Office of Foster Youth Support Services

Stephen Morales, MSW

Director, Office of Foster Youth Support Services
Tel: (951) 827-6545
Email: stephen.morales@ucr.edu

Stephen, he/him/his, graduated with his Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Loma Linda University specializing in clinical social work, working with LGBTQ youth and foster youth. Stephen has been working in the social service field for over 15 years. He has worked as a director of housing for current and former foster youth, helped open various Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) drop-in centers throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and oversaw a prevention and early intervention (PEI) program to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health on high school and college campuses. Stephen also has experience working with runaway and homeless youth and survivors of human trafficking, currently he is working towards his LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Work). When he is not at work, Stephen serves as the president of the board of directors for REACH LA, a non-profit in the greater Los Angeles area serving young LGBTQ+ BIPOCs he is also a board member for Casa Ramona, Inc in San Bernardino.

Stephen encompasses the values of pride, passion, and empathy in the work that he does. As a former foster youth, he understands first-hand the unique and diverse challenges foster youth face as they navigate a complex system. He hopes to continue to build on the work that has been done at UCR with the FYSS department by promoting excellence and diversity.

Tuppett M. Yates, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Guardian Scholars and Professor of Psychology
Tel: (951) 827-4991
Email: tuppett.yates@ucr.edu

Dr. Yates received her undergraduate training in experimental psychology and neuroscience at Brown University. In 2005, she completed a joint doctoral degree in developmental psychopathology and clinical science at the Institute of Child Development of the University of Minnesota. In addition to her research with at-risk children and families, Dr. Yates spent nearly a decade in clinical practice with children, adults and families, including those in child protective services. Dr. Yates completed her clinical internship at the Cambridge Hospital of Harvard Medical School and a clinical, postdoctoral fellowship at the Stone Center of Wellesley College before joining the faculty in the Department of Psychology at UCR in 2006.

Dr. Yates’ research focuses on risk and resilience among adversity-exposed youth. Her research informs practice and policy to protect and enhance the resources and strengths in individuals, families and communities that enable children to succeed in the face of life’s many challenges. Dr. Yates founded Guardian Scholars in 2008. She is deeply committed to translating her research findings to enhance opportunities for foster youth and other vulnerable children.