Laura E. Duncan, Ph.D.

Executive Director
LDuncan@AscenciaCA.org

Executive Director Dr. Laura Duncan has worked in the non-profit and education sectors in a leadership capacity since 1989. She has been with Ascencia since 2014 and became the Executive Director in 2018 where she has grown the agency by more than 25% via services enhancements and programs expansion. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Alliant University and obtained her B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton while working FT in senior or children’s services. In addition to her role at Ascencia, she is a state of California certified curriculum writer/Instructor with expertise in Title 22 Laws and Regulations and the CEO and a co-owner of a real estate and rentals business in Orange County where she resides. Being of service to others is something that was modeled by her parents and was further fueled by growing up with a special needs child in her neighborhood.

Laura is a member of Glendale Rotary and Glendale Kiwanis Service Clubs and understands the importance of investing in children, having helped to raise six special needs foster children. Laura is passionate about education, diversity, equity, & inclusion, music & the arts, baseball, environmental protection, children’s causes and animal welfare. She credits her foster children for teaching her the most about human behavior. 

In 2022, Dr. Laura Duncan was named Woman of the Year at the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and State of the City Luncheon.

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. He is an integral member of Ascencia’s staff, as he runs the HR duties, keeps the facility running smoothly, and is always cracking jokes.

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.

Meredith Fleisher

Director of Grants and Contracts
mfleisher@ascenciaca.org

Meredith Fleisher joined Ascencia in November of 2020 as the Grants Manager and promoted to her current position in January 2022. Prior to joining Ascencia, Meredith worked as the VP of Business Administration at Auritec Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company located in Pasadena, CA. Throughout her 9-year tenure at Auritec, she oversaw the operations, human resources and accounting teams. Her primary responsibility was handling all administrative tasks associated with grant applications and post-award management, which included managing annual audits and budgets.

Meredith graduated with a B.A. degree in History from Kenyon College in 2001, and a M.A degree in History from the University of New Hampshire in 2004.

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