Jasmine Griffis Named Senior Director of Programs at Connections for Children
Los Angeles, CA (June 24, 2025) - It is with great excitement that Connections for Children, a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of children and meeting the changing demands of the community, announces the appointment of Jasmine Griffis as its new Senior Director of Programs. Ms. Griffis’ leadership philosophy is rooted in achieving the best possible outcome measures for program participants by fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth and aligning team strengths with strategic objectives.
In her capacity as the Senior Director of Programs, Ms. Griffis will be responsible for leading program growth, ensuring program contract compliance, and setting standards for program data collection and results. She will be the principal advisor and key partner to the Chief Program Officer. Jasmine Griffis is a mission-driven leader in human services with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, trauma-informed care, and strategic program development. She has successfully directed multi-million-dollar initiatives supporting vulnerable youth, including unaccompanied minors and foster care populations, by fostering high-performing teams and ensuring regulatory compliance. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Human Services, Ms. Griffis continues to elevate service delivery through data-driven practices, cross-sector collaboration, and a deep commitment to empowering communities.
“I’m grateful to be entrusted with this incredible work. For me, it’s a form of stewardship of my gifts, my faith, and the communities we serve. I’ve always believed we are called to serve where we are most needed, and I’m honored to answer that call in this new role. I’m thrilled to be part of Connections for Children’s beautiful history and its diverse community of helping professionals. My leadership continues to be guided by values deeply rooted in faith and service”, said Jasmine Griffis.
"Jasmine's passion for our mission and commitment to serve the CFC community is evident with every individual she interacts with. We are excited to continue the growth of Connections for Children with Jasmine as an integral member of our Leadership Team", said Dr. Jessica Reynaga, EdD, MSW, Chief Program Officer
With Jasmine Griffis on board, Connections for Children will continue to champion quality improvement by standardizing care practices and ensuring programs meet high service standards for families and childcare providers. With strong leadership collaboration, they will ensure community engagement to strengthen the agency’s impact and sustainability. Jasmine Griffis was chosen as the next Senior Director of Programs after an extensive search led by Connections for Children and facilitated by Envision Consulting. For more information about Ms. Griffis’ appointment or Connections for Children, please contact Melissa Montoya, Director of Search Services at Envision Consulting.
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
San Fernando Valley, CA, May 30, 2025 – The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando Valley (NCADD-SFV) is proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Botten as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Chris is a seasoned behavioral health executive with over 12 years of experience within the Los Angeles County Substance Use Disorder (SUD) system of care. He brings extensive expertise in nonprofit and public sector leadership, with a particular focus on financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational transformation. Chris holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University Channel Islands.
“I am honored to join NCADD-SFV and lead an organization with such a powerful legacy of service, advocacy, and recovery,” says Botten. “As someone deeply committed to advancing behavioral health and equity in our communities, I see this as an extraordinary opportunity to build on that legacy by modernizing our approach, expanding our reach, and driving meaningful outcomes for those we serve. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team, partners, and board to shape the future of addiction treatment and recovery in the San Fernando Valley.”
NCADD-SFV is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing prevention, education, treatment, and referral services to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. Founded on the belief that addiction is a family and societal disease, NCADD-SFV works to eliminate stigma and promote recovery through compassionate, community-based care. Its comprehensive services include substance use counseling, parenting and family programs, DUI education, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and care coordination with hospitals, detox centers, and sober living facilities.
"Everyone here at NCADD-SFV is looking forward to working with Chris,” says board member Julie Powers. “His experience, work ethic, and overall positive presence make him an incredible asset to our team and we can't wait to see what he does for the community we serve."
About NCADD-SFV
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando Valley (NCADD-SFV) provides high-quality, culturally responsive prevention, education, treatment, and referral services related to substance use disorders. With a vision that every person has the right to be free from addiction, NCADD-SFV offers services that span from youth prevention programs to adult treatment, working closely with the court system, community providers, and families. For more information, visit: https://ncadd-sfv.org
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
Stockton, CA - April 22, 2025 - Parents by Choice is proud to announce the appointment of Charlene Harrison as its new Deputy Director.
Charlene is a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe of Nevada and is Pomo from Northern California and Navajo from New Mexico. She has 18 years of experience working in non-profit organizations in both Alameda and Los Angeles Counties. Charlene has a long track-record of service to others in operations and leadership, including over 17 years of service with Native American Health Center. Charlene earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration, both from Mills College.
"I'm very excited to begin working with Parents by Choice and supporting its mission,” Charlene says. “I’m looking forward to being a part of Tony's amazing team and to supporting the youth and families in the community.”
Based in the heart of Stockton, Parents by Choice is dedicated to providing hope and healing to children, youth and their families. They provide foster care, transitional housing, mental health services, parenting programs and workforce development to Central Valley communities. Their daily motto is “whatever it takes,” reflecting deep care about each and every person they serve.
