Tyi'Shauwn Watkins | Founder & Executive Director

Tyi’Shauwn is a passionate community leader, case manager, and advocate for trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. With over 28 years of experience in mental health case management, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families navigating homelessness, violence, grief, and systemic inequities. Tyi’Shauwn is a first-generation college graduate, having earned her B.A. in Social Work in 2024, and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Pacific Oaks College.

As a single mother, survivor, and healer, she brings lived experience, empathy, and unwavering determination to her role as founder and Executive Director of LLAF. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to creating safe spaces for healing, empowerment, and lasting change in underserved communities.

Christina Garibaldi-Morales | Director of Program Development & Community Engagement

Christina is a public health strategist, researcher, and future physician with a deep commitment to equity and culturally responsive care. She holds a Master of Science in Global Health Sciences from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and is currently completing her medical education with plans to specialize in OB/GYN.

Christina brings a unique blend of clinical insight, research, and lived experience to her leadership at LLAF. Her background includes case management for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, survivors of trauma, and underserved youth. At LLAF, she leads curriculum development and community engagement, integrating trauma-informed practices, health equity frameworks, and storytelling to support healing and resilience in system-impacted communities.

Denoval Hawkins | Advisory Board Member 

Denoval brings over 20 years of experience in community leadership and youth engagement as an intervention specialist supervisor at the Los Angeles Unified School District. His work primarily revolves around nurturing and counseling children from low-income families, especially those in single-parent households and the foster care system. Denoval's commitment extends beyond the school environment; he actively advocates for these children, providing mentorship and connecting them with vital community resources. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals in various neighborhoods. His efforts include offering essential support to housing insecure and homeless populations through the collection and distribution of donated food, clothing, and transportation services for medical appointments, church visits, and local food drives.

Denoval’s lived experience navigating systemic barriers fuels his commitment to advocacy, ensuring that LLAF’s programs are responsive, accessible, and culturally inclusive. 

Rose Rutherford, PhD | Advisory Board Member

Dr. Rutherford is a psychotherapist and educator with over 20 years of experience serving children, families, and underserved communities in Los Angeles. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and specializes in trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Dr. Rutherford has collaborated extensively with local school districts and mental health agencies to enhance resources and support for students and families, improving both academic success and emotional well-being. As a member of LLAF's Advisory Board, she provides expert insight into youth development, community wellness, and the integration of mental health practices within culturally responsive programming.