Call Today: (805) 892-6313
Request Consultation
dhcs banner background
dhcs logo
CDSS logo

Certified by the State Department of Health Care Services

Our Team

The quality of any residential mental health program begins and ends with its people. At Highlands in Bloom, we have assembled a multidisciplinary clinical team of licensed therapists, a PhD-level clinical director, a board-certified psychiatrist, credentialed facilitators, and dedicated behavioral health technicians who share one purpose: providing the highest standard of individualized care to every client who walks through our doors.

Every member of this team was selected not only for their clinical credentials and professional experience, but for their capacity to work meaningfully with the specific population we serve. Our clients are high-functioning adults, executives, professionals, caregivers, and leaders, who have spent years giving from depletion and who arrive at Highlands in Bloom ready, often for the first time, to prioritize themselves. The people on this team understand that population. Our intentionally small program size means that every client receives genuine personal attention from the people listed on this page, from the first day of their stay to the last.

  • Deanna Farnell
    Deanna Farnell
    CEO / Founder
  • Lisa Harris, QMHS
    Lisa Harris, QMHS
    Outreach Coordinator and Program Director
  • Rachel Farnell
    Rachel Farnell
    Marketing and Brand Director
  • Stacy McNeal, PhD, LMFT
    Stacy McNeal, PhD, LMFT
    Clinical Program Director
  • Dr. Todd Hill, D.O.
    Dr. Todd Hill, D.O.
    Medical Director and Psychiatrist
  • Megan Jones, LMFT
    Megan Jones, LMFT
    Primary Therapist
  • Dennis Noev, QMHS
    Dennis Noev, QMHS
    Case Manager and Facilitator
  • Jeffrey Harris, QMHS
    Jeffrey Harris, QMHS
    Facility Manager and Facilitator
  • Ryan Frayer
    Ryan Frayer
    Chef
  • Melissa Paulo, QMHS
    Melissa Paulo, QMHS
    Facilitator and Social Media
  • Cassidy von Kronemann, QMHS
    Cassidy von Kronemann, QMHS
    Facilitator
  • Ashley Student, LMFT
    Ashley Student, LMFT
    Primary Therapist
  • Kristina Beck, QMHS
    Kristina Beck, QMHS
    Facilitator
  • Samantha Whittle
    Samantha Whittle
    Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
  • Lenette Hamilton
    Lenette Hamilton
    Behavioral Health Tech
  • Emma Corbitt
    Emma Corbitt
    Behavioral Health Tech
  • Christopher O’Meara
    Christopher O’Meara
    Behavioral Health Tech
  • Dean Jasey
    Dean Jasey
    Behavioral Health Tech
  • Abraham Prieto
    Abraham Prieto
    Behavioral Health Tech
  • Raffaella Erickson
    Raffaella Erickson
    Behavioral Health Tech
  • Emily Burton
    Emily Burton
    Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
  • Brooklynn Udovich
    Brooklynn Udovich
    Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Licensed, Credentialed, and Accountable

Highlands in Bloom holds a California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Mental Health Program Certification (#MHBT250527), a California Department of Social Services (CDSS) license (License #195850591), and is accredited by The Joint Commission, the gold standard for independent healthcare quality and safety accreditation in the United States. The facility is also verified by Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, Recovery.com, Rehab.com, and SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov.

Our licensed clinical staff hold credentials including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and PhD designations. Our medical director holds board-certified psychiatric credentials. Our facilitators hold Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) credentials and work under direct clinical supervision. Every clinical hire reflects the specific demands of our population, and every team member operates within their licensed scope of practice under the oversight of our clinical director.

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees

Our Marriage and Family Therapist trainees work directly with clients under the close clinical supervision of our clinical director, Stacy McNeal, PhD, LMFT. All trainee client contact occurs within clearly defined supervision structures that meet California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements. Their training backgrounds span trauma-informed care, CBT, and somatic approaches, and their presence in the program reflects Highlands in Bloom’s commitment to both exceptional current care and the development of the next generation of skilled mental health professionals.

Our Facilitators

Our Facilitators hold Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) credentials and provide direct support to clients throughout the daily residential program. Working under clinical supervision, they support therapeutic programming, facilitate groups, assist with daily living, and ensure client safety and wellbeing across all hours of the day. Their consistent, caring presence in the daily life of the program forms a foundational layer of the attentive, individualized care that defines the Highlands in Bloom experience.

