AI KUSUHARA, MA, LMFT
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
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, BA
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
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.
BETTY TORES
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Betty has worked in the mental health field for 4 years as an ABA Behavioral Technician a Lead Program Aide. She has always had a passion for working with children & young teens. Her goal is to help teens find their own identities by increasing their self-awareness, and self-love. Working at Polaris has been a rewarding experience for Betty, as she gets to be part of each teen’s journey to growth.