Laura McDonnell is the founder and Executive Director of Next Steps Liaison Project. Her vision for the organization began with the heartache she felt when she saw system-involved youth released from custody only to return to juvenile hall over and over again. To address this issue, she developed an approach that helps youth heal and stay out of custody permanently. The idea for NSLP began with system-involved youth who requested continued connection after release from custody. In response, Laura created our “Correction Through Connection” program, which has served over 850 youth in Marin and San Francisco since 2016.

Environmental Stewards Internship Supervisor

Adrian is an experienced recovery coach and justice care coordinator in Marin County. He is bilingual (English and Spanish) and has extensive work experience in the areas of mental health, suicide prevention, recovery services, and criminal justice. He began working as a mentor with at-risk youth in juvenile probation and later transitioned to working to support adults (including veterans) with substance dependencies, mental health challenges, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Adrian has studied criminal justice at College of Marin.

Environmental Stewards Internship Supervisor

Sagrario has worked at many non-profit organizations that help under-resourced and at-risk youth.  She is a business education liaison at the Marin County Office of Education, where she helps high school students find their career path. Sagrario previously worked at the Center for Domestic Peace as a bilingual (English/Spanish) case manager.  She also worked as a learning coach/mentor at Marin’s Community School. Sagrario has studied business administration, accounting, and environmental sciences at College of Marin, and nursing pre-requisites at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Environmental Stewards Internship Supervisor

Omar’s family's journey to the United States has given him a deep appreciation for the opportunities that this country has to offer, and he works hard to make a positive impact on his community. Omar is a graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA, and he previously worked as a freelance visual designer.  When he is not working, Omar spends his time pursuing his passion for art — design, photography, or simply admiring the beauty of the world around him. Omar also loves to travel, experience new cultures, and meet new people.

Board Member

Malik, founder and Executive Director of Scholastic Interest Group, is a youth advocate, community activist, and author of Pressure: From FBI Fugitive to Freedom. He has been a guest lecturer at UC Berkeley and a participant in Project ReMADE Entrepreneurship program at Stanford Law School. Malik brings vision and hope for the future to the young men with whom he works at the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center. His presence and heart go beyond what any curriculum could provide. Helping incarcerated youth change their life trajectory is his life’s work.

Board Member

Anuar is an interim board member of the Next Steps Liaison Project and an attorney based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He grew up in Marin County and currently lives in San Francisco. Anuar earned his degree in International Relations from Dominican University and later obtained his law degree from Golden Gate University.

Before attending law school, Anuar spent time traveling to the countries he studied while working in public service, experiences that shaped his understanding of systemic inequality and the importance of access to opportunity. He now practices immigration and business law, representing individuals and families navigating complex legal challenges.

Anuar believes that meaningful change begins with investing in people at critical moments in their lives. He is especially committed to supporting young people who face systemic barriers and cycles of instability. His work with Next Steps reflects his belief that providing education, mentorship, and structured re-entry support can help youth build stable, positive futures and break cycles of recidivism.

He also believes that stronger, more inclusive communities are built by expanding access to opportunity, and that education plays a central role in long-term progress.

Outside of his legal practice, Anuar enjoys woodworking and planning mountaineering trips to the Eastern Sierra.

Lina is a cognitive science and education practitioner with a background working with high need youth and developing culturally responsive curriculum. Lina graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a B. A. in Cognitive Science: Learning and Development, where she developed a research-based SEL curriculum for high school students. Currently, a Global Education Associate with Axiom Learning, San Francisco, Lina is committed to helping young people build emotional literacy, strengthen well-being, and access meaningful opportunity.

Advisor

Adrian grew up in South Central LA, where he was influenced by gangs, drugs, and violence. He has overcome many challenges and no longer subscribes to his former beliefs. He shares his story with at-risk youth and helps them forge a positive path. Adrian serves on the board of Farming Hope, a culinary job training and food justice nonprofit. At Next Steps Liaison Project, Adrian co-facilitated Social Emotional Learning classes inside San Francisco’s Juvenile Hall and also served as a youth Liaison Team member.

Advisor

Diane has served as the executive director for Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) for over 35 years. ETC makes outdoor adventure accessible to people with disabilities and under-resourced youth. In 1984, Diane transitioned from being a volunteer river guide to becoming ETC’s executive director. Under her leadership, their Youth LEAD Program was launched, with multi-week summer courses for underserved youth, and ETC received the Dewitt Partnership Award by the California State Parks. Diane’s experience building a successful organization and her passion to connect underserved youth to the healing power of nature make her an invaluable advisor to Next Steps Liaison Project.

Advisor

Albert Rivas is the founder of Capitol Consulting, which supports local law enforcement with strategic planning and organizational development for underserved communities in Northern California. He is a Program Manager III for the City of Stockton, CA, bringing experience from many previous roles including the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He has experience with nonprofits, fundraising, leadership, public relations, and marketing communications. He earned local governance certification and training from Stanford University in 2019. He earned his B. A. in 2003 as well as an M.A. in education from U.C. Davis.