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Mental Health Specialists

Mental Health SpecialistsThe heart and soul of any mental health treatment center is the team of mental health specialists who help clients achieve their treatment goals. When the mental health treatment center provides programs and services for adolescents and children, the mental health specialists are especially responsible for their clients’ health and well-being. If you are the parent of a child or adolescent who may need more support and guidance than you or their school can provide, it can be overwhelming to find a perfect facility for your child.

HillsidesCares is a mental health treatment and education center in Pasadena, CA, that specializes in customized care and educational services for children and adolescents. However, what makes us a progressive leader in our field is the HillsidesCares staff. Our team of dynamic experts is the reason our comprehensive programs and services are so effective.

Our Leadership Structure

At HillsidesCares, our standard of excellence begins with our executive leadership team. They have set the tone for the rest of our HillsidesCares staff. Our executive team is led by:

  • Stacey Roth, LCSW – CEO
  • Gina Perez, PsyD – COO/President

Our HillsidesCares staff also includes our other highly valuable teams. These teams include our:

  • Clinical leadership team
  • Medical team
  • Admissions and outreach team

All of our teams work as a collaborative and cohesive unit whose top priority is the health and well-being of our clients. We are dedicated to providing outstanding mental health treatment and educational services, and our HillsidesCares staff is proud to help children and adolescents progress through our programs and services.

Clinical Leadership

Stacey Roth, LCSW

Chief Executive Officer

Gina Perez, PsyD

Chief Operating Officer and President

Casey Meinster, LMFT

Division Chief, Campus Based Services

Andrew Hernandez, MPA

Senior Director, Campus Based Services

Matt Phillips, LCSW

Clinical Director

Rachel Martone

Program Supervisor

Catalina Garcia

Program Manager

Arella Taghdis, LCSW

Program Manager

Medical Team

Dr. Ashraf Elmashat

Psychiatrist

Ana Pineda, LVN

Director, Nursing Services

JessicaMeza

Jessica Meza, LVN

Lead LVN

Business Team

Lucia Garcia, MPH

Business Development Manager

JustinBlacnkburn

Justin Blackburn, MPH

Senior Director, Health Information and Analytics

MonicaHy

Monica Hy, LMFT

Intake Program Manager

Hannah LaLone

Intake Coordinator

Our Multidisciplinary Team

Our HillsidesCares education team is one of the many aspects of our care that sets us apart. Many mental health treatment centers employ only therapists or counselors. However, at HillsidesCares, our team has a wider range of skills that are their specialties. Our team members include:
  • Mental health clinicians
  • Psychiatrists
  • Nurses
  • Behavioral specialists
  • Case managers
  • Crisis response specialists
Because we have a wide range of specialists, we are more capable of personalizing treatment plans to fit the needs of our clients. Just as each client in our care is unique, each treatment plan should be unique as well. HillsidesCares is unlike many other treatment centers because of these members of our team.

Discover More About Our HillsidesCares Staff Today

At HillsidesCares, our team of mental health specialists creates comprehensive care for children and adolescents. Our programs, services, and facility make HillsidesCares a leading mental health provider in California. Get to know our HillsidesCares staff today by calling 323.641.4842 or completing our online form. Our dedication to our clients is a fundamental part of what we do. Learn more about HillsidesCares today.

HillsidesCares

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“I always start where the children and family are at and use humor and genuineness to connect and create rapport.”

Stacey R. Roth, LCSW

Hi, I’m Stacey, and I have worked at Hillsides for almost 30 years, in various roles, from therapist to my current role as Chief Executive Officer. My passion lies in expanding trauma-informed behavioral health services for children and families, and I’ve been proud to lead initiatives like the development of our Behavioral Health and Foster Care divisions. This work has been my calling since I was 17 years old, and I remain deeply committed to helping individuals heal and thrive.

“I take time to get to know each member of the family by getting input from all through open communication.”

Gina Perez, Psy.D.

For over 23 years, I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening mental health systems, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. As President and Chief Operating Officer at Hillsides, I oversee the organization’s daily operations and ensure our initiatives align with our mission and values. My passion extends beyond this role through years of advocacy with L.A. County and statewide organizations, championing efforts that foster empathy, understanding, and comprehensive support for those in need.

“I believe that healing is possible, and that a nurturing and trauma-informed environment is what is needed to allow children and families to work through challenging circumstances.”

Casey Meinster, LMFT

As Division Chief of Campus-Based Services at Hillsides, I oversee our Residential Program and all HillsidesCares programming. I have worked in this field for over 20 years providing intensive behavioral health support to youth and families in need. My work is deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences with the impact of suicide, and I am committed to creating safe, healing environments where young people can find hope and promise.

“I like to meet our clients where they are at and use play to build relationships.”

Andrew Hernandez, MPA

As the Senior Director of Campus Based Services at Hillsides, I am responsible for the oversight of care and supervision within our program. I work to ensure that our direct care team engages with youth through a trauma-informed, treatment-focused lens while fostering meaningful connections that support healing and growth. The words that best describe this work are connection, fun, and understanding. My passion is rooted in a deep commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where children can begin to heal.

“I utilize patience, humor, and active listening in order to develop a positive relationship with youth and their families.”

Matt Phillips, LCSW

As Clinical Director, my role encompasses overseeing the provision of mental health services across all our campus-based programming. I lead and support multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality clinical outcomes. I have an extensive background in residential treatment and providing trauma-informed care. My passion comes from an authentic desire to help others. It is truly a privilege to witness first-hand the growth of our clients and families.

