La Tronda Lumpkins, Executive Director

Mrs. Lumpkins founded Pivotal Point Youth Services, Inc. in 2001. She earned her MSW from UC Berkeley in 1998 and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from California State University/Hayward in 2000. Mrs. Lumpkins brings a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors including five years as a child welfare worker for Alameda County Dept. of Children and Family Services. She is a past president of the Alameda County Independent Living Skills Program Auxiliary Board. Mrs. Lumpkins is intimately familiar with the challenges facing high risk youth, having herself emancipated from foster care.

As a struggling young woman she found a handful of people who genuinely wished her well and lent guidance and support, encouraging her towards accomplishment and achievement. She founded Pivotal Point in order to offer that same motivation, support and inspiration to today’s youth.

Lamont Lumpkins, Employment & Training Director

Mr. Lumpkins is a former Marine who brings the values of integrity, commitment and discipline to his work at Pivotal Point, as he coaches young people in self-control and self-understanding. Mr. Lumpkins is certified as a facilitator for the Anderson Intervention Model for Anger Management. Mr. Lumpkins has an AS degree in Electrical Engineering and is pursuing a BS degree in Business (small business/entrepreneurship).

Mr. Lumpkins welcomed the opportunity to support LaTronda’s vision to strengthen the community and combat the complex issues facing foster youth. Mr. Lumpkins brings personal experience and connections to his work at Pivotal Point, finding that his life experience informs his work with youth. He has been in leadership roles in both negative and positive situations, and utilizes that experience.

Umar Goodspeed, Employment Specialist

Mr. Goodspeed has a BS in Political Science from UC Berkeley. Having worked with underserved youth through academic outreach programs, he found that the he shared the ideas and concerns of the staff and founder of Pivotal Point. Mr. Goodspeed leads the Job Readiness component at Pivotal Point, and provides follow-up case management services.

Mr. Goodspeed's employment background includes work with AT&T Wireless, Key 3 Media, and work as a Certified Job Developer with Jewish Vocational Services. He came to Pivotal Point with a vision to assist foster youth obtain employment, stating that “I live for seeing youth succeed!”

Danielle Burnette, Program Coordinator/Fund Developer

Mrs. Burnette has a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Cal Poly, and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University.

Mrs. Burnette brings over eight years experience in the corporate Human Resources arena to her work at Pivotal Point. She worked as a Recruiter, educating young people regarding the skills necessary to obtain employment, keep a job and move up in the company. As a writer and performance poet, she is an activist, encouraging young people to speak out through both the written and the spoken word. Her writing speaks to the conditions that many foster youth experience.

Mrs. Burnette has had an affinity for foster youth since a cousin came to live with her family during a difficult time. She told herself then that if she had the opportunity to help foster youth in any way, she would. “Pivotal Point was a perfect fit!”

Tia Seers, Sr. Support Worker

Ms. Sears is an ILSP graduate and attends Ohlone College. She plans to transfer to San Jose State University to major in psychology.

Ms. Sears is assigned to the Oakland PIC One Stop Career Center (Downtown Oakland) where she assists foster youth seeking employment.

Her own goals are focused on graduating from college and becoming a school counselor in the Oakland Unified School District.

As a former foster youth, Ms. Sears is especially committed to her work. She states that “I am no longer a part of the foster care system. I no longer have a court/case number. I am no longer that little girl people pity. I am much more than that. I am a person with self-esteem who wants to help other foster children make something of themselves.”

Laurie Lucky, Program Assistant

After working several years in corporate America, and volunteering with a few youth organizations, at age 37, Laurie knew it was time for a change and wanted to work with youth in her community.

She began her new career working as an Office Manager at a group home for girls. Then she worked three summers at a day camp for youth and as an Administrative Assistant at a Parenting organization.

“Because of my experiences, I think I have a lot to offer the youth. I enjoy being there for them by listening, sharing my experiences or offering advice.” Laurie is a single parent. She is currently participating in classes at the Peralta Community Colleges to complete her units before transferring to a university.

Carla Kennedy, Employment and Entrepreneurship Coach