ASPIRE COUNSELING SERVICES - Key Persons
Alma Castro has thirty-five years of experience in healthcare ranging from Skilled Nursing, Acute Rehabilitation, and Acute Care to Mental Health. She received her nursing training at Mt Saint Mary's College in Los Angeles, California. Her passion has always been providing excellent patient care, this led her from bedside care to Case Management and now to working in the Quality Improvement Department. She strives to support the treatment team to ensure all staff have the assistance needed to provide excellent care. When not living in regulation books and websites her other passion is being of service, to her family, loved ones and the community.
Job Titles:
- Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Amanda was born and raised here on the Central Coast of California and left to further her education but has now returned to give back to the community that raised her. Amanda has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from CSU Fresno and continued her education at the University of South Dakota, graduating in 2020 with Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology. In addition to her clinical experience, Amanda has co-authored on three peer-reviewed, published research articles in the counseling field.
In the last 5 years, Amanda has had the privilege of working in a variety of mental health settings, ranging from working at a mental health clinic at a University in South Dakota, inpatient treatment centers, to providing mental health services to the underserved communities in the Austin, Texas area, where she focused on equality in and inclusivity for all individuals. She has also worked in civil service, where she supported individuals, families, and children navigate the challenges of mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, and trauma.
Amanda's therapeutic approach with clients is a blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focusing on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact how we perceive, and ultimately change, our world, and Carl Rodger's unconditional positive regard to meet each client exactly where they are.
Job Titles:
- COO
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
Mr. Manohara has worked in a hospital setting for over six years. Initially, he started in the accounting department as an analyst. Deciding to pursue a more operational based role in the hospital, Mr. Manohara was promoted to Associate Administrator. He assisted clinical and non-clinical departments with day-to-day operations and project management. As well as, working closely with the Human Resource Department to emphasize on compliance and recruitment; especially, physician recruitment. Mr. Manohara became the Chief Operations Officer for a hospital overseeing the daily operations of the hospital and its associated outpatient clinics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management Information Systems from the University of Pacific.
Elsy Gonzalez is currently attending Grand Canyon University and will be getting a Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse. Elsy is an inspired individual who pursues to gain more knowledge in psychedelic research so she can continue to help and inspire people. Elsy will continue her education to become a clinical therapist.
For the past seven years, Elsy has lived by her core values. She served in the U.S. Army for four years as a mechanic. Elsy stays connected to veteran resources and continues to communicate with different people all around the world. Elsy has been physically training people for three years and helping them focus on their mind and body as a Personal Trainer for multiple gyms. She has worked in Applied Behavioral Analysis with different disabilities for children and young adults. She has found helping other people achieve a goal is what calls her. Elsy does believe, if you set your mind to something, then anything is possible.
Elsy is an open book, animal lover, and enjoys traveling. She wants to bring positivity and love to all staff and clients at Aspire Counseling Service.
Emily began her yoga journey at 14 years old as a helpful coping skill to get her through some difficult times. At age 22, when she was diagnosed with Bipolar II and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Emily decided to make yoga a career. Her own struggles with mental health motivated her to become a 200 Hour Certified Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor. Emily strives to aid those who struggle with mental illness, helping them to heal by using the gentle technique of trauma-informed vinyasa yoga. This style of yoga provides a safe space for those who have experienced trauma and allows them to deepen their relationship with themselves.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
- Director of Patient Engagement ( CADCII ICADC SUDCCII CAMPII )
Evan Cason is a native of Los Angeles who moved to Bakersfield in 2013. He previously worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service until an injury created an opportunity for a career change. Having struggled with addiction himself, Evan has always had a passion for helping others in recovery. To this end, he completed an Associate's Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences at El Camino College before attending Cal State Bakersfield's Drug and Alcohol Studies program and currently is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II (CADC-II) and International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) under California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Evan also holds the Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor Level II credential (SUDCC-II) with the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP), in addition to a specialty credential of Certified Anger Management Professional (CAMP) with Century Anger Management. Evan has worked with diverse populations in individual and group settings at both a residential and intensive outpatient treatment center before joining the Aspire team. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, which includes several pets and watching sports.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
Mr. Acharya has been involved in the healthcare industry for the past fifteen years. He started his career as a healthcare analyst for Arizona's Medicaid Program, worked as a consultant for a firm that specialized in executive level strategy development for large public hospitals and health plans, and operated as a senior-level executive for General Acute Care and Acute Psychiatric Hospitals. Today Mr. Acharya sits on the Board of Directors for three healthcare companies that are attacking the Opioid epidemic in different treatment avenues. In addition, he works with clients to help them achieve their mergers and acquisition strategies and improve their operational efficiencies. Mr. Acharya holds a Bachelor's of Science in Supply Chain Management and a Master's of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a Master's of Health Sector Management with an emphasis in Healthcare Finance from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Gerard Iru Fernando, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the Division Medical Director for Aspire Behavioral Health. After completing medical school, he finished his residency at Harvard South Shore and his addiction psychiatry fellowship at Boston University. He has experience in political advocacy regarding harm reduction practices and quality improvement projects involving substance use disorders, in particular opioid use disorder.
