Liz Gomez, Executive Director

Liz Gomez has worked with Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) since 1989. She has worked with runaway, homeless and foster youth since 1986. Liz began her tenure at LAYN as the Shelter Coordinator for the Emergency Shelter and came to LAYN with a passion for the youth and the desire to develop the best programs to meet their needs. She believes in the therapeutic model of starting where the client is and believes in the strength of our youth. “ I have learned, when young people live on the street, they start to believe that is what they deserve. It is our mission to teach them, no one deserves to live on the street and every child deserves a safe, loving home. LAYN is here to provide a home for the youth who need us.” In addition, Liz is known as an expert in the field of runaway and homeless youth both locally and nationally. She also sits on several Boards, representing our young people and the Los Angeles Youth Network.

Dr Jim MacGaffey, Clinical Director

Dr Jim has worked with Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) since 1998. He came to LAYN as an intern and has a strong passion to assist our youth through the crisis that led them to our program. Dr Jim utilizes his clinical skills to train our staff and to assist LAYN with providing a therapeutic environment to best meet the needs of our youth. Dr Jim represents our young people and LAYN in the community and is identified as an expert in the field of runaway and homeless youth.

Julio Arroyo- Finance Director

Julio Arroyo has worked with the Los Angeles Youth Network as Finance Director since November  2003.  His first experiences with the shelters needs touched his heart:  “I saw kids coming to the shelter with only the clothes they were wearing, and sometimes they were rags. They knew nothing about an extra pair of pants, or shoes, or toys, things we usually take for granted. After I met some of these kids, I had to do something.” Since then, Julio has made the management of LAYN’s finances his mission, scrutinizing and maximizing the allocation of all funds. Early on, he organized garage sales to bring much-needed funds. He has successfully reduced administrative and operational costs, so that more of the funds are directly aimed at the youth’s needs. His re-organization of the Network’s finances has earned him the praise of the Board of Directors and has kept its finances firmly fit. Julio invites everyone to learn more about LAYN, and to become involved in its mission, by visiting www.layn.org

Katherine McMahon- Director of Administration

Katherine McMahon has worked with the Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) since 2000.  For the first five years she was a case manager in the shelter and then in the Beachwood Home.  She recalls her first experiences with LAYN stating, “Once I saw the need, I knew I could not turn back.  LAYN is fighting an unending battle against the lures and dangers of the streets.  These young people come to us so alone, yet their resiliency and strength is awe-inspiring.  They are all good kids in terribly hard situations.  I had no other choice but to join LAYN in the fight for the lives of our youth.  It is such an honor to watch our young people grow and to be a part of the team here at LAYN.”  Katherine now serves as the director of administration and would welcome an e-mail if you are interested in more information about LAYN or about the needs of homeless youth.

Ryanne Plaisance- Development Director

Ryanne Plaisance started working with the Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) in 2005.   Her ability to dream big and set high goals for LAYN has provided significant growth in the programs and capabilities of the agency. “LAYN is not just about providing food, shelter, and health care to homeless kids. It’s about giving the kids a voice and really listening to what they have to say. We see these kids come to us off the streets with adult stories most of us could not imagine and we want to provide every one of them with a chance at a successful and productive life.  I am lucky that LAYN allows me to dream big for our kids and really make a difference.” Ryanne welcomes an email from anyone who is interested in getting involved with LAYN.

Joaquin Gonalez- Program Director

Joaquin Gonzalez has been with the Los Angeles Youth Network since 1995. Originally hired as a Peer Educator, Joaquin has over 12 years experience to guide him in his current position as Program Director. “Working with homeless and runaway youth has made me the man I am today. Since the day I started in 1995, seeing a smile or getting a thank you from one of these kids has been tremendously rewarding for me.” Joaquin has truly enjoyed strengthening existing programs while raising staff moral.  He feels it is the dedicated staff and successful programs that create a safe home for these kids. Joaquin has seen first hand how LAYN makes a difference in kids lives everyday and he is looking forward to seeing LAYN’s growth in the next few years.