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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.
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 Lowenthall
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.
Zuleymy Bridges
Program Specialist
B.S Health Care Informatics, Certified Diabetes Instructor. Zuly has 12 years experience in the healthcare field that also comes with a wide range of experience with Care Management by Coordinating and monitoring clients care and access to services. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and 2 beautiful kids.
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.
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.
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.
Erika Martinez Barajas
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.
