Brain Balance of San Diego – Meet Our Staff
Our Team
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.
Katie Mello
Head 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.
Erika Martinez Barajas
Lead 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.
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.
Kayla Ducut
Sensory Motor Coach
Kayla Ducut, B.S. Kinesiology Movement Science
Brady Palmerin
Sensory Motor Coach
Brady Palmerin is currently studying Psychology and is a hard-working, passionate, kind individual. When he is not at school, he is always staying active whether it is running, surfing, snowboarding, or just getting outside. Brady loves to be out and about meeting new people.
Jenny Zhang
Sensory Motor Coach
Jenny Zhang is currently earning her degree in Cognitive Sciences and has a habit of always looking on the bright side of things. She is devoted to not only having fun while making progress but also making sure those around her find the fun, too. She is determined to never let the struggles of what makes us unique get in the way of living our best lives.
Mia Toll
Sensory Motor Coach
Mia Toll, B.S. Psychology and B.A Linguistics, dreams of making a difference in people’s lives using holistic wellness utilizing what she has learned on child development, early language, and therapeutic techniques. When she’s not at work, Mia likes to be out on her paddle board with her dog or cooking up something tasty in the kitchen.
BRAIN BALANCE CENTER OF SAN DIEGO
Brain Balance helps children who struggle behaviorally, socially, and academically through a holistic and integrated approach that is customized to meet the needs of each child.
Location
10175 Rancho Carmel Drive
Suite 124
San Diego, CA 92128
Phone
Hours
Mon-Thur 11am-7:30pm
Friday 11am-6:30pm
Saturday by appt only