Our Team

The people behind
the mission.

Meet the dedicated professionals who show up every day to serve the families and youth of South Los Angeles.

Jamico Elder, Executive Director

Jamico Elder

Executive Director
Executive Director

Jamico Elder

Jamico Elder was born and raised in Watts during the crack epidemic that ravaged South Los Angeles. Although he had given up on life and repeated two grades in school, he was fortunate to have a supportive family and the opportunity to participate in mentorship programs for young men.

Under the guidance of First African Methodist Episcopal leaders and Angel City Links Achievers Inc. mentors, he found that when he did not believe in himself, others did. He excelled academically, graduating Summa Cum Laude earning degrees from Tuskegee University and Harvard University.

In 2016, he became the Executive Director of Avalon Carver Community Center. Under his leadership, the organization has doubled its size and expanded programs to include an on-site YouthBuild High School, a 150-bed transitional age youth shelter, and prevention and education programs reaching vulnerable youth across Los Angeles County. He is currently working with Microsoft and local nonprofits to ensure inner city youth have access to literacy, coding, and STEM learning opportunities.

Tuskegee University Harvard University Summa Cum Laude Executive Director since 2016
Our Staff

Meet the full team.

Albert Brady

Albert Brady

Director of Services

Albert became Director of Services in 2016. He holds a MaSC from Columbia University in Applied Physiology and studied at Harvard University and Morehouse College. A Community Ecosystem builder and S.T.E.M. Equity Professional committed to promoting equity, education, and digital access for youth.

Christopher Erwin

Christopher Erwin

Director of Programs & Director of Mary B. Henry YouthBuild Academy

Christopher is the Program Director and Director of Mary B. Henry YouthBuild Academy. With over 20 years of experience teaching and mentoring at-risk youth in South Central, he holds a Masters of Art in Education from Pepperdine University and served 20 years with LAUSD.

Martha Nelson

Martha Nelson

Director of HR

Ms. Martha has proudly served as Director of Human Resources for over 25 years. As the most seasoned member of our staff, her infinite wisdom and commitment to the Avalon Carver community have allowed her to successfully run the DUI Program and state audits since 1980.

Deacon Douglass Johnson, Sr.

Deacon Douglass Johnson, Sr., M.A.

Prevention Specialist

Deacon/Educator/Writer/Speaker/Preacher. Holds a Master's degree in Pastoral Theology from Loyola Marymount University. Over 15 years teaching at elementary, middle, and high school levels. A permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and sought-after motivational and spiritual speaker.

KB

Kimberly Brock

Prevention Manager

A graduate of HBCU Morris Brown College and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Kimberly brings nearly three decades of experience in education, youth advocacy, and community empowerment. Deeply committed to equipping Black parents and students with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive.

Lamar Walker

Lamar Walker

Nutrition Program Director

Lamar serves as the Program Director for Avalon Carver's Nutrition Program, funded through the California Department of Education. The program aims to provide nutritious meals and snacks to at-risk youth throughout Los Angeles County, serving over 100,000 meals annually.

Alma Duarte

Alma Duarte

DUI Counselor

Ms. Alma Duarte has been with Avalon Carver since January 2001. She serves as the bilingual voice of the DUI intake process and the service representative for the outpatient Drug Free program. She continues to serve the community with dedication as a DUI counselor.

Elida Arroyo

Elida Arroyo

Prevention Specialist

Elida has been with Avalon Carver since 2015, starting as a tutor for the afterschool program before being hired as a Prevention Specialist. She has built strong relationships with the families ACCC serves and is driven by her vocation to serve and educate her community.

Chelsea McElwee

Chelsea McElwee

Prevention Program Director & Support Team

As Prevention Program Director, Chelsea is deeply involved with Council District 9, communicating with residents daily and attending community meetings across South Los Angeles. A proud South Central native passionately committed to empowering youth in the community she calls home. #ProudSouthCentralNative

Want to join our team?

We're always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a real difference in South Los Angeles. Get in touch to learn about opportunities.

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