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OUR
TEAM
AARON VALENCIA
FOUNDER / CEO
Aaron Valencia is the Executive Director and Founder of the Lost Angels Career Center (LACC). Aaron is a custom classic car builder who creates amazing, award-winning cars. He also has a passion for helping youth which stems from his own difficulties growing up and experiences with drugs and jail. After turning his life around, he pursued a passion for classic cars and started his own custom car restoration business. Prior to starting LACC, Aaron volunteered at Grace Resources as a Hot Meal Leader for several years. Then he came up with an idea to help disadvantaged youth by teaching them how to work on classic cars.
In 2014 Aaron founded LACC as an afterschool program to engage at-risk youth through mentorship and skills training in classic car restoration. Each year, Aaron and his students built a different sweepstakes vehicle for the Ventura Nationals Car and Motorcycle Show to help sustain the program. LACC eventually moved into a new building and now includes a t-shirt silk screening social enterprise, and a work program for transition-age youth. For his efforts, Aaron won the CNN Hero award and has been featured on the Jay Leno Show, Miller's “We Build," Tekton Tools’ “Find What’s Real," and Lowrider Magazine’s "Roll Models."
Aaron’s goal is to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed and help open doors and opportunities that improve their quality of life. He thrives on teaching and empowering youth in our community to rise above their circumstances
Board of Directors
Christina Smith
City of Lancaster
Programs Director
Christina has led an impressive career as an administrator and consultant in her 20+ years working in the Public Sector. She currently is the sole proprietor of the public service consulting firm K2 for VU; where she helps people, businesses, and organizations achieve innovative solutions to the problems they face so that they can meet and, ultimately, surpass their goals and societal expectations.
Matt Albert, Ed.D
Teshinsky Family Foundation
Director
Matt Albert is director at the Teshinsky Family Foundation. His experience includes serving as executive director at the Center for Reflective Communities and as founder and executive director of New Los Angeles Charter Schools, a network of public charter schools for students in grades K-8. An LA native, he holds a doctorate in education from UCLA, an MA from Columbia University, and a BA from UCSD.
Carl Sheaffer
Pasadena City College
Maintenance & Operations Manager
Carl's work directly impacts the learning environment of students, faculty, and staff on the Pasadena City College Campuses. Carl believes strongly in the importance of a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for students to learn and experience life. He was once a Peace Corps volunteer where he helped to design and build water systems and bridges for undeveloped communities in the Dominican Republic.
Holly Gollob-Stein
Tres Noir Optics
Chief Operating Officer
Holly studied Design and Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and began to assist in promoting the Ventura Nationals Car and Motorcycles Show. She quickly became the lead promoter for the event and shortly thereafter joined forces with the Lost Angels Career Center (LACC) in 2013. Holly has served on the Board of LACC since its founding and has been instrumental in organizing and promoting the organization’s annual giveaway fundraiser. Holly has served as the Event Producer for the Ventura Nationals since 2010.
John Maceri
The People Concern
Chief Executive Officer
John Maceri is the CEO of The People Concern, leading efforts to combat homelessness through housing, services, and policy change. With decades of experience in permanent supportive housing and system reform, he also serves on the boards of NoHo Home Alliance and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council. As a managing partner for the California Improvement Network, John’s expertise strengthens Lost Angels’ mission to create opportunities for young people through vocational training and career pathways.
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Ari Engelberg
Harvard-Westlake School
Head of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Ari Engelberg serves as Head of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, a position he has held since 2015. In that role, he manages the school’s brand and its portfolio of print and electronic communications efforts. He also help to oversee a wide range of strategic projects, from new curriculum and programs to the school’s response to COVID to major capital projects such as the school’s new 17-acre River Park athletic campus.
In 1996, while attending graduate school at UCLA, Ari co-founded Stamps.com (NASDAQ IPO in 1999, taken private in 2021), which is now the Internet postage leader, commanding over 85% market share. At Stamps.com, Ari was responsible for raising venture capital, managing the company’s relationship with the United States Postal Service, and developing strategic marketing and distribution partnerships with other companies. In 2000, after the company’s initial public offering, Ari left Stamps.com to co-found Archive, Inc., a venture-funded data storage services provider, which was sold in 2002. Ari then returned to his alma mater, Harvard- Westlake, to teach American history and coach basketball for several years.
In 2007, Ari became the Executive Director of Bright Star Schools (www.brightstarschools.org), the operator of two successful public charter schools in the mid-city area of Los Angeles. Over eight years of service to Bright Star, Ari helped to grow the organization into one of the leading Charter Management Organizations in Los Angeles. Today, Bright Star Schools operates nine schools that together serve 4000+ students from some of the city’s most underprivileged communities.
Ari’s diverse work experiences blend classic entrepreneurship with more traditional operating roles. Regardless of the job he has held, Ari’s focus has been on creative problem solving and strategic thinking to help organizations and businesses large and small to thrive.
Ari has served extensively as an executive coach to CEO’s and Executive Directors and as a board member of non-profit and for-profit companies. Current Board of Directors commitments include the following organizations: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; GabriellaCharter School, a dance-themed school in Echo Park; ICEF Family, a non-profit organization that supports the ICEF network of public charter schools; Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Southern California.
