Meet the Team

Matthew Otasowie - Executive Director

Matthew Otasowie joined Olive Support Services (OSS) as a Tutoring Manager. His current role as Executive Director includes administrative supervision and coordination of staff and programs. He oversees department leads, builds relationships with other agencies, and develops programs to contribute to the development of our community. Before joining OSS, Otasowie had a long history of community service and collaboration with other organizations through his church. Mobilizing teams of volunteers, he oversaw grocery distributions, resource fairs, fundraisers, and training for community members.
Matthew Otasowie wearing glasses and a black suit jacket with a scarf, smiling upwards
Sophia Otasowie wearing a beige dress smiling at the camera

Sophia Otasowie - Director of Programs

Sophia Otasowie has worked with Olive Support Services (OSS) since 2016 and now serves as the Director of Programs. Outside of direct services, Sophia has a background in education policy research and held an internship with the UNICEF Early Childhood Development team. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in International Educational Development.

Our Story

When founder Osas Otasowie was getting her MFT, she interned with a nonprofit (of which she’s now the Executive Director) that provided in-home family therapy where child custody was in jeopardy. She learned from those parents that court-ordered classes were scarce, leaving many parents to grapple with those challenges alone.

In 2015, Olive Support Services was born when founder Osas Otasowie was an intern during her MFT program. Recognizing the scarcity of resources available to families where custody was in jeodaprdy, Osas and her husband, Matthew, sought to provide essential support through court-recognized classes.

Initially offering court-ordered classes at affordable rates, the agency transitioned to grant-funded programs, making this education more accessible to the community. These classes not only supported families with challenges to custody but also bridged a significant gap for individuals reentering society post-incarceration.

Collaborating with local agencies, Olive Support Services witnessed remarkable outcomes, with a dramatic reduction in recidivism rates— 3% compared to the state average of 50%. This success underscores the agency’s unwavering dedication to fostering positive change and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

In addition to supporting families through court-ordered classes, Olive Support Services expanded its reach to include tutoring and mentoring activities, providing support to caregivers who were embracing kinship programs. This initiative has enhanced students’ academic achievement while also providing crucial life skills such as public speaking, goal setting, and financial literacy. The program uses field trips to expose children to college campuses and diverse career opportunities beyond the Antelope Valley, broadening their perspective on what they believe is possible.

Today, this agency is supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and interns, committed to uplifting and empowering families in need. Olive Support Services continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves.