Meet Our Team
Ervey Salinas, LMFT
Ervey Salinas, LMFT
Chief Programs Officer - Campus
Ervey Salinas has been the Senior Director of Residential Programs since 2018. Before taking on that title, Ervey worked in a variety of positions at SDCC, including Clinical Supervisor, Intake Coordinator, and Program Manager of both Children and Adolescent Residential programs. Ervey holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and a Bachelor of Arts with a Field of Emphasis in Business and Leadership Studies. Prior to joining the team at SDCC, Ervey worked in inpatient psychiatric treatment, residential programs, and private practice.
What Ervey loves most about SDCC’s Residential Program is helping make a difference in the lives of children and families. “It’s an honor being part of a team that has such a passion for the well-being of youth and families.”
In his spare time, Ervey enjoys traveling and spending time with his two rescue dogs.
Mariana Bordas, LMFT
Mariana Bordas, LMFT
Director of Admissions & Outreach
Mariana started out as a therapist in the residential program and then became an Intake Coordinator, and now is the Director of Admissions & Outreach. Mariana worked for many years as a social worker with children and adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting. She has also worked in private practice and community clinics. Mariana enjoys staying connected to her Mexican heritage through traveling to see family and providing services in her native tongue of Spanish to families seeking services at SDCC. Mariana is kept very busy with two young children at home.
Rachel Glovinsky, ASW
Rachel Glovinsky, ASW
Admissions Manager
Rachel Glovinsky is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned a Master’s degree in Social Work. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Prior to joining the San Diego Center for Children team, Rachel worked as a Clinical Intern supporting the mental health needs of transitional aged youth (ages 16-25) through a full-service partnership program based in LA County. Rachel also has experience providing independent adoption services to a diverse caseload of families through her time as an Adoption Specialist Intern with the California Department of Social Services. In her work as an intake coordinator, Rachel is passionate about connecting youth and their families to services that best supports their individual needs. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Marissa Jones, LCSW
Marissa Jones, LCSW
Director of Residential
Marissa Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University of San Marcos, and a bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Marissa has worked with children, adolescents, and families at SDCC's residential setting since 2016 and has gained clinical experience in a variety of roles, including Intake Coordinator, Program Therapist, Lead Therapist, and Clinical Program Manager. Marissa enjoys providing direct care services, in addition to supporting Clinical and Management teams to promote the wellbeing and success of youth and families.
Yasmin Williams, LMFT
Yasmin Williams, LMFT
Clinical Manager of Children's Residential Program
Yasmin Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds a master’s degree from San Diego State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, also from San Diego State University. She has been working in the mental health field for several years in a variety of settings such as home-based, school based, and currently in our Residential setting. She has worked with a vastly diverse population of youth and their families. Yasmin started as a Residential Therapist at SDCC and is now the Director of Residential Programs. She has a passion for therapeutic play, supporting youth, families, and the Residential team in promoting the overall success in the youth and families served.
Kristen Corkum, LPCC
Kristen Corkum, LPCC
Kristen is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Nationally Certified, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) therapist. She holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from the Boston University School of Medicine since 2012. Prior to joining the San Diego Center for Children, Kristen was the Assistant Clinical Director at an intensive, residential treatment facility offering individual, family, and group therapies to youth and providing supervision and training to residential staff. She also served as a Clinical Supervisor and Trauma Studies Professor at Boston University School of Medicine for graduate medical students. In April 2020, Kristen was a guest speaker at the Association of Children’s Residential Centers (ACRC) 64th National Conference where she co-facilitated a presentation on recognizing and preventing the exploitation of youth in congregate care; highlighting the underrepresented needs and strengths of youth in residential systems and enhancing how families are supported.
As the Supervisor of Training at SDCC, Kristen has a passion for delivering trauma-informed, evidenced-based care and providing staff with empowering tools to enhance youth-centered, family-driven treatment. She believes that compassion, trust, and collaboration in treatment are essential components to healing and reminding youth that their voice and choice matters.
Christine Roberts, ASW
Christine Roberts, ASW
Lead Clinician
Christine Roberts is the Lead Clinician at San Diego Center for Children. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Southern California. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and adolescents and 6 years of professional experience providing therapeutic services to ages 2-18. In the future, she would like to pursue Macro Social Work.
