Our Staff
Michelle Wolf
Founder and Executive Director
With close to three decades of experience working in the Jewish, non-profit and governmental sectors, and with a focus on social services/special needs, Michelle is uniquely positioned to provide the professional leadership to launch this program. She was previously the Transitions Coordinator at Bet Tzedek from 2012-2014, and in that position, she created a 42-member coalition of agencies intersecting the developmental disabilities and aging worlds. Previously, she was Director of the Caring for Jews in Need department at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. She also writes a monthly column for the Jewish Journal on special needs/social services issues.
Janet Algazi
Customer Service Representative
Janet Algazi was born in Mexico and came with her family to the US 27 years ago. Initially recruited as a Volunteer for her Spanish interpreting skills, Janet quickly displayed strong competency for working in a larger capacity, and was quickly promoted to a part time position as a Customer Service Representative. Her creative and professional attributes have been a great asset to the mission of JLA Trust and our Spanish speaking community. Janet is also a well-respected and accomplished photographer, and graphic designer.
Thalia Lira
Director of Client Services
Thalia is the Director of Client Services for JLA Trust and Services. She supports the Client Services team and provides direct services to our most complex clients. Thalia has over a decade of experience in the non-profit and governmental sectors, including 8 years in leadership positions. Much of her work has focused on finding employment and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thalia is also a past board member and treasurer of both international and local non-profit organisations that provide opportunities to disadvantage children and youth for educational opportunities. She is actively involved with G6:9 Foundation as a consultant and former board member.
Melissa Miranda
Administrative Assistant
Melissa is our part time administrative assistant. A Coachella Valley native, she has worked in administrative positions for over 8 years and 2 years in public health. She supports our in-office staff as well as remote. She has a strong passion for public health equity and advocacy, and is a movie enthusiast and nature lover.
Alexandra Oatman
Director of Marketing & Outreach
Alexandra oversees outreach and marketing at JLA Trust, working on the organization’s digital communications, branding, media relations, and publications. Most recently, she handled marketing for The SAM Initiative, a Los Angeles-area nonprofit giving circle. She has a background in communications, web design, and writing; working in the nonprofit and entertainment industries. In her spare time, she enjoys running, pie-making, and ice skating.
Ron Parks
Trustee & Business Manager
Ron has joined our team as Executive Manager overseeing financial operations and budgeting as well as taking on the challenge of streamlining our administrative practices and office procedures. A native Californian, Ron practiced law in British Columbia, Canada for many years before finding his way back to California. Most recently, Ron was Business Manager for a Los Angeles Real Estate Investor and Philanthropist overseeing a portfolio of properties valued in excess of $50,000,000 while at the same time providing business and administrative oversight to local and international philanthropic projects and initiatives. Ron is excited about JLA Trust being the next chapter in an already interesting life.
Tina Stevens
Customer Service Representative
Tina has worked in law offices as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal for many years, mainly in family law, not only using her top-notch organizational and problem-solving skills, but communicating with all parties in an effort to bring harmony to difficult situations, leading her to her position as Customer Service Representative. She is musically gifted, studied piano and voice, and has been entertaining all her life – for the past 28 years at Canter’s Kibitz Room on Wednesday evenings.