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

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.

Kristin L P

Program Specialist

Kristin, B.S. Business Administration and Marketing, has worked in the hospitality industry for ten years and worked as an executive assistant for three years. Kristin 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.

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.

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.

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.