Kimara Houseman, LMFT
Kimara Houseman, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor
Kimara received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in child development from the UCSD, and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from USD. In 2014, Kimara started working as a Residential Therapist at San Diego Center for Children. During this time, she helped advocate for youth, promoted gender-affirming care initiatives, and connected families with Transitional Age Youth programs. Knowing firsthand the rewarding yet challenging role residential therapists have, Kimara was enthusiastic to return to the Center in 2021 as a Clinical Supervisor.
Kimara’s passion for working with youth has led to over a decade of clinical experience in outpatient, hospital, and residential settings working with a variety of mental health challenges. Kimara also owns a private practice and has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, suicidal ideation, and maternal mental health.
Kimara has always been inspired by San Diego Center for Children’s values, the people who work there, and the positive impact the organization has on the community. She aspires to emulate the Center’s values through her work. When Kimara is not working, she enjoys chasing around her own energetic children.
Tina Poyser
Tina Poyser
Tina is a vital part of our Intake Team. Tina’s role is to help families understand and navigate services and their benefits. Tina comes to the Center with extensive experience working in the juvenile justice system by providing case management to youth on probation. Tina enjoys spending time with her family, working out, hiking, and playing Play Station.
Brianna Adame, AMFT
Brianna Adame, AMFT
Intake Coordinator
Brianna Adame is an Intake Coordinator and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at San Diego Center for Children’s Residential Treatment Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.
Her clinical background includes serving as a Family Therapist within the Center’s Foster Family Stabilization Treatment (FFAST) program, where she supported youth and caregivers in strengthening relationships and building stability. Prior to her work with children and families, she provided mental health support to adults experiencing homelessness and transitioning out of hospital settings, helping them access care, resources, and a path toward greater wellbeing.
Across all roles, she is passionate about creating a safe, collaborative environment where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered. She believes deeply in amplifying youth voices and supporting families as they navigate treatment together. Her goal is to help each child build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive beyond treatment.
Taylor Flinn
Taylor Flinn
Clinical Admissions Coordinator
Taylor is an associate marriage and family therapist with extensive experience across a range of mental health settings, including residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and private practice. She has supported children, adolescents, and families both as an admissions coordinator and as a therapist, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the treatment journey from first contact through ongoing care.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development from California State University San Marcos and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Taylor brings a warm, grounded, and collaborative approach to her work. She strives to create a safe, trusting environment where children and families feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.
Juliana Cohen, AMFT, APCC
Juliana Cohen, AMFT, APCC
Residential Therapist
Juliana Cohen, AMFT, APCC is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego. She earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University.
Juliana provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. She has experience working in school-based and community mental health settings, including Monarch School, where she collaborated closely with educators and support teams to provide holistic care.
Her approach integrates evidence-based practices such as CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, and DBT, alongside play, art, and mindfulness-based interventions. Juliana values curiosity, empathy, and cultural humility, and is committed to creating a supportive space where clients feel understood and empowered.
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Lily Discher, AMFT, APCC
Lily Discher, AMFT, APCC
Residential Therapist
Lily Discher is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who holds a master’s degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She has previous experience providing mental health and bereavement support to adult and pediatric patients in hospice and their loved ones. She also has experience providing bereavement services in the home, in schools, and in counseling centers to youth of diverse backgrounds. Lily strives to support clients through client-centered, trauma-informed care and is committed to fostering a safe and exploratory environment that promotes healing and integration.
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Gabby Kligis, ASW
Gabby Kligis, ASW
Gabby Kligis holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She has worked with children, adolescents and their families in hospitals, outpatient, and residential settings with substance use and mental health diagnoses for the past 12 years. In her work, Gabby utilizes a variety of evidenced based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness techniques. Gabby is passionate about working with individuals and their families to improve relationships, increase self-esteem, and promote overall wellbeing.
Julian Lopez
Julian Lopez
Residential Therapist
Julian Lopez holds a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University, with a focus on increasing access to responsive behavioral health care for underserved communities. Julian has experience working with youth and families across settings, including providing trauma-focused therapy to children and caregivers impacted by abuse and adverse experiences, as well as delivering individual and group therapy in residential and outpatient substance use treatment programs.
Prior to becoming a therapist, he worked as a Residential Counselor supporting foster youth, an experience that shaped his passion for clinical work in residential care. Julian focuses on creating affirming, strengths-based therapeutic environments and incorporates interactive and experiential approaches to help youth build coping skills, explore emotions, and strengthen relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog and engaging in creative hobbies.
