Dr. Maggie Ateia was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She did her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Southern California. She then went on to complete her graduate degrees from Alliant International University (previously the California School of Professional Psychology). Dr. Ateia completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the Claremont Colleges while also maintaining a psychological assistantship under the supervision of Dr. Alan Karbelnig. Dr. Ateia worked in several college counseling centers including almost 15 years at Caltech while also maintaining a position on the Board of Directors for Rose City Center. Dr. Ateia has been the clinical director of RCC since 2016 and also maintains a private practice in Old Town Pasadena.

Christopher proudly hails from Meadville, Pennsylvania, receiving his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. When he is not working to keep Rose City Center running smoothly, Christopher works as a production designer and on-set dresser on independent and commercial productions. In his role as a founding member of the annual sci-fi and fantasy charity event The Hellmouth Convention (a project of Fandom Charities, Inc.), Christopher currently serves on the Convention Committee as Head of Marketing and Fan Experiences.

Sephora Markson Hartz brings a collaborative and community-centered approach to her role as Executive Director of Rose City Center, drawing on a career dedicated to partnering with mission-driven organizations to broaden their reach, strengthen community engagement, and make a meaningful, positive difference in the communities they serve.

Her professional experience spans nonprofit leadership, institutional advancement, strategic planning, communications, and outreach. She has held roles at a wide array of organizations, including the Graduate Theological Union, The New School, and 92nd Street Y in New York.

Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her ongoing academic pursuits. Sephora is currently earning a PhD in Psychology at Meridian University, and also holds degrees from The New School’s Parsons School of Design, Harvard University, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Raised in Los Angeles and based in Southern California, outside of her professional and academic interests, Sephora enjoys trail running, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.