About
About Us
Population Served
The Laurel Foundation serves transgender / gender-diverse youth, and children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Purpose
The mission of The Laurel Foundation is to improve the well-being of transgender/gender-diverse youth, and children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS, through year-round mental health, social support, educational and youth development programs. Our programs empower the youth in a safe and trusting environment where they can live authentically.
History
The Laurel Foundation is a registered, non-profit organization founded in 1992 by Margot Andrew-Anderson to fill the urgent need for mental health and social support programs that cater to the physical and emotional needs of transgender / gender-diverse youth, and children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS.
Goals
The Laurel Foundation is a comprehensive provider of educational and support programs for children, youth and families living with HIV/AIDS, transgender youth and other at-risk youth populations. We serve over 500 low-income, at-risk participants annually.
The Laurel Foundation’s programs tackle the emotional and social challenges at-risk children and youth face by constructing environments that support the mental and physical welfare of the participants. Our programs give participants the tools to build self-sufficient, productive, healthy lives.
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Health
To improve mental and physical health through various year round educational and support programs
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Education
Educate youth on the consequences of at-risk behaviors while at the same time providing the knowledge on how to make healthy life choices
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Life Skills
Develop the skills and qualities necessary to build an independent, successful, self-sufficient life path
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Balance and Compasion
Introduce balance and compassion into participants lives by impelling them into experiences that show they can rise above the adversities they face, make more of their lives than they thought possible, and learn to serve others with their strength
Who We Are
Board Members
Mark Moralez (he/him)
Chair of the Board
The Printing Palace CEO
Luis Gonzalez (he/him)
Treasurer
Managing Partner - DirectedLink
Mischa Haramia (she/her)
Secretary
Henderson Engineers Entertainment Practice Director
Margot Anderson (she/her)
CEO
Founder / CEO
The Laurel Foundation
Jordan Held, LCSW (he/him)
Program Development
LCSW - Relentless Pursuit Therapy & Consulting
Founder/CEO
Sam S. Leslie (he/him)
Resource Development
LEA Accountancy LLP Managing Partner
Dr. Shindale Seale (she/her)
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
CEO- SEADE Coaching & Consulting LLC
Natalie Sofer (She/Her)
Resource Development
Owner- Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events
Lisa Stangl, (she/her)
MSN, CPNP
Medical Director
HIV Specialist - UCSD Mother, Child and Adult HIV Program
Staff
Margot Anderson (she/her)
(Maverick)
Founder / CEO
Eliot Dowens (he/him)
(Cricket)
Director of Volunteers
Samantha Gunther (she/her)
Vol. Admin./Events
Volunteer Admin/Events
Heidi Tripp, RN (she/her)
(H20)
Medical Director
Lorenzo Diaz (he/him)
(Kidney Bean)
Camp Director
Bryan Thornton (he/him)
(Astro Bunny)
Bryan aka AstroBunny (he/him)
Daniella Alavi-O’Fahy (they/she)
(Zardalu)
Head Staff- Camp Mulberry
Chelsea Alvarez (she/her)
(Kermit)
Head Counselor - Camp Laurel
Daniel Tadeo (he/him)
(Renegade)
Head Counselor - Camp Laurel
Jordan Held (he/him)
(Mr. Mermazing)
Mental Health Director
Camp Mulberry
Kaylie Murphy (she/her)
(Love Bug)
Head Counselor - Camp Mulberry
Ally Roach (they/them)
Grom
Program Director/Camp Mulberry
Jessica Eddings(she/her)
JEasy
Mental Health Team / Camp Laurel