Patricia Costales (she/her/hers)

Patricia Costales has extensive experience in executive leadership roles within the non-profit mental health sector. Patricia served as the Chief Executive Officer at The Guidance Center in Long Beach from 2008 to the present. In this role, they provided strategic leadership to a non-profit organization with an annual budget of $17 million and a staff of 200. Patricia reported to the Board of Directors and directly managed a team of five executive staff.

From 2009 to 2012, Patricia also worked as an Adjunct Faculty at UCLA's Graduate School of Social Welfare.

Prior to their role at The Guidance Center, Patricia was the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services from 2003 to 2007. Patricia reported directly to the CEO and oversaw all clinical aspects of the organization, which served 44,000 clients annually and had a staff and volunteer count of 550. Patricia had notable successes in securing grants and expanding services to the homeless mentally ill.

Before that, they served as the Chief Executive Officer at Plaza Community Center from 2001 to 2003. In this role, they provided executive leadership to a non-profit family services agency, managing a budget of $3 million and 60 staff. Patricia successfully negotiated with Los Angeles County to expand mental health services and improve the organization's sustainability.

Overall, Patricia's work experience reflects their expertise in providing executive leadership, strategic planning, and expanding mental health services within non-profit organizations.

Patricia Costales completed their education in a chronological order. Patricia earned a High School Degree from the American School of Madrid in Madrid, Spain, from 1976 to 1984. Patricia then pursued their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Occidental College from 1984 to 1988. Following this, they attended the University of Southern California from 1990 to 1992, where they obtained their Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work.

In addition to their academic achievements, Patricia Costales has obtained various certifications. Patricia became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences in 1996. Later, they completed the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at Stanford University Graduate School of Business in August 2014. Patricia also completed the Developing Development Program in November 2015 and the Executive Directors Leadership Institute in November 2016, both offered by the Executive Service Corps of Southern California.