Lacey attended graduate school at USC and received her Master of Social Work degree in December 2020. While attending graduate school Lacey had the opportunity to intern with a non-profit mental health agency that provided treatment to adults, teenagers, children, and families struggling with substance use and mental health. Prior to earning her master’s, Lacey worked as an occupational therapy assistant working with both adults and adolescents struggling with mental health and substance use. Her desire to help individuals stems from watching family members and friends struggle with mental health and/or addiction and not being able at a younger age to help in any capacity. Lacey has a firm belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and grow from their own past, and desires to aid individuals in this journey.

Over the last 4 years, Lacey has worked in a variety of mental health settings which include: inpatient residential working with clients diagnosed with mental health and substance use; private school working with children with behavioral and emotional regulation disturbances; and developing groups for agencies including behavioral modification, parent education on mental health, and women’s trauma.

Lacey found a calling working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with mental health and substance use, and those who feel society has outcasted them. Lacey utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatments to aid clients on their journey and always starts where the client is at. Two of Lacey’s top treatment modalities are trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and harm-reduction.

Lacey enjoys traveling, thrift shopping, drinking iced coffee, hanging with her husky, and being at the beach.

Emily began her yoga journey at 14 years old as a helpful coping skill to get her through some difficult times. At age 22, when she was diagnosed with Bipolar II and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Emily decided to make yoga a career. Her own struggles with mental health motivated her to become a 200 Hour Certified Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor. Emily strives to aid those who struggle with mental illness, helping them to heal by using the gentle technique of trauma-informed vinyasa yoga. This style of yoga provides a safe space for those who have experienced trauma and allows them to deepen their relationship with themselves.

Amanda was born and raised here on the Central Coast of California and left to further her education but has now returned to give back to the community that raised her. Amanda has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from CSU Fresno and continued her education at the University of South Dakota, graduating in 2020 with Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology. In addition to her clinical experience, Amanda has co-authored on three peer-reviewed, published research articles in the counseling field.

In the last 5 years, Amanda has had the privilege of working in a variety of mental health settings, ranging from working at a mental health clinic at a University in South Dakota, inpatient treatment centers, to providing mental health services to the underserved communities in the Austin, Texas area, where she focused on equality in and inclusivity for all individuals. She has also worked in civil service, where she supported individuals, families, and children navigate the challenges of mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, and trauma.

Amanda’s therapeutic approach with clients is a blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focusing on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact how we perceive, and ultimately change, our world, and Carl Rodger’s unconditional positive regard to meet each client exactly where they are.

When Amanda isn’t working, you can find her reading the latest Jo Nesbo novel, tending to her herb garden, or adding some stamps to her passport. 

Lisa obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1998 from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and her Master of Social Welfare in 2000 from University of California at Berkeley. Lisa has been a member of NASW since 2000, was the Chair of the SLO Unit for 3 years and received the Award of Social Worker of the Year in 2016.

She has worked at several agencies within San Luis Obispo County including the PATHS program at Child Welfare Services, Family Care Network Inc., Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, and more recently has joined Aspire Counseling Service as a supervisor for Associate Interns.

Lisa has also been teaching at Cuesta College since 2006 in the Human Development/Human Services Department within the Applied Behavioral Sciences Division. Most of her courses are related to Addiction treatment and Social Work. She attended the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals conference in 2019, Evolution of Psychotherapy conference, Wraparound conferences as well as the California Cultural Competence Summit on several occasions. Lisa continues to obtain and provide trainings on a regular basis to enhance her practice.

Lisa has lived in San Luis Obispo for 41 years and enjoys playing and listening to music, hiking, paddle boarding, and being outdoors.

Gabriel Solla was born and raised on the central coast, and has been working in the mental health field for over 11 years, gaining experience in long term residentials, in home care, and crisis residential treatment. Through this experience, they have observed many disparities and gaps within the system, which motivated them to further their education. They made the decision to go back to college, and in May 2021, obtained a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. Following this accomplishment, they applied and were accepted into the University of Southern California’s Master of Social Work program, where they are currently pursuing their degree and scheduled to graduate in August 2023.

My name is Zander and I am a Master’s Intern Therapist here at Aspire.  I was born and raised in Montana, which is where I also completed my Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology with Highest Honors from Montana State University.  I relocated to the Central Coast of California almost two years ago and have loved my time here.  When I am not working or studying, I enjoy anything outdoors, exercising, keeping up with the latest movies, traveling, and socializing with family and friends.  I have always had a passion for providing mental health services and intend on continuing a career in direct clinical services with clients from all backgrounds.  I look forward to our work together! 

Lauren Cook graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2020 where she earned a BA in Exercise Science and BFA in Dance. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Health from USC.

Lauren has always had an interest in medicine, but it wasn’t until she spent time abroad in the Dominican Republic that she realized working at the community level was what she enjoyed most. As a Central Coast native, she loves working with the SLO County community and giving back to the place she has always called home.

Lauren has truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know the clients at Aspire and helping them reach their goals. In her free time, Lauren loves to go hiking, surfing, and doing anything outdoors!

Elsy Gonzalez is currently attending Grand Canyon University and will be getting a Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse. Elsy is an inspired individual who pursues to gain more knowledge in psychedelic research so she can continue to help and inspire people. Elsy will continue her education to become a clinical therapist. 
 
For the past seven years, Elsy has lived by her core values. She served in the U.S. Army for four years as a mechanic. Elsy stays connected to veteran resources and continues to communicate with different people all around the world. Elsy has been physically training people for three years and helping them focus on their mind and body as a Personal Trainer for multiple gyms. She has worked in Applied Behavioral Analysis with different disabilities for children and young adults. She has found helping other people achieve a goal is what calls her. Elsy does believe, if you set your mind to something, then anything is possible.
 
Elsy is an open book, animal lover, and enjoys traveling. She wants to bring positivity and love to all staff and clients at Aspire Counseling Service.