Jill is an Art Coach at Aspire Counseling Services. Raised in Woodland Hills, neighbor of Simi Valley, she found her calling as an Art Coach when she discovered her own healing through the medium of art with painting and jewelry making. This awesome service has inspired her to want to help others overcome their mental health challenges with the amazing techniques of Art. Jill loves the local, organic, and community feel that Simi Valley possesses as well as knowing that Simi Valley represents a place in the minds of many where the dream of a good life, good job, and a safe place to raise children is still available. She strives to push these ethics within Aspire Counseling Services throughout the Simi Valley community.
John Marshall has been working in substance use disorder treatment since 2012. Having completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, in 2016, John became a registered SUD counselor the following year. John has experience working in detox, residential, and outpatient settings. John has worked with various demographics in the field, specializing in young adult programs and dual diagnosis. As well as working directly with homeless veterans. John is passionate about educating clients living with substance use disorders and offering superb client care. John thrives on running relapse prevention skills and anger management groups. John is an active member of the recovery community within the Los Angeles area and provides voluntary support to those in need outside of his employment. John is excited to join the Aspire treatment team and offer excellent support to our diverse set of clientele.
Job Titles:
- SANTA CLARITA STAFF Member
- Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services
Meet Kelly Kozlowski, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee of Mental Health Services at Aspire Simi Valley! Kelly has been working with people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges for over a year. Her own struggles with mental health growing up allows for a unique understanding and compassion for individuals who are struggling with any type of mental health problems. Kelly views mental health and substance abuse as complex, integrated issues that need ongoing support from not only a treatment team, but from family, friends, and loved ones.
Kelly graduated with two Associate Degrees from her hometown community college, College of the Canyons, in Liberal Arts of Science and Sociology in 2015. Kelly then went on to get a Bachelor's Degree from Brandman University in Social Sciences in 2016. Kelly then continued her education with Brandman University by obtaining a Master's in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling in 2018. Kelly will be applying for her associate number shortly and will be working towards taking her MFT licensing exam in the near future. Kelly has worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse for over a year as a MFT Trainee.
Kelly is a big believer of working with the client to help alter the cognitive mind, to allow the client to apply it into his/her behavior, action, and daily life. This theoretical evidence-based practice is known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Kelly loves to utilize Aaron Beck's work within her treatment approach to help individuals and families heal within and throughout their therapeutic journey. Borrowing from Aaron Beck the founder of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, "There is more on the surface than what our eyes can see." Each individual is unique in their own way, but there is so much more within the individual that we do not always see.
In her free time, Kelly spends time with her family and friends and enjoys exercising, hiking, going to the river, snowboarding, and spending quite time at home.
Lacey attended graduate school at USC and received her Master of Social Work degree in December 2020. While attending graduate school Lacey had the opportunity to intern with a non-profit mental health agency that provided treatment to adults, teenagers, children, and families struggling with substance use and mental health. Prior to earning her master's, Lacey worked as an occupational therapy assistant working with both adults and adolescents struggling with mental health and substance use. Her desire to help individuals stems from watching family members and friends struggle with mental health and/or addiction and not being able at a younger age to help in any capacity. Lacey has a firm belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and grow from their own past, and desires to aid individuals in this journey.
Over the last 4 years, Lacey has worked in a variety of mental health settings which include: inpatient residential working with clients diagnosed with mental health and substance use; private school working with children with behavioral and emotional regulation disturbances; and developing groups for agencies including behavioral modification, parent education on mental health, and women's trauma.
Lacey found a calling working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with mental health and substance use, and those who feel society has outcasted them. Lacey utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatments to aid clients on their journey and always starts where the client is at. Two of Lacey's top treatment modalities are trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and harm-reduction.
