Our Staff
Margie Diaz, LCSW - Executive Director
Margie Diaz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 1997 and also received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Behavioral Science from Concordia University in Irvine, California in 1990. She has extensive training in Chemical Dependency, Child Abuse and Neglect, Case Management, Crisis Intervention and Suicide/Homicide Risk Assessment. Margie has over 22 years experience in a variety of settings working with youth and their families in the Orange County. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers and other juvenile programs. She has provided individual and group counseling for children, adolescents and families, facilitated support groups, case management, and specialized in crisis intervention and assessments. Margie is married and the proud mother of Triplets!!!
Duane Durst, LMFT - Clinical Director
Duane Durst has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1999. He has worked in the field of Chemical Dependency and Recovery for over 20 years. He has worked in several capacities during this time and gained much experience as a private clinician, Program Director, and Clinical Director of recovery-based programs throughout Orange County. The main of his focus is working with adolescents and their parents. Duane received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Southern California in Psychology and his Masters Degree from The Professional School of Psychological Studies in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling. He has studied Eastern and Western Religions for over 25 years and is able to utilize this knowledge in working with adolescents and their families. Duane also has been a keynote speaker for several organizations at forums, conferences, and high school assemblies on the critical issues facing youth and their families today.
Jeremy Tom - Program Administrator
Jeremy Tom graduated from Concordia University in Irvine, California in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a minor in Anthropology in the program of Social Work. Jeremy has been working in the field of juvenile diversion since 1999. Since then, he has seen a growing need throughout the community for continued drug education & intervention for teenagers & their families. Other than his work in juvenile diversion services, Jeremy has worked with a local municipal police department & is a former US Naval officer. He is also a proud husband & enjoys being a new father of one at this time.
Crystal Dillard - M.A. - MFT Intern - Program Manager
Crystal Dillard received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside in 2005 and her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2008. Crystal interned with Pepperdine University in coordination the Orange County Sheriff Department and Capistrano Unified School District where she was the Program Administrator for a youth diversion program for over three years providing prevention, intervention, and counseling to all at risk youth and their families throughout Orange County, Ca. Crystal has provided individual and family therapy, facilitated groups, and has extensive training in adolescent treatment.
Steve White - M.S. - LMFT
As a marriage and family therapist registered intern, Steve is much more interested in focusing on mental health, rather than mental illness. Working primarily from a client-centered approach, Steve's goals are assisting clients in their own exploration of meaning, value, freedom and actualization. Steve completed his Master’s in Counseling at California State University, Fullerton after receiving his undergraduate degree in Speech Communication (with an emphasis in intercultural studies). His research interests include client-centered therapy, full-spectrum substance abuse counseling, and development across the lifespan, gender roles, trauma, anxiety and depression.
Brynne Lum M.A. - LMFT
Brynne Lum is working towards completing her final hours of supervised experience for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Brynne received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She has over five years of experience in clinical psychology and has gained specialized experience working with adolescents and their families at PRYDE, Pepperdine’s Juvenile Diversion Program at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Brynne has a passion to help individuals, couples and families improve their quality of life and satisfaction in relationships. She is grateful to have the love and support of her wonderful husband and family.
Mercedes Baeza - Spanish Interpreter
Mercedes has been working for JADE, Decisions, and Project Today for the past 3 years as an Interpreter, where she enjoys helping our Spanish speaking families. She also works for Tustin Unified School District as a Bilingual Tester Technician. She has a wonderful husband and two beautiful boys, ages 15 and 11.
Kelly Scott - Fund Development Manager
Kelly Scott has always been a part of the California Youth Services team in many different capacities, even from the beginning. Currently, she is our fund development coordinator who researches, prepares, writes, and submits grant proposals. She also does a lot of various administrative duties. She has experience working with non-profits since 1999 and has always had a passion for helping children and at-risk youth. In addition to fund development, Kelly takes care of her two young children as a Domestic Engineer a.k.a. "Stay at Home Mom." She also has her multiple subject teaching credential and a Masters in education, so during the academic school year, she teaches elementary school, part-time, as a substitute teacher.