Our Team
EXECUTIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Darin Lounds
Executive Director
For nearly 20 years, Darin has been a champion for those facing housing challenges. His expertise spans developing and sustaining safe havens for adults with developmental disabilities, homeless individuals with mental illness or addiction, families in crisis, and formerly incarcerated individuals. By prioritizing Housing First principles, Darin empowers these communities to find stability, rebuild their lives, and thrive in secure environments. His dedication is evident in the countless lives he’s touched, proving that housing can be a starting line for lasting change.
Marichelle Alcantara
Director of Programs
Marichelle Alcantara impressive tenure of over 10 years with us, she is at the forefront of initiatives, spearheading the development, design, and implementation of various programs. Her oversight ensures the seamless functioning of these programs, contributing significantly to our mission. Her extensive experience equips her to effectively engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, further enriching the impact of her work.
Karma Sherpa
Controller
Karma is the Controller at HCEB. She brings 21+ years of experience in non-profit accounting, including budgeting,forecasting, financial analyses, and internal auditing. A strategic financial leader with a deep understanding of non-profit operations, Karma joined HCEB in 2022 to optimize financial performance and support the organization’s mission.
Alejandra Hoglund
HR Generalist
Alejandra has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and she also has a certificate in Human Resources management. She has 10 years of experience across diverse areas including Human Resources Management, Marketing, Neuromarketing, Banking, and Medical Device sales support. She is a highly motivated, responsible, proactive person with a strong work ethic.
Lizeth Duarte
HR COORDINATOR
Lizeth has a degree in Psychology with experience in HR resources and working with the IDD population. She has been a dedicated practitioner for over 10 years and has been instrumental in supporting clients in our organization for 4 years since she started working and growing with us.
Carolina Puerta
Portfolio Management Assistant
Carolina has a bachelor’s degree in human resources, and she is also a registered nurse. She has always been passionate about helping people and found in HCEB a great opportunity to help others through our mission of housing people in need. She has eight-plus years of experience working in the administrative field and is a powerful force in the workplace, she uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
Daniela Arango
Portfolio maintenance coordinator
Daniela is a professional in International Business Administration, Detail-oriented, analytical, innovative, and client-focused with 10+ years of experience client relationship building, with high-energy approach to building and optimizing business operations. Solid understanding of facets such as financial, business and personal management. Very disciplined and driven, with conscientious attention to critical details and big picture needs of the company and clients.
Nyjah Tauheed
Development Coordinator
Nyjah is an experienced professional in development and fundraising with a passion for social change. I have focused most of my energy on supporting low-income families and the developmentally disabled in securing permanent housing.
Jovan Thomas
Property Management
Jovan obtained her bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Social Work in 2004. Jovan has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15+ years while working with a diverse community from youth to adulthood. Jovan has been with HCEB going on 10 years and is very passionate about the work that she does at HCEB.
Aron Balayut
SENIOR REAL STATE PROJECT MANAGER
Aaron has 20 years’ of experience as a Realtor in the Bay Area.
His passion for real estate is evident with both having helped many first-time homebuyers fulfill their dreams of homeownership and working with local municipalities through various below-market rate/affordable housing programs. In addition, He has worked with the Oakland and San Francisco Community Land Trusts to make homeownership a reality for many families while preserving permanently affordable housing within our communities.
Roberto Espanol
GL Accountant
Roberto is an accounting professional with a proven track record of success spanning 15 years. As a skilled bookkeeper and data analyst, he brings a comprehensive approach to financial management. He excels at maintaining accurate financial records, streamlining processes, and extracting valuable insights from data. His ability to combine accounting precision with data-driven analysis empowers businesses to make informed decisions and achieve financial objectives.