OUR STAFF

MAX DISPOSTI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (He/Him/His)

Max was born in Rome Italy in 1968 and arrived in the U.S. in 1998. He has since worked and volunteer in social justice related causes and human rights. Founder and Executive Director of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and Pride by the beach. Education and Training: Bachelor degree in Political Science (2011) and Master on Non-Profit Leadership and Management (2016). LGBTQ Competency Trainer: Police Fire and Sheriff stations. School Districts, Hospitals, Community Clinics, Women Resource Centers, corporate environments, youth providers and more. Max’s expertise are also on human trafficking prevention, LGBTQ immigrants and queer homeless youth. Max is currently involved with:

Senate appointee -California State Board of Behavioral Science Chair (BBS)
San Diego LGBT Leadership Council since 2009
SD County Sheriff LGBTQ Advisory Council since 2013
FBI advisory summit since 2016
Oceanside MLK Scholarship Award Committee since 2013
Oceanside MLK Civic Award Committee since 2013
Advisory Committee for Behavioral Health Services since 2019
Health and Human Services Advisory Council District 76 since 2019

Former:

City of Oceanside Community Relation Commissioner 2008-2011
Advancing Compassion Board member 2012-2014
Board member of the Oceanside Mainstreet Association 2012-2016
Oceanside Library Board 2014-2019

Some Awards and Recognitions:

2010 San Diego Harvey Milk Award
2011 Lambda Archives “Heroes, Pioneers & Trailblazers” Award
2013 Martin Luther King Community Award by the City of Oceanside
2013 KPBS Local Heroes Award
2013 Stonewall Service Award, San Diego LGBT Pride
2017 Digna Ochoa Human Rights Defender Award Amnesty International #471
2019 San Diego Museum of History. Local LGBTQ personal Profile.
2019 City of Oceanside Local Hero for Independence Day Parade
2019 Citizen of the month award from Congressman Mike Levin

LISA NAVA, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS (She/Her/Hers)

Lisa brings an 8 year history and of volunteerism and Directorship with the NC LGBTQ Resource Center to this position and hopes to make decisions based on quality information, gut instinct and the Center’s Mission and vision. Lisa was raised in Michigan by working class parents, moved to California in 1983, and finally planting her roots in Encinitas where she married and raised a family of four children. Lisa came to Pride by the Beach with prior experience on the Encinitas Educational Foundation Board as a community partner director, a history of grassroots organizing specializing in fundraising events, and mobilizing people around important local issues of social justice. Lisa is the founder of the North County Justice Allies, a local social justice organization and the Addiction Awareness Initiative. She has served on the Encinitas Parks and Recreation Commission, was the keynote speaker at World AIDS day, designated as the 2019 a MOXIE award recipient and served on the 2018 North County Women's March Committee. Lisa previously served as the NC Center volunteer gala chair for three years.

ROXANNE DEATHERAGE, PRIDE DIRECTOR

Roxanne Deatherage is from the Temecula valley. She lives there with her Partner and their children. She has spent the past 15 years volunteering in classrooms and campus activities. She was a dance mom and served as a team mom for various teams. Roxanne has her Associates degree in psychology and human behavior. She will be earning a bachelors degree in psychology spring of 2023. Roxanne first began volunteering at the North County Resource Center with Pride by the Beach in 2019 and has served on the Pride planning group for three years. She has served in leadership roles with volunteers, hospitality, event planning and development. Roxanne also took a leadership role in the successful 2022 Annual Gala. Being a part of this group has brought lasting friendship including chosen family, comfort, self acceptance, and support. She looks forward to serving the community by working with the wonderful team of volunteers to create an event that will bring the community together. Her goal is for Pride By The Beach to continue to be a save space that allows individuals to access resources, feel seen, included, and enjoy amazing entertainment.

CARLOS TABORA (He, Him), DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Carlos Tabora has dedicated over 5 years to the LGBTQ Resource Center, most recently serving as Board Chair where he played a key role in strategically planning the center's future. With a deep understanding of the diverse needs in North County San Diego, Carlos, an Escondido native, is eager to bring his insights to the role of Director of Development.

Bringing a decade of experience as an Insurance Sales Agent, Carlos looks forward to leveraging his skills in connecting with diverse communities to lead the center's development efforts. During his board tenure, Carlos actively engaged with the community, creating original fundraising events, developing new programs, and contributing to the impressive growth the center has seen in the past few years.

