Leadership

Tasha Addison has worked at PathPoint since 2007 and holds the position of Vice President of South Santa Barbara County. She began her career at PathPoint as Lead Direct Support Professional working directly with people with developmental disabilities and then served as Program Coordinator for licensed day programs for 10 years.  Most recently, she was the Office Manager/ Human Resources Assistant for the Santa Barbara division, maintaining program budgets, optimizing resources, and supporting teams.  Tasha is a lifelong advocate for the disability community. With her initial experience with volunteering for Special Olympics and Iowa nonprofit New Hope Village as a teenager, her career in the non-profit sector began in 2003 supporting youth with developmental disabilities and brain injuries at agencies in the Des Moines, Iowa area.

Dawn began her career with PathPoint, formerly known as Work Training Programs, Inc., on November10th, 1986. Dawn was a recent graduate from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA, with a B.A. in Psychology. She started out as a Residential Instructor, providing independent living skills to individuals in PathPoint leased apartments known as the Community Independent Living Program (C.I.L.P.) 35 years ago, Dawn thought she would work for the company for 10 years. During her career with PathPoint, Dawn became a proud wife and mother of three. Dawn has been a Residential Program Coordinator, a Program Manager for Residential and Day Services and a Pro ACT Trainer. As Dawn pondered, coasting into retirement, since she missed the 10-year longevity mark; she has now become the 8th Vice President for the Ventura Division and after 37 years she still enjoys the people she supports and the colleagues she interacts with on a daily basis.

Erica Beall holds the role of Executive Director, Developmental Disabilities Services, overseeing program services in five counties. Erica comes to PathPoint after 25+ years in the Developmental Disability field, having previously held roles at the Devereux Foundation, The Arc of San Diego, United Cerebral Palsy, San Diego Regional Center, Westside Regional Center, and North Los Angeles County Regional Center. With thirteen years of case management and resource development experience via three Southern California regional centers, Erica is adept at helping both families and the service provider community to advance the lives of individuals with I/DD.  Erica holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s in Organizational Psychology from Alliant International University. She served as the principal consultant and owner of Advocacy and Resources, LLC, which provided consultation, grant and resource development support, custom trainings, networking opportunities, strategic planning, and board development for service provider organizations who offer services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Rebecca joined PathPoint in 2021 and oversees PathPoint’s fundraising, grant, and communications initiatives. Prior to PathPoint, she graduated with honors from University of California, Santa Barbara, with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a minor in Professional Writing, and a minor in Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice. At UCSB, she worked in a variety of student affairs departments and as a writing tutor for the university. She also started her career in the non-profit sector, holding internships at organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, and the Fund for Santa Barbara. An involved member of the UCSB Professional Writing Department, Rebecca engaged in the Raab Writing Fellowship, where she presented her capstone project at Johns Hopkins University’s Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium. Initially, Rebecca began her career as PathPoint’s Community Engagement Coordinator, was promoted to Manager, and assumed her current role as VP of the department in 2024.

Harry Bruell, CEO/President, has led PathPoint since 2017 and has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years. Harry's dedication to PathPoint’s mission comes from a deep personal understanding of some of the challenges faced by individuals supported by PathPoint and their families. He serves as the Vice-Chair for Policy and Board Member for the California Behavioral Health Association, as the Policy Chair and Board Member of the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, and as a Board Member of the California ASPE. Harry is the previous Treasurer of the California Disability Services Association and serves on several workgroups and committees of the California Department of Developmental Services. Harry is also an active member of the Los Angeles Coalition of Service Providers, the Lanterman Coalition. Prior to joining PathPoint, Harry served for 26 years in the conservation corps field, including 13 years as President and CEO of Conservation Legacy, a national agency based in Colorado. During the Obama Administration, the Secretary of the Interior appointed Harry as chair of a federal advisory committee to grow the corps movement.  He graduated with honors from Rice University with a degree in civil/environmental engineering and had a short engineering career before finding his passion in non-profit work.

Curt is responsible for the technology and physical infrastructure for the organization that spans 24 properties and 18 networked sites, over seven division sites in five counties. Curt joined PathPoint in 1994 and has held a variety of positions supporting participants, including: Direct Support Professional, Community Access Program Instructor, Job Coach, Individual Supported Employment Coordinator, and External Situational Assessment Coordinator. He later became the first full-time IT staff person for PathPoint and transitioned to Manager of Information Systems and IT Director. He was promoted to Vice President in 2017. His service to the community also includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center, 1994-2015. Curt has a degree in Computer Science from Butler County Community College and a degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he studied language and cognition in dolphins. 

