SAN LUIS OBISPO STAFF

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.

Carley Brown is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Manager at Aspire SLO. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and Anthropology in 2015 and completed her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2024. She is currently completing the final requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Carley has been with Aspire since January 2023, bringing clinical experience, leadership, and lived experience to her work. Her own journey into the mental health field inspired a commitment to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, understood, and empowered throughout their healing process.

As Clinical Manager, Carley provides clinical leadership and supports the development of a safe, structured, and affirming environment for both clients and staff. She is passionate about high-quality, ethical care and helping clients develop meaningful coping skills, strengthen resilience, and build sustainable foundations for recovery. She also values supporting clinicians in their professional growth and fostering thoughtful, effective clinical practice.

Carolyn has been with Aspire Counseling Services since 2023 and currently serves as the Office Manager. In her role, she helps coordinate client admissions, insurance authorizations, utilization review, and day-to-day administrative operations. She works closely with clients, families, and the clinical team to help make the process of entering and continuing treatment as welcoming and manageable as possible.

Carolyn believes compassion and connection are essential to the treatment experience, starting with the first interaction. She is passionate about creating an environment where clients and families feel welcomed, respected, and supported while navigating what can often be an overwhelming process.

Carolyn is currently pursuing her degree in Social Work and plans to continue building her career in behavioral health and addiction treatment. She is especially passionate about harm reduction, reducing the stigma surrounding substance use, and helping make treatment feel more accessible and human.

Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her husband and son, all things pink, the occasional Disneyland trip, and watching her favorite TV show, Friends.

Jacob Blair is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I) and Program Manager at Aspire Counseling Services in San Luis Obispo. He began working at Aspire SLO in 2022 and has since become deeply involved in supporting individuals working through substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. Jacob earned his Associate of Arts degree in Addiction Studies and Human Services from Cuesta College and became certified as a drug and alcohol counselor in December 2024. His counseling style is compassionate, approachable, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when people feel both supported and empowered to take an active role in their recovery. In his work with clients, Jacob draws heavily from motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral strategies, relapse prevention, and practical skill-building. He focuses on helping individuals better understand the patterns behind their substance use, strengthen motivation for change, build confidence, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress, cravings, and everyday challenges. Jacob values creating a space where clients feel respected, understood, and encouraged while also being challenged to continue moving forward. He believes recovery looks different for everyone and is passionate about helping clients build a life that feels meaningful, sustainable, and supportive of long-term sobriety.

Angie Canfield is completing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at UMass Global. She works with adults and adolescents facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, substance use concerns, and life transitions. Angie brings authenticity, curiosity, and compassion to her work, creating a space where clients feel heard and understood. She believes meaningful change begins with self-awareness and grows through new perspectives, practical skills, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of confidence and self-worth.

Her collaborative approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and family systems perspectives to help clients recognize patterns and build skills to thrive.

Outside of therapy, Angie enjoys spending time with her family and three teenage daughters. She has volunteered for many years with schools, youth programs, and community organizations and enjoys the beach, hiking and skiing in the Sierra Nevada, the arts, music, cooking, and wellness.

Chris is a substance use disorder counselor who was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and graduated from San Luis Obispo High School. He completed addiction studies coursework at Cuesta College and is scheduled to take his state certification exam this fall. Chris draws on his personal and professional experience, along with his education, to guide his work with clients. Motivated by recovery, helping others, exercise, and music, he is also an accomplished artist. He believes everyone has the capacity to recover when they feel connected, heard, and seen.

Emily is a student intern counselor pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She is passionate about supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and addiction. Emily takes a client-centered approach, meeting each person where they are and recognizing that every individual’s experiences, strengths, and goals are unique. She strives to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to guide their own healing. Emily is committed to working alongside clients as they develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and move toward meaningful personal growth and recovery.

Erica serves as the Administrative Assistant at Aspire Counseling Services in San luis Obispo. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, where she developed a strong interest in mental health and a passion for supporting others.

Erica brings empathy, professionalism, and dedication to her role. At Aspire, she is committed to creating a welcoming and positive experience for every client. She plays an important role in supporting the team and helping ensure that each person who walks through Aspire’s doors feels valued and supported. Erica’s warm and approachable personality, combined with her genuine desire to help others, makes her a valued member of the Aspire team.

Grace Cheney is a Behavioral Health Interventionist at Aspire Counseling Services in San Luis Obispo. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Grace has always felt a strong connection to the local community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Grace was drawn to the mental health field by a desire to help young people feel less alone in the challenges they face. She is especially passionate about working with teens and creating a space where they feel understood, supported, and comfortable being themselves. Having grown up locally, she finds it particularly meaningful to now support adolescents in the same community that she grew up in.

At Aspire, Grace facilitates therapeutic groups, assists with intakes and safety planning, and works alongside the clinical team to support clients throughout their treatment. She values building genuine connections with clients and helping make mental health care feel approachable and personal.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys going on long walks, listening to podcasts, and sewing. She hopes to continue gaining experience in the mental health field before pursuing graduate education and a career in therapy.

Heidi Ullum is a Master of Social Work intern at Aspire Counseling Services in San Luis Obispo. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from San Diego State University and is completing her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery.

Heidi brings years of experience across the human services field, including elder care, children's mental health, juvenile justice, substance use diversion, and peer mentoring. In her work with clients, she draws from motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral strategies, and trauma-informed care, with a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. She values creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to recognize their patterns, build on their strengths, and lead their own recovery.

A Central Coast resident and longtime small business owner, Heidi is also a devoted animal lover and a strong advocate for animal rescue. She hopes to one day incorporate animal-assisted therapy into her practice, drawing on the unique comfort and connection animals can bring to the healing process.

Julie is a SUDRC II at Aspire Counseling Services in San Luis Obispo, where she works with individuals navigating substance use and the many life changes that can come with recovery.

Her approach to counseling is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and meeting people where they are. She strives to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being honest about both their struggles and successes. She enjoys helping clients recognize their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and build a life in recovery that feels meaningful and sustainable.

Julie is especially passionate about helping individuals work through the shame and stigma that can accompany substance use. At Aspire, we value being part of a supportive community where clients are encouraged to find connection, recognize their potential, and discover what recovery can look like for them.

Sheena Jones is an intern counselor with Aspire. She currently has a Bachelor of Science from Chico State University in Social Sciences. She is completing her master's program for a licensed social worker at Grand Canyon University and earning her AA in Addiction Studies at Cuesta College. She has worked in county social services for over a decade and is expanding her knowledge to provide care that meets clients where they are and addresses their current needs. She believes that everyone is entitled to their own journey in mental health and addiction recovery. She utilizes motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy, creating an atmosphere that allows clients to engage with their own recovery safely and productively. As she delves further into her education, she hopes to gain insight and appreciation for the collaborative work between counselors and clients.

Jacob Fox is an intern counselor currently pursuing a degree in psychology and certification in addiction studies at Cuesta College. With a passion for assisting individuals struggling with mental health challenges and addiction issues, Jacob desires to make a positive impact in his community. Through his commitment to ongoing education and practical experience, he strives to provide empathetic support and evidence-based counseling to those in need. Jacob is dedicated to fostering well-being and facilitating recovery. As he continues to expand his knowledge and skills, Jacob hopes to become a compassionate advocate for mental health and addiction awareness in his county.