Our Staff
Juan Gamez
Instructor
Juan holds an Associate of Arts in Human Development and Human Services with a certification in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Based in Los Angeles County, he has experience in case management and youth mentorship, with a focus on uplifting youth voices and advocating for juvenile justice. Juan is a skilled public speaker who has shared his message across various platforms, driven by a deep belief in the power of narrative and community service. As a passionate artist, he uses creativity as a bridge to connect with others and highlight the beauty in the world around us.
Andrea Wong
Bookkeeper
Andrea oversees the finance and accounting at Seen & Heard, keeping a pulse on the financial health of the organization so that it can sustainably carry out its mission to develop the professional character of system-impacted youth. Andrea graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Finance. She worked at KPMG for 5 years, consulting for internal audit and supply chain management. From there, she went from her hometown of Houston to Los Angeles, where she pivoted to managing the finances at NIghtLight International, an anti-human trafficking organization. She also helped manage finances at two churches. Andrea is passionate about supporting Seen & Heard’s growth and its long-term impact on the community’s youth. She lives in Pasadena with her husband and two lovely daughters.
Chris Jill
Program Manager
Chris is the Antelope Valley Program Manager for Seen&Heard’s in-person cohort after being a teacher, before that a teacher’s assistant, and starting Seen&Heard in 2023 as a student! Chris is passionate about advancing access to resources for transitional aged youth, and is pursuing their Bachelors in Social Work to reach that goal. After graduating, they will be working towards their Masters in Social Work and getting their LCSW. Chris can also be found co-leading a Seen&Heard youth only space called Stargazers Symposium which covers TAY mental health topics and coping strategies, along with co-teacher Grae.
Matthew Williams
Program Manager, Instructor
Matthew graduated from Denver University with a BA in Theatre, where he produced and directed several plays with DU and Denver area companies. In 2006, Matthew leveraged the skills he acquired in theater to embark upon a successful sales career with a healthcare startup, InTouch Health. Matthew was recognized for excellence in developing efficient training processes, innovating sales strategies, and leading a high-functioning performance team each year of his InTouch tenure. When he resigned from InTouch, he was managing all operations and sales for the US Southwest and $15 million in annual revenue.
Grae McKellar
Instructor
Grae is a graduate, alumni leader, and instructor at Seen&Heard, dedicated to empowering Los Angeles youth with the tools they need for success. As a lifelong Angeleno, Grae is passionate about uplifting young people and ensuring they have the skills and confidence to thrive in the workplace. Grae also leads the Stargazers Symposium, a youth-led gathering where cohort students can connect, share experiences, and discuss anything on their minds in a supportive space. Committed to mentorship and advocacy, Grae believes all youth deserve to be heard and supported in sharing their voices. Through Seen&Heard, Grae works to create opportunities for self-expression and growth, holding space for the next generation to be seen, heard, and valued.
Mykiea Russell
Instructor
Mykiea Russell is an inspiring creative community builder dedicated to helping others heal and thrive through the powerful mediums of music and personal development. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business, a life coaching certification through Dr. Eric Thomas’ association, and the proud title of mom under her belt, Mykiea harmonizes her knowledge to foster growth and connection in every community she touches. With a background as a music teacher in K-12 schools in South Los Angeles, Mykiea wields music as more than just an art form—but as a tool for self-development. She has passionately helped individuals use music as therapy to navigate and overcome traumatic life experiences, creating a safe space for expression and healing. As a music artist and educator, she empowers those around her to tap into their inner strength and creativity, guiding them toward more fulfilled lives.
Ebony Perry-Retana
Director of Wellness, Instructor
Ebony is a multimedia artist, designer, and arts educator committed to supporting system-impacted youth through expressive arts and holistic wellness. She specializes in trauma-informed creative practices, integrating visual, performing, and therapeutic arts. Ebony holds a B.A. in Media Studies with a concentration in Digital Art and Design and an A.A. in Theatre Arts from Marymount California University. A certified Yoga therapist (500 RYT, YTRX, IAYT), she has completed extensive training in Social Emotional Arts facilitation through UCLArts & Healing, as well as Therapeutic Art Facilitation provided through the ©Thirsty For Art educational program. Additionally, she holds certificates in Wellness Counseling and Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Ebony’s work with Seen&Heard focuses on providing youth with creative tools for self-expression and healing. She remains dedicated to independent research and education, continually expanding her practice to make expressive arts more accessible to those navigating systemic challenges.
Regan Williams
Co-Founder & CEO
Regan graduated from NYU with a BA in English and Acting in 1999. During her first 5 professional years, she launched DARE Dance Los Angeles, an after-school arts enrichment program. From 2002-2003, she taught drama at Crossroads Elementary School in Los Angeles. In 2014, Regan became a foster parent, and in 2016 she became a Court Appointed Special Advocate or ‘CASA.’ The following year, she launched a successful foster care campaign called ‘invisible(s).’ During the campaign, invisible(s) sent 70 foster youth to summer camp, packed and distributed 1,000 duffel bags to DCFS offices, recruited 200 volunteers to work with foster youth, and raised over over a quarter of a million dollars for foster related organizations.