PACIFIC CLINICS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director - Los Angeles, East Valley Latino Youth Program and Northeast Valley Divisions
- Regional Executive Director of the Los Angeles Region
Alejandro Lucas is regional executive director of the Los Angeles Region. With over 20 years of experience, he has held various roles in the nonprofit mental health industry, including Amanecer Community Counseling Service, where he created the first-ever online school-based client referral system in Los Angeles Unified School District and secured funding for the nation's first unaccompanied minor mental health program.
Prior, he was an Emergency Response Social Worker with the Department of Children and Family Services. Lucas is a member of the Association of Community Human Service Agencies (ACHSA) Human Resources Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, and has guest lectured at California State University, Los Angeles. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Lucas has a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director - Los Angeles, LynCentro, Portals, Child & Family Specialty Divisions
- Regional Executive Director of Pacific Clinics' Los Angeles Region
Amy Sanchez is regional executive director of Pacific Clinics' Los Angeles Region overseeing clinical and wellness programs. With over 20 years of experience, Sanchez has held various roles dedicated to helping children, young adults, and families' wellbeing, most recently as the chief operating officer for a behavioral health and foster care services nonprofit. Amy has served as the board chair for the Community Impact Alliance, a network of over 60 providers serving the East Los Angeles region. She also has served as an adjunct faculty member for USC's School of Social Work Virtual Academic Center. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and received her bachelor's degree from California State University, Fullerton and a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California.
Job Titles:
- Academic Advisor
- Member of the REI Academic Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice President
- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY and INCLUSION
2021 Woman of Influence, Silicon Valley Business Journal‘s 40 under 40, 2018 Outreach Champion Award from the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women and Asian American Recovery Services' Sister-to-Sister Legacy Award/li>
Angelica Cortez is vice president of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion responsible for advancing the agency's racial equity and justice agenda. Prior, Cortez was vice president of racial justice and equity at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and led investor relations and strategic initiatives. Cortez is the founder of LEAD Filipino, a Filipino American civic participation and leadership development nonprofit. She has received various awards, including the 2021 Woman of Influence, Silicon Valley Business Journal‘s 40 under 40, 2018 Outreach Champion Award from the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women and Asian American Recovery Services' Sister-to-Sister Legacy Award. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California in Organizational Change and Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the REI Academic Team
- Assistant Director of Education Services
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director, New Business
Job Titles:
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Member of the Officers Team
- CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER ( Leave of Absence )
Becky Boone is chief human resources officer of Pacific Clinics. Prior to assuming this role, Boone held several leadership positions in Human Resources, including vice president of human resources. With over 30 years of related experience, Boone has held related roles in multiple industries, including technology, manufacturing and biotechnology. Before joining the agency, she worked as vice president of human resources with Objective Systems Integrators and human resources director with Fair Oaks Hospital and Arnold Magnetics Corporation. Boone is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Northern California Human Resources Association and the Sacramento Area Human Resources Association. In addition, she is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional. Boone has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wayland Baptist University.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and Principal for Granite Investment Partners LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for Northern California
- Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations - Northern California, Central Valley and Inland Empire Regions
Brian Thomson is senior vice president of clinical operations for Northern California, Central Valley and the Inland Empire regions. Having worked at the agency and its predecessor organizations since 2007, Thomson has served in various clinical roles with progressive levels of responsibility, including executive director and clinical director. Thomson brings over 25 years of experience working on behalf of California's most vulnerable children.
Before joining Pacific Clinics, Thomson worked for San Bernardino County Child and Family Services as a child welfare services manager. He also worked at Barbara Sinatra's Children's Center and Loma Linda Family and Child Treatment (FACT) program. He graduated from Loma Linda University with a master's degree in marriage and family therapy.
