Administration, Faculty & Staff

Barbara Firestone, PhD

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.

Oscar Valadez
Chief Financial Officer

Jason Bolton, PsyD
Vice President of Community
Partnerships and Admissions

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

Elin Bradley
Director of Therapeutic Schools and Residential Treatment

Pamela Clark, MA
Director of Autism Schools

Heather Humphrey
Director of Vocational and Adult Residential Services

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

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

Randy Kissel
Director of Facilities

Jonathan Kubo, GPHR
Director, Human Resources

Stephanie Lord, Ph.D.
Director of Psychology Training

Nicole Jorenson
Director of School-Based Behavioral Services

Erika Maya
Senior Director of Strategy & Marketing

Ken Moon
Sr. Director of Information Technology

Edna Ramos, BSC
Corporate Controller

Bradley Shahine
Director of Public Affairs

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

Debby Webb, MSW
Sr. Executive Administrator
