Brain Balance of San Diego

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

Center 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.

Shanelle Sanchez-Torrecampo

Program Manager

Shanelle Sanchez-Torrecampo, M.S. Public Health, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and has years of experience working with kids, teens, and adults with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders or learning differences to develop social, academic/cognitive skills, and independent living skills. She loves empowering others to improve their functioning and realize their full potential. She’s passionate about learning, science, and food! Shanelle enjoys hiking in the spring and summer, snowboarding in the winter, and going to the beach with her husband and pup, Chester, all year round.

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.

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.

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.