EXECUTIVE TEAM
Amber Rivas, MSW, President/CEO, took the helm in Aviva’s highest leadership post on January 3, 2023. Amber comes to Aviva with 17 years of experience at St. Anne’s Family Services, an organization like Aviva that provides a comprehensive array of services and support for families and children in Los Angeles County.
Most recently Amber served as Chief Operating Officer for the $35 million agency establishing new partnerships for the 114-year-old organization, increasing public revenue and leading its expansion of a variety of programs and services, including early childhood education services and permanent supportive housing.
Amber was recently appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to serve on the Policy Roundtable for Child Care and Development Commission, whose mission is to “lead, build, and strengthen an affordable and high-quality early care and education system for the children and families in Los Angeles County.” Amber’s experience in diverse roles within the social services field have driven her holistic and collaborative approach to promoting positive outcomes for the most marginalized children, youth and families in our communities.
Amber brings a deep understanding of the environment facing social services agencies like Aviva today and will oversee budgeting, fundraising, human resources, programming and strategic planning at Aviva. She joins Aviva with great enthusiasm for our mission, high hopes for fulfilling our vision, and a commitment to engage with the people and organizations vital to Aviva’s success.
Amber holds a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University.
Carolyn Labbe, L.M.F.T, Vice President of Programs and Services, joined Aviva in June 2023.
Carolyn comes to Aviva with a wealth of knowledge in mental health and clinical services, having served as the Vice President of Clinical Services for the past five years at the Child & Family Center in Santa Clarita. Prior to that, Carolyn spent 12 years at Penny Lane where she started as a therapist and was promoted several times to eventually serve as Program Development Director and where she successfully secured a Drug Medi-Cal contract with the Department of Public Health and Department of Healthcare Services.
In her role as Vice President of Programs and Services, Carolyn oversees Aviva’s direct service areas which include Mental Health Services, Crisis Intervention, Foster and Adoption, and Interim Supportive Housing for Women and Children at Wallis House. As a strong and experienced leader, Carolyn will guide Aviva through the evolving community social service landscape to identify opportunities and to build on Aviva’s exceptional track record of service to the Los Angeles community.
Carolyn earned both a master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge.
In her free time, Carolyn has been learning pickleball, enjoys spending time with her family, and considers herself an avid baker during the holidays.
Kim Peterson, M.A., Chief Operating Officer, has been part of the Aviva team since 2013. Kim is a nonprofit community leader with more than two decades experience.
Kim believes in uplifting the voices of those who are not heard. Working early on as a babysitter and camp counselor, Kim noticed how dismissive of children adults could be. She began her career as a Residential Care worker at Hillsides, moving on to Day Treatment and Wraparound and providing direct service before moving into administration. Prior to her current leadership role in Change Management at Aviva, Kim served as Vice President Quality and Research which followed her roles in Quality Improvement at Aviva.
In Kim’s current position, in addition to being responsible for the design, facilitation and completion of strategic initiatives across the agency, she develops and implements Aviva’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and oversees the Research Quality Improvement and Training Departments.
Kim leads at Aviva by identifying and developing strategies for organizational improvements to increase impact. She utilizes data to identify root problems, barriers and challenges, while building relationships and leading efforts in a strength based, relatable manner.
Kim holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, a B.S. in Psychology from University of Connecticut, and an Executive Leadership Certificate for University of Michigan’s Leadership Institute.
Kim is passionate about organizational change, data and social justice. She is a member of Advanced Equity APEX and Board Member of ELI Alumni Board of the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.
Priscilla Valencia, MNA, Vice President of Development brings a decade of nonprofit management experience as Vice President of Development to Aviva Family & Children's Services.
She has successfully developed and scaled individual giving programs, launched innovative digital fundraising campaigns, and implemented strategies to engage and grow the donor base for two healthcare institutions in Los Angeles. In 2020, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) included her in the "40 under 40" list of people who are helping shape the future of healthcare development. She currently serves on the Southern California Healthcare Development Association board.
Priscilla has also managed programs for several Los Angeles organizations whose mission aligns with her values––from affordable housing to foster care to food justice. As a Los Angeles native, she is deeply committed to building an equitable and vibrant city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her Master's degree in nonprofit administration from the University of San Francisco. While pursuing her graduate degree, she served as vice president of programs for the Nonprofit Student Council and launched its first speaker series, bringing prominent nonprofit professionals to campus.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS
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Assistant Vice President of Foster & Adoption and Supportive Housing
Bridgette Baca, M.A., Assistant Vice President of Foster & Adoption and Supportive Housing, has been with Aviva since 2016; promoted to AVP in October 2023.
