Meet Our Team

The Diversity Center Team is filled with dedicated and experienced professionals who understand the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community!

Cheryl Fraenzl

Executive Director

Prior to taking the Executive Director position at The Diversity Center, for 14 years Cheryl served as the Director of Programs for Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. There she impacted the lives of thousands of people who enrolled in courses that encouraged human potential. Additionally, Cheryl has been a leader at major non-profits such as the Girl Scouts and AFS Intercultural Programs.

Cheryl was also a co-creator of the Wellbeing Project, an international nonprofit whose work supports many of the most remarkable social entrepreneurs across the globe today. Cheryl spends much of her personal time building community and creating a sense of belonging as well as engaging in many well-being practices such as somatic expression, meditation, and music therapy.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Cybele Lolley

Clinical Program Director

Cybele Lolley, LMFT #37124

Cybele’s daily motivation is to cultivate affirming and inclusive spaces for authentic connection, compassion and wellness. Bringing her experience as a licensed mental health clinician (LMFT), with gender-affirming clinical care training from leading organizations, such as WPATH, Fenway Institute, PAU’s LGBTQ+ Clinical Academy, Yale’s LGBTQ+ Affirming CBT Model and Family Acceptance Project to TDC, Cybele guides the success of our mental health program of goal-oriented trauma-informed LGBTQ+ affirming mental health program. TDC has expanded mental health service capacity by bringing on supervised field-placement counseling Trainees and Associates who are our county’s next generation of gender-affirming clinicians. Cybele advocates, through education with healthcare settings, on the incredible life-saving power of having affirming and accessible practices, like gender-neutral bathrooms and LGBTQ+ inclusive customer paperwork.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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Melanie Zaragoza

Director of Development and Communications

Melanie Zaragoza is a leader in the nonprofit sector dedicated to increasing accessibility and organizational sustainability. Most recently, Melanie served as Executive Director of the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries (2023) and Director of External Relations at the Monterey Museum of Art (2020-2023). In both positions, she oversaw fundraising, marketing, events, operations, and design, ensuring a cohesive and inclusive experience for donors, members, and visitors. Prior to that, Melanie spent six years with the nonprofit Hosteling International – USA, building accessible experiences for young travelers. In addition to her professional achievements, Melanie has served as Board Co-Chair of Monterey Peninsula Pride since 2021.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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Meggie Pina

Director of Well-Being Programs

Meggie is a community organizer, advocate, and artist. She has a deep-rooted respect for the human journey knowing that when we connect with others, share our story, and celebrate life we experience joy and healing. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. With over 16 years of experience supporting non-profits across the Greater Bay Area Meggie has forged partnerships with collaboratives, governments, funders, and volunteers to create compassionate visions for our community’s future. She managed the Monterey County Long-term Care Ombudsman Program and led a team of certified staff and volunteer Ombudsman as they empowered long-term care residents, investigated reports of suspected abuse, and partnered to resolve care concerns. Meggie has delivered innovative workshops that promote self-care, elder justice, advanced care planning, emergency preparedness, and LGBTQ+ cultural competency. She is trusted as a go-to development and event specialist by nonprofits in Santa Cruz and Monterey. Meggie co-chaired Monterey Peninsula Pride’s 2019 and 2022 Pride Parade and Celebration at Custom House Plaza. Meggie believes that inclusivity and representation matter when we build teams and create social change.

Meggie is a Certified Welcoming Schools Facilitator. Welcoming Schools is a nationally recognized curriculum as the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive professional development training and resources specifically designed for Pre-K - 12 educators and youth-serving professionals. Welcoming Schools uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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Nic Laflin

Lead Program Specialist

Nic Laflin is a gender non-conforming and queer Santa Cruz resident, with several years of non-profit and direct service experience. Before joining The Diversity Center, Nic worked within the fields of domestic violence, youth violence prevention, and substance abuse recovery. They participated on the Perinatal Mental Health Coalition, Shared Safety Committee, and in a transformative justice program called A Space for Change. Nic's training includes transformative justice facilitation, motivational interviewing, ACEs screening, crisis intervention, data collection, and harm reduction. They graduated from UCSC in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology. Nic's specialties include providing healing-centered engagement for program participants, facilitating engaging workshops to educate and inspire, and building out curriculum that reflects the needs and diversity of our community. Nic is passionate about creating a world free from violence and oppression, where resources, care, and support are available for everyone.

Nic is a Certified Welcoming Schools Facilitator. Welcoming Schools is a nationally recognized curriculum as the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive professional development training and resources specifically designed for Pre-K - 12 educators and youth-serving professionals. Welcoming Schools uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices.

