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!
SANDRA WHITLEY
Founder & Executive Director
Sandra Whitley is the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive Youth Center, Inc. Ms. Whitley graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business. She also obtained a Paralegal certificate, and for ten years worked as a Paralegal with the 2nd largest law firm in Florida. Over the next 20 years, she owned two businesses, but always had the desire to help LGBTQ youth due to her own negative experiences of being a young, “out” lesbian living in the Panhandle of Texas.
After the sale of her second business in 2013, she began researching how she could best serve LGBTQ youth and young adults. She found an epidemic of LGBTQ homeless youth in the United States, with only six shelters in the country specifically addressing this issue. She opened Thrive Youth Center, the first LGBTQ-specific shelter in the southern United States, in San Antonio in February 2015.
GREG CASILLAS
Assistant Director
Greg Casillas started with Thrive in October of 2017 as the Life Skills Program Manager and this position allowed him to support youth through every avenue of their emerging life off the streets. He created a program for these youth that centers around 7 major areas of life; Daily Living, Self Care, Housing & Money Management, Relationships & Communication, Work & Study Life, Looking Forward, and Permanency.
Now as the Assistant Director, Greg is moving the organization forward through policy development, community engagement, community partnerships, and funding opportunities. Greg is focused on cultivating partnerships with community providers to offer a wide range of services to youth experiencing homelessness.
Greg is active in the community, serving as a resource to San Antonio and the surrounding area. He was a member of the selection committee that appointed San Antonio citizens to Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. He is the current co-chair for the Ryan White Program and the End Stigma End HIV Alliance of San Antonio. He actively serves on several community based initiatives and university-based student projects.
Prior to living in San Antonio, Greg lived in Costa Rica for 17 years. He is a yoga teacher, a Quaker, sports enthusiast, likes to cook and is looking forward to a long career serving the community. Greg and his husband John are “Dads” to two dogs, 10 cats and an opossum named Mabel.
He often reminds people that “Silence = Permission” and that, “It takes one voice. Let it be yours.”
NICOLE CORNEVIN
Director of Case Management
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
Housing Program Manager, Continuum of Care
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
Fundraising and Development Manager
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.
ERIN KIRBY
Housing Program 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.
VICTORIA LOPEZ
Community Engagement And Outreach
Victoria Lopez is a Latina lesbiana raised by Panamanian and Puerto Rican parents. Victoria moved to San Antonio in 2018 from Washington State, where she began her journey in advocacy and inclusive Sexual Education. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with her BA in Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Through her experience in community health, she has grown her passion for helping underserved communities.
Before joining Thrive, Victoria was a Thrive intern during her last semester at UTSA. She immediately fell in love with Thrive’s mission and knew that this couldn’t be the end of her journey with us.
Her dedication lies with helping LGBTQ+ youth by being a voice to guide, support, and amplify them in the way she wished she had growing up. She hopes to create and capture a safe space for youth in marginalized communities. With her bright and warm energy, Victoria is determined to stay true to her experience, be active in the community, and share and contribute to Thrive’s mission.
When she’s not working, Victoria and her partner are dog moms to a two year old dachshund who loves being the drama king and has all of their attention 25/8. She’s also quite the sushi and boba lover!
BRIAN HODGES
Education And Employment Aide
Brian Hodges obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Texas Lutheran University.
Previously working in the higher education field at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Brian was drawn to Thrive Youth Center for the important advocacy and difference the organization makes in the San Antonio community. In his free time, Brian has studied and performed in local theatres around our city.
LELISA WATKINS
Youth Benefit 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!
RACHAEL GARZA
Weekend Case Manager
Rachael Garza was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and moved to San Antonio in 2014. Rachael has an AA degree as an Administrative Associate from TSTC-Harlingen, an AS degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Texas at Brownsville. Rachael has 10 years of experience as an Administrative Associate and has one year of experience in a school setting. Rachael has 17 years of experience as a case manager with Child Protective Services-Conservatorship Specialist, Adult Protective Services-Investigator/case management, BCFS-Foster Support Worker/Disaster Case Manager, SAMMinistries-case manager for homeless families, Thrive Youth Center-case manager for the LGBTQ, and Chenega Corp-bilingual case manager working to reunify undocumented juveniles with families in the U.S. Rachael has served populations presenting a range of abuse, neglect, exploitation, mental health, domestic violence, reunification, and homelessness.
