Interim Executive Director

Ellie Perez is an experienced management professional and educator with an accomplished history of working in these fields.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she enjoys connecting with others, uplifting those in need, and lending a hand whenever possible. In May of 2021, she and her wife Angela founded the Safe Spaces Alliance, a Long Beach City initiative dedicated to curating and promoting LGBTQ+ safe spaces and LGBTQ+ and ally-owned businesses.

Being a parent of a transgender child has given her great insight and a deeper understanding of the work needed to bring visibility, inclusion, equity, and equality to our marginalized communities. Ellie has a long history of volunteering and advocating for others, deeply rooted in compassion, empathy, and the drive to do her part to make the world a safer place for all of the communities she intersects.

Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Dorado, Chief Financial Officer, started with The Center in 2016. During his time working at The Center, he has helped the organization to expand services and resources for the community. He has helped in clinics and workshops to help educate and inform the community to help further the mission of The Center.

Prior to working at The Center, he worked in the real estate and employee benefits field doing operational compliance and financial modeling for several firms.

Andrew graduated from Loyola Law School with a J.D. and LL.M in Taxation. He also has a B.A. in Economics from UC Irvine. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and traveling.

Director of Legal Services

Mental Health Services Manager

Oscar Pineda (he/him) is currently the Manager of the Mental Health Services Department at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach where he oversees mental health and wellness programming to LGBTQ+ community members. In his role, Oscar manages a robust internship program for MSW graduate students who are trained in LGBTQ+ affirmative care and trauma informed approaches. Previously, Oscar was a MSW intern in Mental Health Services, where he provided LGBTQ+ affirmative care to community members. Oscar has been working in the non-profit sector since 2016, including as a volunteer with Francisco Homes, where he worked with individuals who were formerly incarcerated to provide economic empowerment, financial literacy, and case management services. As an intern with Early Start, Oscar provided case management, interpreting services, and pyscho-educational support to families with children with developmental delays, including working with low-income immigrant families. As Manager of Mental Health Services as the LGBTQ Center Long Beach, Oscar’s passion for working alongside marginalized populations continues to increase. Oscar received his B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Loyola Marymount University. Oscar’s work with immigrant families, with individuals who were formerly incarcerated, and with families with children with developmental delays inspired him to earn his MSW from California State University, Los Angeles.

Manager of Youth & Family Services

Peter Baek, Manager of Youth and Family Services, began volunteering with the Center’s MYTE program in 2018. Peter proceeded to work at the LA LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Department, before joining the Center’s Youth and Family Services team as Family Services Coordinator in 2020. Now Manager of Youth and Family Services, Peter brings their background in medicine and media production to provide LGBTQ* Advocacy and Support for Youth that is both engaging and informed. Peter has a BA in Radio-TV-Film Production as well as licensure in phlebotomy and EMT work. In their free time, Peter likes to play videogames, sing, play guitar and draw digital art.

Manager of Health Services

Wiley Phillips moved to Long Beach from Denver, Colorado and is a subject matter expert in STI/HIV prevention, infectious diseases, and community & behavioral health. She has a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Health Promotions and her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. Prior to joining the Center, Wiley operated as the COVID-19 Outbreak Manager for the City and County of Denver and has previously served as an Epidemiologist in the public and private sectors. Her vast experience and interpersonal approach make her an intentional and motivated professional whose main objective is helping others through compassion, inclusivity, and understanding. In her spare time, Wiley loves being outdoors and exploring new places.

Manager of Operations

Michael Morgan, Manager of Operations, has been in management for over five years. Michael has led teams as small as three employees and teams as large as 20 employees. Michael has a BS in Psychology and uses his degree to manage and communicate better with team members. Bringing his background in management and psychology degree, Michael utilizes both education and work history to be a strong manager. In his spare time, Michael likes to hike, play videogames, explore, and read.