It takes a lot to run a non-profit, especially when the organization is a youth center focused on empowering and helping our LGBTQIA+ youth with their mental health, homelessness, & providing a safe space for them to be themselves.
Check out our staff page to learn more about our staff and their passion for serving youth throughout San Antonio.
Check out the amazing people who make
Thrive Youth Center
the best it can be!
Jenny Hixon
Executive Director
NICOLE CORNEVIN
Director of Grants and Special Projects
Nicole Cornevin holds an MA in Psychology and obtained her BA from Texas A&M University – San Antonio. She joined Thrive Youth Center as a case manager in 2018, providing case management for both emergency shelter and housing program clients. Prior to joining Thrive, Nicole spent several years as a caseworker for the state investigating abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled individuals. Nicole also has experience in the corporate world, having held positions with American Express and USAA, and has volunteered with Fiesta Youth and Paws for Service in the past.
Nicole’s life experience of having dropped out of school after coming out as a teen shaped her desire to work with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, with hopes of playing a part in showing them that they are not alone in their own life journey, no matter the circumstances.
When she’s not working, Nicole enjoys traveling, writing, doing creative artsy projects, interior decorating (translation: shopping), and spending time with her beloved dachshund Snoodle (who has her own Instagram and TikTok account).
DAVID GUAJARDO-HIGH
Director of Housing Programs
Born and raised in South Texas, David completed his undergraduate work in sociology and business administration at Texas A&M University – San Antonio. He attended graduate school at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, where he received his master’s degree in special education community and support.
While he has had leadership roles in a variety of fields, David has always been driven by helping others so working for Thrive Youth Center was a natural and perfect fit. He started out as a case manager in the emergency dorm, moved to outreach, and is now one of two housing program managers. He has enjoyed his employment with Thrive since July of 2019.
During his five years out of state, he met and later married his husband. They decided to plant roots in Texas where they currently share their first home with their four cats (Ezra, Aria, Basil, and Zoey). David hopes to expand their family with children soon.
JUSTIN HOLLEY
Development Director
Justin Holley is a passionate Servant Leader who built his knowledge and skills in the service industry. Understanding the service side of business is a skill that can lead down many pathways in life. He believes building strong partnerships is key to being able to spread the word about the needs of the community. Now having the opportunity to be part of the team at Thrive allows him to use these skills to share the message of how this vital organization has a positive impact on the community we live in.
Any opportunity he can, Justin can be found exploring. Riding bikes, traveling, gardening and spending time with his dogs, rabbits and chickens.
SHELBY MORENO
Program Operations Manager
Shelby Moreno started at Thrive May 2023 as her current title of Program Operations Manager, in which she oversees daily activities and operations for multiple departments for maximum productivity. Prior to this position, Shelby worked at the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for two years at the STI/HIV as a Disease Intervention Specialist as well as two more years with the Immunization program for vaccine compliance. Shelby completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health with a Psychology minor from Texas A&M University (gig em’ Ags) and a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Science Center (wreck em’). Furthermore, Shelby is a true advocate for diverse and inclusive sexual and reproductive education, serving as a facilitator for sexual health programs in undergrad and beyond.
Being able to serve her community, identifying in the LGBTQIA+ community itself, has allowed Shelby to truly THRIVE (LOL, get it?) in her workplace. To give back to the people who gave her confidence and comfortability, is truly an honor. She hopes to play a crucial role in the uplifting of our community. In addition, her background in health can provide a new perspective on youth social services.
Shelby is a San Antonio native, growing up on the Southeast side. Her hobbies include cooking, painting, weightlifting, and traveling to new places. On the weekends, you can find Shelby hanging out with her fur-baby Matcha the Weenie, while enjoying some Asian cuisine with her partner.
