We are excited to announce that the torch to lead YMCA Youth and Family Services has been passed to Krysta Esquivel as the new Executive Director.

Krysta started with YFS 16 years ago, providing direct services to youth as a case manager. She steadily progressed through the organization, growing to lead and expand our funded work that addresses youth homelessness and development to ensure the success of transition age youth.

Her dedication to the growing social service practice of Continuous Quality Improvement ensures that we remain good stewards of the funds we receive while maintaining fidelity to services that make the biggest impact on the lives we touch.

She is a nationally recognized expert in her field as well as a visionary committed to advancing and diversifying our profile in critical areas affecting youth and families in our County.  Krysta has a BA in Psychology and an MSW with an emphasis in Organizational and Community Practice.  

"I am extremely excited and honored to continue to expand and innovate the critical work at YFS.  I have big shoes to fill and am so grateful to our staff and leadership for entrusting me with this very important role.  It takes a village to do this work and it needs the dedication and fortitude that our staff consistently displays, even on the toughest of days,” Krysta said. “YFS is such a special place to work and I hope to continue to foster a culture where our staff feel valued and are supported in providing vital services to our clients and participants.  Again, I’m so grateful to be a part of the YFS family and look forward to the opportunities ahead!"

Under the YMCA of San Diego County, the Youth & Family Services (YFS) branch works to ensure that all people have a safe place to live, a reliable support system, a sense of direction and connections to the resources needed to flourish. YFS programs focus on three primary areas: mental health and support, family preservation and support, and transitional housing and youth development.