedicated and bilingual child welfare professional with extensive experience in foster care placement, case management, and program operations. Since 2017, she has served in multiple roles at Families Uniting Families, where she is currently the Placement Assistant for the Foster Care and Adoption Program. In this position, Fernanda works closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to match foster youth with appropriate resource families, ensuring that each placement meets the child's unique needs and supports their well-being.

​

In her role, Fernanda conducts placement assessments, facilitates youth intakes, and ensures compliance with agency and county protocols. She collaborates with social workers, school districts, childcare providers, and foster families to support successful transitions and resolve issues as they arise. Her work also includes data tracking, statistical reporting, and presenting at Resource Family Approval (RFA) orientations.

​

Fernanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, and Associate degrees in Sociology and Liberal Arts from Santa Ana College. Her previous roles at Families Uniting Families include Program Assistant, Case Manager for Project Fatherhood, and support staff for the Life Coaching and Fundamentals of Fatherhood program. She also served as a Peace Corps TEFL teacher in Ecuador and as a mental health worker at a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP), gaining hands-on experience supporting youth with complex needs.

​

Fernanda is fluent in English and Spanish and holds certifications in CPR, Motivational Interviewing, Pro-ACT crisis intervention, and the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative. She brings a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to her work and is committed to promoting stability, healing, and hope for children and families in the foster care system.

Jorge Salazar is a dedicated social worker committed to supporting children, families, and communities affected by the foster care system. A lifelong resident of Los Angeles County, Jorge’s passion for social justice and community empowerment was shaped by his upbringing in a working-class neighborhood. Inspired to advocate for marginalized populations, he pursued higher education as a pathway to service and impact.

​

Jorge earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Chicano Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of California, Riverside. He later received his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California in 2017, where he further honed his skills in advocacy, trauma-informed care, and systems navigation.

His introduction to foster care came during a one-year professional internship at Families Uniting Families, where he discovered a deep commitment to working with youth and families impacted by the child welfare system. That formative experience led him to join the organization full-time, where he now serves as a Foster Care Social Worker.

​

In his current role, Jorge provides comprehensive case management and support to foster youth, birth families, and resource parents. He is known for his empathetic approach, strong communication skills, and ability to build trust with diverse populations. In addition to his direct service work, Jorge serves as a preceptor and mentor to Master of Social Work interns, helping to shape and guide the next generation of social workers.

​

Jorge’s work is rooted in the values of compassion, equity, and empowerment. His dedication to fostering safe, supportive, and stable environments for children in care makes him an integral part of the Families Uniting Families team and a trusted advocate within the broader community.

James is the founder and Executive Director of Families Uniting Families (FUF)—a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that is licensed by the State of California to provide foster care (2004), Project Fatherhood (2010) and adoption services (2014). FUF’s vision is to support their children to realize their unique potential in permanent families and in meaningful relationships.  He has dedicated his entire career to assisting children and families in their quest for balance, peace and purpose. 

 

Mr. Schrage teaches in the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach (2002-present) and he was honoured by the California State University, Long Beach—School of Social Work by receiving the Annual Distinguished Alumnus for excellence in Social Work (2012).  He favours the cultivation of curiosity and believes that the most rewarding aspect of the work is being able to impassion others to ignite the embers of change.       

 

James is a member of the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) team that conducts four year reviews sanctioned by the 1994 Amendments to the Social Security Act and administered by the Children’s Bureau.  He participated in “Round 2” state reviews of Montana (2008), Illinois (2009), and Puerto Rico (2010).  His experience on the federal team review has provided tremendous awareness regarding the child welfare system across the United States.

 

James is a co-founder and creator of an international social work partnership with faculty at UCLA, CSULA, and the University of Ghana, Accra (2007) which eventually transformed into another stand alone non-profit organization, the Social Work Abroad Program (SWAP) –www.socialworkabroad.org.  He  initiated the first pilot under SWAP and is credited with the development & logistics in Costa Rica.  SWAP worked in partnership with La Universidad Naciónal (Heredia, Costa Rica) for the summer abroad program 2014.  James, a fluent Spanish language speaker, has lived and travelled extensively in the Americas.  His international practice has provided FUF with a leader who holds a distinctive view regarding matters of culture, social work practice, and service delivery.    

 

Prior to joining Families Uniting Families (FUF), James worked in an executive level position for 9 years at another foster family agency (1995-2004).   Preceding this, he interned and worked as a Children’s Social Worker for Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (1992-1994). 

 

James believes, “The community and philanthropy must take note of our effort [Families Uniting Families].  If agencies like ours are under-supported then many of the children with whom we work are more likely to grow up under more vulnerable circumstances only to face an onslaught of mayhem.  And, it will ravage.  Specifically, we will see more incarceration, homelessness and untimely death to young people that could have been helped.  So, what am I asking?  …learn about FUF and join with us.  We cannot do this alone.  We need you and your kind support.”

With a passion for community, creativity, and growth, Leslie Sis-Chico brings a strong background in student services and outreach to her role as Social Worker for our Project Fatherhood program. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in Communication Studies with a focus on Culture and Public Affairs, along with a Mediation Certificate in Conflict, Negotiation, and Dispute Resolution at California State University, Long Beach. Leslie is committed to building a career in the nonprofit sector, where she can combine her communication skills with her dedication to helping individuals and families access vital resources.

 

Before joining our team, Leslie served as a Lead Program Assistant at Los Angeles City College, where she managed scholarship outreach, coordinated workshops, and built community partnerships to expand resources for former foster youth. She also completed an internship with Project Fatherhood, where she gained valuable experience in curriculum development, program evaluation, and nonprofit communications. 

 

Outside of her professional and academic commitments, Leslie enjoys hiking, gardening, and photography. She finds balance and inspiration in capturing the beauty of nature and hopes to grow her photography into a creative side venture. With her anticipated graduation in Fall 2025, Leslie looks forward to expanding her impact in community-focused work and giving back by helping others access the same opportunities that supported her own journey.

Sydney Taxler is a compassionate and experienced social worker dedicated to supporting the well-being of youth and families. A native of Long Beach, she has been a vital member of the Families Uniting Families team since 2016, initially serving as a Permanency Support Services Worker and later stepping into her current role as a Foster Care Social Worker in 2018.

​

In her role, Sydney collaborates closely with foster youth, their biological families, and foster caregivers to address each child’s unique emotional, educational, social, and mental health needs. She is a strong advocate for her clients, working diligently to ensure they have access to the services, stability, and nurturing relationships necessary for growth and healing. Her goal is to create a supportive and enriching environment where every youth in care can thrive.

​

Sydney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, and earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2019. Her professional background includes experience as a high school track and field coach, crisis counselor for teens, mental health clinician for women in correctional settings, and therapist for youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.

​

Drawing on her diverse experience, Sydney brings a mentoring spirit and trauma-informed approach to her work. She focuses on preparing youth in care for long-term success—whether through reunification with their biological families, transitioning to independent living, or exploring paths in higher education, skilled trades, or employment. Sydney’s dedication to advocacy, mentorship, and holistic care makes her a trusted and valued member of the Families Uniting Families team.