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 HOLLEY
Executive 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.
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.
BETO DELEON
Director of Development
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
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.
SHELBY MORENO
Special Projects 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.
LEO CASTILLO-ANGUIANO
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 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 is a dedicated Case Manager. She comes on board with 7 years of experience specializing in addiction recovery in various treatment facilities and detox centers. As a State Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist and Mental Health Peer Specialist, she is passionate about providing hope and empowerment to individuals, supporting them in creating self directed lives. Katherine uses her lived experience and history with mental health, domestic violence, substance use, and houselessness as a youth herself, as a means to connect with and mentor the individuals she is supporting. Katherine believes in the importance of supporting individuals in finding and using their voice, strengths, and talents, by fostering self empowerment. A devoted wife and mother, she finds fulfillment in both her professional and personal life, committed to making a positive impact in her community especially here 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, 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
Education/Workforce Specialist
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.
KIKA OPAL
Benefits Specialist
Kika Opal serves as a Benefit Specialist at Thrive, where their dedication to inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community shines. Prior to joining Thrive, Kika spent four years as a Texas Works Advisor with Texas Health and Human Services, gaining extensive experience in guiding individuals and families through social service programs and advocating for their needs. Their work is fueled by a deep passion for supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
Originally from Colorado, Kika relocated to Texas in 2020. Outside of their professional life, they are a multifaceted artist, expressing creativity through pottery, painting, and tattooing. Kika’s imaginative artistry often features unique little monsters that reflect their vibrant personality.
In their free time, Kika enjoys the company of their cat, Sasha Fierce, and exploring new adventures with their dogs and partner.
At Thrive, Kika is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for everyone they serve.
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.
MARCELLA RIVERA
Residential Advisor
Marcella works as a residential advisor in the Thrive Emergency Shelter. She was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated with a BA in psychology from UTSA. They bring with them a background in animal behavior having spent 6 years as a certified professional dog trainer. They also bring experience from other nonprofits having worked as an office assistant prior to joining the Thrive team. Marcella has an intense passion for service, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. She is very active in the queer nightlife scene, frequently attending drag shows and vogue balls with her collective, the House of Talley. She loves supporting the creative endeavors of local artists and performers whether monetarily or by cheering as loudly as possible during their shows! When it’s time to relax, they enjoy watching movies, listening to music, writing, playing video games, and snuggling with their animals. She has a small terrier mix, a black cat, and a pink-toe tarantula!
GIA RENTERIA
Resident Advisor
Born and raised in North Central San Antonio, Texas, Gia Renteria is a dedicated and family-oriented individual who cherishes spending time with her daughter and grandchildren. She has a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying hiking and camping, but finds her greatest sense of peace in running.
After graduating from Clark High School in 2000, Gia attended Northwest Vista College, where she began pursuing an associate degree in behavioral health. While in school, she embarked on a 13-year career in the hospitality industry, working at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Riverwalk Front Desk. During this time, she moved to downtown San Antonio and became more engaged with the local community.
Gia’s passion for service led her to volunteer with organizations focused on addressing homelessness. This work inspired her to transition from hospitality to a career dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. She has since worked with SAMMinistries and CHCS, gaining invaluable experience in social services. Today, Gia continues this mission at Thrive Youth Center, where she helps young people prepare for independent and successful futures.