Administration

Eva S. McCraven, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Eva S. McCraven has held executive positions at Hillview and its predecessor institutions since joining the agency in 1969. She became chief executive officer and president in 2004. Dr. McCraven has earned commendations from the City and County of Los Angeles and the State of California for her work in improving and broadening the reach of mental health services. She designed, developed and managed many of Hillview’s innovative program for Transitional Age Youth, older adults, institutionalized adults, homeless people and mentally ill offenders. Under Dr. McCraven’s direction, Hillview developed and operated long-term, transitional and supportive housing programs in several San Fernando Valley locations.

Dr. McCraven received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health administration from California State University, Northridge and a master’s degree in psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Cambridge Graduate School, Los Angeles. She has been an active member of numerous business, community and mental health professional organizations. Dr. McCraven served as an officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the local and regional levels. She was named a “Women of Achievement” by the local Business and Professional Women/USA.

Carl C. McCraven Chief Financial Officer

Carl C. McCraven came to the mental health field after a 20-year career in aerospace. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Howard University, he joined America’s early space program. In the mid-1960s he and other San Fernando Valley volunteer leaders founded Pacoima Memorial Hospital. Mr. McCraven served as the first Chairman of the Board. In 1966, following new federal guidelines, he helped launch a community mental health center that evolved into Hillview.

Preferring his avocation to his vocation, Mr. McCraven enrolled at California State University, Northridge to earn a master’s degree in health administration, and he became Associate Administrator of Pacoima Memorial. In 1973, he became President and Executive Director of Hillview.

Mr. McCraven was president of the Southern Area Conference and the San Fernando Valley Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He served on the national board and is now a Life Member. Mr. McCraven extended his community involvement to leading local organizations such as the Urban League, the United Way and the American Red Cross. He has received numerous honors for his professional, volunteer and civil rights work.

Jack L. Avila, L.C.S.W. Clinical Director

Jack L. Avila is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a master’s degree from the School of Social Work, University of Southern California.

Mr. Avila specializes in the treatment of severely and persistently mentally ill people, and he has particular expertise in working with mentally ill offenders and people on conditional release from state hospitals. He came to Hillview in 1977 as a psychiatric social worker, and later became a supervisor of a 10-bed homeless residential and outreach program. He was named Clinical Supervisor in 1986 and Clinical Director in 1995.

Konstantinos N. Tripodis, M.D. Medical Director

Konstantinos N. Tripodis, M.D., joined Hillview in 1994 as a psychiatrist for the Assertive Community Treatment program, which evolved into several Full Service Partnership programs of the Mental Health Services Act. He was named Medical Director in 1995.

Dr. Tripodis earned his medical degree from the C.E.U.X. School of Medicine in Mexico and an M.D. equivalent certificate from the University of California, Irvine. He completed internship and residency programs, including serving as chief resident, at the UCLA/San Fernando Valley Psychiatry Residency Program, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine. He is a published writer in the mental health field and has earned numerous awards and research grants.

Beth K. Meltzer, M.S. Chief Operating Officer

Beth K. Meltzer joined the Hillview Executive Management Team in 1976 and has held various executive posts within the organization. She was appointed to her current position of Chief Operating Officer in 1996. Her oversight responsibilities at Hillview now include the following departments: Financial Services, Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Community Relations, Facilities Management, Purchasing, and Dietary.

Ms. Meltzer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned her Master of Science degree in health science (health administration option) from California State University, Northridge.

She is an active member of mental health and human resource professional organizations.

Julie E. Jones, M.A., L.M.F.T. Director, Quality Improvement; Program Director, Field Capable Clinical Services and Full Service Partnership Programs

Julie Jones began her career as a counselor to young adults through UCLA Student Psychological Services, where she also provided workshops on substance abuse relating to college life and coping with stress. She came to Hillview in 1998 as a mental health rehabilitation specialist and was soon promoted to run the Assertive Community Treatment program for people at risk for frequent hospitalization due to long-term mental illness. She worked with mentally ill clients and their families, providing services that included dual diagnosis, vocational, and educational counseling. Additionally, Ms. Jones assisted the Executive Director with administrative and organizational support for various programs. As Program Director for FCCS and FSP programs, she oversees all Hillview services for adults and older adults. As Director of Quality Improvement since 2004, she insures compliance for Medi-Cal Program Review and State and Los Angeles County certification, including chart audits and clinical staff training.

Ms. Jones, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, earned her graduate degree at National University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.