Administration, Faculty & Staff

Barbara Firestone, PhD
President & Chief Executive Officer

Barbara Firestone, PhD
President & Chief Executive Officer

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Susan Berman, PhD
Executive Director

The administration, faculty and staff of The Help Group comprise more than 850 professionals with a heartfelt commitment to helping children with special needs experience achievement and success.

Our multidisciplinary expertise includes program development and administration, special education, clinical psychology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, counseling, nursing, adaptive physical education, professional training, and research. This depth of experience and knowledge enables The Help Group to offer a wide range of educational and therapeutic programs of the highest quality.

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Oscar Valadez
Chief Financial Officer

Elena-Brewer

Elena Brewer, MBA
Vice President of Human Resources &
Community-based Programs

Elin-Bradley

Elin Bradley
Director of Therapeutic Schools and Residential Treatment

Pamela-Clark

Pamela Clark, MA
Director of Autism Schools

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Heather Humphrey
Senior Director of Adult & Clinical Services

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Lucyna Iga Gaj, LMFT
Senior Director, Family Based Programs & Services

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Claudia L. Kernan, Ph.D.
Director, The Help Group/UCLA Neuropsychology Program

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Randy Kissel
Director of Facilities

stephanieLord

Stephanie Lord, Ph.D.
Director of Psychology Training

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Nicole Jorenson
Director of School-Based Behavioral Services

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Erika Maya
Senior Director of Strategy & Marketing

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Ken Moon
Senior Director of Information Technology

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Amy Gomez
Corporate Controller

Bradly-Shahine

Bradley Shahine
Director of Public Affairs

Laurie-Stephens

Laurie Stephens, PhD
Sr. Director of Autism & Clinical Services

Debbie-Webb

Debby Webb, MSW
Sr. Executive Administrator

Olga-Zysman

Olga Zysman, M.A., MFT
Regional Director of Programs and Services