Lourdes Perez

PHA Co-Director

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Lourdes’ focus has remained on improving child and family wellbeing for all through policy, systems and environmental changes, even in the face of adversity. Lourdes has over 16 years of experience in policy, systems and environmental change approaches. All Children Thrive gives her the opportunity to work alongside communities, and offer support to the communities who have been marginalized and underinvested in progressing social justice and creating protective environments for all children to thrive. Lourdes holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University Stanislaus.  

Todd Franke 

UCLA Co-Director

Pronouns: he, him, his

Todd seeks to improve how systems respond to the needs of and build upon the strengths of children, families, and communities. Over his 30 years of research and evaluation experience, he has worked in the fields of education, child welfare, mental health, and violence prevention with agencies that serve thousands of families representing unique geographic and cultural communities in California. Todd holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, as well as a Master’s of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

Najja Haynes

Administrative Manager

Pronouns: she, her, hers

I ACT because I believe the health and wellbeing of a person must be understood holistically, including physical, emotional, financial, and social factors. I have been fortunate enough to grow up with access to resources and environments that supported my overall development, and I recognize that not everyone has had that same opportunity. Through my work, I have seen how fragmented systems can limit the impact of even the most well intentioned services when communities work in silos. I am dedicated to serving and aligning people, programs, systems, and resources so all children can fully thrive.

Natalie Bates

Administrative Specialist

Pronouns: she, her

I ACT because I am passionate about advancing health equity and expanding access to care for children and families. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College in Political Science and Sociology, along with six years of experience in public health advocacy and nonprofit communications focused on chronic conditions, including sickle cell disease, and improving access to care. Through my professional and academic background, I am committed to creating meaningful change that supports healthier, more equitable communities. 

Mónica Acevedo Guerrero, MPA

Program Manager, ACT Coach & Policy and Sustainability

Pronouns/Pronombres: she, her, they, them / ella, elle, ellos

Monica has devoted her career to empowering diverse community and youth voices to take political action so that their sense of agency is nourished “Desde la Raíz’ (from the roots)’.  She acts because it allows her to remember her Community and Sus Raíces (Her roots)  and help others catalyze change through knowledge. Monica holds a Masters of Public Administration from California State University Long Beach and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a Minor in Political Science from California State University Dominguez Hills.

Crystal Harding

ACT Coach

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Crystal is a first-generation immigrant from Liberia, West Africa. She understands the importance of access, community, and education in order to contribute to positive change. For her undergraduate experience Crystal attended Alabama State University in Montgomery the heart of the civil rights movement. She moved back to Sacramento and earned her master’s degree in Social Work at CA State University, Sacramento. Crystal has served in various fields for over 15 years including academia, health systems, community, and nonprofits. She has been active in local governance and in 2020 was elected to serve a four-year term as Director on the Board of North Highlands Recreation and Park District. #MyDutyIsToServe

Oday Guerrero

ACT Coach

Pronouns/Pronombres: she, her, they, them / ella, elle

Oday Guerrero is committed to working side by side with youth and communities, so that they can channel their collective power into life-changing policies that would bring prosperity for all. She has more than 10 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations in advocating for the advancement of resources and policies that can help families flourish in the areas of health, education and immigration. Oday holds a Bachelors degree in Cognitive Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine.

Erica Burton

ACT Coach Manager

Pronouns: she, her

I ACT because I believe every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive in healthy, supportive communities. As an ACT Coach Manager with All Children Thrive, Erica Burton is passionate about advancing health equity, youth empowerment, and community wellness through policy, advocacy, and systems change. With a background in public health and years of experience leading community-based initiatives, Erica supports organizations and cities in creating sustainable strategies that address childhood trauma and improve family wellbeing. Her work is rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and helping communities build pathways for lasting impact.