Bridgette has over 25 years of experience in Social Services. Bridgette’s approach is inclusive and antiracist. She believes that every child has the right to grow up in a loving and stable home. She is passionate about providing support and resources to children and adults and is dedicated to improving the lives of families in the community.
Bridgette has a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Northridge.
As a credentialed teacher in adult education, Bridgette has taught parenting for more than 25 years and is a certified yoga instructor and postpartum doula. She lives by the motto “do no harm” and thus lives a vegan lifestyle. She loves to knit, run and play with her grandchildren.
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Assistant Vice President of Finance
Florinda Pendley Vasquez, B.S., Assistant Vice President of Finance, celebrated 20 years with Aviva in May 2023.
She has more than three decades of experience in nonprofit finance and accounting. Before entering human services with Aviva, she acquired progressive accounting and management experience across the nonprofit sector; her previous workplaces include an Ivy League university, a national membership association, and – literally – a zoo.
Florinda joined Aviva as Controller and briefly served as its Interim Chief Financial Officer, before assuming her current role in 2018, as AVP of Finance.
Florinda’s responsibilities include day-to-day management of Aviva’s Finance Department and supervision of Accounting, Billing, and Payroll functions. She also coordinates Aviva’s annual budget process and audit.
Florinda holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Muna College of Business Administration, University of South Florida.
Florinda is a member of Aviva’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (JEDI) and while she works with numbers, her first love is words. She is an avid reader, a published writer, and a member of the National Book Critics Circle
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Assistant Vice President of Intensive Community Based Services (ICBS)
Kimberly Hirano, M.S.W., Assistant Vice President of Intensive Community Based Services (ICBS), joined the Aviva team in September 2023.
Kimberly’s first social services’ role was in field work as a Residential Counselor in group homes. Since then, Kimberly has amassed more than twenty years’ experience, holding positions as therapist, clinical supervisor, dialysis social worker, Assistant Regional Manager, Division Director of Access and Specialty Programs, and in Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance.
At Aviva, Kimberly leads Intensive Community Based Services (ICBS), all of which are focused on support for at-risk youth and their families by providing in-home behavioral health services including Full-Service Partnership (FSP), Intensive Field Capable Clinical Services (IFCCS), and Wraparound Services.
Kimberly holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Industrial Social Work and a sub-concentration in Older Adults, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development from University of California, Riverside. With a passion for dogs, Kimberly spends time working as a dog trainer, at times utilizing her own Canine Good Citizen and Certified Therapy dog as a training assistant. She has also introduced animal assisted therapy in her roles at two social service agencies.
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Assistant Vice President of Mental Health Services.
Amy West, L.C.S.W, Assistant Vice President of Mental Health Services, began working with Aviva in 2006.
Amy West, L.C.S.W, Assistant Vice President of Mental Health Services, began working with Aviva in 2006.
Amy brings more than two decades of experience in the mental health field and a profound commitment to non-profit leadership particularly in the realm of children and family services, approached through the lens of trauma-informed care.
Amy’s first position at Aviva was as a mental health therapist after which, she served as Lead Wraparound Services Therapist. Subsequently Amy held a Clinical Supervisor position before being promoted to Director in the Mental Health Services department in 2019.
Amy has earned certifications in several evidence-based practices and specializes in the provision of mental health services for infants and young children. She has served in the role of Birth-to-Five Lead, offering clinical case consultations, overseeing grant-funded services, and supporting team development.
Amy holds both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work.
Amy has many years of volunteer experience in Chicago and Los Angeles with special interest in supporting the needs of those that are underserved in the community.
DIRECTORS
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Director of Impact and Innovations
Alma Barraza, M.S.W., Director of Impact and Innovations, joined Aviva in 2023.
Alma began her career providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children in the San Fernando Valley before transitioning into administrative roles in both the nonprofit and private sectors where she focused on areas such as data and outcomes, compliance, and quality improvement.
As the Director of Impact and Innovations, Alma oversees Aviva’s data management practices and training/professional development efforts. In addition, she is a member of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee and supports agency JEDI initiatives.
Alma holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in Brain and Cognitive Science with a minor in Business from the University of Rochester.
Outside of work, Alma enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog Bear.
