ASPIRE COUNSELING SERVICES - Key Persons
Abigail was born and raised in Southern California. Abigail grew up around substance use and understood from an early age the impact it has not only on those who use but on the people in their lives as well. She promised herself she would never go down the same road. Abigail went to school for business administration and is currently working towards her Bachelor of Arts in Business. She is passionate about helping others and working as a team. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, spending time with her girlfriend, family, and loved ones, and discovering new hiking locations.
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:
- 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.
Calista is a psychology major at Cuesta College. After getting a bachelor's degree in psychology, she will pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology. Calista was inspired to pursue a career in therapy after being the client of a therapist. Looking at maladaptive behaviors and dysfunctional dynamics objectively motivated changes in her life that she is grateful for. She feels passionate about the effectiveness of therapy, which drives her motivation to assist clients in their treatment. Having grown up on the Central Coast, Calista enjoys meeting and getting to know clients in her community. Calista enjoys dancing, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends and family in her free time.
Carley obtained her bachelor's degree in women's studies and cultural anthropology in 2015 from California State University, Fresno. She moved to the beautiful central coast in 2016. She has always been interested in the mental field, but it wasn't until she reached out for her own mental health that she realized this was her passion, to help others the way she has been helped.
Carley made the decision to change careers and go back to school in 2022. She is currently in a marriage and family therapy and professional clinical counseling master's program at Umass Global. Carley is a therapist intern and is expected to graduate with her master's degree in December 2024. Carley enjoys reading, traveling, taking walks in nature, drinking coffee, spending time with animals, and cooking.
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, a Los Angeles native who relocated to Bakersfield in 2013, now serves as the Director of Patient Engagement at Aspire Counseling Services. In his pivotal role, Evan oversees the call center operations and admissions processes across all company locations.
Furthermore, he conducts monthly surveys with clients at each site to assess the quality of care, treatment outcomes, and opportunities for enhancement within Aspire's services.
Evan draws upon his background as a former wildland firefighter and his personal journey of overcoming addiction to passionately support individuals on their recovery paths.
Gabriel Solla was born and raised on the central coast, and has been working in the mental health field for over 11 years, gaining experience in long term residentials, in home care, and crisis residential treatment. Through this experience, they have observed many disparities and gaps within the system, which motivated them to further their education. They made the decision to go back to college, and in May 2021, obtained a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. Following this accomplishment, they applied and were accepted into the University of Southern California's Master of Social Work program, where they are currently pursuing their degree and scheduled to graduate in August 2023.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
Mr. Acharya has been in the healthcare industry for over fifteen years. He started his career as a healthcare analyst for Arizona's Medicaid Program. Mr. Acharya 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.
Job Titles:
- Community Outreach Specialist
Jackeline graduated from California State University, Bakersfield, as a first-generation college student with a B.S. in Business Marketing. Jackeline has always thrived with community engagement and believes it is crucial for personal and communal flourishing.
Jackeline has prioritized her mental health in her early 20s, understanding its importance in overall well-being. She believes in a holistic approach to wellness and values openness and transparency when addressing mental health issues. She is committed to addressing and normalizing the importance of mental health, as she was raised in a Hispanic household where there were often no conversations or guidance surrounding the topic.
Jackeline aims to guide individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges by connecting them with the right resources and support systems. She is dedicated to fostering a healthier and more informed community through open discussions and advocacy. Her passion for mental health stems from personal experiences and a strong belief that addressing these issues openly is essential for individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Jackeline strives to be a reliable support system for those who are struggling, helping them find the right direction toward well-being.
Jacob Fox is an intern counselor currently pursuing a degree in psychology and certification in addiction studies at Cuesta College. With a passion for assisting individuals struggling with mental health challenges and addiction issues, Jacob desires to make a positive impact in his community. Through his commitment to ongoing education and practical experience, he strives to provide empathetic support and evidence-based counseling to those in need. Jacob is dedicated to fostering well-being and facilitating recovery. As he continues to expand his knowledge and skills, Jacob hopes to become a compassionate advocate for mental health and addiction awareness in his county.
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.
Justin has lived in Santa Clarita for the past 38 years. Justin received his BA in Psychology in 2005 from Cal State Channel Islands. After graduation, Justin worked at St. Jude Medical as a Biotech Engineer and worked with heart patients who needed pacemakers or ICDs. Wanting to give back to families in the SCV community, Justin has worked with Carousel Ranch and the Special Olympics to help improve the lives of both children and adults. Justin struggled with a SUD for years but has been able to stabilize and maintain his sobriety since 2021. Justin now works for Aspire Counseling Services as a substance abuse counselor.
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.
She has worked in a variety of mental health settings since 2017, which include: intensive outpatient services, 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!
Lauren is an intern therapist at Aspire who is currently pursuing a Master of Clinical Psychology degree from Antioch University with a scheduled graduation date of September 2024. Upon graduation, Lauren plans to continue gaining experience and expanding upon her clinical knowledge, with the ultimate goal of acquiring her license in marriage and family therapy. Prior to pursuing this career path, Lauren's experience had been in the field of agriculture. Growing up in the Santa Maria Valley, she has always taken great pride in the ag industry and is grateful for the years she spent within it. However, throughout her experience, she felt an intense pull to pursue a career where she could connect with others and lean into her innate sense of empathy and compassion. Working within an intensive outpatient therapy agency has fueled Lauren's enthusiasm for growing within this field and learning tools to help advocate for and empower clients. Lauren's therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. She believes in creating a non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. Drawing from evidence-based practices, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual that she has the privilege to work with. In her free time, Lauren enjoys kayaking, golfing, sunset chasing, and being surrounded by family and friends.