Our Behavioral Health Technicians

Our Behavioral Health Technicians provide hands-on, around-the-clock support to clients throughout the residential program. Working directly alongside clinical staff and under close supervision, they assist with daily living activities, offer immediate emotional support, monitor client wellbeing, and help maintain the structured, stable environment that effective residential treatment requires. Their presence across all hours of the day and night ensures that clients at Highlands in Bloom are never without attentive, responsive care. For many clients, the steady, grounding presence of our Behavioral Health Technicians becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their daily experience here.

FAQs

What are the credentials of the clinical team at Highlands in Bloom?

The clinical team at Highlands in Bloom holds a range of professional credentials appropriate to each role within the program. Our clinical director holds a PhD and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Our primary therapists hold LMFT licensure. Our medical director / psychiatrist holds board-certified psychiatric credentials. Our Facilitators hold Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) credentials and work under direct clinical supervision. MFT trainees carry out supervised client work in accordance with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements.

Highlands in Bloom is licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), holds a California Department of Social Services (CDSS) license (License #195850591), and is accredited by The Joint Commission. The facility is also verified by Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, Recovery.com, Rehab.com, and SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov, reflecting a broad and independently confirmed standard of clinical quality.

Stacy McNeal, PhD, LMFT serves as Clinical Program Director at Highlands in Bloom. Dr. McNeal holds a doctorate and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive clinical experience working with adults navigating complex mental health presentations, trauma, burnout, and stress-related conditions. She is also a registered yoga teacher, bringing an integrative perspective to her clinical work that aligns with Highlands in Bloom’s whole-person treatment philosophy.

As Clinical Program Director, Dr. McNeal oversees all clinical programming, supervises the full therapeutic team including MFT trainees, and ensures that every client’s individualized treatment plan reflects the highest standard of evidence-based care. 

Yes. Dr. Todd Hill serves as Medical Director and Psychiatrist at Highlands in Bloom. Dr. Hill provides psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis support, and medication management for clients where pharmacological intervention is clinically indicated. His role integrates fully into the clinical team, meaning that psychiatric decisions reflect the full clinical picture of each client rather than occurring in isolation from the broader treatment plan.

Medication is never a default approach at Highlands in Bloom. The clinical team considers it as one potential tool within a comprehensive, individualized treatment framework. For clients who arrive on existing psychiatric medications, Dr. Hill ensures continuity of care and evaluates whether any adjustments would better support their treatment goals during the residential stay. The presence of a dedicated medical director and psychiatrist on staff distinguishes Highlands in Bloom as a clinically rigorous residential program rather than a wellness retreat.

The primary therapists at Highlands in Bloom are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), a California state license requiring a graduate degree in clinical psychology or counseling, completion of 3,000 supervised clinical hours, and passage of the California MFT licensing examination. Our therapists bring this credential alongside specialized training in the modalities the program offers, including trauma-focused approaches, EMDR, CBT, and DBT.

Our Facilitators hold Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) credentials and work under direct clinical supervision to support therapeutic programming, facilitate groups, assist with daily living, and ensure client safety and wellbeing throughout the residential day. Highlands in Bloom also provides supervised training placements for Marriage and Family Therapist trainees, who work with clients under the close oversight of our licensed therapists and clinical director in full compliance with California BBS supervision requirements.

Yes. Ryan Frayer serves as the dedicated Chef at Highlands in Bloom, preparing every meal fresh on-site for our residential clients. The culinary program is not a catering arrangement or a contracted food service. Ryan works directly in the Highlands in Bloom kitchen in close collaboration with the clinical team, ensuring that every meal reflects both the functional nutrition philosophy of the program and the care and warmth that the residential experience requires.

The culinary program operates on a whole-food, vegetable-forward approach grounded in functional nutrition principles designed to reduce systemic inflammation, support gut integrity, and nourish the physiological systems that chronic stress, burnout, and autoimmune conditions most directly deplete. Individual dietary needs and food sensitivities are reviewed during the admissions process so that Ryan is prepared before each client arrives. 