ERIN KIRBY
Housing Manager
Erin Kirby attended a prestigious Catholic school in Seguin, TX, and later studied mass communications and psychology at San Antonio College, after which she planned to pursue her dream of joining a glam rock band in California. Life had a few other plans, and today, Erin is the proud mother to an adult daughter, along with being an important role model to Thrive’s emergency shelter youth. Erin has over 25 years of experience in the retail field working for companies such as Toys R Us and Nordstrom, and also has extensive experience working in school settings, childcare, and nanny positions.
Erin first became interested in joining the Thrive team after hearing about the various ways Thrive staff help the youth they work with. Always up for a challenge, Erin excels in a constantly changing environment, as every day in Thrive’s emergency shelter is different. Erin enjoys knowing that she is working for an organization that is helping to make a difference in youth’s lives, and takes pride in the sense of accomplishment this brings to her work.
While Erin is passionate about the young adults she works with, she is equally passionate about animals. When Erin wins the lottery, she will likely be found in a tropical destination as an exotic animal caretaker. Erin is a big fan of reggaeton, bachata, salsa, and merengue music and enjoys horror movies, criminal minds, cooking, baking, reading, fashion, fast & furious cars, and spending time with her two furbabies.
LELISA WATKINS
Benefits Specialist
Hello, my name is LeLisa Watkins and I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I have 26 years of marriage under my belt, seven children, and four grandchildren. I received my high school diploma from Eldorado High and hold Associate Degrees and Certifications from College of Southern Nevada and St. Mary’s University. I am an Interior Designer by trade and have worked on residential and commercial projects. I have a BS in Psychology and a BA in Anthropology. Both were received from Weber State University in Utah.
In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, reading, working out, volunteering, attending church functions, traveling, playing games, spending time with family and friends, entertaining, DIY, decorating, design, and cooking. I enjoy working in positions where I can assist those in need, positions that are a bit challenging, rewarding and where there is always something new to learn. All companies I have worked with thus far: Thrive, CPS, DCFS, HOPE Adoption Agency, Clearfield Group Home, Applegate Senior Facilities, PRS Youth Programs, PRS Senior Program, and Workforce Services just to name a few have literally kept me on my toes. If I could describe myself and my life in two words, those words would be Blessed and Amazing!
LYNN GONZALEZ
Life Skills Case Manager
Lynn Gonzalez is a dog mama to Gucci, who just moved here from California. Lynn has worked in child case management for the past few years with an immense care for children and youth. She is quickly settling into her new Thrive home and is excited for her new journey! When not napping/powering up for her nights at Thrive, you can catch watching all things True Crime, at Hobby Lobby or catching a flight with Gucci to Cali!
LEO CASTILLO-ANGUIANO, BA
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Leo, a native of San Antonio’s west side, is a co-creator of Trans Masc Folks Y Más (TMFYM), and contributes to the peer-to-peer support and social group catering to transgender and gender-diverse individuals at the Pride Center. In 2021, Leo was honored with The Pride Center’s ‘Rising Icon’ award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the trans and gender-diverse community.
During his tenure at UTSA from 2016-2020, he served as an organizer for Texas Rising, Planned Parenthood, Equality Texas, and TENT. Additionally, Leo is an active member of Trans Power SA and organized their first-ever 2nd Chance Prom for Trans and Queer individuals in San Antonio last December.
Having come out as transgender before his senior year of high school, Leo initiated his first project in 2016 with the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. He established the ‘Queer Corazones’ committee and launched the first-ever Son Tus Niños Tambien annual event. This event features an informative panel aimed at fostering dialogues between school leaders, teachers, parents, and their children on the optimal ways to include, respect, and safeguard transgender children in educational settings.
