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!
JUSTIN R. HOLLEY
Executive Director
Justin R. Holley is the Executive Director of the Thrive Youth Center, 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. Thrive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness with a safe and supportive environment to facilitate their empowerment toward transforming their lives. Justin started at Thrive in 2022 as the Fundraising Manager and was promoted to Executive Director in July of 2024.
Justin received his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Justin moved to Texas in the mid-90s for his career in the Tourism Industry. He settled in San Antonio in 2001, making San Antonio his permanent home. After a 25-year career in hospitality, he found his passion in non-profits, using his service industry skills as a vital resource in supporting the unhoused population at Thrive.
Currently, Justin serves as the Co-Chair of the Alliance to House Everyone and a board member with Close to Home. He also serves on the boards of the Non-Profit Council of SA, the Diversity Recovery Alliance, and as treasurer for AFP’s San Antonio chapter. In his spare time, you can find Justin biking the trails on the San Antonio River or spending time with his dog, Shaggy.
NICOLE CORNEVIN
Grants & 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
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 the Director of Housing. 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) and two dogs (Dexter, and Camilla).
BETO DELEON
Program Support Manager
Beto DeLeon is a community organizer whose work is focused on supporting projects rooted in collective healing and exploring alternative economic visions for a just future.
Their work has spanned 25 years of education, training, and community organizing in worker-led cooperatives, multiple grassroots campaigns focused on environmental justice, housing rights, food access, youth leadership, and building sustainable communities in South Texas. Their time working in various cultural spaces both as an organizer and in fundraising roles has shaped their development vision to one that is rooted in the well-being of underserved people and long-term impacts. They hope that their role in any capacity is one that continues to support empowering spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ people to self-organize, heal, and thrive.
In his free time, Beto enjoys working in the garden, cooking, and exploring nature with his husband and family. He also enjoys exploring the intersections of plants and culture through art, herbalism, and education.
DAVID SAUCEDA
Director of Case Management
NORA MCCOLLUM
Administrator
Nora grew up in Calallen, a small suburb of Corpus Christi. Upon high school graduation, she attended Texas State University – San Marcos, formerly known as Southwest Texas State University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting and moved to Castroville. Things seemed to move quickly from there. She married her college sweetheart, and found a great job at the Valero Corporate office. Once she had her 2 kids, she slowed down and worked part time for smaller companies before finding Thrive Youth Center. Now the mother of 2 college students and married for over 26 years, Nora is thrilled to be at Thrive Youth Center working with such a great team and a great mission.
ERIN KIRBY
Case 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.
SHELBY MORENO
Data, Quality, and Compliance Manager
Shelby Moreno started at Thrive in May 2023 as the Program Operations Manager, where she managed 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. Currently, she is the Data Quality and Compliance Manager for Thrive, in which she analyzes organizational data for reporting and grant purposes, as well as completes administrative duties that include policy and procedure 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 comfort is truly an honor. She hopes to play a crucial role in uplifting our community. In addition, her background in health can provide a new perspective on young adult 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 Weeni, or co-hosting queer sapphic events with Lezzieland.
LEO CASTILLO-ANGUIANO
Outreach & Advocacy 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 in 2022 for Trans and Queer individuals in San Antonio.
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
KATHERINE REGALADO
Housing Case Manager
Katherine Regalado is a dedicated Case Manager with eight years of experience in addiction recovery, mental health support, and trauma-informed care. As a State Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist and Mental Health Peer Specialist, she brings a person-centered and culturally responsive approach to her work.
Katherine’s lived experience with mental health challenges, domestic violence, substance use, and youth houselessness informs her ability to connect authentically with diverse populations. She has supported individuals across higher education, community programs, re-entry services, transitional housing, and outreach initiatives throughout Texas.
Her professional background includes working with LGBTQIA+ youth, justice-involved individuals, survivors of domestic violence, unhoused populations, CPS-involved families, and individuals in recovery, as well as providing group facilitation and training.
Katherine is committed to fostering empowerment, resilience, and self-advocacy in the individuals she serves through her work at Thrive Youth Center.
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, trauma, mental health, and substance use. 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 currently 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.
RICKY MILLER
Case Manager
Ricky Miller is a case manager at Thrive Youth Center. He received his Bachelor’s of Social Work and Associate’s in Psychology. He later became a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker and Notary for the state. He has three years of experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician providing Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to young children with Autism. He has additionally provided case management for young adults and veterans since obtaining his degree. In his spare time, he enjoys reading with a nice cup of coffee.
MADDIE MENDEZ
Shelter Lead
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.
ERICA AGUIRRE
Donor Relations Manager
With over two decades of experience in organizational governance, community service, and advocacy, Erica brings a rich background in equity work and grassroots support to her role at Thrive Youth Center. She is deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces and uplifting LGBTQ+ communities.
Prior to joining Thrive, Erica co-founded the Diversity Recovery Alliance (DRA), an inclusive recovery space designed to support LGBTQ+ individuals and diverse community groups in healing and connection.
Erica also brings 23 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, where she was a founding board member of the company’s first Employee Resource Group. She later served for 10 years on the Pride Network, championing LGBTQ+ visibility, community engagement, and inclusive initiatives that strengthened the organization’s outreach and advocacy efforts. This long-term leadership reflects her dedication to representation and systemic change.
In addition, Erica has spent the last six years as a volunteer storyteller with the San Antonio Food Bank, using narrative to elevate the voices of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through similar work with Feeding America, she has helped humanize hunger and inspire empathy and action across broader communities.
Her service extends beyond these roles through ongoing volunteer efforts with local and national nonprofit organizations, guided by a belief in community, compassion, and justice. Rooted in her identity as a San Antonio–born woman of color, Erica approaches all of her work with authenticity, cultural awareness, and a commitment to uplifting voices too often unheard.
Erica has a son, two daughters, and two grandsons whom she adores. She is engaged to her life partner, Jennifer, and they enjoy a rich family life filled with international travel, adventure, their sweet pups, art, music, and all that life has to offer.
KELSEY BUTCHER (BSW)
Case Manager
Kelsey recently relocated to San Antonio from Houston, Tx after completing her undergraduate degree in Social Work at the University of Houston Downtown. She currently attends University of Texas Arlington with the dream of becoming a Licensed Master of Social Work so she can expand her work within her new community.
Before joining the Thrive team, Kelsey spent years as a caseworker for Child Protective Services with a specialization with survivors of child sexual abuse. She has also held positions in residential treatment centers for teens, a detox & recovery center and she worked as a certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist at recovery high school. Her personal experiences with mental health, addiction and trauma are what drive her desire to serve marginalized communities.
Outside of work, Kelsey spends her days with her spouse, friends and beloved pets. She enjoys collecting & creating oddities, singing & writing music and exploring nature.
LISA FIGUEROA
Case Manager
JULIANA RAMON
Shelter Resident Assistant
LEVI LINN
Shelter Resident Assistant