Meet Our Staff

Cristian “Omar” Palao (he/him/his) Director of Finance & Human Resources

Omar Palao earned his bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. After beginning his career in the for-profit sector as an Operations Manager, Omar made a purposeful shift to the nonprofit world, joining NALCS just two years after graduation. Bringing with him a strong background in operations and financial oversight, he has since become an essential part of the organization’s leadership team.

Outside of work, Omar enjoys playing basketball, catching a Dodgers Game, and spending quality time with his family and his dog.

Ofelia Medina (she/her/hers) Director of Operations

Ofelia Medina has been a dedicated member of Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services since 2001, serving in a variety of roles including Social Worker, Supervisor, Administrator, and currently as the organization’s Director of Operations.

With a strong background in social work, Ms. Medina has also contributed to educational settings, working in elementary schools to support literacy development among at-risk students. Her passion for youth advocacy extends to her experience as a mentor for minors in probationary camps.

Ms. Medina holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Work, as well as a master’s degree in Psychology. She brings a trauma-informed, community-centered approach to her leadership at NALCS.

In her personal time, Ms. Medina enjoys spending quality time with her children, husband, and extended family.

Claudia Del Viscovo (she/her/hers) Adoptions Supervisor Los Angeles County

Claudia Del Viscovo began her journey with NALCS in July 1996 as a Foster Care Social Worker at the organization’s first office in East Los Angeles. As NALCS grew, Claudia joined the Baldwin Park team when the agency expanded from one office to two, and later transitioned to the Covina office after its relocation.

A few years later, Claudia was promoted to Foster Care Supervisor, serving in that capacity for both the East Los Angeles and San Fernando offices. Her dedication and leadership then led her to the role of Foster Care Administrator, where she oversaw operations at the San Fernando office for many years.

Eventually, she transitioned into her current role as Adoptions Supervisor for Los Angeles County, where she continues to bring compassion, experience, and professionalism to her work supporting children and families..

Ms. Del Viscovo is an alumna of Mount St. Mary’s College, California State University, Los Angeles, and Phillips Graduate Institute. She holds degrees and specializations in psychology, child development, and marriage and family therapy.

Maria “Susy” Montes de Oca (she/her/hers) Finance Manager

Susy Montes de Oca has been a valued member of Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services since February 2000, serving in the Finance Department. Over the years, her experience and dedication have allowed her to take on key responsibilities in payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. Known for her reliability and professionalism, Susy demonstrates a strong sense of independence and a willingness to embrace new challenges in her role.

Outside of work, Susy’s greatest passion is spending quality time with her family. She firmly believes that “family comes first” and that “family time is priceless.”

Erick Bozikovic (he/him/his) Resource Family Administrator Los Angeles and San Fernando Regions

Erick Bozikovic brings extensive experience from both the private business and social services sectors, having worked in Argentina and throughout South America prior to his work in the United States. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the National University of Rosario in Argentina, followed by a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

He joined NALCS in 2003 and has since played an integral role in supporting multiple offices, including Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. He ultimately transitioned to the Los Angeles office, where he continues to provide leadership and administrative oversight for the Los Angeles and San Fernando regions.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Erick is a devoted father of four children and a proud grandfather. He is passionate about being active as he enjoys running and outdoor activities, promoting a positive health and wellness lifestyle. He is also an advocate for animal rights.

Elyse Mitchell (she/her/hers) Resource Family Administrator Covina & San Bernardino Regions

Elyse Mitchell serves as the Resource Family Administrator for the Covina and San Bernardino offices at NALCS, where she has been dedicated since 2017, supporting children and families. Joining NALCS shortly after completing graduate school, Elyse began her career as a social worker, driven by a deep passion for creating social change at the macro level. Her commitment, leadership, and vision have guided her professional growth within the organization, culminating in her current management role.

Elyse earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, East Bay, which provided a strong foundation for her work in social services. She went on to earn her master’s degree from the University of Southern California, specializing in Communities, Organizations, and Business Innovation. This academic background has equipped her with the skills to navigate complex systems and advocate for effective, innovative solutions in child welfare and family support.

Originally from Montebello, Elyse brings a hometown perspective and a genuine connection to the communities she serves. Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted wife, basketball and sports fan, enthusiastic foodie, passionate music lover, avid traveler, and art enthusiast. Elyse is deeply committed to diversity and racial equality, and her love for exploring different cultures and artistic expressions continues to enrich both her personal outlook and her dedication to fostering inclusive communities.

Veronica Vasquez (she/her/hers) Head of Services DBH/DMH

Veronica Vasquez has been with Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children Services (NALCS) since 2014, bringing over a decade of experience specializing in foster youth, unaccompanied minors, and mental health services. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Veronica is fluent in both Spanish and English, allowing her to effectively serve diverse communities.

Veronica holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Human Development, with a minor in Psychology, from California State University, Long Beach. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, with a concentration in Community Organization, Planning, and Administration, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2020.

