Meet The Team

Bre' El Thompkins has her B.S in Criminal Justice and has been a licensed resource parent and philanthropist for more than 15 years although her journey opening her home up to others began long before becoming a resource parent and community advocate.

While well seasoned and very active in the community as an advocate, she enhances these accomplishments with her vast certifications ranging from First Aid/CPR Instructor, Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists Certification (CMPSS), Community Health Worker Certification, Mental Health Recovery Specialist Certification (MHALA), Mental Health First Aid Certification, Trauma Informed Certification, CSEC Certification, RBT Certification, Counseling Certification, Gang Intervention Specialist Certification, Court Visitation Monitor Certification, RADT - Journeyman Counselor (CCAPP), Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification and much more.

She works closely with bio and resource parents far and wide to create more stable homes. She values healthy minds and healthy homes and stands side by side with caregivers who may be facing allegations or other sensitive subjects. Her end game is to eventually connect all foster youth whom have aged out of the system to safe and supportive housing preferably withing a healthy family environment.

Dejah Irby holds her B.B.A. in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. Her love for community and youth drives her to work closely with system-impacted youth while leading by example. At just 24, she had already become a licensed resource parent, licensed childcare provider, licensed CPR instructor, and philanthropist.

With 4 years of experience working in a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP), Dejah brings firsthand understanding, deep empathy, and professional expertise to every space she enters. She is also the Founder of Family Onward, where she blends purpose and design — maintaining the organization’s website (familyonward.org) and curating intentional physical spaces that reflect her background in interior design. Whether digital or in person, she believes healing begins in environments that feel safe, affirming, and thoughtfully created.

Her passion is backed by an extensive list of certifications, including Mental Health Recovery, Crisis Response, CSEC Awareness & Prevention, Behavioral Learning Education, Court Monitored Visitation, Communication & Conflict Management, Academic Support, and IHSS, among others.

I am the Chief Music Officer with a strong background in healthcare and community advocacy. Combining my experience in healthcare with my passion for community-based initiatives and music, I am uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the music, health and wellness and youth in the community. I am committed to making a positive impact through our vastly expanding musical arts program 

Mrs. Harris brings her experience of more than 30 years serving as an Administrative Assistant in the legal community, including 25 years at the law firm of Jones Day, 4 years at the law firm of Robinson and Pearman, and 2 years at the law firm of Jacke and Jacke. She is active in the community and has served on the Board of Directors for Sheenway School and Culture Center, and S.O.A.R. Community Center.

I am in charge of ensuring that products, classes, workshops and all family onward events meet established quality standards and that we provide the community with the best quality service and products that we can. In addition, I work closely with community youth during outreach and community events. I have a passion for foster youth and encourage them to be their best authentic selves. 

Emily Garcia is a dedicated psychology student with a heart for helping others. With a passion for making a difference, she has gained valuable experience working in homeless shelters across downtown Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Emily is committed to creating positive change in her community by supporting individuals in need and advocating for mental health awareness.