Patricia Costales, LCSW

Patricia Costales, LCSW is the CEO of The Guidance Center, a non-profit children’s outpatient mental health agency in Long Beach, CA.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Occidental College, where she was a member of the Psi Chi Honors Society, and completed her Masters of Social Work degree at the University of Southern California in 1992. She began her career in mental health as a clinician, developing a particular expertise in the areas of child sexual abuse treatment and in crisis assessment and intervention of children and families post-abduction. She served for many years as the lead clinician on the Los Angeles County Child Abduction Task Force, and retains an active interest today in teaching and presenting on issues related to child trauma, clinical ethics and political advocacy as it relates to mental health. In addition to her leadership role with The Guidance Center, Patricia served for four years as an adjunct professor at the School of Social Welfare at UCLA, where she taught a graduate course on public policy and mental health.

Prior to joining The Guidance Center, Patricia served as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, where she was responsible for the oversight of services to more than 44,000 clients. She also chaired the Compliance Committee and the Quality Improvement Committee, reinforcing her experience in providing quality services that are ethical, effective and community-based.

Patricia is President of the Association of Community Human Services Agencies’ Board of Directors and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She is also a mother of twin sons, and a volunteer at their school and in the community.

Marcello Alvarez

Marcello Alvarez is the Chief Financial Officer of The Guidance Center, a non-profit children’s outpatient mental health agency serving Long Beach, San Pedro, and Compton, CA.

Before joining The Guidance Center, Marcello began his professional journey as a vice principal and middle school math teacher, a role he held for nine years. There, he cultivated a passion for education, mentorship, and community impact. In 2011, he transitioned into the nonprofit sector, bringing a values-based approach to fiscal leadership. He went on to hold senior finance positions at Skid Row Development Corporation and St. Barnabas Senior Services, where he directed financial operations, implemented GAAP-compliant policies, and strengthened internal controls to ensure accountability across federal, state, and private funding sources.

Throughout his career, Marcello has prioritized sustainability, transparency, and financial clarity. He has led ERP evaluations, modernized reporting systems, and mentored finance teams across multiple organizations. His approach blends data-driven decision-making with a collaborative, people-centered leadership style. Marcello earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from Whittier College and completed a Certificate in Parish Business Administration through Loyola Marymount University Extension.

Raised in East Los Angeles, Marcello understands firsthand the gaps in access to critical services. His lived experiences and professional values converge in his work at The Guidance Center, where he is committed to ensuring that every dollar supports children and families in need.

Lorraine Lyou

A fundraiser with more than 20 years experience, Lorraine Lyou joined The Guidance Center as Development Director in July 2008.

Before joining The Guidance Center, Lorraine served for eight years as Development Director for Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center. Prior to that, she was Development Director for the California League of Conservation Voters, an environmental lobbying organization. Lorraine spent two years as Development Associate for Rock the Vote, a non-profit dedicated to helping young people participate in the political process and previously held fundraising positions at the University of San Francisco, the Scripps Research Institute, the La Jolla Playhouse and the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University in Communicative Disorders in 1989. Lorraine also served on the board for the Wiseburn Education Foundation, which raises funds to enhance educational programs within the Wiseburn School District. She was a board member for five years, including one as president.

With a family member who struggles with mental illness, Lorraine has experienced first-hand the stigma, shame, and challenges associated with psychological disorders. Her non-profit expertise and personal experiences serve as the foundation for the passion and commitment she brings to her job with The Guidance Center.

Angelina Palma-Williams, LCSW

Angelina Palma-Williams, LCSW, is The Guidance Center’s Chief Clinical Officer.

While earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, Angelina served as an executive officer of the Black Student Union (BSU). She then completed her Master’s of Social Work degree with an emphasis in children, youth, and families at the University of Southern California in 2009. Angelina has been dedicated to community mental health for 17 years and has 15 years of DMH experience. She has demonstrated a commitment to The Guidance Center’s mission, having held various positions within the agency; starting as an MSW intern and progressing over the years to become a clinical therapist, QA specialist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Program Manager, and now Chief Clinical Officer.

Angelina holds various credentials, certifications and is trained in a number of evidence-based practices. These include a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, TFCBT, MAP, and Seeking Safety certifications. Angelina is also a trainer and supervisor in each of these evidence-based practices. In addition, Angelina is a certified trainer in Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR) through the ZeroSuicide Institute. Angelina has a passion for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion and served as the first chair of The Guidance Center’s internal DEI task force, now known as the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) committee.

It is through her clinical work and JEDI involvement that Angelina can fulfill her value of service to others, which was modeled to her by her grandmother.