Job Titles:
- MEDICAL DIRECTOR, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL VALLEY, INLAND EMPIRE REGIONS & LYNCENTRO DIVISION
Chris Eggleston, MD is the medical director for Pacific Clinics' Northern California, Central Valley, Inland Empire Regions & LynCentro Division. In this role, Eggleston oversees the medication support services in his regions, while also providing psychiatric evaluations and treatment to clients. Previously, he served as a child and adolescent psychiatrist for heritage-Uplift Family Services. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Emory University and obtained his medical degree from the University of Florida, College of Medicine. A board-certified psychiatrist, Eggleston also holds a juris doctorate degree from the University of Texas, School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Interim Chief Human Resources Officer
Denise L. Jackson is the interim chief human resources officer of Pacific Clinics. Jackson brings more than 40 years of leadership experience as a human resource professional and has held executive-level roles at various publicly held organizations including Neiman Marcus, Walt Disney Company, Snyder Diamond, Republic Pictures and Digital Domain. In addition, she is also an adjunct instructor of the Human Resources Certificate Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. Committed to the community, Jackson serves on the boards of Westmont College and Monte Vista Grove Homes. She is a graduate of Westmont College, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from American University.
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director of the Bay Area
- Regional Executive Director, Bay Area Region
- Regional Executive Director, Bay Area Region / Head Start
Don Taylor is the regional executive director of the Bay Area for Pacific Clinics. In this capacity, he oversees the clinical programs in Santa Clara, Alameda, Santa Cruz and neighboring counties through our foster care and adoptions program. Having nearly 30 years of experience in mental health, Taylor has served in various clinical roles with progressive levels of responsibility, including director, clinical manager, clinician and family specialist, and led the regional quality assurance and improvement team. Prior to joining Pacific Clinics, he worked at nonprofits in Rhode Island and Chicago. Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and received his master's in social work from San Jose State University.
Job Titles:
- Director, Strategy - IT M & a Services at KPMG
Dr. Kelley Krueger, PhD, BCBA is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 17 years of experience working with neurodivergent populations. Dr. Krueger is the Senior Clinical Director of Neurodevelopmental Services, Southern California Region for Pacific Clinics and the Center for Divergent Connections. She started her career as a behavior therapist and instructional aide before receiving her BA in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine. She earned her MA and PhD in Psychological Studies in Education at the University of California, Los Angeles under the mentorship of Dr. Connie Kasari.
Dr. Krueger is passionate about supporting neurodivergent populations to achieve self-determined, authentic, and enriched lives. She uses a strengths-based, neurobiologically-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach to assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Krueger's primary research interests include promoting engagement and communication development in minimally verbal autistic populations, augmentative and assistive communication systems, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Officer
- Chief Public Policy
- Chief Public Policy and Advocacy Officer
Eva Terrazas is chief public policy and advocacy officer. In this capacity, Terrazas is responsible for leading and driving Pacific Clinics' public policy and advocacy agenda at the local, state and national levels. Terrazas has held various roles related to policy development, public affairs and community empowerment in multiple industries, including government and higher education. Before joining the agency, she worked as a director at the University of Southern California to establish the Center for the Study of Journalism and Democracy at the Annenberg School of Communications. Terrazas also serves as co-founder of Movimiento de Arte y Cultural Americana, an inclusive contemporary art space that incubates emerging Latinx and BIPOC artists. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science focusing on political philosophy from San Jose State University.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Member of the REI Academic Team
"It's been an absolute pleasure and honor to provide and teach courses at REI. The students are dedicated, intelligent, and tenacious about their educational goals. The staff members offer consistent and valuable support and guidance to students and to the faculty. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach and learn at REI." - Kim Branch-Stewart, LCSW, chair and professor, Human Services Program Saddleback College
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Principal & Portfolio Manager for Granite Investment Partners LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Senior Vice President
- Senior Vice President, Clinical Administration
Gordon Richardson is senior vice president of clinical administration for Pacific Clinics. In this capacity, Richardson oversees various functions, including business analytics, outcomes and evaluations, quality assurance, health information management, credentialing and enrollment, electronic health records, clinical applications, claims processing and employee training. Since joining the agency in 2011, he has designed and administered effective, high-quality and sustainable infrastructure for integrated behavioral health care and social service programs that advance health equity and mental well-being.
