Ashley Pena, LCSW
Clinical Director
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in CA, and received her Masters from Rutgers University. The State University of New Jersey. Overseeing the program, she utilizes the skills that were obtained working with different populations in fields such as residential treatment at AMFM, the foster care system, Special Education within a High School, and non-profit agencies. Her belief system is focused upon the strength-based approach, where she assists clients in identifying their own undiscovered resiliency.
Ashley sees the benefits of utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution-focused brief therapy in individual and group settings. Ashley is passionate about vulnerability and feels that vulnerability is the foundation of evolving and growing as an individual.
Jordan St. Pierre, LCSW
Clinical Coordinator
Jordan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with an undergrad in Social Work and Human Services and obtained her Master’s in Social Work- mental health focused with a sub-concentration working with military families from the University of Southern California. She has been working within treatment centers as an individual and family therapist for the past 8 years after gaining early experience serving homeless veterans within a non-
profit organization.
She has extensive experience working with adults experiencing persistent and severe mental health disorders and substance use disorders. During her years of practice, she has identified the benefits of focusing on one’s self-esteem in order to improve within themselves, specifically focusing on the here and now. She is highly trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which she utilizes within individual group, and family therapy sessions as well as solution-focused therapy and motivational therapy.
My therapy style is warm and nonjudgmental as I want all of my clients to feel they are in a safe environment when working with me. I believe in treating everyone as an individual and meeting my clients where they are during sessions.
Brynn Bailey MS. PA-C
Physician Assistant
Brynn Bailey MS. PA-C. has been practicing psychiatry for the last twelve years. She is passionate about helping her patients optimize their health, well-being, and happiness through a compassionate and comprehensive approach to treatment.
Brynn is a careful listener and collaborates with her patients to formulate a treatment plan that addresses each person’s unique needs while also leveraging their strengths and capabilities. She specializes in working with anxiety. depression, mood disorders, psychosis, eating disorders, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, and other conditions created by situational life stressors. She is distinguished by her kind and easy-going yet professional manner. Brynn’s focus is medication management with a supportive and collaborative treatment model.
Stephanie Vazquez
Intake and Discharge Coordinator
Stephanie Vazquez is the Intake and Discharge Mission Coordinator with Connection West and Mission Connection California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from studying at California State University Dominguez Hills. She is aiming to pursue a Masters in Family Therapy this ,following year to expand her education and be able to treat clients individually. Stephanie is bilingual in Spanish and is very passionate about mental health work. She enjoys helping clients feel supported as they begin their new journey of treatment with Mission Connection.
Krystina Rush
Nursing Administrative Assistant
Krystina is the Nursing Administrative Assistant for Mission Connection. She is currently pursuing her B.S. in Health Information Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and will be graduating next year. Krystina has a decade’s worth of experience in client relations and support services. Her mission here is to provide the best patient care possible and improve outcomes.
Carla Wickliffe, BA, MSW
Intake and Discharge Coordinator
Carle’s primary role as Mission Connection’s case manager is to assist and support individuals to gain access to services essential to meeting basic human services. This role assists clients in accessing needed medical care, housing, benefits, financial assistance, legal aid, and many other community services that support clients’ well-being.
Carle is currently a senior graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Social Work to serve in a clinical setting to support individuals in improving their mental health and well-being. Carle has a background in outpatient and community- based programs to support families, individuals, and adolescents with case management and mental health services.
Natalie Adkins, B.S
Client Experience Coordinator
Natalie is the Client Experience Coordinator for Mission Connection. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in clinical psychology from George Mason University in Virginia. She hopes to pursue her Master’s in Social Work during the following year. Natalie has previously worked in a variety of mental health settings, including one of the AMFM Virginia residential locations.
Natalie is bilingual in Russian and strives to continue her education in the mental health field. Natalie is dedicated to helping clients while they transition through the program, and she currently answers all mainline calls for Mission Connection.
Erika Esquivel, AMFT APCC
Primary Therapist
Erika is a bilingual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She received her Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. For her undergraduate degree, she attended the University of California, Irvine, and received her Baccalaureate of Arts in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Erika has special training and skill in working with individuals, couples. and groups to improve mental health dysfunctions by discussing emotions and experiences, then uniquely helping enhance the client’s effectiveness and their ability to cope.Erika has experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Gestalt Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy. Play Therapy, Parent-Child Relational Training, Brief Intervention Substance Abuse Training. Trauma Informed Care and is culturally sensitive.