The Highlands in Bloom team includes more than twenty named staff members spanning clinical, psychiatric, culinary, facilitation, and behavioral health roles. This staffing depth relative to our intentionally small client census reflects a deliberate commitment to individualized care that larger, higher-volume programs structurally cannot replicate. Your primary therapist maintains genuine depth on your case throughout your stay. Your clinical team communicates directly and regularly about your progress. The Facilitators present in the daily life of the program know who you are and why you are here, from the first day to the last.

For our clients, many of whom have spent their entire careers managing others while rarely prioritizing themselves, the experience of being genuinely attended to rather than processed is itself a meaningful dimension of recovery. Our program size makes that experience possible in a way that larger institutional facilities cannot. Together, the clinical team, the Facilitators, the chef, and the behavioral health staff form a coherent, collaborative environment built around one person at a time.

Deanna Farnell
CEO / Founder

Deanna is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in corporate management, financial strategy, and operational excellence. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CEO, CFO and COO she has built a distinguished career with a proven track record of success across various industries. Her deep expertise in business operations, coupled with her innate ability to lead teams and innovate, has made her a respected figure in both the corporate world and the wellness sector.

In the midst of her thriving career, Deanna was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, an experience that profoundly transformed her perspective on health and well-being. Facing the challenges of her diagnosis, she turned to holistic healing practices to regain her health and vitality. This personal journey led her to transition from the corporate world into a passionate advocate for integrated wellness. Drawing on her business acumen and her newfound commitment to holistic health, Deanna founded a Holistic Healing Center to help others achieve balance, wellness, and recovery.

Building on this success, Deanna expanded her vision to include a Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Center, focusing on providing compassionate, comprehensive care for those struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Her approach emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—creating a healing environment that nurtures recovery and empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Most recently, Deanna has launched a Residential Facility for Community Healing, furthering her mission to support and uplift individuals in need of long-term care. This facility is designed to provide a safe, nurturing space for healing, with a focus on community wellness, auto immune and mental health support. Under her leadership, the facility fosters a holistic approach to rehabilitation, integrating medical treatment, therapy, and natural healing methods.

Deanna’s journey—from a successful corporate executive to a pioneering force in holistic health and recovery—reflects her unwavering dedication to healing, empowerment, and community transformation. She continues to inspire others through her work, advocating for a compassionate, integrated approach to mental health and wellness.

Lisa Harris, QMHS
Outreach Coordinator and Program Director

Lisa (QMHS) is from Ventura, California, where she spent her formative years. With a rich administrative specialist background and comprehensive operations/management expertise, she leads a dynamic life filled with family, friends, and exciting escapades. Her greatest achievement lies in discovering her self-value and achieving equilibrium, allowing her to wholeheartedly embrace self-love. She regards this as pivotal for her ability to serve others to the fullest extent, as her true passion resides in making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Rachel Farnell
Marketing and Brand Director

As a magna cum laude graduate from California State University, Northridge, with a double major in Marketing and the Business Honors Program, and minors in Quality Assurance and Management, my academic achievements, coupled with professional experience as a Director of Asset Management for a multifamily private equity firm, provide a robust foundation for my role. Managing a billion-dollar portfolio has uniquely prepared me for my current position as Director of Marketing Assets and Event Coordination, especially as we explore the holistic healing and event space.

My past responsibilities, centered around achieving financial objectives and boosting operational efficiency, are now pivotal in managing marketing resources and orchestrating events effectively. This expertise is invaluable as we develop a versatile and adaptive space within a medical residential in-patient facility. This specialized healthcare center, offering continuous medical care alongside event spaces, aims to be a sanctuary for guest celebrations and healing experiences.

In this innovative environment, my aim is to seamlessly introduce our brand to individuals seeking solace and positive experiences. Through strategic marketing and meticulously planned events, we are dedicated to making a significant, positive difference in people’s lives, fostering a sense of wellbeing and connection.

I am enthusiastic about leading Highlands in Bloom into this new era, focusing on healing, community, and creating events that have a profound and lasting impact.

Stacy McNeal, PhD, LMFT
Clinical Program Director

Stacy McNeal (PhD, LMFT) is a licensed marriage and family therapist and yoga teacher. She has extensive training through research and clinical practice with treating symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, interpersonal conflict, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Stacy believes that sustainable healing approaches incorporate biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors, and addressing these includes a mind-body focus. She has experience with somatic approaches and mindfulness, which recognizes the body’s cues and uses grounding techniques to regulate the nervous system. Stacy also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Gestalt Therapy, and Family Systems approaches in individual, couples, and group sessions. These techniques can complement each other and have been clinically effective in treating several disorders.