In his free time, Carlos enjoys soaking up the San Diego sun with his partner, going to music festivals, and finding what he deems to be San Diego's best cup of coffee. The LGBTQ Resource Center is excited to welcome Carlos to his new role as Director of Development, anticipating the positive impact he will bring to the organization and the LGBTQ community in North County San Diego.

JESSICA FAIRCHILD, GRANT ACCOUNTANT (She, They)

Jessica grew up in Ohio before moving out to California as a teenager. Since then, she has explored twenty countries and has lived in Alaska and Wisconsin before returning to California in 2009. She is the first to graduate college in her family and holds degrees from the University of California-San Diego and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jessica has 20 years of experience in the information management field managing information and developing programs, projects, and capacities. As a life-long learner, she enjoys adding new skills and ideas to her toolbox and most recently became a Certified Foresight Practitioner and Gestalt Professional Certified Coach. Most importantly, however, she is passionate about doing good work that does good in the world. Jessica enjoys volunteering in her community with organizations such as Trans Family Support Services, Feeding San Diego, and Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, among others. She has an amazing teenage son who helps her see the world in new and fantastic ways, has the cutest tuxedo cat ever, and loves kayaking on beautiful lakes when the opportunity arises. One of her favorites is Kootenay Lake in BC, Canada. Jessica is thrilled to be working with the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and supporting its mission!

FRAN BAUTISTA, STOP THE HATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR (They/She)

Fran is a nonbinary/demigirl, demi/pansexual, Filipin@-/Asian- American, and child of immigrants from the San Fernando Valley, located on Tongva land in Los Angeles county. A first-generation college graduate and UC San Diego alumna (Class of 2021), fran studied Global Health and Critical Gender Studies with a double minor in Human Rights & Migration studies and Asian American & Pacific Islander studies - culminating their time with the creation of a digital archive of Sapphic Asian community interviews on the topic of identity exploration and development. Her work is committed to developing and maintaining spaces of belonging that encourage community/coalition building and leadership development for intersectional communities, especially for Queer Asian/Americans as rooted and framed within the pillars of accessibility, equity, social justice, and community belonging. In their free time, fran enjoys volunteering, reading webtoons and manga, and trying "Hot and New" restaurants all over San Diego.

LOU CALLIES, YOUTH SERVICES SPECIALIST (They/Them)

Lou (They/Them) has always found purpose in guiding others back to their passion. As a life coach, spiritual healer, and arts instructor, Lou has seen people of all ages and all walks of life transform from surviving to thriving for the last 10 years. Since their adolescence, they have been applying what they’ve learned about trauma-informed recovery, neuroscience, epigenetics, and therapeutic arts in every facet of life, including their work for non-profits like The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and Studio ACE in Oceanside. When Lou was in school, even the GSA on campus was not a bully-free zone, which contributed to their feelings of isolation growing up queer. What stayed with them was that it was easy to see that so many other kids grow up isolated, though they need not feel alone. In fact, they noticed that kids learn in school that their genuine self is not good enough and so they must sacrifice who they are in order to be worthy of connection and acceptance. During their very first job at Beaumont Elementary school, they could tell that being a mentor (and an encourager of the arts) was their true calling. As a person who selects the “other” box to answer most demographic questions, you can bet Lou’s artistic expression comes in many forms, as does their spiritual practices and ways of relating with others. Grateful for the mentors and support groups that have amplified their resilience, Lou is determined to continue their impact by doing what they do best at the North County LBGTQ Resource Center’s Unicorn Homes Program: provide compassionate, structured, community-backed support for those who are navigating a major life shift.

MAX COOLEY, COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE (He/Him)

Max Cooley has lived in San Diego County his entire life and spent the majority of his time in North County. He works full time as a creative writer and artist along with working for the North County LGBT Resource Center. Maintaining a traditional career with comorbid mental and physical disabilities has been increasingly difficult for Max, however he uses his position to advocate for and represent other disabled and queer individuals. Joining the North County LGBT Resource Center as a volunteer for its 10th Anniversary Gala, he was able to form a relationship with the staff, help with fundraising as well as social media and other communications. Through a flexible job schedule Max can be a part of this group that made an impact in his youth, as well as assist in its plight for increasing Covid vaccinations in North County. He genuinely never imagined such an opportunity to arise for him.

