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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, Mindset certified, 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, Mindset certified, 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.
Mojgan Malekpour
Assistant Director
Mojgan Malekpour, B.S. Marketing, has over a decade of experience in customer service and over 7 years of experience in building and sustaining genuine relationships. Her go-getter attitude comes from her athletic background which goes hand in hand with her passion to help others live a better life. When not at work, you’ll find Mojgan spending time with her family, her dog Primo, enjoying the sun, or reading a book.
Ricky Lau
Program Manager
Ricky Lau, M.Ed, is a SoCal native, having moved to SD from LA 10+ years ago. He has a strong background in customer service & hospitality, and is trained as a secondary science teacher. In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants, coffee shops, and recipes at home.
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.
Kristen L
Program Specialist
Kristen, B.S. Business Administration and Marketing, has worked in the hospitality industry for ten years and worked as an executive assistant for three years. Kristen has experience volunteering at animal shelters and local hospitals and loves helping her community whenever she can. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her goldendoodle or working on home projects with her husband.
Kalista P
Program Specialist
Kalista has a wide range of experiences in client care. She loves helping people improve and be successful. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her little family and do-it-yourself home projects.
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.
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.
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 a 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.
Eliza Fontanilla
Sensory Motor Coach
Eliza Fontanilla, B.S. Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, brings research experience examining connections between sensory perception, behaviors, and cognitive functions with neural activity, and combines that expertise with personal experience connecting with and understanding the unique abilities and needs of neurodivergent individuals. When she’s not at work, Eliza enjoys trying new restaurants with friends and family, working on creative projects at coffee shops, designing clothes, dancing, watching the sunset and stars, or cuddling at home with her cat.
Sam Umanzor
Sensory Motor Coach
Samuel Umanzor, B.S. Marketing, is a Sensory Motor Coach, who has had 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. When he’s not helping others do their best, you can find him at the gym, training in martial arts, the beach, or at a concert.
Laurie Gutwein
Sensory Motor Coach
Laurie Gutwein has a background and degrees in psychology, theater, and the arts. She is a California native who grew up on the beaches of Carlsbad and Encinitas and then moved on to Los Angeles where she was a professional Actress/Singer/Dancer/Stunt Woman for over 10 years. But her passion for understanding and helping children with special needs, including her two young sons, led her to now pursue her Masters in Psychology to help children of all ages through therapeutic creativity.
Brain Balance of San Diego Events
Food Drive with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
October 24, 2023 through December 21, 2023
Nutrition is an important part of the Brain Balance program. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank chapter provide nutritious food to people in need, advocate for the hungry, and educate the public about hunger-related issues.
We invite you to support our community in need by DONATING non-perishable items such as canned meats, canned vegetables, peanut butter, pasta/rice, oatmeal/cereal, and more through the end of November. We cannot accept glass jars, home canned, or baked goods.
DROP-OFF your generous DONATIONS during normal business hours at each respective Brain Balance of Greater San Diego center.
Virtual Donations accepted: https://bit.ly/bbsdfooddrive23
Halloween Candy Buy-Back
November 1-3, 2023
Halloween can be a scary and stressful time of year for both children and families with sensory challenges and food allergies or sensitivities, including from artificial dyes and sugars. As participants of the Teal Pumpkin Project, we are offering families a safe and inclusive opportunity to participate in a Candy Buy-Back event. The whole family is encouraged to bring in their candy and exchange it for fun toys, activities, and gift cards, while supplies last. Free center tours and limited time assessment specials will be offered to attendees. RSVPs encouraged. Drop-off your candy during normal business hours at each respective Brain Balance of Greater San Diego center.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/bbsdcandy23
Teal Pumpkin Project
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 during normal business hours from 11am - 7:30pm
Brain Balance of San Diego, Chula Vista, and Encinitas The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the 1 in 13 children living with food allergies, as well as many others affected by intolerances and other conditions. Come can visit any of our three centers during normal business hours on Halloween for non-food treats. Costumes welcomed!
The Live Well Advance Conference & School Summit (FREE)
November 1, 2023 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM at San Diego Convention Center
The Live Well Advance Conference & School Summit brings thousands of partners and stakeholders together to network, learn about new tools and best practices, and participate in 50+ breakout sessions and exhibitor booths. Leaders from every sector come together to participate in efforts to advance our shared vision of a healthy, safe and thriving San Diego region.
Brain Balance of Greater San Diego is a recognized Live Well and Live Well Schools Partner. Visit us at our exhibitor booth for a chance to win a free assessment and attend our breakout session with San Diego County’s Sheriff’s Department, “Inclusion and Safety: Understanding Neurodiversity and What It Means to Be a Blue Envelope County Blue Envelope Program.” Register here: https://www.livewellsd.org/events/live-well-advance
Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Impact on Brain Function & Development
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 10:30 AM & 5:00 PM PT
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events or unfortunate circumstances during one's early years. These experiences can encompass a wide range of adverse events, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, loss of a family member, exposure to substance abuse, environmental disasters, and more. Research shows that being exposed to traumatic events can impact the development of essential brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and executive functions. This can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, making decisions, controlling impulses, and feelings of anxiety. Join us for this free webinar to learn about how experiences can impact brain development, how they can be linked to challenges in life, and what you can do to strengthen brain connectivity for better performance and well-being for you or your child. Registrants will receive a resource guide!
RSVP: bit.ly/h5mworkshop
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.
Find more content about us, webinars on demand, and our Brain Balance Program
