Contacts

Frank Thomas

Executive Director

Email:  fthomas@itpays.org

Frank is an example of surviving a dysfunctional life created by his teen parent’s drug and alcohol addictions.  After recognizing his own value he began to embark on a journey to help youth identify their mission and purpose.  His guiding light is twofold:  “People are greater than their circumstances,” and “Your past does not define your destiny unless you allow it.” 

Frank overcame his circumstances through education.  He received his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Southern California.  After graduation, Frank began his professional career at Deloitte & Touche in the audit practice of the firm’s Los Angeles office.  Frank has over 12 years of experience in leading both profit and non-profit organizations most notably as vice president of human resources for The Ryland Group, Inc. (NYSE: RYL), one of the nation’s largest homebuilders.  

Frank holds a certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Society of Human Resources Management and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of California.

Denise Fragoso

Accountant & Bookkeeper

Email: dfragoso@itpays.org

Bio:

Brenda Morales

Assistant Youth Program Coordinator

Email: bmorales@itpays.org

Brenda is currently a senior at California State University, Northridge.  Her major is Sociology with a minor in Chicano Studies.  She has been working with “at-risk” youth for the past five years and she is very passionate about helping today’s youth.  After growing up in a tough environment and being labeled “at-risk” herself, she fought against the odds and is determined to give back to her community.

Karissa Provost, MA

Director of Counseling Services

Email: kprovost@itpays.org

Karissa has been at PAY since 2006. She started at PAY as the Clinical Services Coordinator and became the Director of Counseling Services in 2008. She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Chapman University and is a registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. She is an Anderson and Anderson certified anger management facilitator as well. She has facilitated groups for: women facing depression, children whose parents are divorcing, and parenting classes in addition to individual, couples, and family services. Karissa has provided counseling and behavioral services to various clients with a wide range of presenting issues for 10 years. She is currently in the process of finishing her hours to sit for the state licensing exam in the very near future.

Aida Medina, MA

Clinical Services Coordinator

Email: amedina@itpays.org

Aida started working at Positive Alternatives for Youth as a Marriage and Family trainee and was hired as the Clinical Services Coordinator at the end of her traineeship commitment in 2006. She graduated Cum Laude from Woodbury University earning a Bachelors degree in Psychology in 2004 and in that same year earning a Bachelors degree in Communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Aida obtained her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2006. Aida is currently earning a Doctors Degree from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University and expects to graduate in May 2012. Aida’s professional experience includes working with at risk children, school base counseling, couples therapy, family therapy, and adults with an array of different diagnosis. She is bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural which has permitted her to provide services in English and Spanish. Her background, dedication to serving the community, and passion for the field brings a breadth of experience and benefit to our agency.

Vickie Parker, MA

Clinical Supervisor

Email: vparker@itpays.org

Vickie Parker has over eight years of licensed counseling experience. During the last 12 years she has taken additional workshops and training such as becoming a certified Parent Educator and a supervisor to Interns and Trainees who want to become Marriage and Family Therapists or Licensed Clinical Social Workers. In addition Vickie has been certified in Trauma First Aid and EMDR which allows her to work with trauma effectively and quickly. Since 1998, Vickie has worked with people adjusting to issues related to disabilities.

Vickie has undergone intense study in the following areas: anxiety, depression, divorce, issues of human diversity, and team related issues.

Vickie is a frequent presenter to community agencies and organizations. She speaks on the following topics: Play therapy, divorce, chronic illness, pain management, and issues related to visual loss.

Vickie maintains a private practice in Woodland Hills, CA where she provides quality therapy to children, families, and groups.

Lori Dodson, MS

Director of Youth Programs/Counselor

Email: ldodson@itpays.org

Lori Dodson started at Positive Alternatives for Youth as a trainee in May of 2007.  Lori currently works as a registered intern.  She graduated with distinction from California State University, Northridge with a masters of science in Marriage and Family Therapy.  Lori has experience working with adults, couples, families, adolescents and children.  Lori developed our current Parenting Education Program and facilitated it for a year.  Lori also facilitated a teen group dealing with drug and alcohol education.    Lori is certified in Anderson/Anderson anger management.  Lori is the Director of Youth Programs that heads up our youth community service department at Positive Alternatives for Youth.