MEET THE CREW

 
 

The Changing Tides (CT) Crew, officially founded in 2018, is comprised of youth who drive the direction and vision of CT. The Crew brainstorms, plans, and implements education and outreach efforts aimed at encouraging dialogue and destigmatizing mental health in the community. 

 
 
 

Lauryn Alejo (she/her/hers)

Lauryn was born and raised in Redondo Beach, California and is currently pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design at Cal State Long Beach. In her free time, she enjoys visiting museums and coffee shops, and taking care of her plants.

Alan Hino (he/him/his)

Alan is from Torrance, California, and has volunteered with Changing Tides since 2019. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English Education from CSULB and his Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology from SDSU. He enjoys volunteering for other Little Tokyo community events, watching professional and collegiate sports, reading and spending time with family. 

Katie Mitani (she/her/hers)

Katie was born and raised in Palos Verdes, California, and has been a part of Changing Tides since 2018. She is currently attending UCLA to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and painting, watching basketball, and spending time with friends and family. 

Ty Tanioka (he/him/his)

Ty is one of the founding members of the Changing Tides Crew. He graduated from UCLA and currently works in creative advertising at DIRECTV. In his free time he enjoys hot yoga, cooking and being in the outdoors.

 
 

Linh Vo (she/her/hers)

Linh grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and joined Changing Tides in 2022. She graduated from UCSB in 2022 and is now pursuing a masters degree at USC in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. Her hobbies include spending time with her cats, playing games with friends, listening to music, and playing volleyball

 

Matthew Yonemura (he/him/his)

Matthew is from Redondo Beach, California, and joined the CT Crew in 2020 and later employed as the Changing Tides Program Coordinator in 2021. He graduated in 2021 from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television with a concentration in Directing, which he utilizes in creating his film, Ryse Up Documentary. In his free time, Matthew enjoys working out, bowling, and playing with his dog, Jack.

Yua Watanabe (she/her/hers)

Yua was born and raised in Southern California and grew up in Hermosa Beach, a small South Bay beach city. She is an incoming first-year Theatre major at the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television and hopes to minor in Cognitive Science. Her hobbies include running, playing the ukulele, and baking for her friends and family.