Dr. Todd Hill, D.O.
Medical Director and Psychiatrist

Dr. Todd Hill (NPI) has been a psychiatrist for over 22 years. He is board-certified in General Psychiatry by the Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology. He moved to Southern California 3 years ago and has served as medical director for two psychiatric practices in Westlake Village and Encino. Prior to coming to LA, he owned his own private practice in Kansas City, Missouri for 10 years, was on staff as a consultation psychiatrist for multiple Kansas City hospitals and served as the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at one of the largest hospitals in the Kansas City Metro area. As a psychiatrist who believes in education, he served as Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Psychiatry at his alma mater, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.  Dr. Hill believes in common sense and compassionate care which includes educating his patients as much as possible about their illness and treatment (legal-medical work).

Megan Jones, LMFT
Primary Therapist

Megan received her MS in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from California Lutheran University, where she specialized in trauma healing and recovery. While at CLU, she worked as a research assistant, studying perinatal mood disorders and traumatic birth experiences. She practices through a trauma-informed lens, with emphasis on somatic (body) connection and fostering a secure attachment style. Megan is working toward certification in Ecotherapy (nature-based therapy practice). She believes the natural world is one of our most important companions for healing and connection. Megan has worked extensively as a group facilitator running mindfulness, expressive writing, grief and loss, chronic pain, and skills-based groups. She has also worked in community and school-based counseling programs. Prior to entering the mental health field, she worked as a theater instructor and storyteller, and enjoys bringing imagination and storytelling into therapy spaces as well.

Dennis Noev, QMHS
Case Manager and Facilitator

Dennis (QMHS) comes from a diverse background, primarily from the nonprofit sector. He began his studies in Political Science and Studio Art, two subjects that has inspired his journey for healing from the devastations of war in his country and the residual effects of generational trauma. His passion to work for underserved and marginalized communities has led him all over the world, from Union campaigns in NY to mentorship work in India and volunteer stints in major parts of SE Asia. He possesses personal knowledge within the recovery community ranging from sober living management to detox and residential care support. Throughout his journey back to the self, he has offered services as a Reiki Master, Sound Healing Practitioner, and Chakra Balancing Certified Coach with a holistic approach. His goal is to help others regenerate the body and mind in order to reconnect with the soul for a purposeful recovery.

Jeffrey Harris, QMHS
Facility Manager and Facilitator

A California native, Jeffrey (QMHS) is known for his unwavering commitment to lending a hand whenever needed. Transitioning from a background in construction, he redirected his career path toward the mental health sector, driven by a desire to engage in work that feels inherently fulfilling. This shift has ignited a profound sense of purpose within him, cultivating personal satisfaction and an insatiable drive for self-improvement. Jeffrey’s newfound calling fuels his passion to continue evolving and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Ryan Frayer
Chef

For the better part of fifteen years, my work in the culinary world has primarily been in the restaurant industry. From small businesses, large corporate operations, and residential treatment centers, I’ve experienced the many faces of what a career in the culinary field has to offer. With the skills and disciplines learned throughout, I am now impacting peoples’ lives in a more personal way. I strive to instill my knowledge and love of food in the people I have the pleasure of cooking for, hoping to show them the value and importance of food and it’s impact on our bodies. Along the way, I hope to demonstrate the passion and discipline that a Chef brings to the kitchen, and inspire individuals to take control of their lives and health through what they eat. With a focus on Autoimmune Protocol diets, I attempt to educate each client in how to live a more comfortable and healthy life through culinary knowledge and experience.

Melissa Paulo, QMHS
Facilitator and Social Media

Originating from Los Angeles, Melissa (QMHS) is a proponent of expansion and growth, drawing constant inspiration from her passion for travel and exploration. Her global travels have exposed her to numerous exquisite locales, yet she considers her inward journey to be her most significant expedition. This internal exploration guided her to the practices of Meditation, Yoga, and the transformative power of Sound Healing.

