Carla Silva, MSW 

Executive Director

Carla Silva has worked with the queer youth community in New York City for the past decade, most recently addressing youth homelessness. She received her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in 2004 with a concentration on Contemporary Social Problems.

Carla has interest in activism and is passionate about being an active contributor to social change with a specific focus on issues impacting disenfranchised communities. Her experience ranges within a variety of systems, including: community-based organizations, treatment facilities, secondary, and collegiate academic settings. Carla’s practice focus is community-based program development. She created the infrastructure to sustain the Transitional Living Program at the Ali Forney Center, executed a Comprehensive Sexual Education needs assessment with the assistance from the New York City Department of Health, and collaborated in the survey development and execution of a grant project: Sources of and Institutional Reponses to Anti-Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Violence between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

In addition to The Alliance, Carla joined the Social Work faculty at Barry University School of Social Work as an adjunct. Carla  is excited to contribute to the social change agenda of South Florida and is eager to bolster the collective vision of access and rights for queer youth.

Juan Carlos Galan, MS

 Data Program Manager

Juan Carlos Galan was born in Panama. He got his Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and moved to Miami to get a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Florida International University. Soon after finishing his Masters he joined the Alliance for GLBTQ Youth as a Data Program Manager. Juan Carlos is happy to use his data management skills in a diverse environment that empowers GLBT youth. During his free time he enjoys practicing yoga, going to beach, and watching Showtime and Bravo.

Michele Paolella, MSW

Lead Care/ Clinical Coordinator

Michele Paolella has recently relocated to South Florida (from San Franciso via Guatemala) and has spent years as a youth worker in Chicago and San Francisco. Her experience includes working with queer youth, young people living with HIV/AIDS, and the juvenile justice system (plus tons of summer camps/experiential learning centers). She also has experience in youth-driven policy advocacy work. Michele is very excited to join the staff at The Alliance in the movement to support LGBTQ youth in Miami-Dade.

Maidember Guemez, BA

Care Coordinator 

Maidember Guemez is one of our Care Coordinators at the Alliance for GLBTQ Youth. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Sociology and Anthropology with a Minor in Spanish Language and Literature. Because she has always felt passion for Psychology and/or other specialties that provide the tools to better understand and assist people, she is currently working on her Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Being a member of the Alliance is part of an exciting and big project in her new professional career. For her, creating awareness around the Alliance role and its clients’ rights could start understanding these famous phrases:

If all pulled in one direction, the world would keel over.
~Yiddish proverb

When all think alike, no one is thinking very much.
~Walter Lippmann (1889-1974)

Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
~Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910)

I can’t understand why people are frightened by new ideas. I’m frightened of old ones.
~John Cage (1912-1992)

Alina Serrano, BA

Care Coordinator

Alina Serrano came to Miami a year and a half ago. Starting as a case manager assistant for seniors to being a family worker at a domestic violence shelter; she has worked within the direct social service field for 5 years. Having worked with our GLBTQ youth at Pridelines Youth Services as their Program Coordinator she joins our staff while keeping her commitment to the community we seek to serve.

 Alina is currently pursuing her Master in Social Work degree from Barry University.

Tremaine (Trey) Jones

Youth Program Associate

Tremaine Jones often referred to as Trey started with the Alliance for GLBTQ Youth in May 2008 as the Youth Program Associate. Born and raised in Miami, Trey realized early that he wanted to help the community around him and create a better tomorrow. He has worked with not for profit and social activism organizations for several years; including Pridelines Youth Services and Power U Center for Social Change. He is committed to making sure that all GLBTQ Youth in Miami and beyond have a safe space to be themselves, grow and know what’s going on in their community.

When Trey is not saving the world from evil doers he goes to the beach, watches documentaries and has a deep passion and connection to Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art.

Trey currently attends Barry University under the new Take 5 program; an intense program for his Masters in Education.

Vivian Marthell

Program Coordinator

Vivian Marthell believes in collaboration. She is a visual artist with a background in installation art, photography and science. Vivian is community-oriented with over 14 years experience in non-profit management and has extensive experience managing cultural activities. A proven grant writer, Vivian has received several awards of note. Presently, she serves on the Board of Directors for Alliance for GLBTQ Youth, the Alliance Council and creates Youth Enrichment Activities (YEA!) for Miami-Dade County LGBTQ Youth and their allies.