SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Nikki Buckstead
Chief Executive Officer
Nikki Buckstead, Chief Executive Officer
Nikki Buckstead
Chief Executive Officer
Nikki Buckstead is a visionary nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience in social services, behavioral health, and systems change. She currently serves as President and CEO of Child & Family Center, where she leads with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to the Center’s mission: Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive.
Since beginning her career in the social services in 1991, Ms. Buckstead has held numerous leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, including two national agencies focused on advocacy, education, and systemic transformation. Her work has spanned mental and behavioral health, substance use prevention and treatment, and services for families experiencing homelessness. In every role, she has remained grounded in service and dedicated to improving lives.
At Child & Family Center, Ms. Buckstead is honored to work alongside an extraordinary team of compassionate and dedicated professionals who share her belief in the power of healing and hope. Together, they make a profound difference in the lives of children and families across the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities. Under her leadership, the Center continues to grow as a vital community resource, offering high-quality, integrated care for mental health, substance use, and domestic violence support.
Ms. Buckstead values the power of collaboration and champions strong community partnerships to create a lasting impact. She is proud to be part of a network of leaders and stakeholders who work collectively to build a healthier, more resilient community.
Her leadership is further informed by service on numerous local, state, and national boards, including the appointment of Commissioner for the LA County Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, the appointment of Commissioner for the Sacramento County Behavioral Health Commission (vice chair), and Orange County’s Homeless Continuum of Care Board. She also served as a facilitator for California’s Methamphetamine Initiative under Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration.
Ms. Buckstead has received extensive leadership training through the California Health Initiative Leadership Academy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She is also a certified Project Management Professional, having completed training at Cornell University. She also holds certifications in Workplace Wellness and Mindfulness, including meditation and yoga instruction.
Outside of her professional life, Nikki is an avid traveler who has visited over 30 countries. She finds joy in paddleboarding, hiking, exploring new cultures, and spending time with friends and family. Her holistic approach to leadership, community building, and self-care reflects the values she brings to the Center every day.
With unwavering passion, Ms. Buckstead remains deeply committed to advancing the mission of Child & Family Center—ensuring every child, individual, and family has the opportunity to thrive.
Ana DeGuzman-Silva
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO
Ana DeGuzman-Silva, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO
Ana DeGuzman-Silva
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO
Ana DeGuzman-Silva is a highly experienced Executive Assistant who has proudly served Child & Family Center for over two decades, supporting the organization’s executive leadership with unwavering dedication and professionalism. Throughout her tenure, Ana has worked closely with multiple Presidents/CEOs and the Board of Directors, playing an integral role in ensuring the efficient operation of the executive office and the successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Known for her strong organizational acumen, attention to detail, and analytical mindset, Ana expertly manages a wide range of responsibilities—from board relations and governance documentation to cross-departmental coordination and project oversight. She works diligently alongside the President/CEO and Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the high-level functioning of the agency and helping advance the Center’s mission of Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive.
Ana’s passion for supporting meaningful work is rooted in her diverse and global professional background. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies, interned with a law firm, and served as a Chancellor’s Assistant at an embassy before immigrating to the United States. Prior to settling in Santa Clarita in 1996, Ana gained 10 years of nonprofit experience in New York City, which helped shape her deep understanding of and commitment to service-based organizations.
Ana is proud to be part of an agency that provides essential supportive services to children and families. Her commitment to excellence and alignment with the Center’s values continue to make her a vital member of the leadership support team.
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 serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Community Outreach at Child & Family Center, where she has dedicated more than twenty-five years to advancing the mission of improving the lives of children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.
In her leadership role, Cheryl oversees all aspects of fundraising, communications, and community engagement. Her responsibilities include planning and executing major fundraising campaigns and events, building and maintaining relationships with donors and funders, developing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies, and working closely with the Board of Directors to support the Center’s strategic goals.
Cheryl is deeply passionate about the work of Child & Family Center and is a strong advocate for the transformative services it provides. She is committed to raising awareness through a multi-channel approach that emphasizes outreach, visibility, and stewardship. Cheryl believes that community collaboration and support are essential to the Center’s success and long-term impact. Her work helps ensure that the Center remains a vital resource for those in need, while also fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors.
Before joining the Center, Cheryl served as Director of Operations for a Los Angeles-based wholesale travel company, where she coordinated large group tours and excursions throughout Europe and the Middle East. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Certificate in Advanced Professional Development in Fundraising and Institutional Advancement from California State University, Northridge.
Cheryl continues to be inspired by the resilience of the families the Center serves and is honored to play a part in building a healthier, more connected community.
