David Littlehales
Executive Director

David Littlehales joined Rio Hondo Temporary Home in March 2007 as its Executive Director. With over 30 years of experience in working with programs serving the psychosocial needs of children and families, Mr. Littlehales began his career as an elementary school teacher in suburban Washington, D.C., and as a child life specialist at Johns Hopkins Childrens Center in Baltimore, Maryland. His career developed into executive management for nonprofit agencies serving vulnerable children and families. Before joining Rio Hondo Temporary Home, Mr. Littlehales was program director for Boys Hope Girls Hope of Southern California focusing on academic scholarship programming. Prior to that position, he was the regional director for foster care services with ChildNet Youth & Family Services, and executive director of Samadana foster family agency. Mr. Littlehales has his masters’ degrees in human development from the University of Tennessee and in health care administration from Central Michigan University.

Sandy Chu
Clinical Director

Sandy Chu joined the team at Rio Hondo Temporary Home in 2007. She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from University of California, Irvine and a Masters Degree in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles. She has gradually cultivated a career working with children and families that are disadvantaged with emphasis on issues of abuse, mental health disorders, multiple traumas, violence, addiction, displacement, and crisis intervention. In addition, she is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter and has advocated for increased funding for social service programs.

Ben Verceles
House Management Supervisor

Ben Verceles has been a staff member at Rio Hondo Temporary Home since June 1998. He first joined the agency as the Food Service Manager operating the food program and has been working in the food service industry for 28 years. He holds a degree in Business Management and is a certified Food Protection Manager. Retired from the U.S. Navy, he gained most of his food and facilities management experience while he was in the military. Currently, Ben is the House Management Supervisor overseeing day-to-day management of the facilities including the food program.