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Valley Oasis

Leadership Team

Executive Leadership

Sarah Perry, MSW
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Perry, MSW

Chief Executive Officer

Appointed Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Directors on February 13, 2023, after serving as Interim CEO beginning in July 2022, Sarah leads Valley Oasis with more than 13 years of experience across the nonprofit sector. Her career spans direct service, data and evaluation, program leadership, and executive management, shaping a collaborative and systems-focused approach that leverages data, strategic planning, and strong partnerships to advance lasting community impact. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Michelle Sandoval
Chief Administrative Officer
Michelle Sandoval

Chief Administrative Officer

Michelle serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Valley Oasis, bringing over 11 years of leadership and operational experience within the organization. She oversees human resources, administrative operations, compliance, and organizational governance, ensuring the agency operates efficiently and in alignment with its mission. Michelle works closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to strengthen systems, support staff development, and advance organizational effectiveness. She is committed to fostering a collaborative culture and supporting Valley Oasis’ continued impact in the community. 

Toni Severino
Chief Financial Officer
Toni Severino

Chief Financial Officer

Toni has served as Chief Financial Officer at Valley Oasis since 2016, bringing more than 40 years of accounting experience across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including 18 years with the organization. Throughout her tenure, she has played a key role in securing grants and advancing critical projects that strengthen the agency’s financial stability and infrastructure. She is particularly proud of her leadership on a multi-year Department of Justice grant that funded essential repairs, renovations, and recreational improvements to the domestic violence shelter.

Thrift
Shoppe

Communications
&
Community Impact

Facilities

Angelene Swalley
Thrift Store Manager
Angelene Swalley

Thrift Store Manager

Coming Soon…

Elvia Aldaco Salazar, MPA
Communications and Community Impact Director
Elvia Aldaco Salazar, MPA

Communications and Community Impact Director

A scholar-practitioner specializing in homelessness and systems transformation, Elvia has spent the past decade researching housing instability and advancing community-based solutions. During her six years at Valley Oasis, she progressed from Case Manager to Regional Coordinator before being promoted to Director in November 2024, where she leads strategic communications, cultivates partnerships, and drives initiatives that strengthen organizational impact. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California.

Patti Rivetti
Facilities Manager
Patti Rivetti

Facilities Manager

Patti is a seasoned leader at Valley Oasis, bringing decades of experience across homeless services, trauma programs, and operations to her role as Facility Manager. Over her 23-year tenure, she has held leadership positions, including 15 years supervising the thrift store and serving as a volunteer advocate in the SARS program, providing her with broad organizational expertise. A U.S. Air Force veteran, she applies the discipline and leadership gained through her military service to ensure the operational integrity and daily functionality of the agency.

Trauma Services

Lisa Dawson, CPRP
Trauma Services Senior Director
Lisa Dawson, CPRP

Trauma Services Senior Director

Lisa serves as Senior Director of Trauma Services at Valley Oasis, overseeing a comprehensive portfolio of survivor-centered programs that support individuals, families, and children throughout the Antelope Valley. With more than 35 years of experience in human services, she brings deep expertise in advancing emotional and behavioral health outcomes across diverse communities. She has maintained her credential in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery Practice since 2015 and earned a certificate in Nonprofit Management from UCLA Extension in 2013.

Barbara Keller
Sexual Assault Response Services (SARS) Program Manager
Barbara Keller

Sexual Assault Response Services (SARS) Program Manager

With more than ten years of experience in the social services field, Barbara joined Valley Oasis in January 2026 as the Program Manager of SARS. She brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, program development, grant management, and team oversight, with a focus on advancing prevention efforts and strengthening collaborative partnerships. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Applied Sciences in Heidelberg, Germany.

Genevieve Awad-Kamel
CalWORK’s Legal Senior Attorney
Genevieve Awad-Kamel

CalWORK’s Legal Senior Attorney

Genevieve has served Valley Oasis since August 2008 and currently works as the Agency’s Senior Attorney for the CalWORKs Legal Services program. In this role, she provides trauma-informed legal representation and guidance to survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable community members, with a focus on family law, restraining orders, immigration matters, and victims’ rights. Genevieve also oversees and mentors legal staff, supports grant compliance, and collaborates with community partners to ensure clients receive compassionate, high-quality legal services

Lili Torres
Domestic Violence Services Director
Lili Torres

Domestic Violence Services Director

Over the past six years, Lili has played an integral role in strengthening Domestic Violence Services at Valley Oasis through dedicated leadership and a commitment to survivor-centered care. Her work reflects a focus on program integrity, service excellence, and meaningful impact for individuals, families, and children experiencing crisis.