JODI FIEL, CLINICAL PROGRAM MANAGER, AMFT (She, Her)

Jodi grew up on a small farm in Texas and received her degree in psychology from the University of North Texas in 1998. Her experience as a small business owner, mindfulness instructor, and parent of two inspired her current beliefs and piqued her interest to begin graduate school in marriage and family therapy in 2018. Jodi currently lives in Carlsbad and enjoys spending time with her two teenagers, dog, and cat; she also enjoys cooking, gardening, and watching a good sitcom. Jodi is passionate about working with LGBTQIA clients and offering affirming and inclusive therapy. Her perspective is strengths-based, and she believes in the importance of deconstructing beliefs based on larger systems of power and decentering cisheteronormativity to support clients in their authentic gender and sexual expression and in living meaningful and fulfilling lives.

JET FINNELL, GENDER ADVOCACY PROJECT COORDINATOR (They/Them),

Born and raised in Escondido, Jet was brought up in a family of 10 that lived as a supportive community that always looked out for one another. From a young age Jet advocated for expanded acceptance and love for queer and alternative life experiences with unconditional support from their friends, siblings and family throughout their journey. They are constantly learning how to be loudly and proudly themself in society while seeking out others who are also committed to creating a world of authentic living. Jet is currently attending Palomar Community College and is set to transfer to California State San Marcos in the fall of 2023. They are pursuing their Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with the intention to advocate for the integration of behavioral health research insights into social support programs which accurately address and care for the needs of the community. Having been trained to facilitate environments for mindfulness and healing, Jet has been certified as a Holistic Health Practitioner and a coach for folks finding their truest possible expression of self. Their service and volunteer work in their communities includes acting as the President of the Mental Health Club at Palomar College; being on the board for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Buena Vista Audubon Society working with the Payómkawichum tribe to ensure the nature center honors the tribe’s ancestral lands; and participating on the Pride by the Beach 2022 planning committee.

NANI LOVE, CASE MANAGER (She, Her)

Since a young girl born in raised on O’ahu Nani has always had the heart to help others. Having a background with the Government as well as County, becoming a Case Manager and a Victim’s Advocate helping individuals through the toughest times of their life rather through housing, financial and emotional crisis and dealing with people throughout the years has allowed her to connect with them in many more ways than we could have imagined. While she volunteered as a case manager at the LGBTQ Resource Center for 2 years. Today she holds a part of the LGBTQ Reasorce Center as a Full Time official Case Manager. Born and raised in Hawaii in a Pentacostal Family with very conservative views one thing separated her from the rest of the local conservatives was the fact both sides of her family were apart of the LGBTQ Community. She actually had no idea there was an LGBTQ community because it was so normalized in her everyday life and when she came out to her grandmother as bisexual there was no issue with acceptance. When moving to the mainland one thing she missed was the love and support she received in Hawaii but she found all that in the Oceanside LGBTQ Resource Centers now

KEITH MARSHALL, AFFIRMING SERVICES LEAD CASE MANAGER (He, Him, His)

Born and raised in San Diego through lived experiences had become an advocate for himself and others around him when it came to access of care for the LGBTQ+ community. With a background as a health educator in HIV services he has served as the bridge for linkage to care to those historically underserved and uninsured.

Keith has an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences and obtained his bachelor's degree in Sociology from CSU Chico.

Keith became more involved in 2019 volunteering for the PRIDE+ organization with CVS Pharmacy where his passion to serve the LGBTQ+ community grew exponentially. He saw the need for advocacy through services and knowledge about programs available for the community.

Keith looks forward to making many connections in the community by providing services to all those who have been overlooked and/or overshadowed by policies governing our ways of living. He hopes to make an impact in the LGBTQ+ community by serving those in the LGBTQ+ community who have always been so welcoming to him during his journey.

LETICIA NEGRETE, REFERRAL COORDINATOR (She, Her)

Leti is a Local Osider, born & raised in the Eastside community of Oceanside. Born to Immigrant parents from Mexico, who came here for a better life. Since an early age she decided to never take for granted, her parents sacrifice. She earned an Associates degree in Business & Bachelor’s degree in Criminal justice Administration; And in 2015 was inducted into her Elementary school Hall of Fame for her entrepreneurial efforts. After many roles in the community, she Decided to take a leap of faith and focus fully on her Community Organization/Small business NVRSTP, better known as Neverstop. She is the founder and host of NVRSTP Shining’s BeYOUtiful Project, a Local Women Empowerment movement; As well as the wife to her middle school sweetheart and a parent to four Kiddos, the oldest whom is Transgender. Fun Fact: Leti was titled Little Miss Oceanside at the age of five. Her love and passion for her community (especially the lgbtq family) is what keeps her motivated and moving forward. She is thrilled about this new direction and growth opportunity.

