B/Bianca Gutierrez  (elle/they ella/she). They’re HELLA proud to be first gen chicanx, nonbinary, queer. They are majoring in Sociology to then transfer to a University to continue studying and absorbing all the knowledge in sociology, social work and social justice. Their career and life end goals are just to absorb as much knowledge as possible, escuchar todas las historias de nuestra gente, absorb knowledge spread knowledge a whole cycle of never ending learning and teaching in whatever way that ends up looking for them.

Carol (she/her Pronouns) identifies as Lesbian and Queer, and. comes to Rainbow with over 30 years of clinical experience. She has worked as a Therapist in Private Practice and in agency settings as Program Director, Training Director, and Clinical Director of a community based Mental Health Agencies. Currently Carol provides Clinical Supervision of Psychology students, and therapists in training for Licensure: Clinical Social workers, Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. She has worked in this capacity at John F. Kennedy University, Pacific Center for Human Growth, and Rainbow Community Center. Carol assists therapists in finding their clinical confidence, expertise, and particular skill in working with the LGBT+ community, and other marginalized populations. She works from a place of authenticity, presence and mutual empowerment.

Christopher received his Bachelor of Science at Boston’s Northeastern University and an addition graphic arts degree at Epping Forest College, London, England. His most recent work experience was as a Program Coordinator for 140+ disabled/formerly homeless seniors in a supportive housing setting. Prior to that, Christopher lived in Zurich, Switzerland for 7 years and traveled extensively through Europe and Asia and taught English in Dharamsala, India.

Correen “Cori” Johnson (she/they) has come into their role as the Youth Housing Case Manager with over 7 years of experience in non profit housing and youth program development with a focus on social emotional curriculum as well as motivational interviewing. Growing up a part of BIPOC and LGBTQ, Cori has the hope of continuing to serve and develop nuanced approaches to meet the wide range of obstacles our houseless youth are facing in the intersectionalities of LGBTQ community. In their free time, Cori can be found covered in paint as she creates art and runs a small business.

Dana TherActivist Johnson, MSW (They/Them/Theirs) is a gender non-binary masculine of centered community activist that brings experience as an Author, documentary filmmaker, DEI&B practitioner, and Professional Development trainer. Dana also has 18 years’ experience counseling and servicing justice involved youth. Dana received a master’s degree in Social Work from Cal State University East Bay, BA in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, and a variety of professional certifications.

Dana’s an Author and Filmmaker of the memoir, TherActivist: They/ Them/ Theirs, a narrative embracing Identity, Intersectionality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The TherActivist embodies a "therapeutic activism" approach, while servicing and empowering BIPOC communities, LGBTQI+ communities, and most vulnerable populations.

Dana serves as a LGBTQ+ Commissioner and PRIDE Initiative co-chair for the County of San Mateo; and a board member of CoastPride Center. Dana embraces the role as a LGBTQ+ Ambassador servicing the entire LGBTQIA+ community of the County San Mateo. Dana’s a Fellow, of Equality of California Institute Leadership Academy; and Inaugural Class of 2022- member of Leadership Council San Mateo County.

Dana is motivated in assisting in the implementation of inclusive policies and protocols; and passionate about providing LGBTQI+ equity services, social justice services, and activism to marginalized communities. Dana is working with other community leaders to help bring visibility, resources, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion to LGBTQI+ communities. When they are not working, Dana enjoys taking a self-care walk/hike, catching a movie, watching sports, and spending time with their partner, family and friends.

Elyse (she/her) is queer identifying and a clinical intern at Rainbow Community Center. Elyse was born and raised in Chicago before moving to the Bay Area in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Knox College and is currently in her second year at UC Berkeley’s Masters of Social Welfare program. Elyse is passionate about serving the queer community and is interested in all things related to mental wellness, sexuality, sexual health, gender, and social justice. She’s gained 5 years of individual and group counseling experience working as a Behavioral Specialist at an intensive outpatient (IOP & PHP) mental health treatment program where she worked with clients of all ages.

