Upon learning about the Brain Balance program, Jon’s excitement for opening a Center in the San Diego area has grown since day one. His passion to open the Center is born out of the experience in raising a son with developmental disabilities. He values many incredible connections with other 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 as well as 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 equal opportunities and growth makes him an inspirational leader at Brain Balance of San Diego.
Amanda Lee
Center Director
Amanda has a Masters in Education and brings over 15 years of experience working with students, families, communities, and school districts. As a lifelong learner, she’s a sponge for information and active in promoting equity and access to quality education. She believes every person should have the opportunity to actualize their full potential and to live life to the fullest. Her other passions include dancing, beach volleyball, enjoying the outdoors, travel, and being a foodie. Every day she aims to inspire and be inspired.
Kenny Fraser
Center Coordinator
Kenny was born and raised in Northern California. In 2014, he moved to San Diego to attend and play collegiate basketball at the University of California, San Diego. He graduated in 2018 from UCSD with a Bachelor’s of Arts in International Business. Kenny has enjoyed working with children through basketball as well as at a before and after school program at an elementary school. His hobbies include reading, traveling, playing sports, and cooking.
Shad Sommers
Head Coach
Shad is new to San Diego and very excited to bring his background in education, fitness and sports to Brain Balance. Shad went to school for psychology and later sports management, mending his two passions of sports and education/learning about people. Most recently, Shad was an elementary and middle school teacher at a small school in Israel before moving back to the states. Shad is excited to learn more about San Diego and all of the amazing families to come to Brain Balance.
Jay Rasoul
Coach
Jay is a student at the University of California San Diego studying for a Business Psychology B.S. degree. He enjoys going to the beach, studying the stock market, volunteering for nonprofit organizations, and learning new things. My passion focuses on creating more opportunities for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and activism.
Kyung Pak
Coach
Kyung is an independent business lawyer with over eight years of experience managing her own practice. Over the last several years, Kyung has enjoyed a transformational path towards self-improvement through a committed practice to yoga, meditation, and healthy eating. You will often find Kyung sharing her most recent vegan recipe and she truly knows how to make healthy eating taste amazing. With an infectious smile, Kyung brings an incredible amount of love to improve the lives of adults and kids. Her son Sean will often call her “my love,” and she enjoys a loving and adventurous marriage with her husband Jon.
Rachel Silva
Coach
Rachel was born and raised in Northern California. There she attended Shasta
Community College where she played collegiate basketball and graduated from
California State University, Chico with her bachelor’s of arts in Kinesiology and a minor in Coaching. She has enjoyed working with kids from many years of life-guarding, teaching swim lessons, and working at a recreation center. She moved to San Diego in August of 2019 to pursue her passion for fitness and helping others. Outside of Brain Balance Rachel has plans of becoming a personal trainer and making an impact in other’s lives. Her hobbies include traveling to new places, enjoying amazing food, playing sports, and spending time outside in the sun.
Katie Mello
Coach
Katie was born and raised in the Bay Area where she attended San Jose State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities. She loves the multidisciplinary approach Brain Balance offers, and can’t wait to learn more about and help support all of the families that come to Brain Balance. When she’s not at work, you can find Katie walking on the beach, lifting weights, or preparing (and eating!) a healthy meal.
Shanelle Sanchez
Coach
Shanelle is originally from Long Beach. She graduated CSU Long Beach with her B.S. in Biological Sciences. Since graduating, she has worked with adolescents and college students with autism and other learning differences develop social, academic, and independent living skills. Shanelle is now pursuing her Masters Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Community and Public Health Practice from the University of San Francisco. She enjoys working with kids of all ages, sharing her passion for wellness and education in any way she can. Shanelle enjoys hiking in the spring and summer, snowboarding in the winter, and going to the beach all year around!
Melanie Miller-Himmel
Coach
Melanie was born in Australia but grew up in sunny San Diego. She has a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from San Diego State University, and recently graduated from Boston University's Doctoral program in Occupational Therapy. Through her experiences teaching music, and working in early intervention including in public school settings, Melanie has worked with numerous students and families to collaborate in setting and achieving meaningful goals. When she's not at Brain Balance, you can find Melanie trying new recipes, with her nose buried in a book, or chasing her toddler around the house."
Victoria Hoey
Coach
Victoria Hoey was born and raised in San Diego. She earned her degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences and has over 6 years experience as a nanny. Her favorite subjects are child development and psychology. Her career goals are to be in social work and be an advocate for children. She loves to cook vegan dishes, play tennis, and hang out with her dog, Cedric.
Kai Gutierrez
Coach
Kai was born and raised in Southern California and recently moved back down to San Diego after graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and minor in Psychology. She has a background in Physical Therapy and worked as an aide for 2 years before starting at Brain Balance. Outside of coaching you can find Kai lost in the world of whatever book she’s reading that week, at the beach, rock climbing or out being a social butterfly with friends.
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Location
10175 Rancho Carmel Drive
Suite 124
San Diego, CA 92128
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858-324-5545
