Our Team

Albert became the Director of Services in 2016. He received his MaSC from Columbia University in Applied Physiology with a specialization in Kinesiology; also studying Post-Baccalaureate and Biotechnology at Harvard University; and earning his BA in Kinesiology/ Sports Medicine and Studies from Morehouse College.

Albert is a Community Ecosystem builder, J.E.D.I, Social Responsibility and S.T.E.M. Equity Professional committed to the facilitation and brokering of partnerships between corporate and civic organizations, promoting equity, education, innovation, and digital equity that strengthens social relationships and increases diversity within the technological ecosystems of the United States. Albert believes that in order to meet the growing Technology and S.T.E.M needs of today’s youth, the center must focus on delivering its competencies which include a wholistic approach, and S.T.E.M education, intervention, and crisis response services, mental toughness and resiliency. At the same, it is just as important to partner with other agencies and resources, ultimately casting a wider safety net in the community and nationwide.

Christopher Erwin is the Avalon-Carver Community Center Program Director and the Director of Mary B. Henry YouthBuild Academy. He is responsible for providing programmatic oversight of all Avalon Carver programs while simultaneously ensuring the implementation of impactful initiatives designed to improve services for the community.  Additionally, Mr. Erwin is responsible for managing multiple agency projects.  He is known for consistently demonstrating the flexibility, compassion, and empathy required to inspire and motivate an increasingly diverse population of transitional age youth. Mr. Erwin has over 20 years of experience teaching and mentoring at risk youth in some of the most difficult schools in South Central.  

Mr. Erwin has both Bachelor of English/ History degrees from Prairie View A&M in Texas. He studied Rhetoric and Composition at Tarleton State University wherein he began teaching and worked to provide online support for the Texas A&M University Writing Center.  Christopher received a Masters of Art in Education from Pepperdine University and obtained his Administration Credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills. In the twenty years that he worked for Los Angeles Unified School District Mr. Erwin served as both a classroom teacher and an administrator. 

Ms. Martha has proudly served as Director of Human Resources Departments for over 25 years. As the most seasoned member of our staff, her infinite wisdom and gentle way have warmed the hearts of many.  Her commitment to the Avalon-Carver community has allowed her to successfully run the DUI Program, state audits and a host of other duties as needed since 1980. The Avalon-Carver family will be forever grateful for her selfless acts of generosity over the years. 

Deacon Douglass Johnson, SR. M.A. (Deacon/Educator/Writer/Speaker/Preacher). He is a Prevention Specialist at the Avalon Carver Community Center. He currently holds a master's degree in Pastoral Theology from Loyola Marymount University. He has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels for over fifteen years. As an educator, he has developed campus youth and young adult ministries, facilitated youth gang and delinquency intervention programs and mentored/counseled at-risk youth. Some of this resulted in the inspiration for him co-authoring the children’s book, Zhakanaka, the Word), with his wife, Sheree Brown and colleague Pixote Hunt. Deacon Doug is, a much sought after motivational and spiritual speaker and is a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  While assigned to his home parish; Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Los Angeles he is committed to bringing all people together and building up the body of Christ by collaborating with other ministries.

Elida Arroyo has been happily working for Avalon Carver Community Center (ACCC) since the year 2015. During the year of 2015 she started working as a tutor for the afterschool program. Years later she was hired as a Prevention Specialist. Elida can honestly say that she has built a strong relationship with the families that ACCC serve and ensures we can provide the best of our service. She does not only come to work, but enjoys helping the community. Finally, for these past years she has grown so much professionally because of our whole Prevention team. Elida continues working hard for the community sometimes it is not easy, but it is my vocation to serve and be an educator. She is a firm believer and knows that God place her here for a reason and with the right people. 

Lamar Walker serves as the Program Director for Avalon Carver’s Nutrition Program which is funded through the California Department of Education. The program aims to provide nutritious meals and snacks to at-risk youth throughout the Los Angeles County.

Chelsea McElwee is the elected President for Zapata King Neighborhood Council (ZKNC). Aside from her presidency volunteer position, she is the Prevention Program Director at Avalon-Carver Community Center which is located in the boundaries of ZKNC. Ms. McElwee is very involved with council district 9 from communicating with residents on a daily basis (youth and adults) to attending a variety of community meetings and events around South Los Angeles. Avalon-Carver prevention program provides youth with a positive outlook in life by building their self-esteem, self-identity, leadership skills and drug awareness along with academic assistance. Chelsea earned her Master’s degree in Health Psychology and graduated with a 3.7 grade point average from California State University, Dominguez Hills. As she continues her journey of community involvement, her true passion is to positively empower South Los Angeles native youth and be able to help others in the community that she considers as her home by giving back. #ProudSouthCentralNative