Brain Balance of San Diego Staff

Jon Pak

Executive Director

Jon Pak’s passion to open Brain Balance was born out of his experiences in raising a son with developmental disabilities. He values all the incredible connections with friends and families in the community that share a similar experience. His background includes serving on the board of Kids Included Together, Just in Time for Foster Youth, and the Korean American Coalition of San Diego. With many years of participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, his desire to mentor and impact the lives of others is contagious. While he enjoyed a professional career with notable companies like Samsung Electronics, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and US Bank, Jon’s undeniable vision for an inclusive society with equitable opportunities and growth makes him an inspirational leader at Brain Balance of Greater San Diego.

Amanda Lee

Regional Director

Amanda Lee, M.A. Education, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach, Mindset certified, and has over 15 years of experience in the education field. She is a lifelong learner committed to promoting equity and access to quality education and believes every person should have the opportunity to actualize their full potential and to live life to the fullest. Every day she aims to inspire and be inspired. When not meeting with schools, families, or community members or leading trainings, you may find her enjoying the outdoors hiking and camping, rock climbing, dancing, playing beach volleyball, traveling, or being a foodie.

Angie Arciga

Program Director

Angie Arciga, B.S. Exercise Science, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach, Mindset certified, and has over 8 years of experience with Brain Balance. She brings expertise from the physical therapy field and her creativity and background in music bring unique ideas and ways to work with and have fun with children while developing and creating new neural pathways. She also enjoys traveling, singing and playing mariachi music, and being out in nature.

Lisa Telfer

Admissions Director

Lisa Telfer, B.S. Nursing and Registered Nurse, is a mother of a Brain Balance Graduate. After decades as an operating room nurse, she was so impressed with Brain Balance that she joined the team to help connect families to the transformative program. She loves building community in her neighborhood, church, and wherever else she goes. When not taking care of her family, she enjoys ocean swimming, mountain biking, traveling, cooking healthy meals, playing piano, spending time with friends, and cuddling with her preposterously cute dog.

Katie Mello

Senior Coach

Katie Mello, B.S. Kinesiology, is an internationally board certified Cognitive Coach and specializes in inclusive physical activities in communities. She loves the multidisciplinary approach Brain Balance offers. Along with coaching and training her students and fellow colleagues, Katie also supports operations, community engagement, and other marketing efforts. When she’s not at work, you can find Katie walking on the beach, lifting weights, or preparing (and eating!) a healthy meal.

Eliza Fontanilla

Sensory Motor Coach

Eliza Fontanilla, B.S. Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, brings research experience examining connections between sensory perception, behaviors, and cognitive functions with neural activity, and combines that expertise with personal experience connecting with and understanding the unique abilities and needs of neurodivergent individuals. When she’s not at work, Eliza enjoys trying new restaurants with friends and family, working on creative projects at coffee shops, designing clothes, dancing, watching the sunset and stars, or cuddling at home with her cat.

Lauren Carroll

Sensory Motor Coach

Lauren Carroll has been working in the field of special education specializing in children ages 6-18 for over five years. Lauren was a licensed behavioral therapist for neurodivergent children and has extensive experience implementing coping strategies for intense aggression/rage/meltdowns as well as experience with potty training, verbal expression (vocal therapy), managing behaviors, and motor movement. Lauren wants to create a safe space where children feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. In her spare time, Lauren loves to try new things at restaurants, read, and as a nature lover, you can always find her outside hiking, picnicking, camping, and taking photos.

Sam Umanzor

Sensory Motor Coach

Samuel Umanzor, B.S. Marketing, is a Sensory Motor Coach, who has had several years of experience working with children and adults. He loves to help individuals reach their fullest potential, from his 4 years of active duty leading Marines, to his time as a certified personal trainer. When he’s not helping others do their best, you can find him at the gym, training in martial arts, the beach, or at a concert.

Erika Martinez Barajas

Sensory Motor Coach

Erika Martinez Barajas, B.A. Applied Arts and Sciences Psychology, brings over five years of experience supporting her community and church. Through tutoring kids grades K-12, she developed a greater passion working with individuals with learning and behavioral challenges. In her spare time, you can catch Erika taking naps, spending time with family and friends, walking along the beach or park, and drinking coffee.

Gina Um

Center Coordinator

Gina Um, B.S. Psychology, is passionate about bringing positivity to her community through compassion and inclusivity. With over five years of experience in education, she aims to blend her psychology and business background with her interpersonal skills to nurture meaningful relationships with customers and families. Outside of work, you can catch Gina hanging out with her dog, trying new cafes, and learning how to play guitar.