The San Diego Staff

2010 marks Hank Griffin's 30th year working with clients with severe mental illness. After a decade as a carpenter and housepainter, his earliest professional experiences were with non-traditional approaches to inpatient and day-hospital milieu treatment. Abidingly curious, Hank trained in family, group and body-mind psychotherapies. More recently he has blended relational and Ericksonian approaches to healing. In addition to his good fortune in learning from a host of exceptionally talented, innovative, and dedicated people (many of them clients), Hank remains grateful for the opportunity to call upon a smorgasbord of interventions as people design higher quality lives. Although nowhere evident within this bio, Hank believes in the power of humor.

As native of Northern California, and long-time resident of Los Angeles, Danielle came to Hanbleceya in August 2009 after working in a range of therapeutic environments including community mental health agencies and private residential settings. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Education from UCLA, Danielle worked as a director of a tutoring center in Los Angeles. Finding her work with the children and their families far more rewarding than managing the business aspects of the center, Danielle returned to graduate school to get her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. Currently, Danielle's clinical interests include body-mind approaches to psychotherapy as well as using transgenerational family therapy models to facilitate change and growth within the family and the individual. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys skiing and camping and listening to live music with her friends.

Julia grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she attended the University of Michigan and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and mathematics. She later moved to San Francisco to attend graduate school at Alliant International University where she received her doctorate degree in Psychology. While in San Francisco, Julia obtained a wide variety of clinical experiences in different settings, and with various disorders and populations. In 2010 Julia completed her internship at Kaiser Permanente’s psychiatry department in Los Angeles. Julia’s dissertation focused on implementing the use of technology in clinical practice, as she created a self-help website for individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. In her free time, Julia enjoys playing recreational soccer, and continues to be an adamant Michigan Wolverine Football fan. Julia joined the Hanbleceya team in October of 2010.

A native San Diegan, Kayla moved to the Los Angeles area where she completed a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s in Theology, and a master’s in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized training in Clinical Art Therapy. She began working in the mental health field in 2001 and has experience in residential, hospital, family clinic, school, and private practice settings. Kayla specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and accompanying mood, thought, trauma and substance abuse disorders. She primarily draws upon psychoanalysis, family systems, and attachment theory for case conceptualization, and she is skilled at using a variety of therapeutic techniques, particularly the modality of art therapy. Kayla seeks to foster an environment of warmth and safety where clients build on their strengths, heal from past wounds, and transform maladaptive patterns into healthy functioning. She enjoys, music, art, and outdoor adventures. Kayla joined the Hanbleceya team in December 2010.

Born and raised in Michigan, Ray is one of six children. He came to San Diego in 1983 while serving in the United States Navy. After discharging, Ray worked in construction until 1997 when he decided to make a major career shift by following his passion to help people. Ray later earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Development from Christian Heritage College then a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2005 Ray worked for the Phoenix House, a 40-bed adolescent drug treatment facility, where he counseled youth and families suffering from various addictions. For his final 3 years he served as their Deputy Director. Ray is currently working towards licensure as a Marriage and Family therapist. A father of three daughters, Ray has a great passion for helping others. Sometimes he can be found at one of the many lakes fishing with his youngest daughter, riding his Samurai through the local deserts or relaxing with guitar in hand by his pool with family and friends.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Kristina moved to California to attend the University of San Diego where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology and business administration. Kristina went on to attended graduate school at Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, in San Francisco where she received her doctorate in clinical psychology. She returned to New York in 2010 for her internship in Brooklyn at Interfaith Medical Center. During internship and in previous training Kristina has gained experience working with underserved populations, individuals in inpatient and outpatient treatment with a large variety of diagnoses, substance abuse treatment, and individuals with developmental delays. In her therapeutic approach, Kristina often uses psychodynamic and systems theories to conceptualize cases while implementing a variety of therapeutic interventions based on the client's needs. In her free time Kristina enjoys running, doing Bikram yoga, cooking, and spending time with friends. Kristina joined the Hanbleceya community in August 2011.

Originally from the east coast, Laura attended The College of NJ where she received bachelor degrees in psychology and education. Her experience as Program Director for Kauai Team Challenge Mentoring Program for Children of Prisoners provided a foundation for working cross culturally with Native Hawaiian families suffering from substance abuse and trauma related stress. Her doctoral research in substance abuse prevention and early intervention studied community healing completed alongside Native youth of the San Francisco Bay Area participating in the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA). While providing individual therapy, group therapy and assessment services in residential settings, inpatient psychiatric settings and Partial Hospitalization Programs, she has developed safety and stabilization groups for survivors of trauma that combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach coping skills, like mindfulness, relaxation, and assertion training, to help alleviate feelings of anxiety, increase feelings of personal safety, and help clients re-establish a healthy sense of control of themselves and their interpersonal relationships. In her free time she enjoys the ocean and listening to live world music with friends. Laura joined the Hanbleceya community in October 2011.

