Our Leadership Team

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, 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.

Jaime Piscione, L.M.F.T.
Vice President of Programs and Services

Jaime Piscione brings more than 25 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 Based 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.

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.

David Cantrell
Director of Operations

David enthusiastically joined the Child & Family Center to contribute to an organization that has such a profound impact on children and families throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. He is passionate about supporting mission-driven work and believes strong operational leadership plays a critical role in helping nonprofit organizations expand their reach and deepen their community impact.

David Cantrell brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in operations, organizational development, and strategic growth to his role at Child & Family Center. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strengthening operational infrastructure, improving organizational efficiency, and developing collaborative teams that deliver meaningful results.

Prior to joining the Center, David served as Vice President of Business Development at Solarverse Energy Solutions, where he helped guide the operational strategy, strengthen vendor partnerships, and improve internal processes to support the company’s growth. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with American Pacific Mortgage Corporation and Raymond James, where he managed complex operational teams and supported large-scale client portfolios within highly regulated industries.

David has long been deeply involved in the Santa Clarita community. He previously served as Chairman of the Valley Industrial Association and has held board positions on the boards of the WiSH Education Foundation and the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. In addition, he has volunteered for more than 15 years as a track and field coach at West Ranch High School, mentoring hundreds of student-athletes and helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.

David and his wife, Lori, have been married for 32 years and are proud parents of two adult children. Outside of his professional work, he remains actively involved in community service and local nonprofit initiatives throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

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 Joint Commission (JC) 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
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
Controller

Anissa Lee serves as the Controller at Child & Family Center, bringing over three 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 Director of Finance 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 Business Computer Methods 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

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, 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.

Felicia Skaggs
Program Director Domestic Violence Program

With a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and more than 25 years of experience across both the private and public sectors, Felicia is a seasoned leader in the field of behavioral health. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving community well-being through the integration of behavioral health services, strategic program implementation, and effective grant management.

Felicia has a proven track record of coaching delivery system leaders to strengthen care infrastructure and operational capacity. Her extensive knowledge of county, state, and federal regulations—particularly in homelessness and behavioral health—has made her a trusted resource within complex systems of care. She is also highly skilled in navigating Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) initiatives, including CalAIM.

Among her many accomplishments, Felicia launched Ventura County’s first co-responder program, creating groundbreaking partnerships between behavioral health professionals and local law enforcement. Her collaborative approach with diverse community stakeholders continues to drive meaningful progress in the delivery of mental health, homeless outreach, and supportive services.

Outside of her professional work, Felicia enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. Her unwavering dedication to strengthening mental health systems and building safe, resilient communities makes her an invaluable asset to the Child & Family Center and the Domestic Violence Program.

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.