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Program Director of Relative Home Assessment Services / Relative Support Services
Yesenia Eduardo, B.A., Program Director of Relative Home Assessment Services / Relative Support Services, joined Aviva in 2020.
Yesenia brings direct service experience with the California Department of Mental Health (DMH) as a Case Manager and Mental Health Services Supervisor for Transitional Age Youth.
In her current role at Aviva, Yesenia oversees contracts with the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services for services to families who care for relative children in their homes in the San Fernando Valley, Metro LA and South LA. She collaborates with additional subcontractors to fill specific needs for the population served, including support groups, tutoring support services, and emergency clothing. Yesenia continues to explore opportunities to collaborate with community partners located in South LA in hopes of expanding support services for relative caregivers.
Yesenia earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
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Director of Wallis House
Alicia Galvez, B.A., Director of Wallis House, Joined Aviva July 2024
Alicia brings over 6 years of experience in Homeless Services and nonprofit work supporting families. She is deeply committed to understanding the impact of family dynamics and how a child’s upbringing shapes their future. Alicia is passionate about serving her community and believes in the powerful influence anyone can have on a child’s life. She is focused on helping Aviva expand its homeless services programs while also supporting her staff in pursuing their career goals.
Alicia holds a bachelor's degree in Gender Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sociology at California State University, Northridge.
Outside of work, Alicia is an active member of her church community, where she volunteers on Sundays to teach children core values and affirmations. She enjoys early morning workouts and spending time with her family and friends. Alicia credits her mother for shaping who she is today and loves spending time with her two cats, Olive and Indie.
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Director of QI
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Director of Human Services
Brenda Gomez, Director of Human Service, Joined Aviva in 2023.
With over seven years of experience in human resources within the nonprofit sector, Brenda is committed to cultivating a positive and inclusive workplace culture at Aviva Family and Children’s Services. As HR Director, she leads key initiatives in talent acquisition, employee engagement, professional development, and organizational growth. Driven by a passion for people and mission-driven work, Brenda works to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to create a meaningful impact.
Outside of work, Brenda enjoys spending time with her family.
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ICBS Clinical Director
Jessica Kang, L.M.F.T., ICBS Clinical Director, joined Aviva in June 2022.
Jessica has over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She began her career as an ABA therapist before transitioning to community mental health as an MFT intern, gaining experience in schools and outpatient settings. After becoming licensed, she worked at a residential dual-diagnosis facility in Malibu and later expanded her clinical expertise as an LMFT, helping adults improve their lives and relationships.
Passionate about mentorship, Jessica served as a clinical supervisor in Aviva's Intensive Community-Based Services department before being promoted to Clinical Director in October 2024.
Jessica holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Art History from UC Santa Barbara. She specializes in EMDR, Harm Reduction, Family Systems, Attachment, Grief and Loss, and Mindfulness/Yoga.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys Peloton, hiking, kickboxing, yoga, reading, cooking, caring for her houseplants, and traveling. She also mentors high-achieving, low-income high school students through Minds Matter.
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Director of Annual Giving
Anthony Plamondon, Director of Annual Giving, joined Aviva in September 2024
as the Director of Annual Giving. In this role, he manages Aviva’s major donor group, the Platinum associates along with varying responsibilities having to do with fundraising activities, including donor relations, events, CRM management, data analysis and social media strategies. He also contributes to multi-channel marketing and community outreach efforts. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, Anthony has supported organizations in sectors such as museums, radio stations, and social services.
Outside of work, Anthony is an avid golfer, succulent gardener, lover of podcasts and a collector of vinyl.
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Director of Wraparound Services
Susan Rosales, B.S., Director of Wraparound Services, began her tenure at Aviva in 2007
Susan has more than 18 years of experience working closely with at-risk children and families in the Los Angeles area to overcome their life challenges.
Susan joined Aviva as a case manager, providing direct services to parents to support them in improving their parenting skills while managing their children’s emotional and behavioral challenges at home, school and in the community. Her promotions to Wraparound Facilitator, Lead Facilitator, Program Coordinator and most recently in 2022, to the position of Director of Wraparound Services are a testament to her commitment to nurturing strong families and healthy children. She employs protective factors to promote family stability and maintain unified homes.
Susan holds a bachelor’s degree in health science with an emphasis in Community Health Education from Cal State, Long Beach.
Susan is a wife and a mother of two school-age children. In addition to enjoying time with her family and their Terrier, some of her favorite activities include exploring new places, picnics, and traveling.
(updated February 2025)