Leadership Team | Valley Oasis

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.

Trauma Services

Lisa Dawson, CPRP

Senior Director of Trauma Services

Lisa Dawson, CPRP

Senior Director of Trauma Services

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

Program Manager of Sexual Assault Response Services (SARS)

Barbara Keller

Program Manager of Sexual Assault Response Services (SARS)

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

Senior Attorney

Genevieve Awad-Kamel

Senior Attorney

Coming Soon…

Lili Torres

Director of Domestic Violence Services

Lili Torres

Director of Domestic Violence Services

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

Clinical Therapist of Kayla’s Place

Natalie McCanelley-Boddie, LMFT

Clinical Therapist of Kayla’s Place

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

Program Manager of CalWORK’s Services

Quinesha Lambert

Program Manager of CalWORK’s Services

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

Program Manager of Domestic Violence Services

Patricia Wright

Program Manager of Domestic Violence Services

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

Senior Director of Housing and Homeless Services

Angela Rai

Senior Director of Housing and Homeless Services

Angela serves as the Senior Director of Homeless and Housing Services 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.

Brandon Scoggan

Director of Access and Engagement

Brandon Scoggan

Director of Access and Engagement

Serving as Director of Access and Engagement, Brandon has been a dedicated member of the Valley Oasis team for eight years. In his role, he leads initiatives that strengthen coordinated access, community engagement, and system collaboration, and he serves on multiple regional committees, including the newly formed Los Angeles County Leadership Table. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with his two children, going to the movies, and collecting Pokémon cards.

Brianna Wilson

Director of Transitional Aged Youth Services

Brianna Wilson

Director of Transitional Aged Youth Services

Coming Soon…

Cristina Merino

Director of Regional Coordination

Cristina Merino

Director of Regional Coordination

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.

Elvia Aldaco Salazar, MPA

Director of Communications and Community Impact

Elvia Aldaco Salazar, MPA

Director of Communications and Community Impact

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.

Maria Sandoval

Director of Families Services

Maria Sandoval

Director of Families Services

With over 13 years in homeless services, Maria began her tenure at Valley Oasis in 2018 as a Lead Case Manager and has advances to Director of Families Services, overseeing housing and supportive programs for families across the Antelope Valley, including the Bringing Families Home (BFH) program. 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 families on their journey toward stability, reunification, and long-term housing success.

Sheri Gorman

Director of Adult Services

Sheri Gorman

Director of Adult Services

Sheri joined Valley Oasis in 2017 and currently oversees multiple LAHSA-funded homeless contracts as well as a City of Palmdale contract. With over 14 years of experience serving underserved communities in the nonprofit sector, she brings expertise in program management, financial and grant oversight, community partnerships, staff supervision, and strategic implementation. Her work focuses on advancing sustainable solutions for the unhoused and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations throughout the community.

Adrian Barrera

Families Housing Navigation Program Manager

Adrian Barrera

Families Housing Navigation 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.

Alma Lizarraga

Access Center Manager

Alma Lizarraga

Access Center Manager

Alma serves as Access Center Program Manager at Valley Oasis, having started as Bringing Families Home Program Manager in 2025 and expanded her impact across the community. With over six years of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, she brings expertise in advocacy, case management, and program leadership, strengthened by prior roles at LA Family Housing and Linc Housing. She holds Associate degrees in General Arts and Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Substance Use Counseling Certificate, equipping her to support individuals on their path to stability and recovery.

Carolyn Orona

Adults Housing Navigation Program Manager

Carolyn Orona

Adults Housing Navigation Program Manager

Carolyn is a Program Manager with more than 15 years of experience in case management, including extensive work in mental health and housing programs. Her career is informed by both lived experience and years of frontline service, providing her with a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face. She is a strong advocate for Housing First principles, team development, and building clear systems that support both staff and clients. Carolyn leads with empathy, accountability, and transparency, remaining committed to expanding access to stability and opportunity for those served.

Cassandra Vasquez

Adults Time-Limited Subsidies Program Manager

Cassandra Vasquez

Adults Time-Limited Subsidies 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.

Consuelo Murray

Families Crisis Bridge Housing Manager

Consuelo Murray

Families Crisis Bridge Housing Manager

Raised in Anaheim, California, and a resident of the Antelope Valley since 2001, Consuelo is guided by compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others. She considers joining Valley Oasis one of her proudest accomplishments, as it allows her to fully channel her passion for supporting individuals and families in need. Drawing from lived experience, she brings authenticity, empathy, and meaningful connection to those she serves. Outside of her professional role, Consuelo cherishes time with her grandson and enjoys riding Harleys, embracing both family and adventure. She continues to live with purpose, using her experiences to make a lasting, positive impact in her community.

Marysa Rodriguez

YHDP Manager

Marysa Rodriguez

YHDP Manager

With over a decade of involvement at Valley Oasis, including nine years as an employee and three as a volunteer, Marysa brings deep commitment and experience supporting youth at risk of homelessness. She leads the Youth Outreach program and Youth Action Board, designing and implementing prevention-focused initiatives grounded in trauma-infromed and healing centered practices. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work, she advances strategies that create lasting stability and opportunity for young people and families throughout the community.

Sarah Havon

Regional Coordination Manager Families/Youth

Sarah Havon

Regional Coordination Manager Families/Youth

Sarah brings over seven years of experience in homeless services, specializing in supporting transitional-aged youth. She began her career as a case manager, providing individualized guidance to young people navigating housing instability, and has spent nearly five years serving the Valley Oasis community in leadership and advocacy roles. She holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Family and Youth Ministry and previously served as a youth and young adult pastor.

Sarai Galarza

Families Time-Limited Subsidies Program Manager

Sarai Galarza

Families Time-Limited Subsidies Program Manager

Sarai serves as Families Time-Limited Subsidies (TLS) Program Manager Valley Oasis, overseeing program operations, funding, and service delivery to support housing stability for vulnerable families. She began her career at Valley Oasis as a Case Manager and, over the past five years, has grown into a leadership role overseeing program implementation and team supervision. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology (Law & Society emphasis) and Chicanx Studies from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a certificate in Compliance and Human Resources Law from the USC Gould School of Law.

Thrift Shoppe

Maintenance

Angelene Swalley

Thrift Store Manager

Angelene Swalley

Thrift Store Manager

Coming Soon…

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.