Our Team

Matthew joined YOTO in June 2016 after a decade-long tenure at St. Louis Efforts for AIDS, a nonprofit organization addressing care, treatment, and prevention for those living with or at-risk of being infected with HIV. With a degree from American University (Washington, D.C.) and a wealth of nonprofit experience, Matthew is a tremendous asset to the team. According to Matthew: “I have spent the majority of my professional career working in nonprofits. What they provide to our community is invaluable. The services that Youth On Their Own provides, the staff’s commitment to the youth, and the board’s commitment to both youth and staff is unparalleled. I feel very fortunate and honored to be working with this distinguished organization.”

Daniela has lived most of her life in Tucson, is fluent in Spanish and is a Wildcat at heart. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Italian. After receiving her degree she decided to pursue a career in teaching. She has taught science, from 6^th grade general science to 11^th grade Chemistry, at local charter schools that serve at-risk youth and low-income families. She also served as Title I Coordinator and Professional Development Coordinator, among many other committees and programs, for the schools. Throughout her teaching career she tried to inspire youth to be excited about learning and to understand the importance of education. She saw the many challenges that students face every day and how this impacted their success in completing school.

Bio coming soon.

Kim moved to Tucson, AZ at the age of 16 from San Diego, California. She graduated from Cholla Magnet High School in 2007 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2011. Bear down! Since Kim moved to the Tucson community she has been involved with several non-profits such as Child and Family Resources, YWCA Southern Arizona, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona as a volunteer, intern, and staff. Through this involvement, Kim found a passion for serving the community and hopes to continue to do so as a Program Coordinator with Youth On Their Own. Kim has a passion for serving others and is excited about joining YOTO to continue to serve the youth in our community!

Bio coming soon.

Kristin currently serves as the Volunteer & Development Coordinator for Youth On Their Own. She has more than ten years’ experience working with local non-profit organizations in both an administrative and volunteer coordinator capacity. She believes in the philosophy of “giving back” by helping those less fortunate in our community – particularly, youth in need. Kristin is grateful that her position at Youth On Their Own fulfills both her devotion to working for a non-profit organization centered on helping youth succeed; and, in guiding committed volunteers to help make a meaningful difference within their community.

Daphne learned about volunteer opportunities with Youth On Their Own in 2010, and began stocking and organizing our Mini-Mall. Daphne’s commitment to helping youth graduate was evident and she was offered employment with YOTO in 2011. Daphne serves as YOTO’s Program Administrative Assistant and enjoys helping young people in need.

Candice was born in El Paso, TX, but spent most of her childhood travelling around the country. Her father was a preacher for the Church of Christ and relocated often. She has lived in New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Idaho, and California, and moved to Tucson in September 2016 when she married her husband, James. After getting her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from UTEP, she worked for 2 years with the Center Against Sexual & Family Violence in El Paso, TX. She found a passion for non-profit accounting work and decided YOTO would be the perfect place to continue that passion here in Tucson.

Katrina was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and graduated from Flowing Wells High School. She was introduced to the opportunity to go to college during her freshmen year at Flowing Wells because of a college bound club she joined. It has been her mission to give back to the community by providing resources and networks. She is now fortunate enough to go to the University of Arizona and work towards a degree in communications. She plans to work on getting her Masters in marketing after she graduates. She is thankful to have the opportunity to work with YOTO because she believes that programs like this “go the extra mile” and can change the next generation’s future.