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP
Director of Talent and Training
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP, Director of Talent and Training
Heather Newton, MA SHRM-CP
Director of Talent and Training
Heather Newton, MA, SHRM-CP, serves as the Director of Talent and Training at Child & Family Center. A certified Human Resources professional with more than 13 years of experience in the mental health and addiction treatment field, Heather brings a unique blend of clinical insight and operational expertise to her role.
Since joining the Center in January 2022 as HR Manager, Heather’s leadership and strategic vision led to her promotion to Director in August of the same year. In this role, she leads a dedicated team of HR professionals who work collaboratively to support the Center’s diverse and talented workforce. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, staff development, employee relations, and training programs that ensure a thriving, mission-driven organizational culture.
With a master’s degree in clinical psychology, Heather has always been deeply passionate about the mental health field. Though she chose to focus her career on people operations, she uses her clinical background to inform her approach to supporting and developing staff, recognizing that a healthy, empowered workforce is essential to fulfilling the Center’s mission.
Heather obtained her SHRM-CP certification in 2021 and received her Certificate as a Workplace Mental Health Ally in 2024.
Heather is inspired every day by the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of the Center’s staff. She is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where employees feel valued, equipped, and connected to the life-changing work they do. Her efforts directly contribute to the Center’s success in providing vital services to children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.
Marcelo Bedy
Senior Controller
Marcelo Bedy, Senior Controller
Marcelo Bedy
Senior Controller
Marcelo Bedy joined Child & Family Center in 2014 as the Contracts Administrator and has since advanced to his current role as Senior Controller, a position he has held since 2020. With more than four decades of experience in financial administration across diverse industries—including insurance, engineering, construction, medical, and nonprofit—Marcelo brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his role.
He earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) degree in 1989 from the University of Buenos Aires – Faculty of Economic Sciences and has since built a career grounded in integrity, precision, and a deep understanding of complex fiscal operations.
As Senior Controller, Marcelo leads the Center’s finance team with a focus on ensuring the organization remains financially solvent, strategically sound, and well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the children and families we serve. His leadership is critical in managing the Center’s large and multifaceted portfolio of contracts and grants, and he plays a key role in upholding the highest standards of fiscal accountability and transparency.
Marcelo is passionate about supporting the Center’s mission and takes pride in building financial systems and structures that enable continued excellence in service delivery. His commitment to stewardship and operational excellence ensures that the Center can sustain and expand its impact in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.
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
Jaime Piscione brings more than 20 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field to her role as Vice President of Programs at Child & Family Center. With a career rooted in community mental health, Jaime began by providing direct services and steadily advanced into leadership roles, where she has overseen a broad continuum of care for children, youth, adults, and families.
At Child & Family Center, Jaime leads a wide range of vital programs, including services for foster youth and families, children’s mental health, substance use treatment, and the Center’s 30-day emergency domestic violence shelter and program—the only one of its kind in the Santa Clarita Valley. Her dedication to service excellence drives the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based care across the Santa Clarita, Antelope, and San Fernando Valleys, and beyond.
Under Jaime’s leadership, a committed team of professionals works collaboratively to build healthy, thriving families. She is a champion for cross-sector collaboration and maintains strong partnerships with local school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care throughout the communities the Center serves.
Her background includes oversight of diverse service models such as Wraparound Services, Full-Service Partnerships, Outpatient Mental Health Services, Intensive Field Capable Clinical Services, Substance Use Disorder Programs, and Medication Support Services. She has also served as a Behavioral Health Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), helping to shape the quality standards of health and human service organizations nationwide.
Jaime holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to quality, access, and innovation in service delivery, and she continues to be a driving force behind the Center’s mission of Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive.
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 and Psychiatry Services
Cindy Boada-Doutt, LMFT, Division Director Outpatient and Psychiatry Services
Cindy Boada-Doutt, LMFT
Division Director Outpatient and Psychiatry Services
Cindy Boada-Doutt brings over 27 years of experience in the mental health field, with a lifelong dedication to improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Her extensive background spans a wide variety of settings and populations, making her a deeply knowledgeable and compassionate leader in behavioral health care.
Throughout her distinguished career, Cindy has held numerous leadership roles and has overseen a broad spectrum of mental health programs, including Outpatient Mental Health Services, Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS), Wraparound Programs, Full-Service Partnerships (FSP) for both youth and adults, Crisis Residential Treatment, and Sub-Acute Facilities. Her work has positively impacted individuals across the lifespan—from birth to five, children and teens, to adults experiencing chronic mental health challenges and justice-involved individuals.
Cindy is committed to increasing access to high-quality mental health services and believes in the transformative power of community-based care. Her leadership is centered on developing programs that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. She is passionate about creating systems that meet individuals where they are and support long-term healing and growth.