Following a pivotal decision to undertake a 200-hour RYT yoga teacher certification at Inner Power Yoga, Melissa’s life trajectory has evolved in unexpected ways, allowing her the privilege of instructing her own classes. Certified as a Level III Holy Fire Reiki (energy healing) practitioner and possessing intuitive expertise in Sound Healing, Melissa’s goal is to disseminate the knowledge and techniques she has acquired and continues to absorb as she progresses both personally and spiritually. In 2020, Melissa expanded her professional focus to include working within the realms of mental health and addiction, where she facilitates treatment groups employing an integrative approach that combines Eastern and Western methodologies to nurture healing of the body, mind, and spirit. She aspires to create a therapeutic, supportive, yet empowering environment, hoping to motivate others on their personal journeys toward discovering the inherent peace and joy within.

Cassidy von Kronemann, QMHS
Facilitator

Fairy (QMHS) brings a wealth of experience to Highlands in Bloom, nestled in the picturesque Old Agoura. With over ten years dedicated to the healing arts, Fairy’s expertise spans massage therapy, energy healing, chakra balancing, sound healing, and a passion for herbalism. She is deeply committed to providing a sacred space where individuals can find rest, healing, and a moment to embrace their inner divinity. Fairy embodies the spirit of healing and transformation, inspired by the wisdom of Rumi: “If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the light.”

Ashley Student, LMFT
Primary Therapist

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, compassionate, evidence-based care is provided to individuals navigating life’s challenges. With experience working with both adults and adolescents, the focus is on helping clients manage mental health concerns and build a path toward healing. Utilizing approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems therapy, treatment is tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.

Healing is viewed as a connection between biology, psychology, and social factors. By exploring the past, clients gain insight to create meaningful change in the present and future. With a warm and collaborative style, a safe space is fostered where clients feel heard and empowered. The goal is to support the development of resilience, strengthen relationships, and promote lasting well-being.

Kristina Beck, QMHS
Facilitator

Kristina Beck (QMHS), a vibrant 44-year-old originally from Oklahoma, has embraced the California lifestyle for the past 24 years. With a rich background spanning over 23 years in health, fitness, and life coaching, she has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the complexities of personal transformation. Her expertise extends to endurance running and obstacle course preparation, where she empowers individuals to push their physical limits while fostering mental resilience.

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, which complements her practical approach to coaching. Her education includes advanced training with Dr. Joe Dispenza, where she delved into the intricacies of personal change and the science behind transformation. This unique blend of business acumen and psychological insight allows her to convey competence and inspire those seeking to break free from detrimental habits and cycles.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Kristina is a passionate advocate for holistic well-being. She finds joy in animals, gardening, and music, and she has a keen eye for personal style and home design. Her love for wine and travel reflects her appreciation for life’s finer pleasures, while her interests in hiking, running, and flower design highlight her commitment to a balanced lifestyle.

Kristina’s intentions are clear: to lead with compassion and empower others to create lasting positive change. Through her work, she fosters a supportive environment where individuals can learn to embrace their potential and embark on transformative journeys. Her leadership is characterized by deep empathy and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, making her a beacon of hope for many on the path to personal growth.

Samantha Whittle
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Sam leads the somatic therapy activities at Highlands, creating immersive, educational, and healing experiences that help individuals reconnect with their bodies and build confidence in movement. With a background in kinesiology, experience as a physical therapist aide, and work as a yoga instructor, Sam has guided people in strengthening their bodies through mindful movement and body science. Currently pursuing a graduate degree in somatic therapy, Sam continues to deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection and the healing properties of movement. Committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment, Sam tailors sessions to individual needs, helping participants cultivate strength, resilience, and balance. It is a privilege to be part of each person’s healing journey at Highlands.

Lenette Hamilton
Behavioral Health Tech

Originally from the suburban areas of Philadelphia, Lenette brings over a decade of experience in healthcare and wellness to her role as a Behavioral Health Technician at Highlands in Bloom. With a strong background as a Certified Home Health Aide for 7 years, a Medication Technician, and a Resident Assistant for 2 years, Lenette is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to healing and wellness.

Her extensive experience in patient care, medication management, and behavioral support enables her to assist clients in navigating their recovery while fostering a safe and supportive environment. Beyond her professional qualifications, Lenette’s greatest accomplishment is raising her three boys, which has instilled in her a deep sense of empathy, patience, and resilience. These qualities deeply inform her approach to care, as she understands the importance of nurturing and supporting others through their individual journeys.

