Team — Tony's Place

Tony’s Place Staff

Carrie Rai, MA, MSW, LMSW has over 15 years of experience working with individuals, groups, and communities. Growing up in Canada, Carrie saw the injustices and violence that has continuously been perpetrated against Indigenous populations, which compelled her to fight for change of systems, policies, and institutions.
Carrie has worked in many different systems including addictions, mental health, child welfare, homelessness and most recently public health. She brings a wealth of experience in community collaboration and team building as well as strategic planning, research and training skills. Carrie has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, earned Master’s degrees in Anthropology and Social Work, and is a licensed social worker in the state of Texas.
She has made Texas her home for the past eight years along with her husband who is a native Texan and trans. Carrie and her husband share their home with two dogs, and in her spare time she enjoys running and hiking.

Alyssa was born in Houston and has lived in various parts of the city throughout her life. She went to University of Houston Clear Lake and received her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a certificate in Women’s and Gender studies.
Alyssa began at Tony’s Place as a volunteer in 2017 when she was coming into her own queer identity to connect to the LGBTQ community and find space for herself while also being able to give back. Since then, Alyssa has held case management positions in Houston and in Austin before coming full circle back to Tony’s Place as staff. Alyssa found her passion working with young adults and the LGBTQ+ community and seeks to always uphold Tony’s Place mission to affirm, support, and empower the Houston community.
In her spare time Alyssa likes to expand on her knowledge of advocacy and empowerment, and enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and going to local coffee shops.

Gianna, a lifelong resident of the greater Houston area, is currently a student at Lone Star College with plans to transfer to a four-year university for a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a Master of Social Work, focusing on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. As an openly transgender woman, Gianna recognizes the need for more transfeminine mental health providers and aims to contribute to filling this gap. Over the past eight years, she has worked in the private sector, owning and operating small businesses with her husband.
Gianna also brings valuable experience from previous roles in nonprofit development and volunteer coordination. In her free time, you'll often find Gianna with her head in a book, as she is both an avid reader and a book reviewer. Additionally, she's a passionate supporter of the performing arts scene, regularly attending local theaters, ballet performances, and classical music concerts to soak up the best of what Houston has to offer.

Lindsay is a Houston native and has been volunteering for as long as she can remember. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Texas A&M University, with a minor in English. She draws on her many years of experience in marketing, branding and communication to support Tony’s Place.
From a young age Lindsay has been volunteering with many local and international organizations. She has donated her professionals skills to many charities through the Catch A Fire network, as well as having spend many hours working with local community organizations such as Memorial Park Conservancy, Plant It Forward, and Kid’s Meals.
In her free time, Lindsay loves exploring Houston, reading, and enjoying a meal at one of the many amazing patio restaurants with her family.

Jai, a native Houstonian, is a passionate advocate for community health, specializing in HIV/STI services and healthcare access. Since 2018, he has been an integral part of Tony's Place, providing crucial services and healthcare linkages for youth. His long-standing involvement has deepened his understanding of the organization's values and strengthened his commitment to serving vulnerable populations in Houston. Jai's dedication is supported by a Master's degree in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of community health services.
While Jai's professional life is driven by his passion for helping others, he also values personal well-being and balance. He enjoys staying active at the gym and cherishes family time, recognizing these as essential to his effectiveness as a health advocate. As a native Houstonian, Jai brings a deep understanding of the local community to his work, allowing him to connect more effectively with those he serves. His blend of professional expertise, academic qualifications, and personal values make him a compassionate and effective champion for community health in Houston, demonstrating the power of dedication, continuous learning, and genuine care in making a lasting difference in people's lives.

Loren grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and relocated to Houston in early 2021. Having found support within the LGBTQ+ community and connection through volunteering, Loren decided to leave their job as a dog groomer and pursue a career empowering others. They are currently in their final semester at UHD pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and will begin their masters in the Fall.
Loren openly identifies as non-binary, queer, and asexual. Having seen little to no representation of their gender and sexual identity growing up, they feel that it is important to be visible to the younger generations.
Outside of work and doing homework Loren enjoys spending time with their two dogs and cat, journaling, going for long walks, and being in the company of good friends.