Cause Driven Leadership

Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure all youth, regardless of income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Youth and Family Services (YFS) Board of Managers is committed to nurturing the potential of youth, promoting health and well-being, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. This year we honor and celebrate two former Board members for their tremendous leadership, vision, and determination. Their unwavering commitment will leave a lasting impact on our organization and the youth it serves for years to come.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Youth and Family Services please contact the YFS Board Chair, Yolanda Garcia at yolanda.garcia48@yahoo.com.

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Honorary Chair, George Leis

George Leis is the President & Chief Operating Officer for Montecito Bank & Trust. Montecito Bank & Trust is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Founded in 1975, the bank operates 13 branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo, and Westlake Village. Leis’ community involvement is exemplified through his service to universities and charities throughout Southern California and beyond, including the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, California State University of Northridge and the Santa Barbara Zoo just to name a few. George has been a member of the Channel Islands YMCA Board of Directors for 15 years and also serves on the Board of the YMCA of the USA. George is currently Board Chair Elect for the national organization. His successful career and passionate involvement in community-focused organizations have earned Leis several awards including the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Volunteer of the Year; the CSUCI Robert J. Lagomarsino Award, the CIYMCA Golden Triangle of Distinguished Service Award, and Technology Partnership’s Business and Community Leader of the Year.

Guest Speaker: Lisa Conn-Akoni, MA, MFT

Lisa Conn-Akoni, MA., MFT is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with 25+ years of experience in the behavioral health field working with historically underserved/marginalized youth & their families in Santa Barbara County. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of California Santa Cruz and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. Her academic training and expertise are in Clinical Psychology with specializations in Crisis Intervention & Assessment, Trauma, Childhood/Adolescent/Young Adult Sexual Abuse, Personality Disorders, Positive Youth Development, Runaway & Homeless Youth, Juvenile Justice & Child Welfare Involved Youth, Attachment Disorders, Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Trauma Focused Child/TAY Sex Trafficking Program Development and Training. Her primary passion is developing innovative biopsychosocial trauma sensitive approaches, which focus on youth centric stabilization, empowerment, connection, pro-social opportunities, resiliency, recovery, and reintegration.

Lisa is the Clinical Supervisor & Program Developer with CIYMCA’s Noah's Anchorage; an emergency shelter & drop-in center for youth experiencing trauma, homelessness, housing instability, high family conflict, behavioral health issues, education/social challenges, and/or sexual exploitation/human trafficking. In addition, she extends intensive supports for CIYMCA’s Youth Care Workers through training, education, and robust clinical supervision/consultation.