Emma Corbitt
Behavioral Health Tech

Emma is a dedicated mental health technician with a background in addiction counseling, now focused on mental health and wellness. She combines her expertise with a love for teaching pottery, using creativity as a tool for emotional healing and growth. Emma’s empathetic approach fosters self-expression, mindfulness, and confidence, helping individuals connect with their inner selves. Whether in a clinical setting or leading pottery classes, Emma is committed to supporting others on their journeys to wellness and recovery.

Christopher O’Meara
Behavioral Health Tech

Christopher is a certified Yoga instructor (since 2010) driven by a passion to help others manage pain, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, and overall reclaim a sense of ease and freedom of movement. Over the past decade, he has taught studio classes in cities across the U.S., including Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

In addition to his studio work, Christopher has served as a group facilitator in residential treatment facilities, using yoga as a therapeutic tool to ground individuals in the here and now. He believes that the ability to stay present is essential not only for physical health, but for mental and spiritual wellness as well.

Outside the studio, Christopher is deeply interested in modernist cooking and craft coffee, both of which reflect his curiosity and appreciation for mindful, sensory experiences.

Dean Jasey
Behavioral Health Tech
The life Dean leads is not complex or unique. He is a human with ups and downs. Shared time has a power that no materialistic object could ever possess, he believes. Dean has further come to embrace the simple truth that time is shared with all beings on Earth while wealth, property, and prestige are not. He concludes with the example “People get paid for their ‘time’, and so they start believing that time spent is the sale of a burden rather than a period of contentment and growth”.
Dean is involved in a 12-step program and has been clean since October of 2012. With this experience, he has become aware of the importance of giving back. He is approachable and humble. He values ‘time’.
Dean is an advanced musician who composes, arranges, and records his music with the use of a piano.
Abraham Prieto
Behavioral Health Tech
Abraham is currently enrolled at his local community college pursuing a career in the fire service. He was drawn to this profession following a life-threatening experience that revealed his capacity to remain composed, focused, and effective under significant pressure. This pivotal event prompted him to reassess his goals and intentionally redirect his life toward a path of public service.
For the past two years, Abraham has been employed in a treatment setting, where he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsibility, and a strong commitment to supporting individuals during vulnerable and high-stress situations. His work reflects both emotional maturity and a genuine dedication to helping others.
Upon completion of his EMT certification, Abraham intends to work on an ambulance to further develop his emergency medical skills while continuing his progression toward becoming a firefighter. His educational pursuits and professional experiences clearly align with his long-term objective of serving his community in critical response roles.
Abraham has shown intentional growth, resilience, and a sustained commitment to service, all of which position him well for a career in emergency services.
Raffaella Erickson
Behavioral Health Tech

Raffaella is a Behavioral Health Technician with a trauma-informed, somatic approach to mental health care. She believes healing lives in the body and supports individuals in reconnecting with safety, presence, and inner resilience through compassionate, attuned care.

As a certified yoga teacher, she weaves mindfulness, breath, and gentle movement into her work and every day – creating space for nervous system regulation and embodied healing. Her grounded, empathetic presence invites trust, self-connection, and a deeper sense of wholeness.

Beyond her professional role, Raffaella walks her own healer’s path-finding inspiration in creativity, music, and meaningful connection, and grounding her work in the wisdom, devotion, and growth that come with motherhood and holistic living.

Emily Burton
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Emily is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara, with a concentration in Somatics. She provides individual and group therapy, with a focus on relational, narrative, and parts-oriented approaches, and works collaboratively to create a supportive and connected environment for clients. With a background in theater, Emily brings curiosity and a sense of exploration to the interplay between story, emotion, and the body in the therapeutic process. She feels honored to support clients in their healing journeys at Highlands.

Brooklynn Udovich
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

I am a second year graduate student pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch University Santa Barbara with a concentration in Somatic Therapy. I lead with empathy and am deeply passionate about the care of others. While I believe talk therapy is valuable, I also recognize that it can only go so far; I view the mind- body connection as imperative to truly heal from within. I am committed to supporting individuals in reconnecting with their bodies and emotions as a pathway to deeper, lasting change.