Staff of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

Arash Ghafoori, Executive Director email: arash@nphy.org Arash has a background in international relations, political science, and economics after graduating with an undergraduate degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a masters degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His experience includes working as a business and development manager and as a economic/strategic/program development consultant for various businesses, nonprofits and think tanks. Most recently, Arash worked as a research analyst for United Way of Southern Nevada. Arash has lived overseas and volunteered for various nonprofits and NGOs, such as Lions Club International in Nicaragua and Engineers Without Borders Las Vegas. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his siblings, backwoods hiking/camping, tinkering with technology, listening to hip hop, attending live performances, exploring new foods, keeping up with current events and globetrotting.

Lorraine Ortiz, Management Analyst email: lorraine@nphy.org Lorraine has been with the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth since January 2008. Before joining the organization, Lorraine was practicing her management skills in a corporate setting and has been Corporate Secretary for a Non-Profit Organization. Lorraine obtained a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. Also, Lorraine holds a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lorraine and her husband moved to Henderson and they are raising their two teenage kids. Lorraine enjoys reading books, watching movies, cooking and traveling.

Bob Bellis, Assistant Programs Manager email: bob@nphy.org Bob has been involved in helping homeless youth and the less fortunate for over two decades. Growing up with his family in Pahrump, his parents raised 80 foster children. Bob eventually moved to Las Vegas to attend UNLV and study economics and business management. It was after his studies that he became more involved in the community and social service issues, which he continues to this day. Bob is currently the President of the John S. Park Neighborhood Association and a Commissioner on the City of Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission, as well as a member of Metro’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. Having created a successful safety equipment business, he hires homeless youth to teach them work skills with the goal of becoming self-sufficient. Bob’s professional experience in non-profits includes his former work with NPHY during its early years as program director, founding President of Southern Nevada Children First, former Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, and past board member of Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling with his partner.

Jennifer Lopardo, Assistant Programs Manager email: jennifer@nphy.org Jennifer moved to Las Vegas in 2003 from Southern California to pursue her education at UNLV. After graduating with a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2006, she enrolled in the graduate program and earned her Master’s degree in May 2009. Her thesis emphasis included topics of risk factors, protective factors, at-risk youth, mentoring programs, and social bond theory. During her graduate studies, Jenni worked with youth through several programs and initiatives with the goal of assisting youth better their future opportunities. She is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth in Nevada. In her spare time, Jenni enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and is looking forward to her wedding in October. She is also a member of the American Society of Criminology and an active alumnus of UNLV’s national criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma.

Elsa McKnight, Executive Assistant email: elsa@nphy.org Bio Coming Soon

Anna Veverka, Administrative Assistant email: anna@nphy.org Bio Coming Soon

Joseph Taylor, Independent Living Program Case Manager email: joseph@nphy.org Joseph is a native of Las Vegas. He graduated from Boulder City High School and went on to graduate from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. He is now completing his Master’s Degree in Social Work at UNLV and is in the Advanced Standing Program with a concentration in Direct Practice. His experience at UNLV and his field practicum with the Department of Family Services include working with at-risk youth who were victims of abuse and neglect. Joseph previously worked as a case manager for at-risk youth living in treatment-level foster homes. Joseph is very excited to work at NPHY and to serve the homeless youth population. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and their new baby girl. He enjoys camping, movies, cooking, and family road trips.

Crystal Arizola, Drop-in Center Case Manager email: crystal@nphy.org Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Crystal graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor in Social Work and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program with a concentration in Direct Practice. Crystal has worked and volunteered at a variety of social services agencies ranging from foster care to domestic violence to mediation services. Her hope is to one day work join the Peace Corps and help build community based programs in various countries throughout the world. Outside of work Crystal has dedicate herself to doing the things she loves like playing in an adult soccer league, spending time with loved ones, reading a decent book once in a while, hanging out with friends, traveling, karaoke, and salsa dancing.

Vincent Pollard, Outreach Coordinator email: vincent@nphy.org With over a decade of experience working with youth, Vincent Pollard has dedicated himself to aiding young people of all ages and backgrounds. During his career, Vincent has been a Daycare Teacher, Recreation Specialist, Teen Director and a Foster Care Worker. Since the age of sixteen, Vincent has coached, mentored and educated literally thousands of youth across Southern Nevada. Vincent is excited to have the opportunity to reach out to at-risk youth because he was once in their shoes. Having been homeless multiple times during his childhood, Vincent received a helping hand many times before and now, desires to be a helping hand for at-risk and homeless youth across Nevada. I will be attending the College of Southern Nevada this fall in order to attain my associate’s degree, I will be majoring in Computer Science. My hobbies are Playing Basketball, Video Games, hanging out with my puppies and coaching youth sports. I have over 12 years experience working with youth of many different ages and backgrounds.

Melissa Jacobowitz, Development Specialist email: melissa@nphy.org Born and raised in Florida, Melissa joined the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth team soon after moving to Las Vegas in 2011. She holds a high school diploma from the Dreyfoos High School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, FL and a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature from New College of Florida in Sarasota. After graduating from New College, she spent a year living and studying in Odessa, Ukraine, as a Fulbright Fellow. She came to Las Vegas most immediately from Tampa, FL, where she served as an AmeriCorps member and Community Volunteer Coordinator at Community Stepping Stones, an organization that provides arts education to at-risk youth. Melissa enjoys literature and art of all kinds, vegan cuisine, riding her bike, and exploring new places. She is excited and honored to work at NPHY.

Aaron Kik, Runner email: aaron@nphy.org Aaron first came to Las Vegas in 2001. He became homeless in 2008 and was a couch surfer before finding Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth in July of 2008. Nevada Partnership accepted him into their Independent Living Program and he remained there until he graduated high school in 2010. Since then, Aaron has joined the US Army Reserves as a Cargo Specialist and has begun working his way up the ranks. Aaron joined Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth as a Runner in July of 2011. His favorite color is purple.