Veronica Jenkins is the current Vice President of Human Resources for PathPoint. She is fluent in Spanish and has a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management and a Master’s degree in Human Resources. She has successfully led the HR functions in several organizations including The Palmdale Aerospace Academy, Reyes Holdings, Northrop Grumman, and McDonald’s. Veronica is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico and currently resides in Palmdale, CA where she has lived for over 20 years. She is an avid reader and is often reading 4/5 books at a time. Veronica loves swimming, dancing, and listening to all types of music and the arts. She is especially proud of my two L.A. Marathon medals. She is also currently mentoring a group of underserved teens in her community, and is a member of a local non-profit organization that is working on providing mental health resources to those in her community. Veronica is proud of the work that she does and has joined PathPoint to continue to make a meaningful impact in others’ lives.

April holds the role of Vice President of North Central Coast, including North Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. She joined PathPoint in 2019 after an extensive career with the YMCA, holding the titles of Chief Operations Officer, San Luis Obispo County YMCA; Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of San Joaquin County; and Senior Executive Director and Executive Director of the Valley of the Sun YMCA. April holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a recent graduate of Leadership San Luis Obispo, Class XXVII.

Lauren joined PathPoint in 2014 and oversees key strategic projects across the organization, developing best practices, processes, and policies to ensure alignment with the organization's strategies and goals. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Lauren serves on the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara and is the Advisor for the Aktion Club of Santa Barbara, a service club for adults with disabilities; and regularly volunteers in her local community. 

Mark joined PathPoint in 2019 to oversee nearly 500 full-time and part-time staff operating in 24 sites across five counties.  His prior experience includes more than 24 years at three organizations based in Virginia where he held senior human resources positions, including the role of Vice President, at the University of Virginia Community Credit Union, Wintergreen Resort, and Crutchfield Corporation. Mark received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and holds a number of certifications from the Society of Human Resource Management.  He is active in the local community, including serving on the Human Resources Committee of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara.  

Hannah has been working with people with mental health diagnoses for over 20 years, helping them in their unique journeys. Her emphasis is growth and change. She believes that acknowledging trauma through the individuals experience can aid in their own understanding and hlep to define their place in the world wherein healing can take place. Hannah hopes to empower individuals with tools to overcome personal struggles that promote helaing, growth, and change. Her approach is person centered and geared toward growth, decreasing distress, and increasing self-esteem. All of this is coupled with an existential methodology to help you make sense of your existence, embrace personal freedom and choice. Hannah graduated with her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology form Pacific Graduate Institute in May of 2020. She currently holds her License in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Matthew holds the role of Chief Financial Officer of Finance. Matthew began his career in PathPoint’s billing department in 2018, was subsequently promoted to Finance Director, and assumed his current role in 2021. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UC San Diego in Economics with a minor in Health Care/Social Issues. Matthew is a firm believer in providing accessible and meaningful services and strives to ensure the sustainability of the organization. Matthew’s oversees all finance functions, including budgeting, financial analysis, accounts payable and receivable, audit, and taxes.

Jennifer is a Licensed MFT and has worked at PathPoint since 1986. Jennifer has accomplished many firsts for PathPoint, initiating major programs, such as Supportive Services in 1995, the County’s first mobile team providing housing assistance for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, and establishing the first client-run residence with Housing Authority of City of Santa Barbara funding. In 2001 she began consulting on the Supportive Housing Initiative Acts grant awarded to PathPoint as part of a multi-agency collaborative program. Jennifer supervises a staff of coordinators, instructors, coaches, and assistants. Many are long-term employees of 25 years or more. Collectively the combined years of experience equals over 160 years! In 2002, the Division received the Santa Barbara Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Matters award for excellence in community service. The Nonprofit Support Center awarded the Division its Santa Barbara County Leadership in Action award in 2008. And in 2010 the Behavioral Health Division was recognized as Community Partner of the Year by HACSB.  

Maria joined PathPoint in 2006 after working for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Starting with PathPoint's Supported Employment services, she rose up the managerial ladder and was promoted to several PathPoint leadership positions. As former Director of Program Services, she oversaw Long Beach services, Residential services, and the Pathfinder program in Chatsworth, a unique behavioral program for individuals who are transitioning out of the State’s development centers. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University Northridge and has served as a Member of the Work Investment Board in Cerritos since 2011.

