A product herself of the youth development process, Alex has over 20 years of experience in the field of Youth Development.  She has worked as a youth minister for the Catholic Church, a counselor at a shelter for youth runaways, a community gang specialist, executive director of a Boys & Girls Club organization and a field consultant and trainer. Alex understands the need to serve and educate youth populations that are difficult to serve, such as gang-involved youth; children with disabilities; recent immigrants, non-English speaking youth; gay/lesbian families and homeless youth. She has a passion for community collaboration and inclusion, as well as leadership development for both youth and adults.  Alex currently works as the Director of Community Programs at Life Academy and Director of Training & Dissemination for Alternatives in Action.