Meet Our Team

The Touchstone Prevention Department collaborates closely with the CARE Coalition to offer evidence-based programs to schools and community organizations in the West Valley.

Hi there! I’m Stephanie, your friendly neighborhood Community Liaison. I was born on a crisp fall day, and roughly 24 years later, I obtained my BA in Psychology & Neuroscience from UNC Wilmington (highly recommend college at the beach). I began my career teaching parenting classes as a court liaison before transitioning into product management in tech. After several years, I decided I was over-tech’d and pivoted to teaching K-2 PE, where, after getting beaten at rugby by 5- and 6-year-olds, I decided to gracefully retire. Now I have joined forces with the Touchstone team working in substance abuse prevention and supporting teens and families in our community. And in my spare time [what even is spare time?], I love slinging across New York’s buildings, and I am a huge fan of baklava.

Hello, my name is Mr. Alexis. I have been working with Touchstone Health Services since June 2025 and began as a Behavioral Health Specialist, working directly with youth and their families. In my new role as a Community Liaison, I focus on building strong connections within the community and helping provide resources and programs that support youth and families. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Arizona State University. I am passionate about working with young people and helping guide them toward making positive, informed decisions, as I truly believe they represent the future of our communities. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy staying active by running, challenging myself through playing chess, and spending quality time with my family.

Hello, my name is Karina Herrera and I am a Supervisor for the Prevention department. I have been with Touchstone for over 7 years. I have a Bachelors from Northern Arizona University in Public Health. In my day to day I oversee youth and parenting programs, connect with partners and offer support. I love working and connecting with the community we serve and seeing the impact our team is making every day! In my spare time I love going to my children’s sporting events, reading, and hanging out at home with my family.

Hello, my name is Christine Niyonsaba, and I am a supervisor for the prevention department here at Touchstone Health Services. I am a recent hire and excited to work with everyone to make an impact in my community. I was born in Kigoma, Tanzania and came to the United States in 2007 under refugee status. The community provided my family with many resources that contributed to my future success. That is why I continue to work hard to contribute to the same community in hopes that every influence I provide can be a reason for someone’s success.

Hello, I’m Alexis Perez, Evaluation and Research Specialist, and I have worked at Touchstone for 7 years in multiple roles. I have a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona and a graduate certificate in Translational Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health from the University of South Florida. In my role, I focus on collecting and analyzing data for process improvement, complete observations for our evidence-based programs, and conduct community assessments throughout the grant year, which we use to improve our program. I enjoy helping improve our processes and finding ways to help our team feel successful when delivering programs to the youth we serve in our community. In my personal time, I love reading, watching basketball (Go Mercury and Suns!), and cuddling with my dog – when he allows.

Hello, my name is Lydia Cossio, and I am the Prevention Assistant Director. I have been with Touchstone for over eight years. I have a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. In my day-to-day role, I oversee the program, connect with partners, and offer support where needed. I love working and connecting with the community, as well as the communities we serve, and seeing the impact our team makes every day!