In 2007, Richardson was named Social Worker of the Year by the Sacramento Unit of the National Association of Social Workers. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. Richardson has a master's degree in social work specializing in policy analysis, planning and administration from the University of Manitoba in Canada.
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor in the Rossier School of Education at USC
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Officers Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice President
- Vice President, Emerging and Statewide Services
Jacquelyn H. Torres is the vice president, emerging and statewide services. In this capacity, she is responsible for implementing new and innovative programs that expand Pacific Clinics' work and commitment to wellness in communities. Having worked at the agency since 2008, Torres has held various roles, including senior clinical director where she provided behavioral health care to support individuals in crisis, including unhoused families and children who have experienced significant trauma. Through her work with the agency, Torres has gained expertise in school-based mental health, behavioral health integration and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), a framework designed to address academic, behavioral and social-emotional learning. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Torres has a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from San Jose State University.
Job Titles:
- Principal / Partner for Real Estate Talent Solutions
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Officers Team
Job Titles:
- Academic Advisor
- Member of the REI Academic Team
Job Titles:
- Controller at Exer Urgent Care
Job Titles:
- Principal Partner of Program Development at Okapi Architecture
Job Titles:
- Academic Advisor
- Member of the REI Academic Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice Chair
Job Titles:
- Senior Legal Counsel, Employment Law at Netflix
Job Titles:
- Product & Commercial Counsel for HelloSign
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Officers Team
- President
- Member and past President of the Santa Clara County Bar Association
McCarthy is a member and past president of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, fellow with American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley and former chair of its board of directors. She also served on the boards of The Health Trust, Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce and Santa Clara University School of Law Board of Visitors. She was named a Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. McCarthy has a Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law.
Kathryn McCarthy, Esq., is chief executive officer/president of Pacific Clinics. Since joining Pacific Clinics in 2010, McCarthy has held various roles, including chief legal counsel, chief administrative officer and chief operating officer/general counsel. Before joining the agency, she spent 26 years in private legal practice, 14 of which she served as outside counsel to the agency. She was also the managing shareholder for the Hoge Fenton law firm.
Job Titles:
- Chief Legal Officer
- Member of the Officers Team
- Chief Legal Officer / Administration
Kim M. Wells, Esq., is chief legal officer for Pacific Clinics. In this capacity, she is responsible for the agency's exposure to legal risk, including litigation, compliance, contracting, board governance and advocacy in connection with proposed laws, rules and regulations. With 19 years of experience, Wells has expertise in health law and is an experienced civil litigator and trial attorney. Prior to joining Pacific Clinics, she led a private practice and served as an outside counsel for the agency. Before this, she was a partner in the Sacramento office of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. Wells earned a Juris Doctor from Lincoln Law School of Sacramento.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for the Los Angeles / South Coast Regions
- Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations - Los Angeles / South Coast Regions
Laura Pancake is senior vice president of clinical operations for the Los Angeles / South Coast Regions, responsible for the oversight of all programs, including health navigation, employment training and placement, substance use treatment and housing. With over 30 years of experience, Pancake has co-authored research reports, including a study to reduce the early mortality of individuals with serious mental health challenges published in the journal Psychiatric Services.
She also was a co-co-principal investigator in partnership with the University of Southern California to identify factors to rehabilitate individuals with schizophrenia. In 2019, Pancake was named one of Los Angeles Business Journal‘s Top Women Leaders in Healthcare. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from West Virginia University and a master's degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
- Member of the Officers Team
Lisa Alegria is chief development officer. In this capacity, she manages resource development and fundraising for the agency. With over 25 years of experience in fund development and nonprofit management, she specializes in solicitation strategies, corporate and foundation relations, capital campaigns, strategic planning, capacity building, board recruitment and engagement, research and grant writing. Before joining the agency, Alegria was president and chief executive officer at Pacific Lodge Youth Services, a nonprofit residential intensive treatment program for juvenile probation youth referred by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services and juvenile courts. She completed the Stanford Business School Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders, UCLA Fundraising Certificate Program and the Long Beach Center for Philanthropy Planning Giving Specialist and Management Action Program. She has a bachelor's degree in business from Azusa Pacific University.
