.png)
"My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. She attended phase one of the program and has seen significant improvement in behavior and socialization skills."
Dakota, Age 8
"Words cannot express how delighted I am as a Mom for my child attending the Brain Balance program in San Diego. For those of you who have children that struggle and their actions, in turn, affect everyone around them, you are not alone! The last thing I ever wanted to do was medicate our child. So I kept researching and immediately our chiropractor and Occupational Therapist recommended the program. After his assessment at Brain Balance, I gained an amazing new perspective about my child and learned that they can get to the root of his struggles with his brain! No need for scans, and no need for a diagnosis."
Hunter, Age 8
"There are not enough words in a dictionary to describe what brain balance has done for our family!"
Michelle, Age 12
"Ariel has gained self awareness and improved his focus. This has had positive effects at school and socially. We highly recommend Brain Balance."
Ariel, Age 10
"This is an excellent program and in my experience the results were observable even after just a few sessions. My daughter loves coming to Brain Balance and has had such a good experience she says she wants to be a Brain Balance Coach when she grows up. After two weeks I received my daughters 1st positive note home from school and after a month she no longer needed her behavior chart at school. At home I see she is less impulsive, her meltdowns are almost non-existent, she is able and even enjoys playing on her own, she is less reactive, and is willing to and utilizes calm down methods."
Colette, 5
Jon Pak
Executive Director
Jon Pak’s passion to open Brain Balance was born out of his experiences in raising a son with developmental disabilities. He values all the incredible connections with friends and families in the community that share a similar experience. His background includes serving on the board of Kids Included Together, Just in Time for Foster Youth, and the Korean American Coalition of San Diego. With many years of participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, his desire to mentor and impact the lives of others is contagious. While he enjoyed a professional career with notable companies like Samsung Electronics, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and US Bank, Jon’s undeniable vision for an inclusive society with equitable opportunities and growth makes him an inspirational leader at Brain Balance of Greater San Diego.
Amanda Lee
Regional Director
Amanda Lee, M.A. Education, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and has over 15 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 and has over 8 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.
Heather L
Program Specialist
Heather, M.S. Psychology, has worked with Brain Balance since 2008. Heather has a wide range of experience in therapeutic settings, preventative in-home counseling, foster care, and residential care. She is passionate about helping kids reach their full potential. In her spare time, she likes to read and spend time with her husband.
Katie Mello
Senior 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.
Sergio Carreon
Head Coach
Sergio Carreon, B.S. Kinesiology (Exercise and Sports Science) is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and has over 10 years experience working with kids and adults to reach their fullest potential. When not actively changing lives and making an impact in the community, you can find Sergio at the gym, beach, trying new foods, or enjoying a movie.
.jpg)
Victoria Hoey
Sensory Motor Coach
Victoria Hoey earned her degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences with an emphasis in Child Development. She is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and has over 8 years of experience as a nanny. She loves psychology and her career goals are to be in social work and advocate for children. She loves vegan cooking, rock climbing, and hanging out with her spunky pup, Cedric.
Kai Gutierrez
Sensory Motor Coach
Kai Gutierrez, B.S. Kinesiology, minor Psychology, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and has a background in physical therapy. She also worked as an aide before coaching at Brain Balance. When she’s not making her students laugh and pushing them to do their best, you can find her lost in the world of whatever book she’s reading that week, at the beach, trying out a new coffee shop, or out being a social butterfly.
Adam Flores
Sensory Motor Coach
Adam Flores, Masters in Sports Psychology, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and has over 14 years of experience training athletes around the world. He is passionate about helping others and brings dedication and honesty to his approach. When not encouraging his students to do their best, you can find him at the park with his wife and two young children.
Alek Rothenberg-Cunningham
Sensory Motor Coach
Dr. Alek Rothenberg-Cunningham brings over 22 years of experience in Kinesiology and specializes in human motor behavior with an emphasis on the reciprocal relationship between perception and action. Alek has worked in fitness, research, collegiate instruction, and has specialized experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, including with San Diego-based 2008 Paralympic swimmer and breaststroke record holder, Kendall Bailey. Alek is inspired by the natural beauty of the environment and enjoys snowboarding, hiking and trail running, camping, reading, road trips, playing guitar, and cooking.
Stasia McDaniel
Sensory Motor Coach
Stasia McDaniel, B.S. Kinesiology (Movement Science), has a background in neuro-spinal activity based therapy, and a passion for all types of adaptive therapy. She was born and raised in Connecticut and is a Navy veteran. Outside of Brain Balance, you’ll find Stasia perusing the local farmers markets or exploring San Diego with her two rescue dogs.
Lauren Carroll
Sensory Motor Coach
Lauren Carroll has been working in the field of special education specializing in children ages 6-18 for over five years. Lauren was a licensed behavioral therapist for neurodivergent children and has extensive experience implementing coping strategies for intense aggression/rage/meltdowns as well as experience with potty training, verbal expression (vocal therapy), managing behaviors, and motor movement. Lauren wants to create a safe space where children feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. In her spare time, Lauren loves to try new things at restaurants, read, and as nature lover, you can always find her outside hiking, picnicking, camping, and taking photos.
Alexis Jones
Sensory Motor Coach
Alexis Jones, B.A. Psychology, is currently on active duty in the Navy. Before joining the Navy, Alexis worked with adults with dementia and Alzheimer's and also worked at a Brain Balance in Houston, Texas. On her free time, she likes to play sports, travel, and try new restaurants.
Brain Balance of Encinitas Events
Download Monthly Calendar of Events - Bilingual (PDF)
Healthy Habits Bingo
Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month by trying at least one Healthy Habit Bingo activity per day throughout the month.
Download here
Coffee and Connections
Friday, May 5, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Come connect with other local mental healthcare providers, educators, and professionals, including professionals from Newport Healthcare and Brain Balance of Greater San Diego. This is an opportunity to learn about the work of the Brain Balance Program, which offers programming to support brain functioning in both youth and adults, as well as other resources available in our area. Feel free to bring materials to share about your practice and services. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
RSVP: bit.ly/bbsdcoffee0523
Brain Health for Adults
Monday, May 8, 2023 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
You’ve heard of neuroplasticity, right? Join our FREE virtual workshop for adults who are looking to tap into their full potential and find a better way forward. Discover best practices to improve brain health including enhancing your cognitive, physical, social, and emotional functioning.
RSVP: bit.ly/bbadult0523
Neuroscience Expo
Saturday, May 13, 2023 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Explore how your brain impacts focus, learning, behavior, mood, performance, and other cognitive functions. Try brain training activities for ALL AGES and sign up for a FREE cognitive test. Sensory Motor and Cognitive Coaches available for Q&A.
RSVP: bit.ly/bbsd0523
Webinar Events
Every month we offer a free webinar on a common struggle that children and young adults across the country may experience. Each of these webinars offers information, actionable strategies for change, as well as a deeper understanding of WHY these challenges are happening and how to address the root cause.
Register Now.