JERI NICOLAS, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR (She/Her/Hers)

frontdesk@ncresourcecenter.org

As a native Hawaiian, Jeri was born in Honolulu and raised in Oceanside as a "marine brat". For over 20 years, Jeri has done film, tv and theatre working behind the scenes. She has travelled all of North America touring as a hair supervisor for multiple Broadway tours. During that time, she has been a part of many fundraising campaigns; Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA), Easter Bonnet Broadway Cares, It Gets Better campaign in Vancouver BC as well as the committees of She Fest San Diego and Pride by the Beach, Oceanside as Entertainment Chair. In addition, Jeri has added a new hat to her resume’ as an executive producer and documentary filmmaker.

A very out and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community for many years, Jeri continues to educate Lgbtq Pacific Islanders and other POC cultures. She is honored to continue her advocacy work for North County LGBTQ Center.

AGUSTIN PEREZ, PROJECT YOUTH COORDINATOR (He, Him)

Hello My name is Agustin Perez, I am 25 years old and I was born and raised in Central California. I went to my local community college then transferred to the University Of California, Riverside and majored in Political Science. Since then I’ve worked in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community here in California. I have had the privilege to work with Americorps for the last two years with Equality California, California Rural Legal Assistance, which partnered with Fresno Unified School District to assist with LGBTQ+ youth offering mentorship and advocacy. I am now excited to start working with The North County LGBTQ Center to continue providing support to our flourishing community.

STEPHEN SMYTH, AMFT (He, Him)

Although Stephen grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he considers Southern California his home. Prior to his recent graduation from Alliant International University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program, Stephen spent a year at USC’s School of Social Work. Both at Alliant and USC, Stephen focused research on the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ populations, particularly adolescents and young adults confronting the destructive effects of minority stress. In addition to providing counseling to the LGBTQIA+ community, Stephen also serves as a court appointed special advocate (CASA), assisting youth in foster care through advocacy and mentorship. While Stephen identifies as a cisgender gay man, he is passionate about working with all gender, sexual, romantic, and intersectional minority populations, as well as those currently questioning their own identities and social locations. Stephen provides services to individuals, families and couples, including those engaged in open, polyamorous, and other consensual non-monogamous relationship styles.

VAL WOOD, REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS CASE MANAGER (She/Her/Hers)

Val Wood grew up in Apple Valley California, and moved to Oceanside over 25 years ago. She has a son, daughter and grandchild. She discovered early on that her outgoing, openminded, and compassionate persona could be turned into a career working with highly diverse and vulnerable populations.

Val has over 25 years of experience working in HIV/Hepatitis prevention.

She started early on by volunteering at Inland AIDS Project and found a passion working with LGBTQ, Sex Industry Workers and those who struggle with chemical dependency. She was fascinated by the diversity of homeless culture, identifying their needs and finding resources to help those members gain more physical and mental health stability. This was evidenced by visiting unhoused locations, performing STD testing at campsites and having pizza parties with these populations. On a yearly basis, Val and co workers took unhoused veterans to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Val is honored to accept a position working with patients struggling with opiate usage as this is a National epidemic, providing education, harm reduction and a dedication to help clients while working with the guidance and commitment at the North County LGBTQ center.

INES DELGADO (She, Her)

Maria Ines is an undocumented queer woman who was born in Mexico but grew up in San Marcos, CA. She enjoys hobbies such as reading, playing sudoku, jewelry making, and exploring new places with her partner.

María Inés recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and minor in Anthropology. In college, after coming out, María Inés made strides with her thesis and research on the queer immigrant experience.

Their advocacy work has been rooted in storytelling and undocuqueer visibility. For example, the collection of oral histories, hosting of film discussions and examining how undocuqueer art subverts modes of oppression. Their proudest accomplishment was organizing an undocuqueer art exhibit during OC Pride 2022. She decided post-grad that she would continue to pursue work in this field.

As the Immigration Services Advocate, Maria Ines hopes to empower and aid the queer immigrant community by promoting visibility and celebrating intersectionality.

GRANT PATTERSON, AFFIRMING SERVICES CASE MANAGER (He, Him)

Grant has worked at AIDS Service Organizations, Community Based Organizations, and for Mental Health Clinics as a Bilingual Medical /Non-Medical Case Manager, Preventative Specialist, Psychotherapist, and Behavior Counselor.

Grant is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach earning a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and currently pursuing his MSW.

Grant is excited to join the team and advocate for this amazing community.

NORTH COUNTY LGBTQ RESOURCE CENTER