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO of Mamas Uncut
Job Titles:
- President of Swenson Foundation
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director - Inland Empire
- Regional Executive Director of the Inland Empire
Maria Murillo is regional executive director of the Inland Empire. In this capacity, she oversees clinical programs in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. With over 15 years of experience, Murillo has multiple certifications, including Triple P: Positive Parenting Program, Seeking Safety, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Teacher-Child Interaction and is a trained facilitator of Prepare/Enrich. Before joining the agency, she was the clinical administrator for the Mental Health Clinic Department for Family Services Association. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University's School of Education and Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Pacific Clinics' Central Region
- Regional Executive Director - Central Region
Marilyn Sliney is executive director of Pacific Clinics' Central Region. In this capacity, she oversees clinical programs in Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Madera Counties. With over 30 years of experience, Sliney has held various child welfare and mental health roles, including direct care and leadership positions providing services to unhoused women, foster children and foster parents, survivors of sexual abuse and first-time offenders.
Engaged in mental health advocacy, she completed the Women's Foundation of California's Women's Policy Institute and is currently a member of the Fresno County Children's Movement and the Fresno County Cradle 2 Career Partnership. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and received her bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree in marriage, family and child counseling from California State University, Fresno.
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director of the Capitol Region
- Regional Executive Director, Capital Region
Mary Sheppard is the regional executive director of the Capitol Region with oversight of behavioral health and foster care programs in Contra Costa, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Stanislaus Counties. Sheppard has over 20 years of child welfare experience and has held various related positions, including family therapist, social worker practitioner for family reunification efforts and wraparound family specialist. Before joining the agency, Sheppard worked for the California Department of Social Services in the Children and Family Services Division and oversaw the implementation of all child welfare services programming, including integrating child welfare and behavioral health. Sheppard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and received a bachelor's degree in Integral Liberal Arts from St. Mary's College of California and a master's degree in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento.
Job Titles:
- Support Specialist Certification Training / Hollygrove Parent Institute / Recovery Education Institute
Job Titles:
- Member of the REI Academic Team
- Success Coach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Secretary
Job Titles:
- Member of the REI Academic Team
- Assistant Director of Education Services
Job Titles:
- Chief Communications Officer
- Member of the Officers Team
Job Titles:
- Entrepreneur and Business Coach
Job Titles:
- Managing General Partner at Bay Partners
Job Titles:
- Regional Executive Director of Pacific Clinics' Los Angeles Region
- REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LOS ANGELES - WEST VALLEY and ASIAN PACIFIC FAMILY CENTER DIVISIONS
Pablo Anabalon is regional executive director of Pacific Clinics' Los Angeles Region, overseeing clinical programs. With over 25 years of experience, Anabalon has held various roles at Pacific Clinics, including divisional director, program director and clinician. Additionally, he has led various internal committees to improve employee experiences and clinical outcomes, including Latino Services, Remote Work Project, Substance Use Disorder Committee and Cultural Competency Training Curriculum.
Anabalon is a licensed psychologist with a bachelor's degree from Universidad de Chile and a doctorate from Biola University. Anabalon completed his residency internship at Boston University/Boston Medical Center.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION
- Senior Vice President of Administration
Rachael Clausen is senior vice president of administration for Pacific Clinics. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing the integration of Uplift Family Services and Pacific Clinics. Prior to assuming this role, Clausen led the agency's information technology, contract, compliance, learning and development and facilities functions. Having worked at Pacific Clinics and its predecessor organizations since 1991, Clausen has held several roles with progressive levels of responsibility, including director and business analyst. Over the years, she has been a speaker at numerous conferences and forums to advocate for the adoption of electronic health records to improve coordination of care across the industry, including the National Behavioral Health Information Management Conference and Exposition. She holds a certificate in merger and acquisition integration (CM&AI).