Cindy earned her Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. She continues to lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep belief in the mission of Child & Family Center to Change Lives, Heal Relationships, and Help People Thrive.
Outside of her professional work, Cindy enjoys traveling and spending quality 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 is a key member of the Child & Family Center’s managment team, bringing a deep commitment to operational excellence and a passion for ensuring that the Center functions at its highest capacity in support of the children and families we serve. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, school-age programming, and facilities operations, Mary brings a unique blend of programmatic and operational expertise to her role.
Mary joined the Child & Family Center in 2014 as Supervisor of the Center’s Therapeutic Preschool Program. When the program concluded, her strong leadership and organizational skills led to a seamless transition into managing administrative services. She has since advanced to her current role as Director of Administrative Services, where she plays a vital part in the day-to-day and long-term operations of the agency.
In her current position, Mary oversees and directs a wide range of critical functions including front office administration, client childcare services, program services support, information technology, facilities maintenance and improvements, vendor contracting and purchasing, and risk management. Her work ensures that all operational systems are aligned to support the Center’s mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care.
Mary is dedicated to fostering an environment where both staff and clients can thrive. She approaches her role with a focus on continuous improvement, safety, and service excellence, recognizing that the infrastructure and behind-the-scenes functions of the Center are essential to the quality of care delivered across programs.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Mary is proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive, and she remains steadfast in her efforts to ensure the Center operates efficiently, effectively, and with heart.
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, MS, LMFT
Director of Quality and Compliance
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, MS, LMFT, Manager of Quality and Compliance
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, MS, LMFT
Director of Quality & Compliance
Jeanine Caro-Delvaille, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across community mental health settings and private practice. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centered care, with a focus on improving systems to serve individuals and families better.
Over the past decade, Jeanine has developed a specialization in quality assurance, quality improvement, and staff development, particularly within the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health contracted agencies. She joined Child & Family Center in 2021, bringing a wealth of knowledge in both outpatient and intensive service programs. Since then, she has played a key role in supporting the Center’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Jeanine’s efforts have contributed to the successful reaccreditation of the Center with The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), as well as strong performance during external audits. Her work reflects a deep dedication to the Center’s mission of Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive.
In her current role, Jeanine serves as Chair of the Quality Improvement Committee, where she leads internal audits, manages agency-wide training resources, and facilitates portions of new hire orientation. She is also responsible for reviewing policies and protocols, providing compliance support, preparing audits, coordinating accreditation, and overseeing key data reporting and analytics efforts.
Jeanine holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she was recognized as the “Outstanding Graduate” for achieving the highest GPA in her cohort. Her work continues to reflect both clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to advancing the quality of care 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 a licensed psychologist and the Manager of Clinical & Student Training at Child & Family Center, where she brings over 15 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health services. With a deep passion for both clinical care and professional development, Dr. Dorsey plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of mental health professionals through one of the few comprehensive student training programs of its kind in Los Angeles County.
Specializing in therapy and psychological assessment for children, teens, and families, Dr. Dorsey is known for her clinical expertise and compassionate approach. She is trained and certified in multiple evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS), Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Dr. Dorsey earned her B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, and continued her education at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, where she completed both her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
In her leadership role at the Center, Dr. Dorsey oversees the Center’s dynamic Clinical & Student Training Department—an essential and innovative hub for graduate-level students pursuing careers in psychology, marriage and family therapy, and social work. She provides mentorship and clinical supervision to students as they gain hands-on experience in community mental health, while also managing the Center’s psychological testing services.
Dr. Dorsey is deeply committed to excellence in care, education, and training. Her enthusiasm and leadership have helped make Child & Family Center a standout organization for both clinical services and professional development in mental health throughout Los Angeles County.
Anissa Lee
Assistant Controller
Anissa Lee, Assistant Controller
Anissa Lee
Assistant Controller
Anissa Lee serves as the Assistant Controller at Child & Family Center, bringing over two decades of professional experience in accounting, financial reporting, and operational excellence. Since joining the agency in July 2015, Anissa has been instrumental in supporting the financial health of the organization by working closely with the Senior Controller to lead a dedicated Finance team. Together, they ensure that all financial operations are managed with efficiency, accuracy, and unwavering integrity.
Anissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Her career in finance began immediately after graduation and has spanned a wide range of industries. Prior to joining the Center, she served for twelve years as the Accounting Manager of an international skincare company, where she developed deep expertise in budgeting, GAAP compliance, cash flow forecasting, internal controls, mergers and acquisitions, tax filings, and audit processes.
