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Get to Know
Our Leadership Team
Cynthia Burton
Executive Director
BIO
Cynthia joined CYS in 2008 where she spent four years as a mental health clinician in the BBFF and CHAT programs. She rejoined CYS in 2020 as clinical supervisor of BBFF and CHAT and was promoted to Clinical Director in 2022. Cynthia was promoted to Executive Director in 2024. Her passion is enhancing and expanding services that promote the psychosocial-emotional wellness of youth and families to strengthen our communities. She enjoys backpacking, camping, sports, gardening and spending time with her family.
Anna Silva
Finance Director
BIO
Anna has been with CYS since 2009. Her expertise and passion are in managing finance and date to promote the services provided by CYS. She enjoys football and all things related to her two rambunctious German Shepherds.
Valarie Armstrong
Human Resources Director
BIO
Valarie joined the CYS team in 2006. Valarie has over twenty-two years of experience in Finance and Human Resources. Her experiences have come from working in a variety of industries in the Fresno County area. She is a compassionate HR professional that thrives on supporting the CYS team. She enjoys spending time at home in the foothills and being with family, friends and animals she loves!
Catarina Mohler
Clinical Director
BIO
Catarina has been with CYS since 2005, starting off in the SAP program as a mental health clinician working in the schools. She was eventually promoted to clinical supervisor in the SAP program and became the SAP program administrator in 2022. Catarina was promoted to Clinical Director
in 2024. She strives to help kids learn how to overcome difficulties that impede their success not only in school but also in life. She enjoys baseball games, hiking, and Krav Maga.
Jim Pryce
Bright Beginnings for Families and Child Abuse Treatment Program Administrator
BIO
Jim began his employment with Comprehensive Youth Services 1992 as a Student Assistance Program (SAP) clinician. In 2001, Jim transferred from the SAP program to the Child Abuse Treatment (CHAT) program where he was trained by UC Davis in the Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) model. In 2004 Jim was promoted to Program Administrator / Clinical Supervisor for the CHAT program. In 2007, Jim also assumed the role as Program Administrator / Clinical Supervisor for the Bright Beginnings for Families (BBFF) program which was contracted by Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health. Jim continues to oversee both the BBFF and the CHAT programs. During his time at CYS Jim pursued his interest in infant mental health and completed all requirements to be certified as an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist (0-5) and a Reflective Practice Facilitator II. He continues his work at CYS by enhancing and expanding services for children ages 0-5 in our community. Two of his big passions are his dogs and tennis.
Angelita Echeveste
NRC Program Administrator
BIO
Angelita joined CYS in 2011. She was integral in the expansion of the Neighborhood Resource Centers serving Fresno County Rural East communities of Reedley, Sanger, Selma, and an urban site located in 93705 of Fresno. In 2015 Angelita participated in a leadership cohort with On The Move, funded by the S.H Cowell Foundation, where she co-developed along with other nonprofit leaders, a statewide initiative that supported the development of community-based organizations leadership, particularly in the family & community strengthening field. In 2020 Angelita was presented with the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, The Valant Award, in honor of her service to California’s 21st Congressional District as a dedicated community leader. She rejoined CYS in 2024 as the Program Administrator overseeing all four NRC sites and various programing. Angelita’s passion for community advocacy and empowerment derives from her lived experience as a migrant child in the San Joaquin Valley. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and empowering others to use their voice and personal agency.
Tapasya Bhagat
Functional Family Therapy
Student Assistant Program
and Clinical Supervisor
BIO
Tapasya Bhagat joined CYS in 2016. She is trained in Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model and is also trained and certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). In 2022 Tapasya was promoted to clinical supervisor in the FFT program. Tapasya enjoys working in multi-cultural settings and clients with diverse population. She is an advocate of social justice and aspires to end stigma related to mental health. She enjoys listening to podcasts, taking road trips and camping.
Kayla Ruiz
Supervised Visitation
Program Manager
BIO
Kayla came aboard to the supervised visitation program in 2015. Her experience in all facets of the program has led to several promotions over her years with CYS. In 2023 Kayla was promoted to her current role as program manager over the supervised visitation program. Her passion in this role is helping families reunite and strengthen the community by providing the vital services they need.
Valerie
Rodriguez-Lopez
Program Manager for
Supervised Visitation
BIO
Valerie has been a part of the CYS team since 2021, starting off as a Case Manager for the Bright Beginning for Families Program (BBFF) where she worked closely with therapist in providing behavioral health services to families using various models of treatment. In 2024, Valerie was promoted to Program Manager for the Supervised Visitation Program. She is passionate about empowering individuals and families, providing them with the necessary tools to creating stronger communities and improve overall well-being in the community. Valerie enjoys reading, road trips, the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Rocio Duran
Sanger/Reedley NRC
Prpgram Manager
BIO
Rocio has dedicated 14 years to the non-profit sector, specializing in overseeing HUD-funded programs at the Community Action Agency of Tulare County, focusing on homelessness and housing issues. She excels in developing initiatives that provide critical resources to vulnerable populations, ensuring access to safe housing. She joined the CYS team in 2023 as a Program Manager overseeing our Neighborhood Resource Centers and Home Visitation Programs. Rocio aims to leverage her experience to strengthen rural communities by creating effective, resilient support systems tailored to their unique challenges.
Giovanni Solomon
Selma NRC Program Manager
BIO
Giovanni has been with CYS since 2006. She has held the positions of Supervised Visitation Monitor, Administrative Assistant, and Family Advocate before becoming the Selma NRC Program Manager. Her passion is encouraging and empowering her colleagues, team, and all CYS stakeholders. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as hiking and traveling.
Lilliana Gervacio
Fresno NRC Program Manager
BIO
Liliana has been with CYS since 2019. She started her career with CYS as a Home Visitor in the CalWorks Home Visiting Program at the Fresno Neighborhood Resource Center. In 2022 she was promoted to program manager of the Sanger and Reedley NRCs. In 2024 she became the program manager for the Fresno NRC. She is passionate about connecting with the community and helping build strong family bonds. Liliana enjoys reading, spending time with family, and traveling.