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Contact Nic

Dusty Colyer-Worth

Manager of OUTreach Programs

Dusty approaches life and work with a passion for building authentic and meaningful connections. His career in community relations is dedicated to uplifting diversity and equity. As the Director of Engagement and Inclusion for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, he has strengthened bonds between the business community and social justice. In his most recent role as the Executive Director of The Gala Pride and Diversity Center, Dusty brought his dedication to supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community to the forefront. 

Dusty also advances inclusivity and representation through his volunteer work. He chaired the City of San Luis Obispo’s Human Relations Commission for three years, during which he helped develop a five-year DEI strategic plan and reviewed and recommended funding allocations for $750,000 in high-impact community grants.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Tara Maxon

Well-Being Center Coordinator

After moving back to the Central Coast just before lockdown, Tara was happy to find community through the Diversity Center's online genderqueer peer group. A bi-cultural Army kid raised in Germany, Tara studied comparative literature and gender studies at Bryn Mawr College, and as a perpetual student of life they continue to investigate mindfulness, psychology, and Gestalt Awareness Practice. Tara believes in service, mutual aid, community building, and supporting the wellbeing of the planet and all its inhabitants. They hope to help increase the quality of life and the wellbeing of Santa Cruz LGBTQ+ community members in the ways they most need or want, connecting them to themselves, each other, and the wider community.

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Neal Savage

Bookkeeper

Neal retired a few years ago from an 18 month project at Cabrillo College upgrading technology in classrooms, and moved from the Host Desk to the admin/bookkeeping desk, half time. Prior to that, his career was "over the hill" as a Program and Project Manager for HP and 3Com. Neal has an MBA from MIT and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Stanford. Neal lives in Capitola with his wife Rose. They have three children, Matt, Andrea, and Torie, and a grandchild Emma, scattered across the country.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Zak Keith

Graduate Student Researcher

A compassionate advocate from rural Appalachia, Virginia, whose journey through life has been a testament to the vibrant experiences of Queer identity and community support. With a foundation built on empathy and understanding, Zak intertwines their Drag artistry and academic pursuits, holding bachelor's degrees in sociology, criminology, and psychology from Virginia Tech and currently pursuing a PhD from the University of California, Santa Cruz. At UCSC, Zak delves into the nexus of digital technology and familial relationships in shaping the identities of LGBTQIA+ youth. Beyond academia, Zak is an active member of various community affiliates, including the Safe Schools Project and Pride committees, where they develop workshops and seminars to bridge research with grassroots advocacy. Zak's mission is clear: centering Queer experiences and generations to forge institutional change and enduring support networks for well-being and growth.

Zak is a Certified Welcoming Schools Facilitator. Welcoming Schools is a nationally recognized curriculum as the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive professional development training and resources specifically designed for Pre-K - 12 educators and youth-serving professionals. Welcoming Schools uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices.

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Carmelita Limas

Volunteer Coordinator and Board Member

Carmelita joined the Diversity Center Board in February of 2021. Carmelita was born in Santa Cruz and raised in Watsonville. As a youth she attended LGBTQA programs throughout the county, and was a 2002 recipient of the Queer Leadership Award. After high school Carmelita dedicated her life to national and community service. First she committed to 3 years of AmeriCorps allowing her to travel throughout the United States, including disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina. She spent the last 10 years working full time as Volunteer Coordinator in both a Suicide Hotline Crisis Center and a Rape Crisis Center. In her role, she served on several County wide committees and trained volunteers, Law Enforcement, Social Workers, and other community members about working with children and adults who have experienced trauma. Carmelita loves the beach, making tamales with her family, traveling, and spending quality time with her close friends. She is currently a stay at home mom with her two year old daughter.

Carmelita is a Certified Welcoming Schools Facilitator. Welcoming Schools is a nationally recognized curriculum as the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive professional development training and resources specifically designed for Pre-K - 12 educators and youth-serving professionals. Welcoming Schools uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Mental Health Trainees

Hannah Claire Becker

TDC Clinical Trainee

I am Hannah Claire Becker, a master’s level clinical trainee at The Diversity Center in Santa Cruz under the supervision of Cybele Lolley, LMFT. I am a graduate student at Santa Clara University, pursuing my MA in Counseling Psychology to obtain my LMFT. Alongside my studies, I work as a Crisis Intervention Specialist and a Spiritual Facilitator, focusing on crisis support and spiritual wellness. My professional interests include writing from a cognitive therapy perspective and incorporating mindfulness and meditation into therapeutic practices. I grew up homeschooled by my hardworking parents, allowing me to live abroad and experience many facets of culture, history, and art. In my personal time, I enjoy ancient epics, music and poetry, storytelling, Dungeons & Dragons, cosmetic makeup, baking, and art.

