Shante

Director

Shante is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University of San Marcos in 2013 and a Master of Social Work Degree in 2016 from the University of Southern California. While in grad school, her concentrations/areas of focus were Mental Health and Military Social Work.

Prior to completing grad school, she was hired as the Director of Social Services at a skilled nursing facility. In November 2016, she transitioned into working as a Clinician for a non-profit mental health agency providing therapy to at-risk youth and their families. Simultaneously, she joined the Palomar Behavioral Health team, where she initially worked with the mentally ill population and trauma patients in the Emergency Department. There she provided psychiatric support, crisis intervention, and bereavement support. Eventually, she became the Program Coordinator at Palomar for their Primary Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program where she was responsible for the clinical and administrative day-to-day operations. Her experience has provided her with the experience of working with clients who suffer from a variety of issues which include Substance Use Disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, grief and loss, childhood trauma, caregiver stress, end-of-life issues, self-harm, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Schizophrenia and other chronic mental health disorders.

Shante chose to work at Jackson House because of their continuum of care approach. She has always been focused on a comprehensive approach to mental health -- meeting each client where they are on their own road to self-discovery and empowerment. She finds the most passion in helping clients reach the realization that they have the power to create a sense of relief and recovery in their lives.

In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, going to amusement parks and watching her favorite television shows.

“…Rather than striving for perfection, we discover how to love ourselves into wholeness.” – Tara Broch

Ashley

Transition Specialist / Discharge Planner

Ashley has a passion for helping others and has worked in human services for over 5 years. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Development from California State University, San Marcos.

"Jackson House is known for its highly effective program, and I knew that my experience and passion would be a great addition to the team."

Outside of work, Ashley loves spending time with her fiancée and cat, going to concerts, and traveling.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sheri

Office Manager

After a successful career in the mortgage and banking industry, Sheri wanted to have a greater impact with her work and serve the people around her. She felt called to work in the mental healthcare industry and she hasn’t looked back since. Sheri loves encouraging and supporting people to learn more about their mental health and treatment options. She believes we all have the power to help change the stigma and misconceptions around mental health one conversation at a time. Jackson House provides clients with a new level of care and Sheri is proud to help connect clients with compassionate treatment options. Sheri likes to recharge by spending time in nature, reading or catching up with her family and friends.

“If we learn to like something – good, bad, & ugly – it will like us back.”

Briana

Lead MHT

Briana has 5 years’ experience working with both adults and youth in residential treatment settings. Briana joined Jackson House to help make a difference and advocate for mental health. Briana’s patience and understanding help our clients feel comfortable and welcomed forming a positive atmosphere. Briana’s goals are to help individuals heal, restore relationships, build character and instill hope. Her passions include reading, hiking and spending time with her children.

Darlene

Counselor

Darlene’s background in mental health began at the psychiatric hospital at the University of New Mexico while working on her undergraduate degree. Later, she moved to California and worked in Forensics for RUHS Mental health under the realignment program, working closely with Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Diversion program and probation/parole divisions. Her other experience in the mental health setting includes Housing Authority/mental health with VA Hospital/San Bernardino County and working with adolescents in crisis setting for the Westminster School District.

“I chose to work at Jackson House because I enjoy the population it serves and I feel that the interventions JH provides for appropriate care from a crisis setting is stabilizing the client and then linking the client out for case management needs. I am grateful, to be a part of this intervention level.”

Outside of work, Darlene enjoys spending time in San Diego, particularly around the ocean and helping to preserve endangered sea animals. She also skis and can be found taking a trip to Colorado when the temperatures get cooler.

“Always believe in yourself and that you can overcome obstacles!”

Ulla

Counselor

Raised in a family that emphasized the importance of treating people, irrespective of their background, with kindness, dignity, and respect, Ulla decided early on she wanted to work with at-risk populations. As a result, Ulla has now served the mental health population for almost 20 years, and joined Jackson House as a counselor because of its strong, compassionate dedication to helping diverse clientele obtain the treatment and tools they need and deserve to reach their goals. When not at work, Ulla is passionate about art, playing guitar, writing music, gardening, cats, and enjoys accompanying her husband to amateur stand-up comedy shows.

Jack

Alumni Meeting Coordinator & Counselor

Jack has over 5 years experience in mental health and addiction settings. Currently, he is completing his master's degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.

Jack believes in a strengths-based perspective and focuses on positive attributes, resiliency, and supporting others in achieving their goals.

In his free time, Jack has been involved in the Racing Greyhound Rescue movement for almost two decades, and he is passionate about film.

Dillon

Lead Nurse & Counselor

Dillon received his Psychiatric Technician license from Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, Ca. He also has a degree in social work from Umass Global, formally known as Brandman University. He has worked with military mental health organizations on Camp Pendleton, substance use treatment facilities such as residential and detox, and short-term mental health services here at Jackson House.

Dillon first joined the Jackson House team for an internship placement for his social work degree. While interning, a nursing position became available and Dillon joined the nursing team. After graduating, Dillon was offered a full-time position that utilizes both his social work and nursing skills.

In his free time, Dillon enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing and camping. He also loves to go to the beach. Dillon enjoys listening to music, learning new things, cooking good food, and spending time with his family.

“The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

Tasha

Counselor

Tasha graduated from DePaul University in 2014 with a B.A. in Psychology and later obtained a M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix. She has future aspirations to further her career in Clinical Psychology.

Everyone has different issues they may be facing, whether it is anxiety, depression, disappointment, and/or guilt and shame. Nonetheless, there are a variety of techniques that can assist individuals in achieving their goal(s). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is Tasha's preferred method of therapy; however, she utilizes a variety of psychotherapies, including but not limited to, Talk therapy, Interpersonal therapy, Exposure therapy, Solution Focus therapy, Group therapy, Family therapy, and Mindfulness-based therapy.

Tasha chose to work at Jackson House because she loves challenging and inspiring individuals to become better versions of themselves. Her goal is to help individuals replace maladaptive coping mechanisms and provide them with new tools and techniques which will leave them feeling empowered and vested in maintaining a healthier mindset.

When she is not practicing therapy, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, kayaking, and traveling.

"In a lifetime, individuals experience difficulties on the road of life as well as emotional burdens that at times can feel overwhelming. Life can be challenging enough and to face things alone can make it even more challenging. I have always enjoyed being a source of support and encouragement while helping others through these trying times."