About Us
NIA’s Project Safe Spaces Team
Our mission is to provide accessible, inclusive, and affirming counseling and support services to marginalized youth particularly within the LGBTQ community. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore their identities, address mental health concerns, and cultivate resilience and empowerment.
Dr. Artis Callaham Boston
Founder and Head Psychologist
Dr. Callaham has committed the last 40 years to supporting the wellbeing of young people. She is a licensed psychologist, an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and the mother of a transgender man
(She/Her)
Our Safe Space Team
Aden R. Tucker
Co-Founder and Operations Lead
Aden is a black transmasc individual born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of experience in education, working as a tutor, teacher, and resource specialist in the inner-city areas of Los Angeles. He also gives back to the LGBTQIA+ community with over 5 years of volunteer work and community advocacy
(He/They)
Rigoberto Martinez
Program Manager
Dr. Rigoberto Marquez is an expert in inclusion, equity, and integrative learning, with over 20 years of experience in education and policy. He has held fellowships at prestigious institutions and published research on queer and LGBT Latine(a/o/x) families. He holds a PhD from UCLA and degrees from the University of Maryland and UC San Diego.
(He/Him)
Our Safe Space Team
Dr. Artis Callaham Boston
Founder and Head Psychologist
Dr. Callaham has committed the last 40 years to supporting the well-being of young people. She is a licensed psychologist, an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and the mother of a transgender man
(She/Her)
Aden R. Tucker
Co-Founder and Operations Lead
Aden is a black transmasc individual born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of experience in education, working as a tutor, teacher, and resource specialist in the inner-city areas of Los Angeles. He also gives back to the LGBTQIA+ community with over 5 years of volunteer work and community advocacy
(He/They)
Rigoberto Martinez
Program Manager
Dr. Rigoberto Marquez is an expert in inclusion, equity, and integrative learning, with over 20 years of experience in education and policy. He has held fellowships at prestigious institutions and published research on queer and LGBT Latine(a/o/x) families. He holds a PhD from UCLA and degrees from the University of Maryland and UC San Diego.
(He/Him)
Doris Starling
The Housing Coordinator
Doris Starling has over 34 years of experience, and has founded and built grassroots organizations such as the LGBTQ Center in Hollywood and women’s transitional living centers. She has also established a shelter for the Midnight Mission in Santa Ana, focusing on outreach to marginalized communities.
(She/Her)
Tamara Anderson
Human Resources and Social Worker
Tamara Anderson brings 20+ years of expertise working with children, adults, and seniors who are other abled individuals. “I work to ethically provide direct and indirect wraparound services to others in attaining their life goals”.
and (She/Her)
Michelle Davis
Accounting
Over 20 years of professional training and program development for Fortune 500 companies and mentorship to young men in developing and carrying out their life goals.
(She/Her)
Doris Starling
The Housing Coordinator
Doris Starling has over 34 years of experience, and has founded and built grassroots organizations such as the LGBTQ Center in Hollywood and women’s transitional living centers. She has also established a shelter for the Midnight Mission in Santa Ana, focusing on outreach to marginalized communities.
(She/Her)
Tamara Anderson
Human Resources and Social Worker
Tamara Anderson brings 20+ years of expertise working with children, adults, and seniors who are other abled individuals. “I work to ethically provide direct and indirect wraparound services to others in attaining their life goals”.
(She/Her)
Michelle Davis
Accounting
Over 20 years of professional training and program development for Fortune 500 companies and mentorship to young men in developing and carrying out their life goals.
(She/Her)
Lynne Greer
Financial Secretary
Ms. Greer brings a wealth of legal, fiscal, and secretarial expertise having worked for over 20 years as a Legal Secretary for Los Angeles attorneys. Lynne serves on Nia’s Board as our treasurer and handles all state-required tax documents.
(She/Her)
Zoe Thomas
Youth Board Representative
Zoe is the team’s youngest member. She is a recent high school honors graduate who is a voice for the LGBTQIA+ community as a member and advocate. She will also assist with leading the coordinating of the youth-led panel discussions.
(She/Her)
Tanesha Walker
Web Developer & Digital Marketer
Tanesha Walker is a seasoned Digital Marketing expert and Developer with 15 years of experience in creating digital products, including websites and mobile apps. Specializing in nonprofit organizations, she excels in designing impactful digital solutions that enhance online presence and engagement.
(She/Her)
Gary Lynne Boston
Board Member Interim Chair
Mr. Boston provides our team with expert legal information and is responsible for developing and executing all contracts and MOUs for the Nia Foundation and Safe Spaces.
(He/Him)
Allyson King
Board/ Steering Committee Member
Allyson King has worked in the Alcohol and Other Drug Recovery field for over 5 years. She works as a community activist and ally to the community we are serving.
(She/Her)
Lynne Greer
Financial Secretary
Ms. Greer brings a wealth of legal, fiscal, and secretarial expertise having worked for over 20 years as a Legal Secretary for Los Angeles attorneys. Lynne serves on Nia’s Board as our treasurer and handles all state-required tax documents.
(She/Her)
Zoe Thomas
Youth Board Representative
Zoe is the team’s youngest member. She is a recent high school honors graduate who is a voice for the LGBTQIA+ community as a member and advocate. She will also assist with leading the coordinating of the youth-led panel discussions.
(She/Her)
Tanesha Walker
Web Developer & Digital Marketer
Tanesha Walker is a seasoned Digital Marketing expert and Developer with 15 years of experience in creating digital products, including websites and mobile apps. Specializing in nonprofit organizations, she excels in designing impactful digital solutions that enhance online presence and engagement.
(She/Her)
Gary Lynne Boston
Board Member Interim Chair
Mr. Boston provides our team with expert legal information and is responsible for developing and executing all contracts and MOUs for the Nia Foundation and Safe Spaces.
(He/Him)
Allyson King
Board/ Steering Committee Member
Allyson King has worked in the Alcohol and Other Drug Recovery field for over 5 years. She works as a community activist and ally to the community we are serving.
(She/Her)
Our Focus Is On Our Youth
"Our mission is to provide accessible, inclusive, and affirming counseling and support services to marginalized youth particularly within the LGBTQ community. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore their identities, address mental health concerns, and cultivate resilience and empowerment."
If you are in distress right now! And you might harm yourself... CALL US
NIA's Project Safe Spaces Center
5830 Overhill Drive, Suite 2
Los Angeles, CA 90043
(213) 424-2497
Info@safespacesyouth.org
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