Shawn joined PathPoint in 2015 and is responsible for the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of all services offered by PathPoint's Kern County Division.  His experience managing programs for adults with development disabilities includes serving as Program Manager at Bakersfield ARC, 2011-2015.  At Clinica Sierra Vista, Shawn supervised case managers connecting community resources to families of southeast Bakersfield, 2003-2007.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and earned a master's degree in Public Administration from California State University, Bakersfield.  Shawn volunteers as a coach with Special Olympics Southern California.  

Yolanda is an attorney with a long history of working with children, families, and people of all ages with developmental challenges. She currently serves as the Vice President of Elwyn California, a residential service provider for adults with developmental disabilities and medical and behavioral health challenges. Prior to that, she worked with unhoused individuals in Los Angeles County as a Manager, Contracts and Procurement, for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. From 2014 to 2018, Yolanda was the Director of Community Services for the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, and, previous to that, was on its board and was its Board President for seven years. Since 2010, she has been the principal of Bosch Consulting, a legal advocacy firm which specializes in legal advice to families with children who have special needs. Yolanda received her bachelor of arts from the University of Southern California, and her J.D. from the University of California Hastings School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in the State of California. In 2022, she completed a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University.

Hana is a licensed clinical psychologist who offers private practice services and serves as a clinical supervisor at University of California, Riverside. She specializes and is hospital-trained in mental health services for teens and young adults who are seeking support with their transition into adulthood. Her private practice services concentrate on challenges such as identity development, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, and more. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and several other evidence-based practices. As a PhD graduate of Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, she has been serving the Los Angeles community for nearly 20 years. She has also worked with the Los Angeles LGBT Center as well as the CHLA Trans Health Center, and is a contracted consultant for the global non-profit AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Stephanie is the Vice President and Fiduciary Strategist for U.S. Bank in Santa Barbara and is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CFTA). In her role, she works with a team of specialists in wealth planning, investments, risk management, trust, estate services, and banking in the Central Coast region. As a Trust Administrator, she manages a wide range of trust and estate matters in accordance with sound fiduciary practices. Stephanie has been in her role for 12 years, following 10 years with the former Santa Barbara Bank and Trust. She received her bachelor of science from University of California, Santa Barbara and her CFTA designation from Cannon Financial Institute Trust Schools. She is a member of the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council.

Patty is a retired financial and operations professional, with many years of experience in nonprofit management. She worked at PathPoint for 44 years, many of them as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer, before retiring in July 2021. She joined PathPoint as a volunteer in 1977 when the organization was known as Work Training Programs (WTP). After receiving her MA in Counseling and Guidance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Patty volunteered to put her education to use and to learn about the community. Following her work as a volunteer, WTP hired Patty as a direct care staff member where she served in a variety of roles from 1977-1985 including Survival Skills Instructor, Behavior Analyst, and Client Services Coordinator. After receiving her MBA in 1986, Patty transitioned to an administrative position in human resources and held various management roles including Budget & Benefits Administrator, Budget & Benefits Director, Executive Associate Director, and Chief Operational Officer. WTP promoted her to Chief Financial Officer in 1995, a position she held for 22 years before retiring in 2021.

Michael is a certified public accountant and partner at Franzen & Franzen, LLP. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics. He is an active member of the Santa Barbara community and serves as a Finance Committee member for St. Raphael School, is the former Treasurer and Board Member for the Goleta Valley South Little League, and is the former President of the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California. He is also the former President of the Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club. Michael is also PathPoint’s immediate past Board Chair and has served on PathPoint’s Board for over ten years.

Elaine is a retired behavioral health professional with over 30 years of management experience. Before retirement, she served as the Assistant Vice President for the Division of Business and Financial Affairs at California State University, Channel Islands. Prior to that, she worked in a variety of management positions in her community of Ventura County, holding roles such as the Director of Ventura County Behavioral Health, the Deputy CEO for the County of Ventura, and the Director of Operations for the County of Ventura Resource Management Agency, to name a few. Elaine also worked at PathPoint when the agency was known as Work Training Programs, Inc., serving as the organization’s Ventura County Division Director. Elaine holds a bachelor’s degree in Music from Pepperdine University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. She is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Kent State University.

Crystal has a doctorate in Marriage Family Therapy and owns/ operates a consulting and psychotherapy firm. She is also an adjunct professor in higher education at California Lutheran University, where she teaches courses such as clinical skills, community mental health, psychotherapy, child and adolescent development, and more. Crystal also served as the Clinical Program Director at Kids & Families Together, where she supervised clinicians, monitored quality improvement for new and existing services, and interfaced with funders and government agencies. In addition to her business and work at Cal Lutheran, Crystal is also a motivational speaker. She has her bachelor of science and her Master of Science from Cal Lutheran University and her doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. Prior to joining PathPoint’s Board, she served on the Board of Kids & Families Together.