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:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Assistant at Aspire Santa Clarita
Lyzah Tuazon is the Administrative Assistant at Aspire Santa Clarita. Lyzah earned an Associate of Arts in English from the College of the Canyons in 2018, and a Bachelor's Degree in English from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Lyzah then changed course, following her passion and obtaining a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, completing the program in 2022. During grad school, Lyzah focused on Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, taking lessons from Donabedian's three-part framework of quality care in healthcare. By understanding and applying Donabedian's model, Lyzah can assess and improve the quality of care provided to Aspire's patients. Lyzah is committed to ensuring that the facility's structure, process, and outcomes are constantly evaluated and improved upon to provide the highest level of care possible.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ASPIRE LEADERSHIP Team
- Founder and President of Aspire
- President / Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor ( CADC - II ), Certified Addiction Specialist ( CAS )
Meet Scott Huhn, the founder and president of Aspire, a dedicated visionary committed to the transformation of lives affected by addiction and substance use. With a profound belief in providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to individual needs, Scott established Aspire to make a lasting impact in the field.
In addition to his role at Aspire, Scott is the owner of New Vision Recovery, Inc., a specialized program collaborating with school districts to develop and implement effective intervention, prevention, and treatment strategies. His mission is to instill hope in families facing challenges and to offer support through personalized care.
Drawing from more than three decades of personal sobriety, Scott intimately understands the struggles associated with substance abuse and the profound toll it takes on families. Having battled addiction firsthand as a teenager, he experienced the transformative power of genuine recovery and embraced a commitment to sobriety.
Scott's journey as an addiction specialist began in 1987, encompassing diverse roles in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He holds esteemed credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC-II-CAS) and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions Specialist (CAS) through the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources.
Job Titles:
- Counselor
- 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:
- Executive Director, SUDCC IV - CS
Paula Medley has been a resident of the High Desert since 1988 and has been working in the substance abuse counseling field since 2015. Her professional accomplishments include not only her CADC-II certification but includes additional certifications in Clinical Supervision by the ICADC, as well as knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment, and additional training in interventions. In her spare time, Paula enjoys 80's music, planting flowers, and her family; her grandbabies are her favorite people. She also spends a great deal of her personal time giving back to her recovery fellowship and her local community. Paula loves her work with patients and staff, with a passion for recovery and helping people suffering with the disease of addiction. Her favorite saying is "A woman sees in the world what she carries in her heart".
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:
- 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.
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director for Aspire Counseling Services, San Luis Obispo. 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.
Tiffany Olson, BA, MA, is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate of Mental Health Services at Aspire Santa Clarita. Tiffany's passion for helping others has been evident throughout her academic and professional journey. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development in 2015 and went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling from Brandman University, which she successfully completed in 2021.
Tiffany has worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse since 2021. During her traineeship, Tiffany provided compassionate care to a diverse range of individuals, couples, and families from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. She provided support and guidance to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, LGBTQIA+-related issues, codependency, grief and loss, life transitions, and self-esteem. With a focus on evidence-based practices, Tiffany utilizes various therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of each client. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Narrative Therapy. Tiffany is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in her field.
Tiffany recognizes that seeking help can be difficult and takes tremendous courage. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, develop coping skills, and achieve their goals. Her dedication to her clients' well-being and growth is reflected in her compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy. Tiffany's warm empathetic, and non-judgemental approach to therapy has helped her build strong relationships with her clients and make a positive impact in their lives.
In her free time, Tiffany spends time with her family and friends and enjoys going to concerts, playing board games, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services, MS, AMFT
Yajaira Alvarez earned her Bachelor's degrees in Psychology with an emphasis on Child, Adolescent and Family Studies, and Sociology. She went on to earn her MS in Counseling Psychology at California State University of Bakersfield. Yajaira's first interest developed when working with teens and families at the Boys and Girls Club. She found a passion for aiding families with limited resources and helping them build a stronger foundation to help increase insight, awareness, recognizing abilities, and developing a sense of self.
Since, she has developed a multicultural approach when working with individuals and families. She understands that cultural identity affects how people view mental health illnesses and the world, which is a crucial factor to integrate into therapy. Her therapeutic approach is always tailored for the benefit of the individual. She is diverse in working at different levels of care, different populations, individuals of all ages, different life circumstances and stressors, and finding the best approaches to help individuals succeed, achieve and heal. She implements a variety of evidence-based approaches related to cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, person-centered, and experiential therapies, in combination with trauma-informed techniques. She is a firm believer that individuals are the drivers of their life and will walk along with them to help them navigate the world toward the road of healing and recovery.
In her downtime, she enjoys the outdoors: hiking, gardening, kayaking, jogging, and playing with her animal companion, Coco. Yajaira's self-care also consists of downtime: movies, chips, and ice cream sandwiches to de-stress after a long day.
Job Titles:
- 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.