Luis Beltran, Safe Place Responder email: luis@nphy.org Luis Beltran is a junior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas majoring in political science, with a minor in criminal justice. While in college, Beltran was appointed to the State of Nevada Juvenile Justice Commission, and also serves on the National Coalition for Juvenile Justice Youth Committee. As a strong advocate for youth, Beltran has interned with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and at the Office of Senator Reid on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Beltran plans to earn a Juris Doctorate degree and continue to work with underprivileged youth.

Adrian Viesca, Safe Place Responder email: adrian@nphy.org Adrian is a native Nevadan. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. Adrian joined the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth in the winter of 2011. He volunteers to help get youth and others involved in the political process and looks forward to making a positive change in the Las Vegas community in his role as a Safe Place Responder. When Adrian is not working he enjoys playing tennis, jogging, and the occasional half-marathon. He loves to take trips with friends and explore new places.

Ilars Thompson, Safe Place Responder email: ilars@nphy.org Ilars is a native of Las Vegas and graduated from Green Valley High School. Before joining Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Ilars worked in alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation since 2005. At Westcare, as Assistant Counselor, he worked with at-risk youth, providing residential care, community outreach and education services. Ilars also has worked at the Las Vegas Recovery Center and worked as an Admissions Specialist. Ilars is committed to fostering positive growth and development for youth and the community and has volunteered with a number of organizations, including City Wide Musical Workshop, Springs Preserve, and Aid for Aids of Nevada. At Present, Ilars is enrolled at the University of Nevada Las Vegas pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and looks forward to working with individuals to further help facilitate increased emotional health and promote self-healing. Outside of work, Ilars values spending quality time with a host of close friends and family, reading a good book, exploring various generes of music, and dabbling in the kitchen (mostly eating). Ilars is truly excited and honored to work with NPHY to serve and empower displaced youth both locally and abroad.

Krystal Campagna, Emergency Shelter Houseparent email: krystal@nphy.org Originally from San Jose, CA, Krystal Campagna moved to Las Vegas in 2002 as a participant of the foster care system. She is currently enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada, working towards a degree in Social Work. Krystal herself was once a homeless youth, and enjoys giving back to her community. She has worked in various fields across Las Vegas, including advocating for Down Syndrome adults, coaching for Las Vegas Parks & Recreation and working as a drug addiction counselor. When Krystal is not working, she enjoys getting wrapped up in fashion, cooking, traveling, spending time with her animals, and enjoying the company of her partner.

Chantelle Korver, Emergency Shelter Houseparent email: chantelle@nphy.org Chantelle is originally from southern California. Having been a homeless youth herself, Chantelle pursued her dream to always help others in need. She has many years of experience working with special-needs children before she began working for NPHY in 2008. Chantelle speaks 4 languages and in her spare time enjoys playing the piano, being in nature, playing with animals, and traveling. Chantelle aspires to study alternative medicine and eventually open her own practice.

Joshua Benitez, Las Vegas House Parent email: joshua@nphy.org Born in Enid, Oklahoma, to a transient military family, Joshua has lived in Texas, Hawaii, Arizona and California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Starting with volunteering for the Special Olympics and other organizations in Las Vegas, he has had countless experiences contributing his efforts to charitable causes for his community. He studied Philosophy and Political Science at UNLV and will be returning to school to receive nautical training and his captain’s license. Joshua began working for NPHY as a house parent in the Fall of 2010. In his spare time he enjoys writing music, singing, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his girlfriend.

Jonathan Ortiz, Henderson House Parent email: jonathan@nphy.org Jonathan obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Our Lady of Fatima University in Manila, Philippines. He worked as a Registered Nurse at the Ateneo de Manila University before moving to Las Vegas with his wife and two kids. Currently, Jonathan is working as Wound Care Nurse at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley in Las Vegas. On his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, golf, mountain biking with his son, and swimming with his daughter. He loves to travel with his family visiting places around the country.

Cassandra Subject, Processing Coordinator email: cassandra@nphy.org Cassandra was born and raised in Las Vegas. She joined the Nevada Partnership of Homeless Youth team in August of 2011. Cassandra is currently pursuing her degree in Hotel Management for Meetings and Events at UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada. Before joining Nevada Partnership, she worked for Raisbeck and Habla Ingles in Bogota, Colombia as a Language Instructor. Cassandra also worked for seven years as a Processing Coordinator with Walker Engineering, LLC. When she is not working, Cassandra enjoys bike riding, hiking, camping, traveling, cooking, and hula hooping.

Kathi Zellers, Therapist Dr. Kathi Zellers received her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Regis University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology from Maimonides University. She conducts therapeutic counseling with families, individuals, couples, children and teens as well as sessions with young breast cancer survivors, teens and children needing grief support, and those in alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation. She has also conducted workshops for the Clark County Juvenile Probation and Parole and Clark County Family and Youth Services. She is a professional member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Psychological Association. She is an avid reader, loves her cats and enjoys exploring the culinary arts.

Robert Herdzik, HMIS Administrator email: rob@bitfocus.com Robert Herdzik is the Project Manager for the Miner Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Robert's expertise are in software development, programming, network administration, security, and database management. In 1999, Robert founded an e-commerce software company developing a complete suite of electronic commerce management tools for small business owners. During the early Internet, the service became extremely useful for early adopters of e-commerce, breaking the entry barriers merchants faced in conducting online commerce. Robert has since created his own consulting firm, Bitfocus, Inc., which manages IT and technology operations for several domestic and overseas operations.