She strives to establish a therapeutic alliance by meeting the client at their level while providing specific, realistic interventions to meet the client’s goals. She is passionate about normalizing mental health treatment. breaking cultural stigmas, and improving mental health care accessibility.
Quintin Wise, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor and Primary Therapist
Quintin earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has always had a passion for helping people and feels grateful that he gets to do it for a living. Quintin is especially passionate about working with adolescents and their families. Being a teenager in today’s world can be difficult for a number of reasons.
Quintin helps teens and their families navigate this time by gaining a clear idea of what is currently happening in their lives, collaboratively identifying problem areas. and working together with them in designing goals and specific action steps to achieve these goals. Quin prides himself on making the therapeutic process a positive and collaborative one, energizing and empowering his clients to create the change they want.
Marquisha Harden, ACSW
Clinical Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Marquisha Harden is an Associate Clinical Social worker serving as a group facilitator and primary therapist based out of Sacramento, CA. As a recent MSW graduate. she hopes to provide inclusive mental health services that encourage, inspire, and heal. Marquisha leads several groups focused on trauma-informed care and healthy living. She practices a collaborative approach with her clients, helping them to achieve their goals.
She strives to establish a therapeutic alliance by meeting the client at their level while providing specific, realistic interventions to meet the client’s goals. She is passionate about normalizing mental health treatment. breaking cultural stigmas, and improving mental health care accessibility.
Dr. Ike Kerhulas, Ph.D., LMFT
Primary Therapist
Dr. Ike Kerhulas served Maryvale as Vice President of Clinical Services in 2011, overseeing Maryvale’s Residential-Based Treatment Program. Emergency Placement Center, Mental Health Services, Transitional Housing Program, and the Family Resource Center. Dr. Ike came to Maryvale from the Child Abuse Prevention Center where he was the Director of Mental Health Services for four years. Prior to that position, Dr. Ike served as Chief Executive Officer for ACTS for Children. Clinical Director at McKinley Children’s Center. Vice President of Programs at Casita de San Jose, and Quality Assurance Manager at Tri-City Mental Health Center. Dr. Ike has provided consulting services for the Santa Ana Unified School District. Dr. Ike has maintained a private practice since 2011 and often provides consultation to mental health organizations.
He specializes in working with children and adolescents, with depression, anxiety, and trauma.Dr. Ike holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University Northridge. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the American Psychological Association.
Alexa Farraj, LMFT
Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Alexa earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Alexa has always wanted to be in the helping profession and is passionate about mental health. She wants to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and safe during a therapy session. Alexa takes a collaborative approach when working with clients to create a plan that works for them and their goals to empower them.
Payton Purcell, APCC
Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Welcome! As a therapist, I am dedicated to helping people live, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families on their unique journeys toward healing and growth.In my personal life, I enjoy a variety of hobbies in activities, including sports. traveling, spending time, outdoors, and hiking. These experiences have taught me the importance of self-care, and the value of exploring new environments and perspectives.Professionally, I work with individuals across the Lifespan from children to adults, in both group and individual settings. My experience includes working with diverse populations on a wide range of issues. such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and difficulties in life transitions.As a therapist, I strive to create a warm and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I use a client-centered, strength-based approach. that emphasizes collaboration, empathy. and respect. I believe therapy is a unique opportunity for personal growth and transformation, and I am honored to be a part of all my clients’ journeys.
He specializes in working with children and adolescents, with depression, anxiety, and trauma.Dr. Ike holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University Northridge. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the American Psychological Association.
Lisa Neumann, BHP
Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Alexa earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Alexa has always wanted to be in the helping profession and is passionate about mental health. She wants to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and safe during a therapy session. Alexa takes a collaborative approach when working with clients to create a plan that works for them and their goals to empower them.
Jauron James, MSW
Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Kayla Gard, ACSW
Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Kayla is a primary therapist with Mission Connection CA and Mission Connection Teens. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science at Grand Canyon University in Psychology with an emphasis in trauma-informed care and her Master’s degree in Social Work for adult mental health at the University of Southern California. She is licensed as an associate clinical social worker (ACSW). Kayla has always had a passion for working with others and helping people navigate through difficult life changes, emotional regulation, challenges with self-identity and relationships, and trauma. Kayla assists her clients by setting realistic goals in their treatment and addresses each client with inclusiveness, and respect. care and without judgment. She considers herself to be a warm and direct therapist who combines compassion, openness, education and down-to-earth humor as essential parts of her client-centered therapeutic approach.