Lacey enjoys traveling, thrift shopping, drinking iced coffee, hanging with her husky, and being at the beach.
Lauren Cook graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2020 where she earned a BA in Exercise Science and BFA in Dance. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Health from USC.
Lauren has always had an interest in medicine, but it wasn't until she spent time abroad in the Dominican Republic that she realized working at the community level was what she enjoyed most. As a Central Coast native, she loves working with the SLO County community and giving back to the place she has always called home.
Lauren has truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know the clients at Aspire and helping them reach their goals. In her free time, Lauren loves to go hiking, surfing, and doing anything outdoors!
Job Titles:
- Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Lena earned her B.A in Psychology from UCLA, her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University, and recently became a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. During her clinical training Lena provided mental health services to adolescents in a high school setting. Lena's interest in clinical psychology began during her collegiate gymnastics career when she worked with a sports psychologist to significantly improve the level of her performance. As a clinician, she grounds her therapeutic approach in the evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She also draws on techniques from family system, psychodynamic, client-centered and solution-focused approaches. Lena is committed to serving others and empowering them to lead healthy and productive lives.
Lisa obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1998 from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and her Master of Social Welfare in 2000 from University of California at Berkeley. Lisa has been a member of NASW since 2000, was the Chair of the SLO Unit for 3 years and received the Award of Social Worker of the Year in 2016.
She has worked at several agencies within San Luis Obispo County including the PATHS program at Child Welfare Services, Family Care Network Inc., Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, and more recently has joined Aspire Counseling Service as a supervisor for Associate Interns.
Lisa has also been teaching at Cuesta College since 2006 in the Human Development/Human Services Department within the Applied Behavioral Sciences Division. Most of her courses are related to Addiction treatment and Social Work. She attended the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals conference in 2019, Evolution of Psychotherapy conference, Wraparound conferences as well as the California Cultural Competence Summit on several occasions. Lisa continues to obtain and provide trainings on a regular basis to enhance her practice.
Lisa has lived in San Luis Obispo for 41 years and enjoys playing and listening to music, hiking, paddle boarding, and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Mental Health Services at Aspire Simi Valley
Meet Jesse Finkbeiner, Executive Director of Mental Health Services at Aspire Simi Valley! Jesse has been working with people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges for a decade and a half. His own recovery serves as the foundation for his deep understanding of, and compassion for, individuals and families that know the darkness and unique challenges that addiction and mental health challenges can bring.
Jesse views addiction and mental health problems as complicated systemic issues that are context driven and need to be viewed not only through the lens of the person who is afflicted, but by investing in the individual, family, and larger social system within which any individual is contained. By seeing issues as a part of a system, Jesse works to engage with people and their surroundings to create long term change with the possibility of authentic and meaningful recovery.
Jesse graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Las Vegas at Nevada in 2000. Jesse holds 2 Masters Degrees, one in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica in 2007, and the other in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2010. Jesse has been licensed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2014. Jesse's work experience has included roles as Clinical Director, Program Director, and Primary Therapist for mental health clinics as well as experience working within the system of managed care.
Jesse knows that individuals and families can and do recover. Strong, informed, evidence-based, compassionate, and grounded treatment is the foundation upon which hope can be restored and life can be reimagined. Borrowing from Ronald Hulnick of the University of Santa Monica, "Healing is the application of loving to the parts inside that hurt." Jesse's primary focus is in helping individuals and families find their own unique path to healing through a loving and compassionate approach to helping those who suffer.
In his free time, Jesse spends time with his wife, son, mother, and friends and enjoys reading, going to the beach, exercise, and exploring new places.
Job Titles:
- Lead Counselor for Chemical Dependency Services at Aspire Simi Valley
Meet Kimberly Beatty, Lead Counselor for Chemical Dependency Services at Aspire Simi Valley! Kimberly is a Southern California native and was born and raised in Granada Hills, CA. Kimberly obtained a liberal arts degree at Pierce College with her primary focus on psychology. Kimberly worked in the Medical field and specialized in geriatric care where she was able to be of service for the elderly.
Job Titles:
- Counselor
- SANTA CLARITA STAFF Member
- Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor
Melissa Flowers has been a substance use disorder counselor for five years. She received her education at ICDC college and completed the addiction studies program in 2010. Melissa has worked on a voluntary and professional basis in the community and in a residential treatment setting. She has provided drug and alcohol related services at various locations and facilities, including the William S. Hart District and KHTS AM radio. She is skilled in client-centered assessments and treatment planning. She provides a compassionate understanding of those suffering from addictive disorders. For the past 21 years, Melissa has worked with specialized populations in healthcare including but not limited to special-needs adolescence, HIV, hepatitis C and the elderly. Melissa is a charismatic and caring counselor dedicated to helping those who suffer.
