Our Executive Team

Merilla McCurry Scott

Dr. Merilla McCurry Scott is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of leadership experience building community-based behavioral health programs across Los Angeles.

As a visionary leader, she has shaped transformative programs at prestigious institutions including Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center, The HELP Group, Prototypes, and the Child and Family Guidance Center. Her expertise extends to Human Resources, where she excels in creating diverse, inclusive workplace cultures and developing emotionally intelligent leadership teams.

Appointed by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Dr. Scott served five years on the Los Angeles County Mental Health Commission—including one year as Chair—where she championed equitable access to quality care for underrepresented communities.

With a PhD in clinical psychology from UCLA, Dr. Scott remains devoted to addressing violence through prevention, intervention, education, and policy. Her mission is to increase service capacity, tackle the root causes of violence, ensure equitable access to care, and empower the next generation of professionals to become effective agents of change.

Her career embodies a singular focus: building client-centered programs delivered by a trauma-informed, culturally responsive workforce dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their healing journey.

Latosha Reyna

Latosha Reyna serves as Associate Director of Programs, bringing a diverse background spanning non-profit organizations and television broadcasting to StrengthUnited.

With a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California focused on Children, Youth and Family, Latosha has dedicated her career to supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Her rich professional journey includes certification in Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Awareness, volunteer work with the Compton Human Trafficking Taskforce, and advocacy that has taken her to San Diego to lobby for victims' rights legislation.

Latosha's experience encompasses roles as Housing Navigator for Hope of the Valley, Program Manager for the YWCA Greater Los Angeles Angeles Mesa Empowerment Center, and Project Manager for ValorUS—all positions where she has demonstrated her commitment to empowering vulnerable populations and creating pathways to stability and healing.

Jessica Romo

Jessica Romo serves as Associate Director of Prevention and Outreach, bringing more than 15 years of dedicated experience in the non-profit sector to StrengthUnited.

With a Master's in Public Health (MPH) and credentials as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Jessica seamlessly merges academic expertise with practical implementation of impactful public health initiatives.

She has developed particular expertise in prevention programming, health education, community outreach, and direct care services. Her comprehensive approach consistently strengthens community engagement and elevates program outcomes.

Through her leadership in prevention and outreach efforts, Jessica continues to champion evidence-based practices that promote community wellness and create sustainable impact across the communities served.

Andrew Pacheco

Andrew Pacheco serves as Associate Director of Sustainability and Growth, bringing over six years of comprehensive experience in non-profit operations and development to StrengthUnited.

With a Master's in Public Administration (MPA), Andrew expertly manages grants and contracts while overseeing critical organizational functions including operations, quality assurance, and human resources.

His expertise spans the full spectrum of non-profit management—from securing and administering funding to implementing robust operational frameworks. Andrew's integrated approach combines strategic funding initiatives with strong operational oversight, ensuring sustainable growth and programmatic excellence.

Mark Hernandez

Mark Hernandez is a seasoned accounting professional bringing 24 years of financial expertise to his role as Associate Director of Accounting & Finance at StrengthUnited.

As Fiscal Manager of Grants, Mark draws on his CPA background to masterfully oversee complex federal grant portfolios while ensuring strict regulatory compliance. His specialized knowledge in non-profit financial management has made him an invaluable asset during his 12-year tenure with the organization.

Prior to joining StrengthUnited, Mark built impressive credentials in federal grant auditing and accounting, developing comprehensive expertise in non-profit fiscal operations and navigating regulatory frameworks.

Throughout his career, Mark has distinguished himself through exceptional grant management skills, unwavering financial compliance, and strategic fiscal leadership within both higher education and non-profit environments.