Pronouns: she/her/they/them

Amanda Helton

TDC Clinical Trainee

Amanda Helton grew up in Sevier County, East Tennessee—the birthplace of Dolly Parton! She maintains a deep connection to her Southern roots while navigating the complexities of coming of age as a queer individual in a traditionally conservative region. 

Her professional journey started in social work with a HUD-funded rapid rehousing program in rural Tennessee, where she witnessed poverty, healthcare disparities, and systemic neglect—issues she now understands as colonial legacies embedded in the South’s socioeconomic structures and prevalent worldwide. Burnt out but eager to explore systemic inequities further, Amanda pursued a Master’s in Art History, examining how art challenges societal norms and can provide a platform for envisioning decolonial futures. For the last 10 years, Amanda Helton has worked in museums, where she focused on caring for physical and digital collections while leveraging technology to increase the accessibility of museum experiences. Active in the queer community and certified with Everyone Deserves Sex Ed (EDSE) as a sex educator, she is committed to dismantling oppressive systems and creating alternatives built on equity, inclusivity, and affirming support for all identities. 

Now pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Amanda integrates her social work, art, and advocacy background through a decolonial lens. Her clinical work is informed by Feminist Therapy, Liberation Psychology, and Relational Cultural Therapy, focusing on addressing power imbalances and fostering healing through connection and empathy. Passionate about working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals, she uses trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming practices, believing counseling can spark both personal growth and societal transformation toward equity and justice.

Pronouns: she/her

Alexia Lomeli

TDC Clinical Trainee

Alexia Lomelí is a Mexican immigrant from Rosarito, Baja California, and a first-generation college student. In 2023, she graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor's degree in Intensive Psychology. Currently a graduate student at San Francisco State University, Alexia is pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling.

With eight years of experience as a student aide in elementary schools, Alexia has worked closely with neurodivergent children. She also has a passion for supporting nontraditional college students, having served as a transition mentor at Services for Transfer and Re-entry Students (STARS) at UC Santa Cruz. Presently, she works part-time as an academic advisor for the Film & Digital Media department at UCSC.

As an affirming counselor in training, Alexia is dedicated to extending mental health services to underserved populations, including the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, farm workers, and people of color. In her free time, she enjoys skateboarding and has received two skateboarding scholarships through the College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (CSEF). Alexia is an active member of the Santa Cruz community, where she lives with her Fiancé, Ismael, and their dog, Remi.

Pronouns: she/her

Interns

Serena Ramirez

Well-being Program Intern

Serena Ramirez is a third-year student pursuing a double major in Intensive Psychology and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, with a minor in Politics. She is deeply committed to advancing social justice and is passionate about working at the intersection of politics, nonprofit communications, and community outreach. Serena aims to enhance access to vital social services and create meaningful, inclusive change for the Santa Cruz community.

Pronouns: all

Hannah Greenstein

Well-Being Research Intern

Hannah Greenstein received her bachelor’s degree in Intensive Psychology from UCSC in 2024. Her lived experiences as a queer, transgender woman inform her passion for psychology; she intends to pursue a doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology, with the aim of conducting mixed-methods research that helps to support queer and trans communities. Hannah joined TDC in November 2024 as a well-being research intern, assisting the center with collecting, evaluating and presenting data in relation to well-being programming. She loves tabletop games, concerts, creative writing and the San Francisco Giants.

Pronouns: she/her

Emmett Griffith

Cultivating Trans Joy, third Tuesdays from 7-8pm PST

Emmett Griffith (he/him/his) is a trans educator, mentor, and advocate. He currently serves as the Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice at Stanford University’s Department of Pediatrics and was previously the Associate Director of Pace University’s LGBTQA+ Center in New York City. He provides educational workshops and group facilitation on LGBTQ+ wellbeing, supporting trans and non-binary populations, inclusive classroom practices, empathy building, and other DEIJ topics. Emmett received his M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs with a concentration in Social Justice from NYU and graduated from Chapman University with a double B.A. in Integrated Educational Studies and English Literature. He currently lives in San Jose, CA, with his partner and two rescue pups, Duke and Ruby. He loves cooking, music, and theatre.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Contact Emmett