Who We Are

Juliet Curry joins the Palisades Community Renewal Center as an innovative and intentional leader, bringing over two decades of experience in community-based programming and a lifelong commitment to arts education and learning. She deeply believes in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, heal, and unite, and has dedicated her career to ensuring that high-quality arts experiences are accessible to all.

Most recently, Juliet served as Club Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, where she empowered youth and elevated programming to help young people thrive creatively, academically, and emotionally. Previously, she led the Brentwood Art Center through a major digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing her mission to expand access to arts education.

An entrepreneur at heart, Juliet founded and led SmART Space: Creative Arts Programs, an innovative enrichment company from 2005 to 2015 that became a trusted local resource for engaging arts programming. A longtime Santa Monica resident, she has spent the past decade volunteering as a parent and advocate for SMMUSD, deepening her commitment to community enrichment and programming.

Juliet holds a BFA from Stephens College and has a background in teaching both visual and performing arts. She enjoys creatively integrating diverse artistic styles and practices into dynamic learning environments.

As the new Director of the Palisades Community Renewal Center, Juliet looks forward to co-creating a space where all those impacted can access meaningful resources for wellness and experience a deeper sense of connection and healing.

Michelle Liva, LMFT, began her career in community mental health, where she developed a strong foundation in accessible, trauma-informed care. After several years in private practice, she found herself craving deeper collaboration and a renewed sense of purpose through community-driven work. That calling led her to Maple Counseling at the Palisades Community Renewal Center, where she is proud to support individuals and families impacted by the Palisades Fire.

Michelle is deeply committed to integrating mental health services with creative, relational, and culturally responsive approaches that reflect the unique needs of this community, helping clients feel supported, empowered, and rooted as they rebuild.

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Victor Nelson serves as Executive Director of the Picerne Family Foundation, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the foundation and plays a key role in designing, developing, and sustaining its philanthropic programs and activities.

A licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience, Victor has dedicated his career to advancing innovative, nonprofit, community-based solutions that support youth, families, and adults. His expertise spans providing direct services, program development, clinical leadership, and nonprofit management, with a strong focus on collaboration across sectors.

Prior to joining the foundation in 2005, Victor was the Clinical Director at the San Diego Center for Children, one of the region’s leading providers of behavioral health services for children and families. During his 12-year tenure, he provided direct services, led operations and clinical services across multiple programs, and helped expand and enhance multidisciplinary programs addressing complex emotional, behavioral, and educational needs of children and families facing significant challenges. He played a pivotal role in forging partnerships with both public agencies and private funders, securing resources to strengthen the organization’s impact. He also launched a comprehensive organizational development initiative to elevate clinical training, leadership development, and executive coaching.

Victor holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University and an MBA from Webster University. He earned his B.A. in Research Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

As Care Manager, Stephanie is often the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking support. She brings a calm, welcoming presence to each interaction, helping clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they begin the process of accessing care.

With over twenty years of professional experience in service-oriented roles across a wide range of industries, Stephanie offers a unique blend of empathy, organization, and real-world understanding. Her commitment to compassionate, client-centered service is driven by the desire that every person who reaches out feels guided and supported from their very first step.

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Ava Shafran serves as the Office Manager at the Palisades Community Recovery Center, where she supports day-to-day operations and helps ensure the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. She plays a key role in coordinating administrative processes, supporting program logistics, and fostering a welcoming environment for staff, partners, and community members.

Ava is a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics with a specialization in computation. Originally from Carlsbad, California, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her studies and has since developed a strong passion for community engagement and supporting others through her work.

Before joining PCRC, Ava worked as an Administrative Assistant at eXp Realty in Carlsbad for two years, where she gained valuable experience in organization management and client support. She also worked at a dog daycare, which strengthened her love of animals and taught her the importance of patience, care, and teamwork.

Outside of work, Ava enjoys crocheting, knitting, and reading, and finds joy in creative projects that bring people together.

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Dr. Kenneth M. Golden has been Senior Advisor to the Picerne Family Foundation since its inception in 2004. His responsibilities include creating and developing programs, providing strategic leadership, and executive development.

As President of Golden Professional Corporation, Dr. Golden has provided organizational development and executive development within the for-profit and nonprofit sectors for over 30 years. His consulting practice has focused on change leadership and the professionalization of expanding entrepreneurial organizations. He is a Visiting Professor of Management at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and has consulted and taught throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in Thailand and Japan.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Golden has had a private psychotherapy practice and has provided direct clinical services to youth, adults, and families. He has also served as a management trainer and consultant for human service and health care organizations, including the National Institute of Mental Health. At San Diego State University, he served as Assistant Dean in the College of Health and Human Services and has been an Adjunct Professor in both the Schools of Social Work and Business.

Graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Tulane University, Dr. Golden earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Education. He is a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Ghana, West Africa.