Kevin has dedicated his life to giving back to the community and helping others. Earning an A.S. degree in criminal justice, Kevin graduated salutatorian of his class. Today he continues his education in pursuit of a B.A. in psychology. Kevin has extensive knowledge of the 12 step-recovery model and volunteers his time as a member of San Diego's public information committee for young people in which he visits schools and speaks to students on the seriousness of drug addiction and alcoholism. A member of the Hanbleceya team since April 2008, Kevin's life experiences and past challenges are a source of inspiration to both himself and those he supports around him.

Born and raised in Southern California, Breanne graduated from San Diego State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. During her education at San Diego State University she studied abroad in Florence, Italy where she realized her passion for culture and diversity. It was through Breanne’s education and experience that sparked her interest in working with the mentally ill population. And from these experiences at Hanbleceya a general desire to help others has been achieved. She plans to further her education in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy and hopes to one day run her own private practice. Breanne joined the Hanbleceya team in September of 2007.

Born and raised in a small town in Maine, Meagan moved to San Diego in 2008 after receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Holistic & Integrative Studies from the University of Maine. She has worked as a supervisor at Hanbleceya's VisionQuest Adult Residential Facility in addition to her duties as a linestaff employee. In November of 2011, Meagan was promoted to the position of Linestaff Manager. Dedicated to continuing her work with helping the mentally ill population, she plans on returning to school in the fall of 2011 to earn her degree in Naturopathic Medicine. Meagan's career goal is to open a practice that utilizes conventional medicine, natural healing modalities and behavioral therapy. Meagan joined the Hanbleceya team in May of 2009.

A resident of San Diego since 2004, Caitlin attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2008. During her time at SDSU, Caitlin also studied pre-nursing with the intention of incorporating both psychological therapies with the implementation of nursing care plans. A member of Hanbleceya team since 2008, Caitlin plans to continue her education in mental health nursing and currently interns at Sharp Mary Birch NICU.

Joanna (Jo) grew up in San Jose, California then moved to San Diego to attend college where she graduated from San Diego State University in 2010 with her bachelor's degree in psychology. Jo currently attends Alliant International University working towards her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with foster children, at risk youth, and adults with mental illness in various settings. As a result of these experiences Jo decided to focus her career on helping others. She expects to complete her graduate studies by 2013 then continue working with the mentally ill population thereafter. In her free time, Jo enjoys the beach, friends, and family. Joanna joined the Hanbleceya family September 2010.

Born and raised in Southern California, Carrie is no stranger to Hanbleceya. While working as a Senior Case Manager for a Local Law firm specializing in social security law, Carrie has helped many Hanbleceya clients obtain their Social Security Benefits. Carrie has a background in Homeless Outreach Services including Legal Aide Volunteer for St. Vincent De Paul Shelter, Parolee Outreach, Veterans Services and Outreach Coordinator for the mentally ill. Carrie has been a part of the homeless and mentally Ill meetings/societies for the last 4 years. Carrie enjoys her "Brady-Bunch" on the weekends and looks forward to the many smiling faces at Hanbleceya daily.

Danielle, a native of San Diego, graduated from San Diego State University in 2002 with a degree in Social Science. After spending time in real estate and sales, Danielle realized her passion in life was to help others and joined the Hanbleceya team in January, 2011. She plans on continuing her education in mental health to support those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. During her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family.

Sierra Guptill was born and raised in San Diego. After spending almost 9 years in accounting, Sierra realized she had a passion for helping people and a strong desire to work with the chemically dependent as well as the mentally ill. Sierra went back to school and completed the alcohol and drug studies program at San Diego City College in 2011 and plans on returning to school in the Fall of 2012 for a bachelor's degree in psychology and eventually her masters degree in Marriage and Family therapy. Since joining the Hanbleceya team in July of 2011, Sierra has been promoted to a Case Manager and then most recently to House Manager. Her excitement and ambition to work in the mental health field is evident everyday. In her spare time, Sierra enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

A native of Northern California, Susan graduated from San Diego State University in May of 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Fueled by her passion to learn about people, their experiences and various cultures, Susan intends to further her education by obtaining a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her experience at Hanbleceya has provided an amazing opportunity to share her compassion for people while expanding her knowledge in the field of mental health. Susan joined the Hanbleceya family in May of 2009.

Tanya has been a dedicated employee of Hanbleceya since September 2006. Her educational background includes a Psychology major at Mesa College, a Certificate in Phlebotomy, and extensive personal knowledge of 12-step recovery programs. Working as a professional, she has supervision experience at a residential dual diagnosis treatment facility, and has acted on the fund raising board for Turning Point Recovery Home for Women. Most notably, Tanya enjoys helping clients learn semi-independent living skills so they can live a well balanced, fulfilling, and productive life. By focusing on the safety and well being of each client and their individual needs, Tanya has created great value for herself in the Hanbleceya community.