Dr. Patrick Sena-Bozarth is the Executive Director of the Community Counseling Center. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Sex Therapist (CST), bringing a multifaceted approach to the world of counseling and therapy.

Patrick's academic journey led him to first earn a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from California State University San Marcos, followed by a master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. He is the first-ever graduate to have earned a specialization degree in the field of LGBTQ+ psychology and counseling. Impressively, Patrick was also the first recipient of the prestigious Sandra L. Golvin Memorial Scholarship for LGBTQ+ affirmative psychology.

His educational pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. His innovative dissertation work delves into the profound effects of shame on gay male identity development and introduces a therapeutic approach known as Metta Integration Therapy (MIT). This self-designed dynamic treatment modality seeks to tackle shame therapeutically, transforming lives in the process.

During his career, Patrick has accumulated a wealth of clinical experience across diverse populations. He has provided care in both outpatient and in-home settings, offering relational and sexual counseling, and imparting essential HIV education and support services. His commitment to community engagement is evident through his eight-year service as a member of the Ryan White Executive Planning Council and a five-year tenure on the SAPTA Advisory Board.

In 2015, Patrick co-launched the Nellie Bly Leadership Society, an initiative in Nevada dedicated to raising awareness about mental health-related issues through education and advocacy. His efforts reached new heights in 2019 when he introduced Affirmations: LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counseling, the first-of-its-kind, all-inclusive gender and queer-affirming mental health and substance use treatment program in the state of Nevada.

Before transitioning to counseling in 2005, Patrick made significant contributions to the non-profit sector. He spent three years working in development and fundraising for Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and later served as the Director of Development for Zen Village Holistic Wellness Institute in Coconut Grove, Florida. Throughout his life, Patrick has been a dedicated volunteer, lending his time and expertise to organizations such as The Human Rights Campaign, Project Angel Food, AIDS Project Los Angeles, Mama's Kitchen San Diego, Flying Samaritans medical outreach care, and The Special Olympics of Southern California.

Patrick is not just a counselor; he is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ and mental health issues, an innovator in therapeutic approaches, and a compassionate leader. His dedication spans diverse areas of expertise, making him a force for positive change within and beyond the community he serves.

Aaronell Matta, Deputy Director, has worn many hats during her nearly 19 years with CCC. She joined the agency in 2005, following a cross-country move after she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Penn State University. Once situated in the desert, she received a Master of Arts in Psychology from UNLV in 2011 and a Master of Public Affairs with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University in 2018.

CCC has always held a special place in Aaronell’s heart, as its founder, Ron Lawrence is her uncle, and sparked her interest in the therapeutic setting from an early age. While at CCC, she has occupied numerous roles that have involved working with data analysis, Human Resources, Quality Improvement, and marketing and development. She writes the majority of the agency’s grant submissions and also oversees their national accreditation through Council on Accreditation (COA), which was first earned in 2008.

In addition, Aaronell has been a member of the Ryan White Planning Council since 2021. In 2015, she co-founded the Nellie Bly Leadership Society, the first-of-its-kind initiative in Nevada focused on increasing awareness of mental health-related issues through education and advocacy. She also assisted with the launch of CCC’s LGBTQ+ Affirmative counseling program, Affirmations.

Both in and out of the workplace, Aaronell is a passionate advocate for destigmatizing mental health in all its forms, and enjoys speaking on the topic, especially by promoting the idea that “Mental health isn’t just one thing, it’s EVERYthing.”

Kay Velardo, the Director of Administration at Community Counseling Center is a proud Las Vegas native. With an over 30-year tenure at CCC, Kay's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment and diverse contributions to the organization.

Kay's career at CCC began as a receptionist, showcasing her dedication and versatility. Over the years, she transitioned seamlessly through various roles, including billing and Agency Administrator.

Kay's commitment to professional development is evident in her certification in nonprofit management from UNLV. In her current role, she oversees finance and billing, collaborating closely with the agency accountant and auditors to ensure the financial health of CCC. Kay's expertise extends to her role as a member of the SAPTA Advisory Board.

Her connection to CCC is deeply rooted in her personal history, having met founder Ron Lawrence during the AIDS pandemic and subsequent creation of the agency. As the longest-serving staff member and 2022 recipient of the agency’s Light of Hope award, Kay's dedication is a cornerstone of CCC's legacy.

Beyond her administrative prowess, Kay has been a stalwart advocate for the HIV community in Las Vegas for decades. Her involvement extends to roles at AFAN, serving on the Board of Golden Rainbow, and co-chairing the Southern Nevada NAMES Project. Notably, Kay played a pivotal role in bringing HIV education into multiple local high schools, demonstrating her commitment to community outreach and awareness. Her representation of Las Vegas in multiple international displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in Washington DC reflects her dedication and impact.

Away from her professional endeavors, Kay channels her passion into animal rescue, serving as a board member for PAWcasso Las Vegas. Her multifaceted contributions make her an indispensable asset to CCC and a compassionate force for positive change in the community.

Michelle Velardo, Director of Operations, is a proud Las Vegas native who has been with Community Counseling Center for over 20 years.

Michelle first joined CCC as a Vista volunteer. Her subsequent diverse roles within the organization, from IT to Office Coordinator, showcased her adaptability and expertise.

In her role as Director of Operations, Michelle is responsible for completing grant and agency budgets, overseeing payroll, and managing front office staff. She also serves as the administrator for the agency's practice management software, contributing to the efficiency of CCC's operations. In addition to her regular duties, as the Security Administrator for all agency technology and the Privacy Officer for HIPAA, Michelle ensures the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Additionally, she serves as the OSHA point of contact, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Michelle's educational background is equally impressive, with a Bachelor of Arts in Film from UNLV, and a Bachelor of Science and MBA from Western Governor's University.

