Our Team
Angel Sivori, Executive Director & Founder
Angel Sivori is a passionate advocate and Executive Director of THRIVE, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, mental health, and substance abuse challenges. THRIVE provides intensive case management and resident services to help clients achieve stability through a person-centered, holistic approach. Drawing from her own experiences with poverty, homelessness, and mental health challenges, Angel brings deep empathy and understanding to her work. Her background includes living in a shelter and relying on food stamps, experiences that inform her approach to serving vulnerable populations. With a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice focusing on Human Services, Angel has extensive training in areas including trauma-informed care, fair housing, and the Housing First model. This expertise helps THRIVE maintain a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach. Under Angel's leadership, THRIVE now serves eight low-income and permanent supportive housing properties across California, creating pathways to stability and dignity for those facing significant barriers.
Lily Nowlin, Lead Case Manager
Lily prides herself on being a people person, always striving to build authentic connections and create environments where others feel heard and valued. This quality has been instrumental in her ability to lead teams, manage projects, and help organizations achieve their goals. She believes that leadership is about inspiring and motivating others, ensuring that each person feels supported in their journey, both personally and professionally. Empathy has always been at the core of her approach, whether she's working with individuals from diverse backgrounds or leading teams through challenges. She is committed to understanding the unique perspectives and needs of others, which allows her to build stronger, more cohesive teams and drive positive outcomes for the organizations she works with. Her experience, both as a volunteer and a leader, has taught her the importance of adaptability, communication, and compassion. These strengths allow her to contribute meaningfully to any team or initiative she is a part of, and she is always eager to continue learning and growing in the process.
Dionne Powell, Resident Services Coordinator
Dionne Powell joined THRIVE as a Resident Coordinator in December 2024, bringing her passion for working with recently housed individuals and families. She is a strong advocate for this vulnerable population, with a particular focus on assisting seniors and addressing their unique needs. Dionne is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, which allows her to better meet the diverse needs of the residents she serves. Dionne is dedicated to helping clients navigate challenging circumstances and develop the skills necessary to stabilize in housing, which remains her highest priority. In her role, she is responsible for identifying and providing essential needs and resources, as well as designing and implementing classes and individualized plans that support her clients' personal growth and long-term stability. Her ability to connect with residents across language and cultural barriers ensures that all individuals feel supported and empowered. With her commitment, expertise, and bilingual abilities, Dionne plays a pivotal role in advancing THRIVE's mission to empower individuals and families to overcome barriers and thrive.
James Bowen, Director of Supportive Services
James R. Bowen is the Director of Supportive Services with THRIVE, bringing 15 years of experience working with disenfranchised populations in crisis. He specializes in serving unhoused and recently housed individuals through case management, crisis intervention, mental health screening, employment development, and life skills training. His work spans organizations including The Salvation Army, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), Catholic Charities, and THRIVE. A Certified Human Services Generalist from Long Beach City College with completed AOD courses, James leads his team in connecting clients with resources for employment, medical care, mental health services, legal assistance, and food security. His results-oriented approach and patient guidance have helped numerous clients and staff achieve stability in housing and employment.
Brenda Hurtado, Resident Services Coordinator
Brenda Hurtado is a dedicated mental health professional pursuing her Master's in Social Work. Her extensive experience spans mental health hospitals, clinics, juvenile detention centers, and children's residential programs, where she helps reunite families and connect them with vital resources. She has also worked with the County of Kern, supporting homeless individuals. As a bilingual professional in Spanish and English, she effectively serves diverse populations. Brenda aims to become a social worker to help individuals overcome challenges and thrive in their communities, driven by her mission to create a meaningful impact.
Shalanne King, Resident Services Coordinator
Melissa Arias-Rivas, Resident Services Coordinator
Melissa serves as a Resident Services Coordinator with THRIVE, supporting residents in Moorpark with compassion, professionalism, and a person-centered approach. She is committed to creating welcoming, connected communities where residents feel heard, respected, and supported.
In her role, Melissa helps connect residents with resources, coordinates community activities and educational opportunities, and provides individualized support to help residents navigate barriers and work toward greater stability. Her approachable nature, strong communication skills, and dedication to meeting residents where they are reflect THRIVE's commitment to ethical and compassionate supportive services.
Melissa is passionate about building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community among residents. She believes that small moments of connection, encouragement, and consistent support can make a meaningful difference in helping individuals and families thrive.
Kyle Epperson, Resident Services Coordinator
Kyle Epperson is a dedicated Resident Services Coordinator with a passion for helping individuals and families overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. With a 14-year background in mental health and ABA based behavioral therapy, he has worked extensively with both adults and children with developmental disabilities, building strong relationships through compassion, patience, and a person-centered approach.
Throughout his career, Kyle has earned certifications in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Professional Assault Crisis Training (PRO-ACT), CPR/First Aid, and other specialized areas, equipping him with the skills to effectively support individuals in a variety of situations. His transition into resident services allows him to combine his experience in advocacy, crisis intervention, and resource coordination to help residents achieve greater stability and success.
Outside of work, he enjoys expressing his creativity through music and plays several instruments. He also enjoys spending his free time playing video games, appreciating the opportunity to unwind and connect with friends. Whether he's assisting a resident in need or pursuing his hobbies, Kyle brings empathy, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Hank Ellis, Case Manager
Hank Ellis Case Manager with THRIVE who has dedicated more than a decade to serving others through social services. Born and raised in Humboldt County, California, Hank has deep roots in the community he serves. He began his case management career in Child Welfare in Humboldt County, where he developed a strong foundation in advocacy and client support. Building on that experience, Hank chose to focus his work on assisting the local houseless community, helping individuals navigate challenges and connect with the resources they need to achieve greater stability and well-being. He is passionate about meeting people where they are and supporting them with compassion, respect, and practical guidance. Hank is thrilled to be part of the THRIVE team and looks forward to making a positive impact on the state of housing for people in Humboldt County. Outside of his work, Hank enjoys fishing, walking nature trails, attending theatre performances, and performing theatre and comedy. He values creativity and community connection through his involvement in the performing arts.