Mary is a retired educator with many years of experience in management, leadership, and supporting individuals to reach their highest potential. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge and was the principal founder and administrator of a successful K-8 public charter school. It is in this role that Mary gained 16 years’ experience managing organizational goals, resources, strategic planning, and policy development. Mary developed a strong commitment to promoting students’ character qualities of collaboration, perseverance, responsibility, and compassion during her 20 years as a classroom educator specializing in early literacy. She is devoted to supporting community non-profits seeking to improve the quality of life for those most in need. Prior to joining PathPoint’s Board, she served as the Board Secretary for Kids & Families Together.

Matthew is a licensed attorney and a founding member of O’Leary Wallace LLP. He represents clients in the areas of trusts and estates law with a special concentration on special needs planning and conservatorships. Matthew has been in practice in San Luis Obispo since 2010, when he moved to the Central Coast to join the well-established trusts and estates firm of Stephen K. Hall and Associates. Prior to that he worked for a boutique civil litigation law firm in San Jose, California, for the Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Offices, and held a judicial clerkship in the Family and Probate Division of the Sacramento County Superior Court. He has a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University and a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento. Matthew lives in San Luis Obispo with his wife and four children. He is a current member of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Wealth Counsel, and a Volunteer AYSO and YMCA youth sports coach.

Anne is passionate about health equity and currently works as Reproductive Freedom Health Equity Specialist at the California Department of Public Health’s Gender Health Equity Section. Prior to this role, she was the Executive Director of The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity at California State University, Bakersfield. She also worked as a Recovery Coordinator for College Community Services, where she supported children and families to develop mental health and life coping skills and as a part-time professor at California State University, Bakersfield where she has taught about the LGBTQ+ experience in the U.S. Anne obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and her Master of Arts Degree in Sociology and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from California State University, Bakersfield. A United States Air National Guard Veteran, she received her honorable discharge in 2001.

Jerry is a business professional with over 40 years of experience in industrial real estate development and commercial real estate brokerage. Upon graduating from California State University, Northridge with a B.S. in Business/Specialization Real Estate, Jerry began his career in commercial real estate at CBRE. He served as Managing Director at CBRE Ventura/Santa Barbara for 10 years, and later went on to become a Managing Member with J&P Development and Partner at the Pacifica Company. As a local business leader, Jerry believes in giving back to the community. He is currently a Board Member of the California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, serves as the CFO of Valencia Commerce Center Association, and is the former Chair of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project of Ventura County. He is also a past Executive Board Member at the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and the past Chair of the PathPoint Board of Directors.

Bela is a health care and medical affairs professional with a broad range of therapeutic area knowledge including hematology/ oncology, rheumatology, endocrinology, neurology, and psychiatry. She serves as the Senior Medical Science Liaison at Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to this role, she served as the Scientific Affairs Senior Manager – Oncology at Amgen. Bela holds a bachelor of science in Psychology from the Virginia Commonwealth University as well as her doctorate in Experimental Psychology from University of South Carolina and her postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Research from Yale University. In addition to her work, she currently serves as a parent volunteer for Special Education-SEDAC at Conejo Oaks Academy and is a mentor for a teacher’s dissertation in the Palo Alto Unified School District.

Jean is a retired financial professional with many years of management experience in the for-profit and non-profit realm. Prior to retirement, she was a certified public accountant, certified financial planner, and partner at Walpole & Co., LLP. She is an active member of her community and is a member of the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council and a Board Member of the Cottage Hospital Rehabilitation Foundation. She has also been part of PathPoint’s Board for over 15 years and previously has served as the Board Secretary.

Sharon is a retired leadership professional with over 25 years of experience working in higher education. Before retirement, Sharon was the Director of Resource Development at Ventura College for over 20 years. Prior to that, she served as the Community Services and Personnel Services Supervisor for Ventura College. Sharon is an active member of her community, and was a former Board Member of the Ventura Musical Festival, a former Board member of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, the former Chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance Workforce Education Task Force, a former Board member of the Ventura College Foundation, and the former Chair of the Ventura College Foundation Development Committee. Prior to joining PathPoint’s Board, she served as the Chair of the Board of Kids & Families Together.