Manuel Serrato

Youth Development Program Manager

Pronouns: he, him, his

Manuel acts because he strives to bring joy, safety, and a sense of agency to the lives of California’s youth. As a former Sacramento high school teacher and youth program leader at the Sacramento LGBT Community Center and American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Manuel brings years of experience in youth services, advocacy, and education. Manuel obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Master of Arts degree in Education, and a teaching credential from the University of California, Davis.

Maria Machuca

Director of Advocacy Communications

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Maria acts because she believes everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy life. She brings over 20 years of experience leading strategic communications, national media campaigns, and policy-focused storytelling that translate complex issues into clear, actionable messages. Grounded in her journey as an immigrant, she is committed to advancing health equity and ensuring every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. She holds a B.A. in Journalism from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University.

Leo Martinez

Communications Manager

Pronouns: he, him, el

Leo Martinez is a first-generation immigrant from Mexico whose journey from the Bay Area to California’s Central Valley has shaped his bicultural perspective and commitment to equity. With over seven years of experience working with nonprofit organizations in strategic communications, storytelling, and advocacy, he has developed narrative strategies, advocacy materials, and photo and video documentary projects that amplify community voices and address social issues. His work bridges creativity and strategy, merging data, design, and storytelling to move audiences from awareness to action. Leo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Communications from California State University, Monterey Bay, and a Master’s degree in Humanities from San Francisco State University.

Risa Jensen

Communications Manager

Pronouns: she/her/ella

I ACT because I believe that every person has inherent worth, and public policy should ensure that every Californian has what they need to be healthy. I decided to pursue a career in marketing and public relations because I’m passionate about using my communication skills to advance equity and positive social change.  My experience includes coordinating multi-lingual behavior change campaigns for public health, announcing State investments in diverse communities’ work for climate resilience, and leading strategic communications for philanthropic initiatives. I earned my bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Barbara, double majoring in Communication and Sociology and minoring in Spanish.

Hector Alonso

Graphic Designer

Pronouns: he, him, él

Hector acts because he believes social justice is key to eliminating inequities and breaking down the barriers that limit our communities. A Graphic Designer with over 20 years of experience, he has built his career translating complex messages into compelling visuals that inspire action and drive results. He brings that same clarity of purpose to expanding access to resources, amplifying unheard voices, and advancing the systemic change our society urgently needs. Hector holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

Jared Schor

Data Manager

Pronouns: he, him, his

Jared provides guidance to program partners interested in using their communities’ data to better address issues of child wellbeing.  Prior to his current role, Jared worked as customer experience design analyst and is passionate about bringing human-centered design principles to the field of public health.  His ambition is to help communities co-design systems that allow people to live better lives.  Jared holds a master’s degree in Sociology from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Economic History from the London School of Economics. 

Gabriela Magana 

Program Manager

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Gaby is a motivated researcher and facilitator passionate about seeking justice and equity for all. Throughout her career, she has focused on making data, information, and research methods accessible to communities, empowering them to improve systems and transform their neighborhoods to achieve the outcomes and vision they hold for their future. She acts because she believes hope and visioning become reality when material resources and efforts are strategically allocated to support community-driven change. Gaby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis.

Hannah Whang Sayson, PhD, EdM

Evaluation Director

I ACT because evaluation is a means of empowerment and equity. I am committed to using information and interpretation to improve social outcomes. I hold a Ph.D. in Education from UCLA and an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and bring expertise in human development and quantitative research.

Christopher Nagel

GIS Analyst

Pronouns: he, him, his

Chris acts because he believes communities should be able to make sense of complex information and use it to advocate for meaningful change. He supports ACT’s data and resource work by designing maps, tools, and digital experiences that help advocates find, interpret, and apply community data in ways that reflect their goals and aspirations. His background in theatre technology and design informs his interest in how information is composed, staged, and navigated, while his training in user experience research and design grounds that work in people’s needs. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Technology and Design from California State University, Long Beach, and a certificate in User Experience Research and Design from UC Berkeley Extension.