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Member of the REI Academic Team
Job Titles:
- Chapter Secretary for the Southern California Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America
Sabrina is a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor who specializes in working with young children ages 2-12. Sabrina is passionate about using developmentally appropriate approaches when working with young children and families with a history of complex trauma. She provides a safe and non-judgmental environment where your child can explore feelings, solve problems, and try new approaches. She works closely with each parent to carefully evaluate your concerns for your child and to develop a treatment plan that meets your child's individual needs. Sabrina has extensive training and expertise in trauma therapy, including certifications in EMDR, Safe and Sound protocol, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System). These modalities can be integrated into your child's therapy sessions based on their needs throughout treatment.
Sabrina is dedicated to advocating for the needs of the neurodivergent community and best practices in the mental health profession. She enjoys providing play therapy supervision and professional consultation to mental health providers. She also enjoys speaking opportunities within the community. Sabrina previously served as president and founding board member for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals and as a board member for California Association for Play Therapy.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice President
- VICE PRESIDENT, FOUNDATION and CORPORATE STRATEGY and ENGAGEMENT
Samanthi R. Gamage is vice president of foundation & corporate strategy & engagement. Before the current role, Gamage was the director of institutional giving. She has over a decade of donor relationship management, grants writing and leadership experience. A $1 million youth substance use prevention grant from The Center at Sierra Health Foundation is among her noteworthy achievements at the agency. Before joining Pacific Clinics, she worked at The Salvation Army - Southern California Division and Goodwill Southern California. She managed a portfolio of major grantors worth $3.4 million at Goodwill. Gamage graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in social work from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Job Titles:
- Education Director
- Member of the REI Academic Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice President
- VICE PRESIDENT, OUTCOMES & EVALUATION, ANALYTICS & TRAINING
Scott Fairhurst, Ph.D., is vice president of outcomes and evaluation, analytics and training for Pacific Clinics. In this capacity, he facilitates improving clinical outcomes by focusing on training in evidence-based practice, measuring clinical progress and promoting a mission-driven culture of improvement.
Having joined Pacific Clinics in 1998, Fairhurst has held various roles with progressive levels of responsibility working with children and adolescents whose behavior was considered intensive. He co-authored scholarly articles and presented research at conferences across the country. Fairhurst earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Houston.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Senior Vice President of Information Technology
Shawn Aminian is senior vice president of information technology at Pacific Clinics. With more than 20 years of executive management experience across many industries, Aminian has a proven track record of creating teams of diverse, motivated and committed professionals while consistently identifying opportunities for innovation and efficacy. Aminian has held various related roles at other agencies, including chief information officer (CIO) at Children's Institute International. During his tenure, he oversaw technology as the agency grew from 400 to more than 1,000 users and 40 facilities. Previously, Aminian spent 14 years as CIO for KCET-TV, a nationally recognized nonprofit television channel. Aminian was a finalist for the Los Angeles Business Journal‘s Chief Technology Awards in 2013 and 2017. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Kansas.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operations Officer
- Member of the Officers Team
Job Titles:
- Medical Director - Los Angeles / South Coast Region, Portals and Child & Family Specialty Divisions
Thaddeus Juarez, MD is medical director for Pacific Clinics' Los Angeles/South Bay Region. In this capacity, he provides psychiatric evaluations and oversees medication service plans for clients. With over 20 years of experience, Juarez has worked directly with individuals providing psychiatry, psychoanalysis and psychotherapy services.
Before joining the agency, Juarez worked as the vice president and chief operating officer of LIFEGL0, a medical startup company. He earned bachelor's degrees in Latin and English studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. A board-certified psychiatrist, Juarez obtained his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Pacific Clinics Head