She is deeply passionate about supporting vulnerable yet resilient populations and is committed to fostering empowerment, healing, and long-term stability for the individuals and families she serves. Outside of her professional work, Veronica enjoys watching movies, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Susan K. Sandoval (she/her/hers) Program Development Manager

Susan K. Sandoval is the Program Development Manager at NALCS, where she has been dedicated since 2015. Throughout her tenure, Susan has held several key roles, including Resource Family Social Worker, Interim Resource Family Supervisor, Preventative Sexual Abuse Compliance Manager, and Lead Case Manager with the Unaccompanied Children’s Program. Her diverse experience reflects her deep commitment to child welfare, trauma-informed care, and the empowerment of Latino communities.

Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and her Master of Arts in Human Development with an emphasis in Leadership in Education and Human Services from Pacific Oaks College.

Her professional background extends beyond child welfare. She has served as a Parent Educator, Behavioral Therapist, Preschool Teacher, and Afterschool Mentor, gaining extensive experience working with youth ages 0 to 21. In addition, she completed an internship as a Child Life Specialist, where she supported children and families navigating medical challenges.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, and proud of her Guatemalan heritage, Susan brings a unique blend of cultural understanding, empathy, and leadership to her work. She remains passionate about developing programs that strengthen families, promote healing, and inspire hope in the children and communities she serves.

Maria Flores (she/her/hers) ISFC Program Manager

Maria Flores has dedicated over 17 years to serving children and families within the foster care system. Prior to entering foster care, she worked as a probation officer supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Maria began her foster care career as a receptionist at a foster care agency, where she worked for approximately two years while pursuing her education.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Maria was promoted to Assistant Social Worker and shortly thereafter advanced to the role of Social Worker. Driven by her commitment to supporting families and children through complex challenges, she earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix. Upon graduating, Maria became a Supervising Social Worker, a role she held for 11 years, providing leadership, mentorship, and oversight to social work staff while ensuring quality care for children and families.

In 2022, Maria transitioned from foster care to work with Unaccompanied Children, serving as Program Director for nearly three years. In this role, she oversaw program operations and services for vulnerable children navigating immigration-related trauma and displacement.

In September 2024, Maria joined Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children Services as the Intensive Services Foster Care (ISFC) Program Manager. In this position, she works with children who have experienced significant and complex trauma. Maria collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams and community agencies to ensure ISFC children receive comprehensive services, stability, and the tools needed to heal and succeed. As Program Manager, her goal is to guide each child toward graduating from the ISFC program with lasting stability and continued support tailored to their individual needs.

Gerardo “Jerry” Majewsky (he/him/his) ISFC Supervisor

Jerry Majewsky holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and brings over 30 years of experience working in the mental health field in collaboration with Probation and the Department of Social Services. Throughout his career, Jerry has supported clients across the lifespan, from newborns to AB 12 Non-Minor Dependents (up to age 21).

Jerry has extensive leadership experience, having served as a Residential Director, Program Director, Program Manager, Supervisor, and Trainer. He has successfully managed and operated residential treatment programs and group homes, ensuring high-quality care, regulatory compliance, and effective program outcomes.

He is trained in multiple Evidence-Based Practices, including Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and Together We Face the Challenge. Jerry also holds certifications as a trainer in ProAct, CPR, and Life Space Crisis Intervention, equipping staff with essential skills in crisis prevention, de-escalation, and safety.

Jerry’s decades of experience, combined with his commitment to evidence-based care and staff development, make him a strong leader in residential and mental health services.

Alexander “Alex” Dominguez (he/him/his) Compliance Manager & Mental Health Billing Coordinator

Alex Dominguez works as a Foster Care Compliance Manager he is driven by a deep commitment to child welfare, safety, and well-being. He specializes in regulatory compliance, audits, and implementation, ensuring foster care programs adhere to and meet state and federal requirements.

He plays a key role in strengthening agency policies and procedures, promoting continuous quality improvement, and supporting positive outcomes for employees, children, and families. His work is guided by the principles of collaboration, integrity, and accountability.

Cruz Orona (she/her/hers) Recruiting Counselor Supervisor

Cruz Orona serves as the Recruiting Counselor Supervisor at Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services, where she plays a vital role in advancing the agency’s mission to empower and nurture children and families through compassion, understanding, and dedicated service.

With a strong background in customer service, Cruz brings exceptional communication skills and a natural ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She is recognized for building meaningful relationships and creating lasting impressions through empathy, professionalism, and trust. In her role, Cruz leads and supports the recruitment team while guiding prospective foster parents through the recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring they feel informed, valued, and supported at every stage.

Outside of work, Cruz enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly bonding over their shared love of soccer. Her commitment to family and community reflects the same compassion, collaboration, and dedication she brings to her professional work.

Miguel “Angel” Fernandez (he/him/his) Intake & Support Coordinator

Angel Fernandez is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, California, having immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. Deeply rooted in Southern California, he proudly calls Los Angeles home and values the active lifestyle and year-round sunshine the region offers.

Angel brings over 23 years of experience in the foster care field and has been a dedicated member of NALCS for more than 12 years. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving children and families, taking great pride in supporting family reunification efforts and strengthening communities through compassionate, culturally responsive services.

Family is central to his life, and he is grateful to be the father of three children and a grandfather to one granddaughter. He is a man of faith, drawing inspiration from his faith in both his personal life and professional work.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors at the beach, hiking, bike riding, and participating in sports. He values meaningful connections with colleagues and friends and is known for his outgoing personality, positive energy, and approachable nature.