Therapists & Administrative Personnel at Balance Treatment
Ronald D. Sager, M.D
Adult, Child and Adolescent, and Addiction Psychiatry; Psychoanalysis; Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
"With medications, we meet the clients halfway. We want to reduce their discomfort but not to a point where they are not able to access their feelings. This is the point to best utilize therapy"
Board Certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry
Jennifer Cusack
Management
I am humbled and inspired by the courage revealed by every person that comes to us for help. That show of strength and human spirit is what pushes me every day. Everywhere we turn is an opportunity to serve others. We must start looking at these moments deliberately. I see a synchronistic relationship among us all on this planet. Service to others is not only a passion and joy, but it is my responsibility. Our actions, no matter how small, have energy – energy that ripples. I want the ripple effects of my actions and the work we do at Balance to reach far and wide as positive and powerful service to others.
Chief Operating Officer
Gali Gill
Trauma, Psychodynamic, Group Therapy, EMDR
I am passionate about trying to create an environment in which our clients and our staff can thrive, feel cared for, challenged and respected so that they can all be their best selves. I have always done what I do for the same reason and that is so I can support clients compassionately, while holding their pain, being with them and accepting them unconditionally. Working with clients has allowed me to learn from the most resilient teachers.
Clinical Director - Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Jeff Bernal
Management
I knew that I wanted to be a part of a system that does good for humanity. Making a living while making real change for good. Working amongst people that feel the same way about their work is often an unrecognized benefit. Working with people who are passionate about contributing positivity to the universe is an incredible luxury. We are on this beautiful blue-green sphere for a finite amount of time. How we spend it says a lot about who we are. I need to know I'm spending it spreading love, joy, and positivity into the universe. I believe it matters. Balance is a perfect vehicle for people like me to give good in life.
Director of Operations
Jenny Rogge
Mentalization Based Treatment, CBT, Mindfulness Based CBT, Psychodynamic, Psychosis, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence
I think of the impact I have on people's lives. I remember the moments when I provided a safe place for someone to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. I remember the reward of seeing a client struggling when they first come in and then finding some relief by the time they leave. I choose this work because it is hard. I choose this work because I want to impact not only the lives I touch but the people around me. I want to leave this world knowing I made a difference and I am lucky enough to be able to make that difference every day.Balance is a warm, supportive, environment that provides the opportunity for growth not only for clients but for staff as well. I am so happy I get to come to work and be surrounded by people who exhibit similar goals and values as my own.
Director of Programming - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Coraline Robinson
Psychosis, Psychodynamic, Child & Family Assessment, Group Therapy
From the people we serve every day, I learn the answers to change, growth, recovery and life transitions. Clients have the answers, not only in their words, but in their behavior, interaction with others and struggles. I learn about strength, resiliency, the depth of pain and compassion and with this I know we are all in this together. Sooner or later, we will be in each other's shoes, to some extent, and we will remember those we have helped and witnessed, in our own struggles.
Director of Outreach - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Lesley Andrews-Wise
Domestic Violence, Trauma, Adolescents, EMDR
I believe we all need guidance and compassion in our times of need ortransition. It’s a basic human need to be heard. I know therapy is beneficialbecause a neutral, nonbiased, and compassionate professional is something thatwe all benefit from during these times.
Program Supervisor – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Mor Comstock
Trauma, Substance Abuse, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting
I believe in the power of compassion, understanding, and professional care in supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. It's a privilege to be a part of their healing process and provide a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive.
Program Supervisor – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Mark Taylor
CBT, Trauma, Trauma-focused CBT, Group Therapy
As a therapist, I believe that my work is related to the phrase, "set at liberty them that are bruised". I have been broken and bruised emotionally in my life and I have been healed and restored because of caring individuals like the staff I work with. As a program supervisor, I believe that my work is related to supporting and providing the tools necessary to fulfill the calling of helping others that our staff is passionate about. As a peer, I believe that my role is to work arm-in-arm with my team to support our staff. As an employee of Balance Treatment Centers, I believe that I am right where I am supposed to be.
Program Supervisor – Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Sunny Nall
Psychosis, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, Child & Family Assessments
I chose this line of work due to the lack of support my mother received when raising 5 children alone, along with having an untreated mental health disorder. I believe that the work I do brings me as much, if not more, than the staff and clients I am supporting. I am in a career where I feel good about what I do and how much I learn from the people we work with and work for. I am consistently in awe at how resilient people can be with some support, empathy, and empowerment, no matter how drastic their circumstances might be.
Program Supervisor – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Zach Catania
CBT, Adults, Motivational Interviewing, Adults, Group Therapy
I choose to work in this field because of the amazing opportunity to provide support and care for individuals during a time where we are seeing such an increase in awareness around mental health. I believe that mental health is an extremely important aspect of the self that must not be ignored, or else other aspects of our lives can be at risk.
Therapist Lead – Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Melissa Scagnelli
DBT, Psychodynamic, Adults, Group Therapy
There have been times when I was struggling in my life and found great help in working with caring individuals in the field. Having the ability to form trusting, authentic and nonjudgmental relationships allowed me to see positive change in my life. I felt compelled to transition careers so that I could have a similar impact on the lives of others. In previous jobs, it was just that; a job. I had no sense of personal value and connection. In this role, it is not a job and not work, it is a calling, a passion and a community. At Balance in particular it is a culture of family, relationships and helping each individual--employee and client alike--thrive.