Notably, Michelle's dedication to community service began at a young age, as she became the youngest person ever appointed to any Board of the NAMES Project at the age of 14. Her early involvement in HIV activism set the stage for a lifelong commitment to making a difference. Michelle's passion for film extends beyond her academic pursuits; she has worked on sets for locally-filmed productions such as "Ocean's 11" and "Rush Hour 2."

Away from the office, Michelle is deeply involved in animal rescue efforts. As a board member of PAWcasso Las Vegas, she channels her compassion into advocating for the welfare of animals, aligning with her commitment to creating positive change in the community.

Jody Marshall serves as the Clinical Director at Community Counseling Center. In this role, he spearheads the development and coordination of programs designed to support individuals, couples, families, and adolescents grappling with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, relationship concerns, and trauma. Jody also plays a pivotal role in training and supervising clinicians and student interns, ensuring they are equipped to make a positive impact on their clients' lives.

Jody, with over two decades of coaching, teaching, training, and facilitation experience, is dedicated to empowering communities, families, and individuals on their journey towards self-actualization. His expertise lies in cultivating mindfulness and proficiency in understanding and managing mental, emotional, and behavioral health.

Jody's understanding of the profound connection between mental, physical, and spiritual well-being has led to the creation of Happiness Focused Cognitive Restructuring (HFCR). This clinical methodology is rooted in evidence-based theoretical practices and is designed to enhance the frequency and intensity of sustained positive emotions, thereby promoting mental well-being and happiness.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to service, Jody was honored with the Light of Hope Award at CCC in 2016. He is an active member of the Las Vegas chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. His educational background includes a BS in Education from Weber State University, with an emphasis on Human Performance, and an MS in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Jody holds clinical professional licenses from the Nevada State Board of Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors, along with a Supervisors License from the Nevada State Board of Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. He is also registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, serving as an approved Substance Abuse Professional.

Jody goes above and beyond his professional roles by being a first responder as a member of the Critical Incident Team. He is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for individuals, trained in various therapeutic modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and a multitude of other therapeutic interventions. Jody's diverse skill set and unwavering dedication make him a pillar of support for those seeking to transform their lives and find happiness and fulfillment.

Gary Hundley is the Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Program Coordinator at Community Counseling Center. A native of New York City, hailing from the Bronx, Gary brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role.

Gary's academic journey began at Eastern Michigan University, where he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in Marketing. He embarked on a career spanning over 20 years, encompassing both sales and city government roles, showcasing his diverse skill set and adaptability.

In pursuit of a deeper understanding of mental health and counseling, Gary returned to school, earning a Master of Science in Counseling and Mental Health from the University of Phoenix in 2014. His commitment to professional growth is further highlighted by his licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), attesting to his expertise in the field.

At CCC, Gary serves not only as the Co-Occurring Disorders Program Coordinator but also takes on the crucial role of supervising the US Federal Probation and Pretrial Services program, providing essential treatment services to their clients. His leadership extends beyond his immediate responsibilities, earning him the Light of Hope award in 2017..

Gary's personable nature, strong work ethic, and excellent leadership skills have earned him the affectionate title of the reigning mayor of "Boomtown" within CCC. His particular skill in working with mandated clients, including those who have recently been released from prison or achieved sobriety, speaks to his dedication and effectiveness in facilitating positive change.

Christopher Mendoza, has served as the Community Health Program Coordinator since 2020 and Lab Director since 2023. His journey with CCC began in 2017 as an HIV Services Specialist, showcasing his commitment to community health and well-being.

In his current role, Christopher oversees the entire Community Health department, playing a pivotal role in the coordination of The Living Room and its associated groups focused on HIV Education, Wellness, Risk Reduction, and Sexual Health. His creativity shines through as he designs beautiful tables at outreach events, enhancing CCC's presence in the community.

An active participant in community health initiatives, Christopher is currently a member of the Southern Nevada Health Consortium and attends the Ryan White Action Planning Group, where he represents the agency. His involvement in these organizations underscores his dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare developments and advocating for the needs of CCC's clients.

Christopher is a certified Community Health Worker, completing the course in 2019, and has been a certified HIV Tester for nearly a decade. His expertise in these areas reflects his commitment to providing quality healthcare services and support to the community.

Prior to joining CCC, Christopher contributed to the field of healthcare at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, where he served as an HIV Testing Counselor. His experience also extends to working with high-risk adults as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Christopher is not just a professional in community health; he is a compassionate guide, a creative force, and a source of unwavering support for CCC clients.

Theresa Lucero, serves as Finance Coordinator and oversees Human Resources and Facility Management at Community Counseling Center. With a robust background in finance and billing, Theresa ensures the seamless operation of CCC both in terms of its fiscal health and the functionality of its physical space.

Theresa's journey with CCC started as a volunteer and now plays a pivotal role in its day-to-day operations. As a longtime resident of Las Vegas and a graduate of UNLV, Theresa brings nearly two decades of experience to CCC.

In addition to her financial responsibilities, Theresa serves as CCC's Civil Rights Liaison, ensuring that the agency remains in compliance with all regulations. Her attention to detail and commitment to ethical standards contribute significantly to CCC's reputation for integrity and inclusivity.

Beyond her administrative duties, Theresa is a talented artist, and her creative touch is evident throughout the CCC building, adding a unique and inspiring atmosphere to the space with her original artwork. As the past president of the Las Vegas Artists' Guild, she has been a driving force in fostering a vibrant artistic community.

Theresa's passion extends beyond the office as she is deeply involved in animal rescue efforts. As the president of PAWcasso Las Vegas, she advocates tirelessly for animal welfare, embodying her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of both people and animals.