At Village Family Services, our strength lies in the individuals who bring their expertise and dedication to our mission every day. We’re pleased to introduce three new professionals who have recently joined our Village family, each bringing unique perspectives to enhance our services and support for the community.
These new team members are already making impacts in their roles – expanding our clinical internship program, strengthening our Enhanced Care Management services, and developing our fundraising initiatives. Get to know Priscilla Cuevas, our Enhanced Care Management Supervisor; Elise Roberts, our Director of Development; and Ariana Garcia, LCSW, our Assistant Director of Clinical Training, as they share their journeys, motivations, and the projects they’re working on at Village Family Services.
Ariana Garcia, LCSW (she/her/ella)
Assistant Director of Clinical Training
- How long have you been working at the Village and what did you do before?
I joined the village in April 2024. Before coming here, I was a Clinical Supervisor at Peace Over Violence for about four years. I would oversee the Clinical interns who were providing individual and group therapy to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
- What made you want to work here?
I missed working with youth, their parents, and families. The Village’s mission aligns with my values and provides services that are crucial to the community, and I wanted to be a part of that. I also wanted a challenge to grow and expand my skills in different areas and so far, I have had the opportunity to do so.
- What is a project you’re working on right now?
I am working on expanding our Clinical internship program. Before I joined in April there was only one University and master’s program we were accepting applications from. Since then, I have re-engaged with three more local universities and have engaged both MSW and MFT graduate programs. I am also very proud to share that our current interns are facilitating three Incredible Years (IY) children’s groups and three Incredible Years (IY) parenting groups.
- What are some of your passions outside of work.
I have a 17-year-old daughter that is a student athlete who plays lacrosse, so she keeps me pretty busy outside of work. I am also in my 2nd year of a doctorate program where the focus is education for social justice. I enjoy family carne asadas on the weekends, dinner dates with friends, and decluttering my home which is a great stress reliever.
Priscilla Cuevas
Enhanced Care Management Supervisor
- How long have you been working at Village Family Services, and what did you do before?
I’ve been with Village Family Services for about 3 months now. Before this, I was a supervisor for another Enhanced Care Management program, where I gained valuable experience in team leadership and member engagement.
- What made you want to work here?
The values of Village Family Services align closely with my own. I truly admire the organization’s commitment to community service and support for those in need, which was a significant factor in my decision to join the team.
- What is a project you’re working on right now?
Currently, my focus, along with the care coordinators, is on effectively enrolling members into the Enhanced Care Management Program. I’m dedicated to building a team that goes above and beyond for our members. With a caseload of 50, we might change two lives or simply help someone feel heard and understood. My goal is to show that there is someone who genuinely cares. Enhanced Care Management is more than just a job; it requires heart and passion.
- What are some of your passions outside of work?
Outside of work, I have a deep love for animals; I appreciate the loyalty and kindness they bring into our lives. I also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and beach sports. Being in nature helps me recharge and reminds me of the beauty around us.
Elise Roberts (she/her/hers)
Director of Development
- How long have you been working at Village Family Services, and what did you do before?
I’ve been with Village Family Services since August 2024.Prior, I worked at NatureBridge for 9 years, another nonprofit whose mission is to connect young people to the wonder of nature through immersive educational experiences in national parks. While very different missions, both focus on enhancing the lives of children.
- What made you want to work here?
Being able to support a mission that helps meet a child’s basic needs like housing was incredibly compelling to me. But, what really sealed the deal for me was the people who work here: their kindness and dedication I admired and wanted to be a part of.
- What is a project you’re working on right now?
I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the staff, donors, programs, and the way the organization is run, all critical things for me to understand before asking people to support our work. Acquainting myself with our database, improving systems, and preparing some important donor communications have also been on top of my list of things to do!
- What are some of your passions outside of work?
I have a partner and 5 year old, and I try to soak up every moment of her childhood. I spend a lot of time outside, both alone and with friends and family, and I absolutely love to read. I live far away from my family and am not from Los Angeles, so I still spend quite a bit of time building my community and spending time with friends.