In her free time, Elyse loves to hike around the Bay Area with her dog, spend time with friends and family, play games, watch nature documentaries, and read Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels.

Ginger (she/her pronouns) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provided clinical services at Rainbow from 2014-2018, first as an MFT intern, then moving on to become Lead Clinician and School-Based Services Coordinator before taking a full time position with Contra Costa County Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health. Out of commitment to this community and to the work of this agency, she has returned to Rainbow offering support for the counseling team as a clinical supervisor.  She hopes to empower newer clinicians to find their groove, increase their skills and confidence, and to empower the clients they serve. Identifying as queer herself, Ginger has focused her clinical experience within the LGBTQIA+ community, with particular concentration on transgender and gender expansive people. She recognizes the privilege in which she is situated in many respects as a Cis-White woman, and is a fierce advocate for social justice and human rights. Issues of diversity, intersectionality and social equity have always been of concern to Ginger, who strives to approach her role(s) with a culturally humble and trauma-informed lens. She has spent many years working with and advocating for youth, beginning in her previous career in Special Education, and places special emphasis on helping survivors of trauma and abuse. Ginger approaches her work with a collaborative spirit, from a perspective of resilience, strength and growth, and with respect for the powerful role of human connection. She views her own journey as one in progress and remains open to growth and learning. Ginger’s free time is spent with her beloved partner of almost 30 years and friends, appreciating nature, music and the arts. She is an animal lover, creative spirit, and activist.

Gretchen (her/she as she's brown and sweet) was born in the South Bay to immigrant parents and raised in the East Bay by a single one. Growing up as a third culture individual she has navigated between her Ancestral culture and the North American culture like a swirled soft-serve ice cream cone. Beautiful in theory, but messy in reality. Luckily, the flavor of life inspires her to continue to craft and sample, whoever she becomes in this world.
 
Fueled by years of retail experience within a spectrum of communities, Gretchen was compelled to get her MA in Communication Studies with a focus on Intercultural Communication. She hopes to bring her experience and knowledge to RCC, but more importantly learn from those she will meet while with the organization. 

Jess Garman (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Studio Art with a focus on Border Studies from Goucher College, and a Master of Library and Information Science along with a K-12 teaching credential from the University of Maryland. With over a decade of experience as a teacher and librarian, and previous work with the Center on Immigration and Child Welfare, Jess has a deep-rooted passion for education and human connection. Outside of the classroom, she expresses her creativity as an illustrator and printmaker with a residency at KALA print studios in Berkeley. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at New Mexico State University, Jess is excited about her Clinical Intern role at Rainbow Community Center, where she eagerly anticipates engaging with the community. With a lifelong goal of becoming a therapist, Jess hopes to bring her professional background, genuine enthusiasm, and compassionate nature to create positive change in the lives of the individuals and families she serves.

Jonathan H. X. Lee (pronoun: verbal Mandarin "ta"), is a professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University. His family survived the Cambodian genocide and arrived in the United States in 1981 when he was 5 years old. He identifies as Chinese-Vietnamese-Cambodian American. He received his doctorate in religious studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2009. He has published 16 books, and numerous articles and essays on Asian American histories, folklore, cultures, and religions. Currently, he serves as editor-in-chief of Chinese America: History & Perspectives, a peer-review journal published by the Chinese Historical Society of America. He is dedicated to anti-racist pedagogy in education and has been invited by several Silicon Valley corporations and public agencies to speak on equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging issues. He and his husband are fathers to two adopted sons.

Jorge Chamorro (he/him pronouns) Identifies as Pansexual. Jorge immigrated to the United States from Nicaragua at the age of 11. During his high school and early college years, he worked for many nonprofits organizations including, Instituto Familiar De La Raza, Horizons Unlimited, and Mission Neighborhood Health Center. For the last 15 years, Jorge has proudly served the LGBTQ+ community with his JCE company, to produce music and nightlife events for everyone in the community. Most recently he earned a Sex Health Educator certification from City College.