Laura E. Duncan, Ph.D.

Executive Director
LDuncan@AscenciaCA.org

For the past four years, Laura Duncan, as Director of Programs has been overseeing all of Ascencia’s program operations, building a cohesive team that has earned high reviews from clients and consistently meet or exceed contract standards.  Experience realms include clinical services, residential treatment, adjunct faculty, vocational rehabilitation, workforce investment, non-public education, Veteran services and homeless services.  Under her leadership at Goodwill Industries, programs grew from $9 million to $21 million within three years.  Laura holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Alliant University; her B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling degrees are from California State University, Fullerton.

Richard White

Director of Operations
RWhite@AscenciaCA.org

Rick White comes to us with more than 20 years of nonprofit experience.  Most recently he worked as the Director of Operations at The Salvation Army in Glendale.  He has experience leading and training staff; program improvement and financial management and administration.  Rick and his wife Cindy live in La Verne and have 2 adult daughters.  When he’s not working, Rick enjoys mountain biking, reading and spending time with his family.

Camille Guerrero

Director of Development
cguerrero@ascenciaca.org

With over 30 years of experience and service, with major non-profits including The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries of Southern California, Camille is a passionate professional who brings a dedication to mission along with a rich and successful history of building meaningful and enduring relationships with individual and corporate donors, vendors, volunteers, and colleagues. 

Over the years, Camille has been able to translate her passion into initiating, implementing, and managing numerous fundraising projects and events ranging from an annual golf tournament that achieved yearly growth doubling in net proceeds over a 10 year period, a vehicle donation program that tripled in net proceeds over a 5 year period, a retail register giving program that increased from $200K to over $600K in 3 years, and even a historical museum exhibit for Goodwill Southern California which was on display at the Museum of Social Justice in Olvera Street, and is now obtained a permanent venue with Goodwill.

Camille wholeheartedly embraces Ascencia’s mission and is excited to apply her skills, experiences, and insights toward successful fundraising outcomes.

Marcell Mitchell

Director of Programs
mmitchell@ascenciaca.org

Marcell Mitchell joined Ascencia in 2014 as the Coordinated Entry System (CES) Supervisor overseeing a case management and employment navigation team dedicated to permanent housing, job placement and benefits advocacy. He is also the HMIS Administrator (Homeless Management Information System) for Ascencia and served as Ascencia’s lead for the employment collaborative in Glendale. In July 2021, Marcell Mitchell was promoted to Director of Programs.

Marcell’s experience in human services dates back to 1999, serving first as a Shelter PlusCare Coordinator, Clinical Therapist and Community Support Team Supervisor in Chicago, then as a Gang Interventionist and Assistant Program Director, which included working with homeless U.S. military veterans, in Los Angeles. Mr. Mitchell holds a B.A. in History and a M.S. in Higher Education both from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is trained in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing practices. He has also served as a consultant on multiple projects for the United Way and the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority.

Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter today!