Therapist – Associate Clinical Social Worker
Griffith Jennings
Psychodynamic, Trauma, Group Therapy, Domestic Violence
Working with the clients I get to serve each day, I am constantly reminded of the beauty of resilience.
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Marisa Cortez
Family Systems, Mood Disorders, DBT, Group Therapy
From working with our clients, I learn that everyone is so unique and similar at that same time. Everyone has had their unique life experiences but we all tend to cope and respond in very similar ways. And that alone should encourage more people to reach out to others when they are feeling down because there will always be someone out there who understands.
Therapist – Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Rosemarie Aguilar
CBT, Domestic Violence, Trauma, Child and Family Assessment
I knew from an early age that I wanted to make a difference in the world by means of helping others. As someone who has endured traumatic experiences, I always go in with a mindset of wanting to support others in a way that I wish I had when I was experiencing something traumatic. I also feel cultural representation is important. Latinx/Hispanic culture is slowly embracing the idea that we need to be talking about the impact of intergenerational trauma that our ancestors have endured. We need more compassion and empathy in the world.
Therapist – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Marissa Cruz
Motivational Interviewing, ACT, Mood Disorders, LGBTQIA+
I have a passion to help others through their life journey. I love to hold a safe space for others to be themselves. It's an honor to be trusted with another person's deepest feelings, secrets, and thoughts.
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Paige Ceylan
Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based CBT, Psychodynamic, Group Therapy
I chose to do this work because I have received support on my own journey and believe in the power of human connection. I chose to do this work because it's hard and makes a difference. Our lived experiences, whether similar or not, share the common thread of humanity, which invites us to connect with one another through emotions, perspectives, feedback, and support.
Therapist – Associate Clinical Social Worker
Jessica Cohen
Seeking Safety, Mindfulness-based CBT, Psychodynamic, Child & Family Assessment
I believe that the work that we do here is so valuable. Sometimes, people don't feel that they have the space to share what they have been through and talk through their feelings. Being able to provide that for them is something that I do not take for granted. One thing I always try to remind myself and my clients, is that practice makes progress.
Therapist – Associate Clinical Social Worker
Andrea Templeton
DBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Adolescents, EMDR
Throughout our journey on earth, we are all interconnected through certain commonalities such as language, culture, foods, location, upbringing, siblings, schools, interests, talents, etc. Whether we like it or not, our positive and negative experiences impact us and others daily as we are meant to live as social beings. I believe every human has value, potential, and purpose. I have been fortunate enough to interact with so many incredible people through suffering and joy. I have had mentors, leaders, teachers, therapists and professionals pour into my life, gently point out my blind-spots and shortcomings, and help me learn and grow through all sorts of challenges. I feel honored to be able to serve and support others during our shared journey.
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Melody Grigg
Trauma, ACT, DBT, Internal Family Systems
I feel honored and grateful to be a part of so many client's lives. Through this work everyone gets to grow together and make space for the parts of ourselves that need to be seen and heard. Just being with one another is a huge part of healing. It's tough and draining sometimes to be with our pain, but so worthwhile when we start seeing the fruits of our efforts: connection, joy, confidence, clarity, authenticity, and peace. Healing ourselves makes the whole world a little bit brighter and I love being a part of that process.
Therapist - Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Omar Jimenez
CBT, Adults, Motivational Interviewing, Adolescents
I choose to do this work because, every day, I learn from our clients what their strengths, challenges, and coping mechanisms they have. I believe that as a therapist I help people achieve their goals and help them shed the weight that has been holding them back from living the life they desire.
Therapist – Associate Clinical Social Worker
Katie Tevere
Trauma, Substance Abuse, DBT, Group Therapy
I chose to become a therapist because I want to be able to help those who are struggling; to ease their pain, even if it's just a little bit. I want to make a difference in people's lives and in society and to be around people who are growing and changing. It is a privilege for me to be on a journey with my clients. I have learned that people are incredibly resilient, and are capable of growth and change, even through pain.
Therapist – Associate Clinical Social Worker
Angelica Hernandez
CBT, Mindfulness-Based CBT, DBT, Group Therapy
The decision to be a therapist was quite personal for me. Therapy saved my life and if I can do the same for at least one person, then I can feel like I've served my purpose. The clients I see teach me so much about resilience and are always expanding my world view with their stories and wisdom!
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Williams
CBT, Screen/Gaming Addiction, Psychodynamic, Group Therapy
I choose to do this work because I believe my natural strengths and interests are in this field, and it provides me great professional meaning. I also observe that many people are increasingly lonely and sometimes it takes just one person to make a difference in their lives. I may not always get to be this person for everyone, but if I can make a difference, at least once, then all the difficulties that surround this work will be worth it all.
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Jasmine Khan
CBT, Adults, Adolescents, Group Therapy
My passion for helping others and for mental health is at the heart of what I do. It is such an honor for me to hold space for my clients. I enjoy getting to see my clients grow as they break unhealthy cycles and patterns and start to live a life that's fulfilling and nourishing.
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Melodee Quiroz
Mood Disorders, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
I decided to work in this field because I receive gratification watching and experiencing with clients as they make progress towards their personal goals. There is no other work I would choose to do.
Therapist – Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
They are trained in a broad range of techniques which enable them to help create actual change with our clients rather than stopping at simply helping them try to hold it together.”