Abby joined ATC as an Outreach Counselor in 2016. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Abby is excited to work with and provide individualized support to ATC’s youth. She enjoys playing soccer, reading anything and everything, watching the Golden State Warriors, visiting tide pools, and eating breakfast food.
Heather also known as L.U.V does not go by your usual he/she they them pronouns. She goes by versatile, outstanding, fabulous, and unfiltered (once you get to know her more!) She was born and raised in the city right here in the Tenderloin. Her passions are held very close to her. Want to know more? Just ask! She is more than willing to meet with you if you have any questions. Her vibes aren’t felt through this short bio. Until then she is here living in the present moment with you all and is just thankful.
Merissa began her journey as a Supportive Service Counselor at ATC in the Spring of 2022. She’s a true valley girl at heart, but relocated to the Bay Area for all of its culture and opportunity. Her desire to work in the nonprofit sector stems from her youth as a client of different programs herself. Beyond the office, Merissa spends her leisure time singing all the classic r&b’s, indulging in great stories, and creating more moments with her chosen family.
Lamu joined our ATC family in the winter of 2021 as a Supportive Services Counselor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in NonProfit Administration at University of San Francisco in conjunction with her role here at ATC. Lamu’s self care routine to destress from her crazy schedule includes yoga at the park, painting, creating new recipes, and exploring new coffee shops!
Valerie McEntee joined ATC as Senior Supportive Services Counselor in January of 2022. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has worked with unhoused folks here in San Francisco for over a decade. Valerie enjoys Soto Zen meditation and laughing with her children.
Vivian James has been a part of ATC since March 2022, rooted in a background of mental health, harm reduction, and community care. She lives by ‘no one left behind’ meaning exactly what it says and knows that there is only love in our future if we choose to see it. She enjoys fashion, tarot, and spending time just being. She is 1 PE credit away from having an AA degree and cannot be made to go back to school.
Demaree started as an ATC Outreach Counselor in 2015, became Program Manager in 2018, and as of March 2021 is ATC’s Program Director. He has spent the last 10 years working with underserved communities. He joined ATC because of the organization’s approach towards advocacy and client-led outcomes. He is interested in community health, music, basketball, and in no way is he competitive at all.
Artavia joins ATC with over 20 years of experience leading nonprofits. A native of Chicago, she has held leadership positions with Meals on Wheels Chicago, Chicago SCORES, Public Allies Chicago, Building with Books, LaSalle Senior Center, and Christ the King Jesuit High School. Most recently, Artavia served as the Executive Director of Super Stars Literacy Oakland where she provided literacy access to youth across the Oakland Unified School District. Artavia is currently serving as the Regional Director of the Jefferson Awards Foundation and the Vice-Chair of the Hayward Community Service Commission where she helps shape public policy related to anti-racism, racial equity, re-imagining policing, access to homeownership, business development, and culturally relevant education for the BIPOC community. Artavia holds a BA in Sociology from Loyola University of Chicago and a BA in Theology and Master of Divinity from Grace Christian Seminary.
Tara became ATC’s Administrative Assistant in June 2016. Ever since, she has been using her considerable organizational and problem-solving skills to keep our office running smoothly! Tara was born and raised in foggy San Francisco, and went to school in Portland, OR to study International Affairs and Political Economy. When she stumbled across the opportunity to work for ATC, she took it as a sign that it was time to move back to the Bay. In her free time, Tara likes to experiment with new recipes (she makes a mean brownie) and wants to learn another (yes, another) dialect of Arabic.
Lee joins the team as ATC’s Communication and Engagement maestro. Originally from Chicago, he has spent the last 8 years working in product marketing and communications across various organizations. He joined ATC after falling in love with the city and because of the organization’s approach to making a tangible, local impact on how the Bay Area supports disconnected communities. In his free time, Lee enjoys biking the hills of San Francisco, basketball, soccer, snowboarding, and shooting pool.
Aloo joins At The Crossroads as the team’s youngest member. An aspiring Supportive Services Counselor, Aloo keeps the ATC spirits high with his energetic optimism and playful demeanor. In his free time, Aloo enjoys eating paper, office games of fetch, and treats! Woof!