Brain Balance Center of Chula Vista – Meet Our Staff
Our Team
Amanda Lee
Regional Director
Amanda Lee, M.A. Education, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach, Mindset certified, and has over 20 years of experience in the education field. She is a lifelong learner committed to promoting equity and access to quality education and believes every person should have the opportunity to actualize their full potential and to live life to the fullest. Every day she aims to inspire and be inspired. When not meeting with schools, families, or community members or leading trainings, you may find her enjoying the outdoors hiking and camping, rock climbing, dancing, playing beach volleyball, traveling, or being a foodie.
Angie Arciga
Program Director
Angie Arciga, B.S. Exercise Science, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach, Mindset certified, and has over 10 years of experience with Brain Balance. She brings expertise from the physical therapy field and her creativity and background in music bring unique ideas and ways to work with and have fun with children while developing and creating new neural pathways. She also enjoys traveling, singing and playing mariachi music, and being out in nature.
Dirk Certain
Assistant Program Director
Dirk Certain, B.A. Accounting, has found professional joy in several fields like education, business development, and hospitality. Growing up in Southern California, he is committed to building the community around him by showing up for future generations. From teaching English and Literature Arts and middle school Science, Dirk has decided to take these experiences to Brain Balance as the start of a new journey. Outside of the professional sphere, Dirk enjoys exploring zoos, beaches, and parks, reading, playing board games, and finding fun ways to exercise.
Katie Mello
Head Coach
Katie Mello, B.S. Kinesiology, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and specializes in inclusive physical activities in communities. She loves the multidisciplinary approach Brain Balance offers. Along with coaching and training her students and fellow colleagues, Katie also supports operations, community engagement, and other marketing efforts. When she’s not at work, you can find Katie walking on the beach, lifting weights, or preparing (and eating!) a healthy meal.
Kayla Ducut
Sensory Motor Coach
Kayla Ducut, B.S. in Kinesiology (Movement Science) and certified in Speech-Language Pathology, has a strong foundation in how movement, learning, and communication work together. She believes in “connecting before correcting,” creating a supportive environment while helping children reach their full potential. When she’s not at work or school, she loves being outside, going on walks, or playing pickleball.
Brady Palmerin
Sensory Motor Coach
Brady Palmerin is currently studying Psychology and is a hard-working, passionate, kind individual. When he is not at school, he is always staying active whether it is running, surfing, snowboarding, or just getting outside. Brady loves to be out and about meeting new people.
Crystina Manalis
Sensory Motor Coach
Crystina Malinis, B.A. Psychology, is passionate about creating a space where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow into the best version of themselves. She brings years of customer service experience and has provided individualized tutoring to students from PreK through high school.
Erika Martinez Barajas
Lead Sensory Motor Coach
Erika Martinez Barajas, B.A. Applied Arts and Sciences Psychology, brings over five years of experience supporting her community and church. Through tutoring kids grades K-12, she developed a greater passion working with individuals with learning and behavioral challenges. In her spare time, you can catch Erika taking naps, spending time with family and friends, walking along the beach or park, and drinking coffee.
Mia Toll
Lead Sensory Motor Coach
Mia Toll, B.S. Psychology and B.A Linguistics, dreams of making a difference in people’s lives using holistic wellness utilizing what she has learned on child development, early language, and therapeutic techniques. When she’s not at work, Mia likes to be out on her paddle board with her dog or cooking up something tasty in the kitchen.
Samuel Umanzor
Sensory Motor Coach
Samuel Umanzor, B.S. Marketing, is a Sensory Motor Coach with several years of experience working with children and adults. He loves to help individuals reach their fullest potential, from his 4 years of active duty leading Marines, to his time as a certified personal trainer.
BRAIN BALANCE CENTER OF CHULA VISTA
Brain Balance helps children who struggle behaviorally, socially, and academically through a holistic and integrated approach that is customized to meet the needs of each child.
Location
310 3rd Avenue Suite C7 Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone
Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 11am - 7:30pm