Leo earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at San Antonio, holding degrees in Mathematics, Business Marketing, and Communications. Additionally, he is certified in Social Media Marketing and Advertising. During his free time, Leo indulges in hiking with his dog, playing video games, and traveling with his partner. An interesting fact about Leo is his proficiency in playing the drums, piano, and guitar
MADDIE MENDEZ
Case Aide
Maddie is a San Antonio native, with a passion to help others. She studied Mortuary Science at SAC, followed by getting her Esthetics license at AVEDA Institute of Arts & Sciences. Prior to joining Thrive, Maddie managed an LGBTQ+ inclusive salon, where she “[loved] to help others feel confident in their skin. Everyone deserves to feel as beautiful as they are on the inside and I want to help them get there.” She has supported Thrive’s mission since 2021 and joined the dorm team earlier this year. She’s excited to help Thrive youth reach their goals and be supportive every step of the way.
In her free time, Maddie plays competitive pinball in a local women’s pinball league, enjoys nature hikes, reading comic books and fueling her coffee addiction.
JESSIE MORRIS
Case Manager
Jessie is an Alabama native who received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies with a Minor in Addiction and Recovery from the University of Alabama and is currently working on her master’s in social work at University of Texas at San Antonio. Jessie has worked in the field for 9 years gaining experience in different areas of the social service field. Jessie is very passionate about advocating for social justice and advocating for those who do not know how to advocate for themselves. Jessie Is excited to be working for Thrive and has been passionate about Thrive Youth Center since she became aware of the mission and great work that is done at Thrive.
When Jessie is not working you can find her outdoors, hiking, camping, fishing and playing with her kids.
ANGEL McKINNEY
Benefits Specialist
Angel Drake is a graduate from Argosy University with her Master’s in Human services as well as her BA from Wayland Baptist University-San Antonio in Human services. Currently in school as a graduate student for her Masters in Social Work. She has over 7 years of experience working with families and disadvantaged youth. She spent the majority of her career working with the State of Texas as a Texas Health Advisor as well as an investigator with Adult Protective Services. Her passion is to help others see their full potential no matter who they are or who they love. Angel is a devoted wife and a mother of 3 children ages 12, 7 and 3. She is also a Furmom to 2 dogs and 1 cat.
In her free time, Angel really enjoys traveling around the world with her family to experience different cultures and food. Some of her hobbies include reading, online shopping, and binge-watching the latest tv shows.
VICTORIA LONGORIA
Case Manager
Born and raised in South Texas, Victoria got her undergraduate at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and is currently working on her Masters in Social Work at UTSA. Victoria is passionate about helping others and has worked in various positions in direct care with children/youth who have experienced trauma in their life and with adults who have memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. She is passionate about empowering individuals to believe in their capabilities and be successful in their own way.
When she’s not working, you can find her traveling all around the world, in the kitchen making something delicious, and spending time with her family and her two Siberian Huskies, Panda and Honey Bee.
JAI GONZALEZ QUINTERO
Case Manager
Jai has worked in case management for the past few years in residential recovery-focused programs for men experiencing homelessness, mental illness, trauma, and/or substance abuse. He also worked with youth in CPS care, victims of sex/labor trafficking, and transitional living for young adults. He is excited to be at Thrive and to serve his community. Jai is a makeup artist and studied theater, he is currently a resident actor at the Public Theatre of San Antonio and also performs with Teatro Audaz.
MARCUS ANTHONY
Case Manager
Marcus is a native San Antonian and attended school in the San Antonio ISD from preschool through 12th grade. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he also was a captain on the football team and was President of Alpha Psi Omega, a national fraternity for participants
in collegiate theater. Marcus would later receive his Masters from Texas A&M Kingsville.
After college, Marcus returned home and worked for San Antonio ISD as a teacher and coach for 17 years. He transferred to Judson ISD, where he worked in public education for an additional 22 years . He served as an Assistant Principal, Associate Principal and lastly, Director of Pupil Services. Also, Marcus was responsible for emergency management for all of Judson ISD campuses and district facilities during his tenure with the district.
Marcus is extremely excited to be afforded the opportunity to once again work with youth. Work that has positive and impactful effect on the youth of his community has always been one of his main goals in life. He is thankful to be a member of the Thrive team.
When not working, Marcus loves reading, traveling, and genealogy research.