Gabriel Brand, AMFT, APCC
Group Facilitator & Primary Therapist
Gabe earned his Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling at California State University.[ Fullerton. He is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Gabe has a background in substance abuse and in helping people heal from the disease of addiction. He has a passion for working with teens and their families and helping them navigate the unique challenges they face in today’s world. Gabe is person-centered and solution-focused.
He strives to create a safe space to embark on a journey of self-exploration and collaboratively develop attainable goals. He focuses on developing trusting relationships with his clients by connecting authentically, with warmth, empathy, honesty, and humor. Gabe encourages autonomy and empowerment and aims to help clients gain the ability to make positive changes in their lives.
James Johnson
Group Facilitator & Personal Trainer
Jimmy is a multi-certified health and wellness expert working in the fitness industry for over 25 years. His current passion is working in the mental wellness industry, as well as working with clients in recovery to design workouts and tools to help clients re-direct and feel their best. Jimmy works with clients of all ages and fitness levels. He has also developed and owns a small business specializing in fitness and personal training. Additionally. Jimmy has worked alongside a physical therapist, as well as an Orthopedic Surgeon designing and executing workouts for clients with sports- related injuries.
Kaela Saez, MBSR, DVAT
Group Facilitator
Believing that mindfulness, movement, and meditation make natural companions to the self-healing process. Kaela Saez hopes to share with others the warm clarity that these practices have cultivated in her life, as well as the tools to achieve it. Her latest platform of work has been the incorporation of stress management through trauma-sensitive MBSR practices. Kaela currently educates those struggling with mental health and addiction, teaching them how to feel safe in their bodies and minds allowing them to establish greater self-regulation through conscious awareness, and offering the foundation they need for emotional resiliency.
Leslie Lawrence, MT-BC, NMT
Group Facilitator
Leslie Lawrence is a board-certified music therapist and a certified neurologic music therapist. She sees music as a powerful tool in therapy to help individuals overcome mental health challenges. She earned her BA in music therapy and minor in Psychology from Berkeley College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and later received her certification in neurologic music therapy. She has been practicing music therapy professionally for 3 years within inpatient behavioral health hospitals, outpatient mental health facilities, senior living facilities supporting those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and community-based programs in the North Seattle area.
Alejandra Betancourt, MSW Clinical Intern
Group Facilitator
Alejandra is an intern with Mission Connection and a social work student at the University of Southern California. She has been working with veterans as a case manager for ten years. Her aim is to help veterans transition smoothly into civilian life and ensure they receive the emotional support and resources needed to succeed. Alejandra leads the grief and loss group to develop her knowledge in aiding individuals exposed to trauma. After interning as a medical social worker at PIH Health Whittier, where she provided emotional support and advocacy for patients and their families in the ICU, cardiac, and medical-surgical floors she gained a passion for providing awareness and care for others. Alejandra was also a volunteer crisis counselor for many years for the Crisis Textline before starting her Master’s of Social Work education at USC. She is a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish and works to help others achieve their greatest potential.
Kristi Wilson, Ph.D
Creative Writing Group Facilitator
Kristi Wilson teaches Writing at a university in Southern California and facilitates a group on Writing and Creativity at Mission Connection. Kristi has been a professor for over 20 years with a specialty in visual arts, film and media, and literature. While she typically teaches academic writing in the higher education setting, she is excited to focus on creativity and writing at Mission Connection. In addition to teaching, Kristi owns and runs an online Latin American art gallery and is on the editorial board at two academic journals. Kristi hopes to bring her enthusiasm for the transformative power of writing and creativity to her clients at Mission Connection.
Michael Phillips, MSW Student
Clinical Group Facilitator
Michael is an intern with Mission Connection and is a current Master of Social Work student at the University of Southern California. Michael leads a group on codependency on Thursdays for Mission Connection California, as well as helping to co-facilitate other groups. He is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and strives to work hard as part of the Mission Connection team to ensure quality care for all clients.