Rachael started working with Thrive in October 2021 as a weekend Youth Center case manager and is presently working as a PRN Case Manager. Rachael feels that Thrive Youth Center is an organization that has a reputation for ensuring that clients always receive the best care possible. Rachael has 3 adult children and 9 grandchildren. Rachael is also a mom to 3 boy fur babies: Jax/Maltipoo, Oreo/Shih tzu, and Buddy/Aussi.
THERESA CANTU
Life Skills Manager
Theresa Cantu, although not a San Antonio native, has adopted, assimilated, and become a proud member of the San Antonio LGBTQIA+ community. As a community advocate, she advances her passion for improving sexual, mental, and physical health through access to information, resources, programs, and technology that allow for better community health outcomes. Theresa attended various universities before completing her BA from Texas A&M University- San Antonio and graduates with her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Strategy in May of 2023.
Theresa is also known in the San Antonio LGBTQIA+ community for her drag persona, where she uses her platform and space to provide herself as a voice and a resource for individuals in the community who may have questions about available community services.
Theresa is a strong promoter for inclusivity and awareness not only for conversations about gender and sexuality but as well as racial discourse. Theresa started her Thrive journey as the Housing Transition Aide, assisting clients with their housing placement needs. As the Life Skills Case Manager for Thrive Youth Center’s Emergency Shelter, Theresa supports and advocates for Thrive’s young transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid individuals experiencing homelessness and provides them with opportunities to gain essential life skills. The core of her work at the shelter is to encourage, motivate, and reassure clients in their development towards creating sustainable life goals.
Prior to her work at Thrive, Theresa was a Case Manager at Alamo Area Resource Center(AARC) assisting individuals living with HIV and a prevention specialist at Alamo Area Resource Center(AARC) where she spearheaded community education and was able to assist the community with testing and linkage of services – Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
In Theresa’s free time, she enjoys traveling, self-care, slot machines in Vegas, going to the movies, or just playing video games at home
NORA MCCOLLUM
Staff Accountant
Nora McCollum is the Accountant at Thrive Youth Center, Inc. Nora graduated from the Texas State University-San Marcos with a BBA degree with a major in Accounting. Almost immediately after graduating, she began working at The Center for Health Care Services. Nora started as an Accountant I and steadily moved her way up to Accounting Manager, responsible for the Payroll, Purchasing and Accounts Payable/Receivable departments. After working there for over 8 years, she moved on and began working part-time for the next 14 years working for Pella Windows & Doors as well as a small CPA firm.
Nora is the first Accountant that Thrive Youth Center has employed, and has said, “I’m truly excited to work for such a great organization and an inspiring director!”
NATALIA RAMON
Housing Transition Aide
San Antonio native, Natalia Ramon, started with the Thrive Youth Center early August of 2022 as a Housing Aide. She graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2018 with a BA in Psychology. Natalia, has worked in various industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and IT.
Prior to joining Thrive as an employee, Natalia was a Thrive Youth. She entered the program in September 2018, unsure of her future, but with a dream. With Thrives’ assistance she was able to get back on her feet and have a safe place to be herself.
Natalia is passionate about helping others and through her experience with Thrive she wants to help other youth feel as safe as she did and provide the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth with an opportunity to be successful adults.
Natalia and her wife Natalie are fur-moms to one lovable Beagle-mix, Pumpkin, and a rambunctious cat, Luca.
MADDIE MENDEZ
Youth Resident Advisor
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
COC 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 DRAKE
Youth Benefit 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.
JEREMY LOZANO
Weekend Case Manager
Hi, my name is Jeremy Lozano and I am a San Antonio native. I am a graduate from Texas A&M University- San Antonio with my Bachelors in Communication. I recently became the weekend case manager for Thrive Youth Center and it has been amazing so far. For my full time employment, I work for Alamo Area Resource Center as the Lead of Prevention Services and I have been with AARC for almost 7 years now.
During my free time (very little) I do enjoy playing sports with the Diablos Outsports Association here in San Antonio and did anyone say happy hour??? I collect Pokemon Plushies and yugioh sealed products for funsies which also is nostalgic to my childhood.
JAI GONZALEZ QUINTERO
Case Manager Shelter
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 Shelter
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.
VICTORIA LONGORIA
YHDP 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.
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.