Job Titles:
- SANTA CLARITA STAFF Member
- Executive Director, SUDCC IV - CS
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
Mr. Monzon is a seasoned financial professional. He has extensive experience in the banking sector from working for major national financial institutions. In addition, Mr. Monzon was a Chief Financial Officer for a small hospital network in Central California, responsible for the management duties of the accounting, financial and revenue cycle departments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science and a Master's of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
- President / Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor ( CADC - II ), Certified Addiction Specialist ( CAS )
Meet the founder and president of Aspire, Scott Huhn! Scott started Aspire with the vision of transforming lives impacted by addiction and substance use through compassionate, evidence-based treatment that is personalized to fit each individual's needs. He is also the owner of New Vision Recovery, Inc. a program that specializes in working with the school districts to design and implement intervention, prevention, and treatment modalities. He wants families who are struggling to know that there is always hope. While he can relate to all individuals struggling with addiction, he especially enjoys working with teenagers and their families.
Though he has been sober for more than thirty years, Scott has firsthand experience with substance abuse and knows the havoc it wreaks on families. As a sixteen year-old addicted to drugs and alcohol, he was bounced from various treatment facilities until the promise of real recovery finally sank in and he made a commitment to sobriety. His experience gave him the deeply rooted desire to help others to overcome the disease of addiction and to help families heal broken bonds.
Scott began his career as an addiction specialist in 1987 and has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient programs. He received his credentials as a certified alcohol and drug counselor-certified addiction specialist (CADC-II-CAS) from the prestigious California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Additionally, he is a certified alcohol and other drug addictions specialist (CAS) through California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and son and going to the beach and mountains.
Job Titles:
- Director of Digital Marketing
Steven Everett has over ten years of experience working in the Digital Marketing industry. Introduced to the "digital" business in his final year of high school, Steven received a mentorship that would lead him into the world of web design, digital strategies, graphic design, SEO, and more. His first work venture began with building an online eCommerce business, which turned successful and is still blooming. Steven finds enjoyment within the digital space while discovering new services to grow the online footprint for Aspire Counseling Services. During his free time, Steven enjoys playing hockey and traveling with his family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director, BSW, CADC
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director for Aspire Counseling Services, Arroyo Grande. Tom has spent the last 20 years living in Southern California, where he graduated from Cal State University, Los Angeles with a degree in Social Work. Tom then pursued his certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, first as a CAS (Certified Addiction Specialist) , then CADC (California Alcohol and Drug Counselor), and now is a CADC III. Tom has been a pillar in the Southern California social services community, having worked for and developed programs in group homes, county mental health, Skid Row Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Jails, residential and outpatient behavioral health services, etc.
Mr. Buckley is a sought-after speaker and presenter on various topics related to mental health, addiction, prevention/early intervention, recidivism reduction, harm reduction, Naloxone, community advocacy, etc. Tom is a third-generation San Luis Obispo native, having graduated from SLO high in 1996. Tom also is a husband and father of twin 19-year-old sons, which aids him in understanding the struggles of our young clients, as well as their parents. Tom believes in transformation and giving people the chance to change. Tom lost his father to addiction and brother to suicide, has overcome his own addiction and mental health issues, and lost over 200 pounds, all in which help him guide those he works with to find their own recipe for happiness, health, and success.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
- Division Chief Executive Officer
Yessica Avancena, MBA, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in children, adults and blended family structures. She is also the current Division CEO of Aspire Behavioral. Her work experience includes both private clinical practice and County Mental Health/Hospital roles where she was in leadership and management. She is a psychotherapist that is UCLA-trained in Mindfulness Application Practices which have been shown to be effective to treat ADHD, Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as overall stress reduction. She has received additional training in the areas of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which utilizes awareness and mindfulness concepts along with progressive relaxation and guided meditation techniques for symptom reduction. Trained in alternative healing methods such as guided meditation, essential oils, and Reiki healing energy, she uses an empathetic and client-centered approach to change which meets the individual where they are for a holistic approach to healing. She is bilingual in Spanish/English and bi-cultural with extensive knowledge of Hispanic culture.