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Erik Sternad

Executive Director, Interface Children & Family Services

Can you please share more about yourself and the mission of Interface Children & Family Services? 

For 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of Interface Children & Family Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy individuals, families, and communities. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating systems of care that ensure people have access to the support they need during life's most challenging moments.

Interface serves 35,000 individuals and their families each year across Ventura County through behavioral health services, youth and family programs, domestic violence intervention and prevention, victim services, homeless services, human trafficking intervention and second chances for those in the justice system. We also provide information and assistance to 200,000 across the state through our 211 community resource network. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families, and communities by providing pathways to safety, hope, and well-being.

Who has made a strong impact on your life and has helped you to get you where you are today?

I have been fortunate to learn from many mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members throughout my life. The greatest impact has come from people who modeled servant leadership, integrity, and compassion. Kate McLean and Mark Lisagor are two examples of local leaders and friends who exemplified lifetimes of service to others that continue to inspire me. They taught me that leadership is less about authority and more about listening, empowering others, and staying focused on a mission larger than yourself.

I am especially grateful for Interface staff who challenged me to think bigger, take risks, and remain committed to serving others. Their influence continues to shape how I lead and how I approach opportunities to strengthen our community.

What are some recent highlights at Interface Children & Family Services? And what events, milestones and steps are in the near future?

Interface continues to expand and strengthen services that address some of our community's most pressing challenges. Our 211 service is reaching more than ever, and responding to urgent issues as they arise in our community, like the current impacts to the loss of MediCal health insurance and CalFresh food benefits as a result of the federal HR1 legislation.

Looking ahead, Interface is expanding a new coordinated care system called INTERLINK. We are focused on continuing to improve access to care, deepening partnerships with public agencies and community organizations, leveraging technology to better serve clients, and ensuring that our programs remain sustainable and responsive to emerging community needs.

What about Interface Children & Family Services is special to you, what would you like our readers to know?

What has always impressed me is the dedication and passion of the Interface staff. This impressed me 20 years ago, and continues to inspire and challenge me to work harder every day. We watch and listen to our community, and try to innovate ever more effective ways to help people succeed in their lives. It is sacred work that we have the privilege to engage in: helping Moms escape violence, youth who are struggling on the street, or to anyone simply searching for help. We strive to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

Why did you think it was important to become a member of the CNL? What do you value most about your connection with CNL?

The Center for Nonprofit Leadership plays a vital role in strengthening nonprofit organizations and the leaders who serve them. CNL convenes smart and talented public servants to improve the nonprofit sector. Just look at the most recent groundbreaking Nonprofit Sector Report – a first of its kind macro view of the powerful $3.6B nonprofit sector in Ventura County. No other organization is pulling this kind of data together for our sector. CNL is helping to build the knowledge, relationships, and leadership capacity needed to create lasting impact.

How can the community support you? Where can they find you on social media?

The community can support Interface by volunteering, advocating for issues that affect children and families, sharing information about our services, and making financial contributions that allow us to continue meeting growing needs.

To learn more about Interface Children & Family Services, visit . You can also follow Interface on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates on our programs, community impact, and opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for the opportunity to share the story of Interface and the important work being done throughout our community.