OFFICE STAFF
Kayla Cameron
Chief Financial Officer
With extensive management experience and a deep passion for our mission, Kayla oversees the day-to-day operations, implementing strategies to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Her leadership inspires our team to uphold the highest standards of service and support for our students.
Cheyanne Capelo
Director of Operations
Cheyanne keeps our organization running efficiently. Her efforts behind the scenes enable us to deliver top-notch training and support, helping our students build successful careers in the manufacturing industry.
Kyndra Kinnard
Job Developer
Kyndra cultivates relationships with employers, identifying opportunities that align with our graduates' skills and aspirations. Her strategic approach and proactive mindset ensure that our students have access to a wide range of job prospects in the sector.
Daniellie Banks
Senior Case Manager
Danielle serves as the Senior Case Manager at Lost Angels. With a commitment to youth empowerment, Danielle works directly with students, evaluating each case individually to ensure they receive the support and resources needed to succeed both in and out of the program.
Cesar Galindo
Case Manager
Cesar is an Army veteran who brings discipline, dedication, and a strong sense of service to his role at Lost Angels. He oversees all intakes and applications, guiding new youth as they enter the program. With a focus on assessing and removing barriers, Cesar supports participants both before and during their training to ensure they have every chance to succeed.
Lindsey Smith
Intake Specialist
Lindsey is the first friendly voice new students hear when they connect with Lost Angels. As our Intake Specialist, she guides applicants through the first steps of joining the program—calling them back after they apply, answering questions, and setting up their initial appointments. Lindsey ensures every young person feels welcomed, supported, and prepared to begin their journey at Lost Angels.
Nastasha Woods
Executive Assistant
Nastasha drives growth at Lost Angels, forging partnerships, securing funding, and creating new opportunities for our youth. Her strategic vision ensures our programs keep expanding, empowering the next generation with hands-on skills and career pathways.
Wilton Tran
Creative Director
Wilton brings our students' success stories to life through compelling visuals and engaging content. His commitment to showcasing the transformative power of vocational training makes him an integral part of our team, helping us reach and inspire a broader audience to support our mission.
Angel Bousquet
Sr. Content Producer
Angel is the creative eye behind sharing the Lost Angels story with the world. As our Media Specialist, he uses photography and videography to capture the heart of our mission and the impact of our youth. From behind the lens, Angel helps amplify voices, highlight achievements, and bring the energy of Lost Angels to life across social media.
Atlas
Office Dog
The joy of the office.
SHOP TEAM
Alex Robles
Lead Auto body Instructor
With 10+ years of experience, Joe specializes in welding and fabrication. His passion for rock crawling and off-road builds makes him an expert in car cage fabrication. Joe’s hands-on approach helps students master industry-level welding and fabrication skills, preparing them for real-world success.
Mario Grande
Lead Mechanic
With over 15 years of experience in the automotive world, Mario serves as our in-house Master Mechanic. He is not just passionate about the intricacies of mechanics, but also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation.
Joe Godde
Lead Welding Instructor
With 10+ years of experience, Joe specializes in welding and fabrication. His passion for rock crawling and off-road builds makes him an expert in car cage fabrication. Joe’s hands-on approach helps students master industry-level welding and fabrication skills, preparing them for real-world success.
Joe Godde
Lead Welding Instructor
With 10+ years of experience, Joe specializes in welding and fabrication. His passion for rock crawling and off-road builds makes him an expert in car cage fabrication. Joe’s hands-on approach helps students master industry-level welding and fabrication skills, preparing them for real-world success.
Shawn Oddy
Welding and Fabrication Instructor
Shawn instills in students the importance of precision, safety, and creativity in the art of welding. His hands-on approach ensures that every student gains practical skills and confidence in various welding techniques.
Rob Lind
Tech Lab Instructor
Rob brings years of industry experience to the classroom, guiding students through the intricacies of 3D modeling and CNC machining with precision and passion. His innovative teaching methods and hands-on approach ensure that every student gains practical skills and confidence in this rapidly advancing field.
Targino
Welding and Fabrication Instructor
With 10+ years of experience, Joe specializes in welding and fabrication. His passion for rock crawling and off-road builds makes him an expert in car cage fabrication. Joe’s hands-on approach helps students master industry-level welding and fabrication skills, preparing them for real-world success.
Gerra Aldaba
Mechanics Instructor
Empower and Employ
Josh Moore (Cricket)
Welding and Fabrication Instructor
Empower and Employ
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Elizardo Mauricio
Autobody and Paint Instructor
Empower and Employ
Jaylante Thomas
Welding and Fabrication Instructor
Empower and Employ
Chris Garcia
Autobody and Paint Instructor
Empower and Employ
Erick Portillo
Tech Lab TA
A proud Class 9 graduate and one of the pioneering students of our Tech Lab, Erick has come full circle. Now serving as the Tech Lab’s Lead TA, he’s dedicated to sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of CNC professionals. His journey from student to leader embodies the hands-on learning and mentorship that defines Lost Angels
Oscar Maciel
Lost Angels TA
Oscar has been part of the Lost Angels family since the very beginning, joining our after-school program as a high schooler eager to learn about cars and dive into working with his hands. He took part in our first-ever work program in 2021 and returned in 2023 to graduate with Class 8. Now a TA, Oscar is giving back to the program that helped shape his passion, guiding the next generation of students on their journey