As the new CEO of the Independence Center, Miriam Gonzalez-Coultas brings over 20 years of working experience in the social services field. In this role she, along with the Board of Directors, will provide leadership in furthering the mission of the Independence Center.

Previously Miriam held a Chief Program Officer position at Bienvenidos. There she oversaw Mental Health, Foster Care and Community Services Divisions. She also acted as a liaison for county social service entities and other community organizations. Throughout her professional career she has been able to successfully monitor multiple program budgets with annual revenues of $20+ million dollars.

Miriam began her career with Bienvenidos in 2003 as a Foster Care Social Worker. At Bienvenidos, Miriam’s career in management progressed from Program Manager to Director of Mental Health Services and ultimately culminated in her role as Chief Program Officer.

Miriam is very active in the community. She served six years as a board member for Valley of Hope Counseling Center in Mission Hills and has over ten years of service in children’s ministry at Rocky Peak Church in Chatsworth. She is a clinically licensed therapist (LMFT) and a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). Miriam received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.