Management Team

Sister Jennifer Nguyen

Sister Jennifer Nguyen, LHC, was appointed the new Center Director for Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children (GSC) in 2022 and succeeds Sister Anne Lanh Tran, LHC, who served as Director since 2010 and was the successor of Sister Julia Mary Farley, who founded GSC in 1984. Like her predecessor, Sister Jennifer is a fellow member of the Lovers of the Holy Cross Sisters and is no stranger to GSC. She served as Co-Director of Languille, GSC's first residential facility from 2002 to 2009, then briefly in 2011. Prior to 2011, Sister Jennifer was the Residence Supervisor from 1991 to 1992 and volunteered with the Outreach Program from 1999 to 2000. Before returning to GSC, Sister Jennifer served as Director of the Office of Asian Pacific Ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino from 2011 to 2022.

Sister Jennifer received her BA in Social Work from Cal State Long Beach and MSW from Cal State LA. She has earned the support, admiration, and respect of GSC's staff and those volunteers and clients who have had the opportunity to meet her. With Sister Jennifer's blend of professional and spiritual work experience, coupled with her enthusiasm and engaging disposition, there is little doubt that under her leadership GSC will continue fulfilling its mission of empowering women and their children to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency with dignity and love.

Elvia J. Valdes

Elvia Valdes joined the Good Shepherd Center Executive Staff team in January 2017. Elvia graduated from the University of California Los Angeles with a BA in History and Women's Studies. She has dedicated her life to ending homelessness for women and children by providing basic human needs surrounded by compassion and supportive wrap around services.

She received specialized training in Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Crisis Intervention and De-escalating Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Building Community and other training's relevant to serving the homeless population and survivors of domestic violence. Before accepting the position of Associate Director for Good Shepherd Center, Elvia served as Housing for Health Program Manager at the Downtown Women's Center. She said that "In our home, we value unconditional love and acceptance. Each chance I get, I try to model and teach my daughters the importance of giving compassion, empathy and dignity to self and others," values which are in direct alignment with Good Shepherd Center's motto of serving the homeless with dignity and love.

As the Associate Director of Good Shepherd Center, Elvia oversees all programs, which includes: case management for all residents, community outreach, three shelters-including one for mothers with children, a job placement program, and the Family Services Program. Elvia is bi-lingual (English/Spanish) and loves helping people, qualities which will prove to be of great value in communicating with our homeless population. She is passionate in her mission to end homelessness and has already proven to be a great asset in furthering our mission.

Adriana Sandoval

Good Shepherd Center welcomed Adriana Sandoval as Development Director in November 2013. A native Angelino, Adriana was aware at an early age of the many challenges facing our community and had the desire to make a difference.

Adriana received her B.A. with a Double Major in Communications and American Studies from California State University, Fullerton. She previously served as a Distinguished Events Director with The American Cancer Society and has over 18 years of experience in fundraising and event management.

Adriana oversees the Development Department and is responsible for the overall fundraising strategy of the agency. She works closely with the board to ensure the financial stability of Good Shepherd Center.