Jessica Meyer is a mental health professional who has spent over eight years working in various roles in this field. She holds a BA in Psychology and earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Jessica has worked with various populations of young people ranging from two years old to 18 years old. Jessica has experience managing caseloads of youth in treatment foster care, working closely with psychiatrists, therapists, lawyers, and families. In her work in New Mexico, she received training in DBT and CBT and has also received training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in her work with autistic children. Additionally, Jessica has experience and has been trained in various types of de-escalation techniques and crisis management.

Not only has Jessica worked in the treatment field, but is in personal recovery herself. Because of this, she has empathy and compassion for those who are in treatment and who have their own struggles. Jessica works very hard in her own 12 step program and has a deep passion for being of service to others. She especially loves teenagers, with deep compassion for all their struggles and strengths.

Stephanie is a certified nursing assistant and is working to pursue her Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nursing. In 2014 Stephaine started working children and teens. With an interest in the medical field and a desire to work with young people, Stephanie began her career working in treatment for rehabilitation with young adults.

Following her passion in 2019, she transitioned into working with teens in the mental health field and joined Polaris as a Program Aide. As an integral part of the Polaris team, she was promoted to Lead Program Aide and eventually to Residential Supervisor, in which she co-supervises all floor staff. Working for Polaris, Stephanie has been able to witness the positive impact and change the program and staff have on the teens and their families.

Sandra earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology in 2016. She has worked with multiple populations of at risk youth ever since, including those in the correctional system and those experiencing homelessness. She then entered the mental health field through Polaris as a Program Aide. Through hard work and dedication she was promoted to Lead Program Aide and now holds the position of Residential Manager.

Sandra has a strong passion for rehabilitation and helping all youth recognize their full potential. She finds it rewarding to work as a team with all Polaris staff to help guide and support youth as they navigate through their treatment.

Ai Kusuhara is a mental health professional, parenting educator, & child and adolescent advocate, currently in the role of Human Resources Director. Ai has been working at Polaris from the very first day of operation. Earning her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute with emphasis on Depth Psychology, Ai brings her clinical expertise in assessments and intake throughout the admission process. Prior to Polaris, Ai Kusuhara has worked with children, adolescents, individuals, and families providing culturally sensitive social services both as a therapist, case manager, and parenting educator at the Little Tokyo Service Center (CDC), as well as a psychotherapist, seeing individuals at Coldwater Counseling.

Amy Harger has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults for many years in various employment and volunteer roles. She began working at Polaris as a Program Aide and now serves as Administrative Coordinator. Throughout this time, she has enjoyed working directly with teens and getting to see their growth. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in criminal behavior from California Lutheran University. She is currently working towards receiving her Master’s in Social Work from California State University – Northridge.

Sarah Granados has an Associates of Occupational Science Degree in Surgical Technology and is working towards a Bachelors in Nursing. She spent eight years in the military, first as a Sergeant in the US Army and then working as a civilian contractor for the Department of Defense in Human Resources and Payroll. After her time working for the military, Sarah found that she had a passion for wanting to help others. As a compassionate and empathic person, she worked first as a community facilitator and caretaker for autistic teenagers. She then joined Polaris as a Program Aide 2021. Sarah was soon promoted to Lead Program Aide and then Residential Manager.