“I love being able to use compassion, creative problem solving, and building on client and family strengths to help them through their healing journey.”

Rachel Martone

My name is Rachel, and I am the PHP-IOP Program Supervisor. I have worked at Hillsides for over 12 years in various roles and programs.  I chose to pursue a career in behavioral mental health because I have a passion for wellness and helping others in meaningful ways. Working with children and families has always been something I love, and I’m driven by the opportunity to support their growth, healing, and overall well-being. When I think about Hillsides Cares, I see a compassionate team coming together to create a safe and nurturing environment to support children and their families on a journey of hope and healing. 

“I love knowing we are putting our grain of salt and making a difference to improve families’ quality of life.”

Catalina Garcia

I am a Program Manager with 17 years of experience at Hillsides, I supervise the case management team who support families through comprehensive, client-focused services.

When I think about HillsidesCares, I think about a dedicated community that provides hope, support, and stability to families in need.

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”

Arella Taghdis, LCSW

My name is Ari, and I have been blessed to be a part of Hillsides for five wonderful years. As an LCSW and the Program Manager for the HillsidesCares program, I bring years of experience working with families and adolescents, utilizing various therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of our youth. When I think of HillsidesCares, I am reminded of the exceptional service, high-quality care, and compassion we provide to the families and communities we serve. Witnessing families thrive and seeing the positive transformations in the lives of the youth we support has been incredibly rewarding.

“As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, I treat children in the context of their families, schools, and community. I use a holistic approach, understanding and treating problems by integrating biomedical, psychological, and social perspectives.”

Ashraf Elmashat, M.D.

Hi, I am Dr. Ashraf Elmashat, MD, and I am a double-board certified physician by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. I provide psychiatric care for Residential and PHP clients. His passion is the science of healing meeting the art of connection—where medication, therapy, and unwavering care collide. When I think about HillsidesCares, I think about multidisciplinary team collaboration, working closely with therapists, social workers, educators, and direct care staff, offering a team-based approach to healing.  Teams can help shape the therapeutic environment of the home, ensuring it supports mental health recovery.

“I use patience, dedication and communication to make sure I partner with parents to get their child back home.”

Ana Pineda, LVN

I have been at Hillsides for 25 plus years. I am the Director of Nursing: my team and I work together with our psychiatrist to provide guidance for our client’s mental health and well-being. We provide a variety of services to our clients which include- psychiatry services, medication management, client education, to name a few. I have enjoyed working here and being a part of helping our clients heal, grow, and thrive. I have always wanted to be a nurse and being able to help people has always been my goal. My family has always inspired me to work and do the best that I can in all that I do. I have always wanted to help our vulnerable population and be a part of the solution—helping clients strive to be the best they can be. When I think about Hillsides Cares, I think about advocating for our vulnerable youth and supporting them through difficult times. My passion comes from the opportunity to make a difference in our youth and seeing them leave our facility with more knowledge of themselves and how to cope with their challenges

JessicaMeza

"When I think about Hillsides, I think about and believe that our facility can make a difference in one person's life. My passion comes from helping others, so I believe I chose the right career."

Jessica Meza, LVN

Hi, my name is Jessica Meza, and I am the Lead LVN. My role here in Hillsides is helping all our kiddos with their psychiatry visits and dispensing their medications and providing help to our nursing team. What drew me into this type of work environment is that I have always felt deep compassion for those living with mental health disorders. I look forward to getting to know each of our patients, learning from them, and finding what helps them feel better. When I think about Hillsides, I think about and believe that our facility can make a difference in one person’s life. My passion comes from helping others, so I believe I chose the right career.

Seeing the successful outcomes and testimonials from our clients affirms my commitment to our quality work to transform lives, and I want to keep supporting our mission!

Lucia Garcia, MPH

I am the Business Development Manager at HillisdesCares, and I enjoy seeing the successful outcomes and testimonials from our clients. It affirms my commitment to our quality work to transform lives. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I wanted to support from a population health lens. My goal was always to support in increasing access to healthcare for all, and my public health educational background really affirmed this for me! All the HillsidesCares team members truly lead with their heart, and all their work and commitment drive me to be even more dedicated to the work for our clients.

JustinBlacnkburn

"When I think about HillsidesCares, I think about a dedicated community that leads with heart and purpose to create lasting impact in the lives of children and families."

Justin Blackburn, MPH

I am the Senior Director of Health Information and Analytics, with a BS in Health Information Management and an MS in Public Health. I believe that data informs the work we do and can lead to improved outcomes, stronger programs, and better support for the communities we serve.

MonicaHy

“I utilize a culturally sensitive approach when working with children and families to help create a safe space where they can feel respected and heard.”

Monica Hy, LMFT

I am the Intake Program Manager at HillsidesCares with a background as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. When I think about HillsidesCares, I think about a safe and supportive space where children and adolescents can receive individualized mental health services grounded in empathy and stability.

“My hope is that in everything I do and say I can advocate passionately for every child and family that I work with.”

Hannah LaLone

I am an Intake Coordinator who has worked with Hillsides for five years, in varying roles and positions. I have worked alongside children and families strengthening communities, developing relationships, and encouraging the next generation to start new and beautiful cycles of healing and growth. It is an honor to be a part of that process! My hope is that in everything I do and say, I can advocate passionately for every child and family that I work with.