"We are excited to welcome Charlene to the Parents by Choice team!” says founder and CEO Tony Yadon. “Her experience, work ethic, and overall positive presence make her a valuable addition to our team and we look forward to seeing our combined impact on youth and families in San Joaquin County."
About Parents By Choice
Parents by Choice (PBC) was founded in 2006 as a “Foster Family Agency,” an
organization that was built to serve the needs of children and youth in the child welfare system. Starting in 2011, programs were added to holistically meet the needs of the children and families they serve. The organization offers a broad array of programs and care for families and children, providing excellent care from experienced staffers as well as highly qualified and licensed clinicians. For more information, visit: https://parentsbychoice.net/
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
Los Angeles, CA – April 2025
YWCA Greater Los Angeles engaged Envision Consulting to facilitate the strategic planning process of its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. Together, they were able to bring structure and alignment to this next phase of the organization’s evolution.
Created in partnership with the Board of Directors and CEO, and guided by community feedback, it is a clear and actionable roadmap designed to enhance operations, elevate services, and empower the individuals and communities they serve.
Recognizing this pivotal moment in their development, CEO Lori Carmona states, "This plan is both a reflection of our commitment and a forward-looking blueprint to meet LA's evolving needs."
The five-year plan establishes a refreshed vision for the organization, anchored by ten key strategies aligned with its mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The new Strategic Plan is centered around three key pillars:
Board Chairwoman Kymberly Garrett, MBA, GPHR, emphasizes its significance, stating that "This strategic plan celebrates our past achievements while steering us towards a future where every woman and girl in Los Angeles can thrive."
Looking towards the future, YWCA Greater Los Angeles is excited to lay the foundation for long-term growth and community transformation.
Since 1894, YWCA Greater Los Angeles has been advancing the national YWCA mission through programs that support children, youth, seniors, and survivors of sexual assault. With a vision to “strengthen communities for women and girls to live, learn, and grow,” the organization is committed to building a thriving future rooted in equity, dignity, and opportunity.
About YWCA Greater Los Angeles: For more than 130 years, YWCA Greater Los Angeles has served as a lifeline for women and families, passionately working to eliminate racism and empower women. The organization’s programs offer more than just services; they provide hope and a sense of belonging. From affordable early child development services that allow mothers to pursue their dreams, to compassionate support for sexual assault survivors, enriching activities that bring joy to seniors, and safe havens where youth can flourish, YWCA Greater Los Angeles is dedicated to transforming lives and building a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
Learn more at www.ywcagla.org.
About Envision Consulting: Envision Consulting is a boutique firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, and leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in Los Angeles, and New York, Envision integrates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across its work. In 2023, Envision was named by Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
Learn more: https://www.envisionnonprofit.com
Los Angeles, CA, April 10, 2025 – Movement is Life is proud to announce the appointment of Danielle Hilliker as its new Executive Director.
Danielle is a mission-driven leader with over 16 years of experience advancing equity, social justice, and community health through nonprofit leadership. She began her nonprofit journey with the Special Olympics, where she developed innovative fundraising strategies and built strong partnerships to elevate awareness and diversify revenue. Since then, Danielle has contributed to all areas of public health including healthcare workforce development, women’s health, and mental health advocacy. She holds a Master’s of Organizational Development, a Master’s of Philosophy, and is currently completing her PhD with research focused on Breast Implant Illness (BII), an area deeply connected to her personal health journey.
“I’m honored to join Movement is Life as Executive Director and to lead an organization so deeply committed to advancing health equity,” Danielle says. “This role is especially meaningful to me, both professionally and personally, as I’ve navigated healthcare disparities firsthand, particularly in women’s health. I’m committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, particularly women and individuals of color, building inclusive systems, elevating community voices, and addressing the root causes of healthcare disparities. I look forward to working alongside the Board, partners, and communities to continue driving meaningful change.”
Movement is Life is a “multidisciplinary coalition seeking to eliminate racial, ethnic, and gender disparities by promoting movement, which improves individuals’ overall health and quality of life.” The organization’s work places a special focus on African American, Latina, and rural women in underserved communities.
“Movement is Life is excited to welcome Danielle Hilliker as our new Executive Director,” says Board of Directors Chair Dr. Mary O’Connor. “Her wealth of experience engaging communities and developing philanthropic support will allow us to accelerate our mission of ending healthcare disparities.”
Everyone on the Movement is Life team is excited for this next chapter. With such a strong team, both Danielle and the Board anticipate continued impact in addressing health disparities and advancing equity for diverse communities across the country.
About Movement is Life
Movement is Life is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to act as, “ a catalyst for change, energizing multidisciplinary work groups to develop measurable, short-term action plans that move the needle on critical factors driving health disparities.” Through education and raised awareness, Movement is Life is committed to finding ways to impact the current health crisis while long-term solutions are being developed. For more information, visit https://www.movementislifecommunity.org/
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.