Shalanne King is an exceptional Resident Services Coordinator renowned for her unwavering passion and compassion in supporting residents across diverse backgrounds. With over a decade of experience in property management, she possesses a deep understanding of the challenges associated with maintaining housing stability. Shalanne's expertise extends to working with seniors, families, children, and individuals grappling with mental health issues, substance abuse, and the complex behaviors stemming from chronic homelessness. Her holistic approach emphasizes empathy and tailored support, ensuring that each resident's unique needs are met with care and respect. Beyond her professional commitments, Shalanne is an avid nature enthusiast and a talented photographer, often drawing inspiration from the natural world to fuel her creativity and craft projects which she uses to inspire and engage her residents.
Megan Caldwell, Case Manager
Megan Caldwell is a dedicated Case Manager with over 12 years of experience in behavioral health and human services. Throughout her career, she has worked with diverse populations across the country in settings ranging from secure psychiatric hospitals to residential treatment programs, supporting individuals through some of life’s most complex challenges.
Megan is especially passionate about working with children and adolescents who have experienced abuse and trauma. She believes in building trusting, meaningful relationships through compassion, patience, and a person-centered approach, empowering individuals to achieve stability, resilience, and personal growth.
Her background includes crisis intervention, trauma informed care, and behavioral health support. She is CPI / ProAct certifed and is committed to providing respectful, individualized care that helps individuals overcome barriers and reach their goals
Known for her positive attitude, calm presence, and approachable nature, Megan creates environments where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. Outside of her professional roles, she has remained actively involved in the community through volunteer work, advocacy efforts, and public speaking with local schools. She is passionate about supporting youths, and being a voice for the individuals who have been silenced.
Selena Vazquez, Case Manager
Selena Vazquez is a Case Manager at THRIVE who is passionate about helping individuals and families overcome barriers, connect with resources, and achieve lasting stability. She believes that every person deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect, and she is committed to building genuine relationships that empower residents to reach their goals.
Selena completed a Medical Billing and Coding program through the externship level and is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to connect with and better serve individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her outgoing personality, positive attitude, and ability to make others feel comfortable help her build trust and meaningful connections with the residents she serves.
Known for always having a smile on her face, Selena believes that compassion, encouragement, and even a simple laugh can brighten someone's day. She enjoys helping others navigate challenges, celebrating their successes, and reminding them they are capable of achieving more than they may realize.
Outside of work, Selena is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters who are her greatest motivation. She is also incredibly grateful for the unwavering love and support of her amazing partner, who has been her backbone through life's ups and downs. When she's not working or studying, Selena loves spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and expressing her creativity through crafting. She enjoys designing and customizing shirts, creating personalized cups, and making belly beads, finding joy in turning creative ideas into meaningful keepsakes.
Selena is proud to be part of the THRIVE team and is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community—one conversation, one smile, and one success story at a time.
Heather Hoke, Resident Services Coordinator
My passion has always been helping people discover their strengths, build resilience, and find hope through connection, education, and creativity. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in behavioral health, education, healthcare, and the performing arts, experiences that have shaped the compassionate, person-centered approach I bring to everything I do.
In my past I worked in behavioral health within a community transitional program, where I supported individuals on their journey toward stability, wellness, and independence. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), and Enhanced Care Management (ECM). I believe every person deserves to be met with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to succeed on their own terms.
Working with children has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I have provided one-on-one classroom support for elementary-aged students with autism and behavioral challenges, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Today, I continue that passion by teaching voice lessons and Music Appreciation to children with autism and behavioral challenges three days a week. Music has always been a powerful way for me to connect with others, and I love seeing how it can encourage communication, confidence, and self-expression.
My professional journey has also included working with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in an adult day program, where I supported individuals in building life skills while encouraging independence and community engagement.
Education has taken me around the world. I have taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and music to students in China, Malaysia, and Nigeria. Those experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced my belief that kindness, curiosity, and learning can bridge cultures. I also enjoy serving my local community as a substitute teacher, where every classroom brings new opportunities to encourage and inspire students.
Before transitioning into behavioral health and education, I worked for several years as a Medical Assistant in natural medicine. That experience gave me a strong appreciation for holistic wellness and caring for the whole person—an approach that continues to influence my work today.
Music has been a lifelong part of who I am. I have had the privilege of performing in Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, experiences that allowed me to connect with people through music across many different cultures. I currently sing with a local gospel choir and enjoy performing in concerts, community events, and theatrical productions whenever I have the opportunity.
Some of the most meaningful experiences in my life have happened outside of my career. I was a Coast Guard spouse for 14 years, which taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of community. Later, during my marriage to a Nigerian hip-hop artist, I had the opportunity to experience life and music in West Africa and Southeast Asia in ways I never imagined. Those experiences continue to shape my appreciation for diversity, culture, and the ways people connect through storytelling and music.
At home, life is much quieter. My partner and our orange cat are my family, and they keep me grounded while reminding me to appreciate life's simple moments.
Whether I am supporting someone through a difficult season, teaching a child to find their voice, or performing on stage, my goal is always the same: to make a positive difference in the lives of others through compassion, encouragement, and authentic human connection.