Natalie McCanelley-Boddie, LMFT
Kayla’s Place Clinical Therapist
Natalie McCanelley-Boddie, LMFT

Kayla’s Place Clinical Therapist

Natalie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) committed to supporting individuals and families in their healing journeys. Since July 2023, she has served as the Clinical Therapist at Valley Oasis – Kayla’s Place, providing trauma-informed care to survivors of domestic violence and their families. She utilizes evidence-based approaches that foster emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy relationships. Natalie is dedicated to creating safe, empowering spaces where clients can rebuild, restore, and renew their lives with confidence.

Quinesha Lambert
CalWORK’s Case Management Program Manager
Quinesha Lambert

CalWORK’s Case Management Program Manager

Quinesha is a Domestic Violence (DV) specialist dedicated to advancing education, advocacy, and prevention efforts within the community. She holds an Anger Management certification and promotes healthy communication, accountability, and emotional regulation in her work. As a harm reduction advocate, Quinesha emphasizes compassionate, practical strategies that meet individuals where they are. Her work centers on empowerment, safety, and creating sustainable pathways toward lasting change.

Patricia Wright
Domestic Violence Services Program Manager
Patricia Wright

Domestic Violence Services Program Manager

Patricia has served Valley Oasis for nearly four years, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience with domestic violence to her role. Her background informs a survivor-centered approach grounded in empathy, advocacy, and crisis response, ensuring participants feel heard, empowered, and respected. She is committed to fostering safe, supportive environments and collaborating across teams to achieve the best possible outcomes for those served.

Housing and Homeless Services

Angela Rai
Housing and Homeless Services Senior Director
Angela Rai

Housing and Homeless Services Senior Director

Angela serves as the Homeless and Housing Services Senior Director at Valley Oasis, providing strategic leadership over multiple programs focused on housing stability and supportive services. During her nine years at Valley Oasis, she has advanced through roles in direct service, compliance, data management, regional coordination, and executive leadership. Her career reflects comprehensive expertise in program operations, public grant oversight, systems coordination, and a sustained commitment to strengthening pathways to housing and long-term stability.

Maria Sandoval
Homeless & Housing Services Director
Maria Sandoval

Homeless & Housing Services Director

With over 13 years in homeless services, Maria began her tenure at Valley Oasis in 2018 as a Lead Case Manager and has advanced to Homeless and Housing Services Director, overseeing interim housing, permanent housing, resource, and outreach services across the Antelope Valley. In her current role, she provides operational leadership, drives results, and fosters a collaborative, inclusive culture rooted in accountability and compassionate service. She remains deeply committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward stability and long-term housing success.

Cristina Merino
Housing Stability Director
Cristina Merino

Housing Stability Director

Having grown up experiencing housing insecurities in a Spanish-speaking household, Cristina brings a personal and professional understanding of the challenges facing the community she serves. She has proudly contributed eight years of leadership at Valley Oasis, supporting programs that empower individuals and families to achieve stability and resilience. Her lived experience informs her commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and creating equitable pathways for those navigating complex systems.

Adrian Barrera
Interim Housing Program Manager
Adrian Barrera

Interim Housing Program Manager

Adrian brings seven years of experience serving families experiencing homelessness, with a dedicated focus on households with minor children. He is committed to strengthening staff development, enhancing operational processes, and building systems that support long-term housing stability. Guided by a strong sense of community responsibility, he approaches his work with dignity, respect, and an unwavering commitment to those served.

Cassandra Vasquez
Permanent Housing Program Manager
Cassandra Vasquez

Permanent Housing Program Manager

Cassandra has served Valley Oasis for six years, developing extensive knowledge of the agency’s adult programs. Throughout her tenure, she has built cross-functional expertise that supports strong program operations and drives positive client outcomes.

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