With a strong commitment to excellence, Anissa brings a passion for detail and a collaborative spirit to her role. Her professionalism and financial acumen are essential in supporting the Center’s mission to provide high-quality care and life-changing services to children and families throughout the community. She takes great pride in ensuring that the Center remains financially sound, so it can continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of those it serves.
Destiny McCune
Marketing and Community Outreach Program Manager
Destiny McCune, Marketing and Community Outreach Program Manager
Destiny McCune
Marketing and Community Outreach Program Manager
A proud Santa Clarita native, Destiny McCune brings nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to her role at Child & Family Center, where her energy, passion, and commitment inspire excellence in every project she undertakes. Her dynamic leadership in outreach and fund development activities strengthens the Center’s impact, helping to foster a culture of engagement and community collaboration.
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, empathy, and care. Today, she serves as the Marketing and Community Outreach Program Manager, leading a team of dedicated professionals who deliver vital workshops, school-based programs, and community education to children, teens, educators, healthcare providers, and partner organizations. These initiatives are integral to the Center’s mission and extend across the Santa Clarita, Antelope, and San Fernando Valleys.
Known for her creativity and results-driven approach, Destiny has a proven track record in prevention program management, grant writing, marketing, and event planning. She has successfully secured significant grant funding, orchestrated large-scale community events, and developed innovative, inclusive programs that uplift and empower local families. Her ability to build strong partnerships and communicate a compelling vision has been instrumental in expanding the Center’s reach and influence.
Destiny’s unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit have made her a valued leader at the Center. Her work not only amplifies the organization’s mission of Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive, but also inspires those around her to bring their best selves to the table.
Outside of her professional life, Destiny finds joy in raising her two children, exploring California’s coast, discovering unique treasures through thrifting, indulging in interior design, and creating magical moments at Disneyland. Family is at the heart of all she does—and her passion for helping others reflects that same love and devotion in her work every day.
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, LCSW, brings over two decades of dedicated experience in community mental health to her role as Division Director of Intensive Services at Child & Family Center. Since joining the Center in March 2017 as the Full-Service Partnership (FSP) Program Manager, Melissa’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to high-quality care have made her a valuable part of the agency. In August 2018, she was promoted to her current position, where she oversees all of the Center’s intensive and field-based mental health programs for mental health and foster youth.
Melissa leads a passionate team of clinicians who provide essential, person-centered care to children, teens, adults, and families facing complex behavioral health challenges. Her oversight ensures that the Center’s most vulnerable clients receive intensive, responsive, and effective services that support long-term healing and stability. Under her guidance, the intensive services division delivers critical programs such as Wraparound, Full-Service Partnership, and field-based therapy—all designed to meet clients where they are and help them thrive.
With extensive experience practicing in California, Arizona, Maine, and Kentucky, Melissa has worked in diverse settings including day treatment, residential programs, birth-to-five services, and in-home interventions. This broad perspective enriches her leadership and enhances the agency’s ability to adapt and meet evolving community needs.
Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville. She is known for her collaborative approach, clinical insight, and deep belief in the transformative power of accessible mental health care.
Outside of her professional role, Melissa enjoys hiking, bargain hunting, exploring new destinations, and spending meaningful time with her family and friends. Her enthusiasm for both life and her work is evident in all that she does, and her leadership continues to be a driving force in advancing the Center’s mission of Changing Lives, Healing Relationships, and Helping People Thrive.
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 who has been an integral part of Child & Family Center since 2016. With more than 20 years of experience in children’s mental health, she brings deep clinical expertise, compassion, and leadership to her work with children and families. For the past decade, she has focused on providing trauma-informed care in community mental health settings, supporting some of the most vulnerable populations with dedication and heart.
As the Manager of Training and Education, Dr. Warren leads one of the few student training programs of its kind in Los Angeles County—an exceptional initiative that strengthens the behavioral health workforce while advancing the Center’s mission. She oversees graduate-level practicum and internship programs, providing hands-on learning opportunities and professional development to future psychologists and marriage and family therapists. Her leadership ensures that each student receives high-quality supervision and real-world experience in a supportive, client-centered environment.
In addition to mentoring trainees, Dr. Warren serves as a clinical supervisor and is the administrator of the Center’s American Psychological Association (APA) Continuing Education program, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in clinical practice.
Dr. Warren is certified in multiple evidence-based practices, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Incredible Years (IY) Social Skills Group Facilitation, and Triple P. She is also rostered as both a practitioner and supervisor in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), highlighting her specialized skill set in addressing early childhood trauma and promoting secure attachment.
Dr. Warren’s passion for training the next generation of mental health professionals and her dedication to evidence-based, trauma-informed care help shape the future of the field—and transform the lives of children and families across our community.