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Anthony Munoz, AMFT
Anthony Munoz, AMFT
Residential Therapist
Anthony Munoz, AMFT, is a Residential Therapist for The San Diego Center for Children's Residential Program. He earned his MA in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Latinx Mental Health from Antioch University Santa Barbara and holds a BA in Psychological & Brain Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Prior to his current role, Anthony worked extensively with youth and families within the public education system as a school-based therapist. He has also dedicated time to supporting survivors of interpersonal violence through non-profit initiatives, promoting and leading holistic forms of mental health care. His practice is rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally resonant clinical care. Anthony is driven by a long-term goal to advocate for high-quality, accessible mental health services for marginalized and diverse communities.
When Anthony is not working, he enjoys spending time with family and going to the beach!
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Maia Neves, APCC
Maia Neves, APCC
Residential Therapist
Maia Neves is a current Residential Therapist here at the San Diego Center for Children. Maia's educational background includes earning a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of San Diego. Maia obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts on a Health and Human Concern track, minoring in Chemistry and Psychology, from Florida International University.
Prior to joining the San Diego Center for Children, Maia served as a Therapist at North County Lifeline. Here, Maia gained experience working with a diverse population of children and teenagers who were experiencing a wide array of mood or behavioral disorders. Maia was able to begin gaining experience supporting parents at North County Lifeline by running the free and accessible Parenting Support group, in order to assist the family system in learning new ways to support their child and family as a whole. At North County Lifeline, Maia was also able to work alongside teenagers experiencing probation and involvement with the juvenile justice system, in order to support them in identifying a path towards the life they wanted.
Maia also has experience and training working within the perinatal population, and couples work. Prior to joining the San Diego Center for Children, Maia was able to work with a local group practice, Well Mamas Counseling, where she was able to support parents within their reproductive journey. Maia's passion for supporting the family system continued to grow within this experience, where she felt interest in returning back to working with children and teenagers directly.
A goal for Maia is to sit in the difficult moments of life, with the youth here at the Center. Maia is passionate about exploring ways to best support youth in decreasing shame surrounding their own mental health experiences, and instead foster curiosity and self-compassion to support them in developing the life they want to lead.
And lastly, a fun fact about Maia is that she is nearly impossible to beat at Mario Kart!
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Leasel Piranian, ASW
Leasel Piranian, ASW
Residential Therapist
Leasel Piranian is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who received her master's degree in social work from California State University, San Marcos. She also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from San Diego State University. Prior to joining the San Diego Center for Children team as a residential therapist, Leasel served as an intern providing case management to transition aged youth in a school-based setting, connecting them to services to prepare them for adulthood. Leasel also gained experience in a partial hospitalization setting as a clinical intern working with youth ages 12-18 facilitating group therapy rooted in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Modalities. Leasel is passionate about providing client-centered care and helping youth and families. In her free time, Leasel enjoys playing music and spending time with her two cats.
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Melia Storey, ASW
Melia Storey, ASW
Residential Therapist
Melia holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Arizona. Throughout her career, she has worked with children and teens ages 2.5 to 17, along with their families, across school settings, outpatient programs, and now as a residential therapist at SDCC.
Her work is grounded in trauma‑informed care, and she focuses on creating a safe, empowering, and collaborative space for each youth. She integrates evidence‑based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and play‑therapy‑based interventions, tailoring her approach to each youth's developmental stage, strengths, and needs. She especially appreciates SDCC as she works with a multidisciplinary team prioritizing collaboration across different areas of expertise leading to comprehensive care.
Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and being outdoors whenever she can. She also enjoys scuba diving and appreciating the beauty of the ocean.
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Julio Wells
Julio Wells
Residential Therapist
Julio Wells (he/him/el) is an ASW Residential Therapist and a double alumnus of San Diego State University, where he earned both his bachelor's degree and Master of Social Work. He has experience working with diverse youth and families, including those in foster care, K–12 school settings, and home/school‑based mental health programs. Julio has worked closely with English language learner families in the City Heights community in San Diego, facilitating parent workshops focused on school engagement, academic achievement, and behavioral health. Clinically, he utilizes a holistic, strengths‑based approach that centers each youth’s voice, identity, and lived experience. His practice is guided by trauma‑informed and culturally responsive care aimed at helping youth and families cultivate resilience and meaningful relationships.
One of Julio’s favorite places to visit is Seattle, WA. He enjoys attending San Diego Padres baseball games, spending time with his two dogs (a boxer and a chihuahua), and playing video games.
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