Get to Know Us
Our management team plays an integral role in our homeless services, drawing upon years of experience and hard work to effectively fulfill our mission. Their dedication and expertise are essential in addressing the complex challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Chief Executive Officer
Miren hower
Miren Hower brings extensive business expertise and a strong dedication to supporting marginalized populations to Wind Youth Services. Her diverse professional background includes owning a small business, achieving success in real estate, and serving as a children's ski instructor, showcasing her versatility and commitment to excellence.
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In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Miren has served as a program director for a hunger relief initiative, where she discovered her true passion for advocating for individuals experiencing hardship. Her multifaceted experience underscores her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community.

Director of Programs and Operations
Lornetta brown
Lornetta Brown serves as the Director of Programs and Operations at Wind Youth Services, contributing over seven years of dedicated service to the organization after a decade-long career with Goodwill. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services with a specialization in Family and Children from the University of Phoenix.
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Passionate about empowering and supporting youth, Lornetta takes pride in her leadership style, which emphasizes leading by example and fostering a positive environment. She oversees the operations of Wind’s emergency shelter and housing programs, ensuring they run efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the youth.

Director of Community Information and Compliance
Lauren anderson
Lauren Anderson serves as the Director of Programs and Operations, bringing four years of experience to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Sacramento State University.
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As a passionate advocate for recovery and empowering youth, Lauren is dedicated to driving positive change through her work. With a strong focus on data and compliance, she ensures accuracy and accountability across her responsibilities. In addition to her leadership role, Lauren oversees the Drop-in Center operations, helping to create impactful and effective programming for the youth we serve.

Drop-in Center Manager
caree carneiro
Caree Carneiro serves as the Program Manager at the Drop-In Center, bringing four years of experience to her role. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals in need. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sacramento State University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Legal and Forensic Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
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With a passion for community outreach and program development, Caree plays a key role in overseeing daily operations, coordinating resources, and ensuring that every individual who walks through the doors receives compassionate care and essential services. She brings expertise in case management, advocacy, and program implementation to the Drop-In Center.

Admin and Data Manager
Johnae Gipson
Johnae serves as Wind Youth Services’ Admin & Data Manager, where she oversees day-to-day operations, ensures our data is up to par and programs run smoothly. A graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor’s in Sociology, she combines strong administrative expertise with a deep commitment to empowering youth experiencing homelessness.
Known affectionately as our “Chaos Coordinator,” Johnae excels at streamlining processes, manages social media, supports grant preparation and many other things that drive our mission forward. Her passion for helping others and her attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the Wind team.