Jaq Waldron
Director of Operations
Jaq has extensive knowledge of recovery and 12-Step Programming. She helps connect our substance use clients with the large and vibrant recovery community here in Southern California, and ensures our program adheres to the highest ethical standards within the treatment world.
Caroline Szakiel
Executive Chef
With 15 years experience in the culinary and hospitality industry, Chef Caroline has worked in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and banquet facilities. Caroline now operates her own business and works for clients as a private chef, teaches classes, and caters on-set and corporate events.
Her passion for cooking is matched by her passion to make a difference in people’s lives. Working at Ascend allows her to do just that. She enjoys interacting with clients daily, preparing their meals and running a cooking group. She has observed the art of cooking to be therapeutic and is excited to bring this life skill to Ascend clients.
Brenda Reyes
Regional Operations Manager
With over 10 years of experience working with kids, and two years in the mental health field, Brenda has prioritized hard work and diligence for clients during her entire career. As facilities manager she is also responsible for supporting mentors, all the way to ensuring the clinical staff has everything they need to help their clients succeed.
Brenda believes that connecting with clients and providing an engaging environment is essential to their treatment and recovery. Being a mother herself, Brenda has first-hand experience with adolescents and their struggle with learning healthy coping skills and emotional regulation. She uses all the tools at her disposal to ensure a safe space for any client at Ascend, making the residential treatment facilities a great environment for processing mental health concerns and growing as a young person.
Trey Hyde
Special Projects Manager
In the past, Trey has served as program coordinator for high school students who were interested in going to college and studying medicine but lacked the knowledge and resources to get there. He has years of experience in the healthcare field, serving communities both in the hospital and in afterschool programs.
Trey has a passion for working with adolescents and strives to be a positive presence, showing young people that no matter the past, their dreams are still attainable.
Emely Hernandez
Facility Manager | Encino Programs
In her role as Facility Manager, Emely continues to guide client towards healthy habits in their everyday lives. Her goal at Ascend is to show clients that there will always be someone there to support them when they reach out for help — that it’s healthy to express their emotions. Emely also strives to ensure our newly hired mentors are trained to help guide our clients and be good role models for them. She provides guidance for her mentor team and encourages them to reach out when they have questions on how to drive the program. She hopes to continue to support Ascend’s clients and mentors for many years to come.
Stefan Zelijkovic
Facility Manager | Empress
Stefan began his professional journey as a mentor for adolescents in residential treatment, specializing in dual diagnosis. He held that role for over two years, supporting young people as they navigated recovery. That experience led him into a facility manager position, where he trained mentors, supported staff, and oversaw daily operations — all with the goal of creating a safe, recovery-focused environment.
Stefan’s background has given him a strong foundation in peer support, leadership, and working with both youth and adults facing substance use and mental health challenges. He focuses on connection, accountability, and leading by example — because Stefan believes real change starts with trust and human connection.
People often ask how Stefan would change the world. For him, it’s not about some grand, unattainable gesture — it’s about changing one life at a time. When someone finds a new path, they often help the next person find theirs. That ripple effect can carry on far beyond what we ever see — and that’s the kind of legacy Stefan hopes to leave behind.
Barbara Gonzalez
Facility Manager | Santa Clarita
Program Manager | Culver PHP & Intensive Outpatient Program
Molly Elkin
Clinical Program Manager
Favorite quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
Charles Bills
PHP Program Manager
Paul Spina
IOP Program Manager
Paul Spina is the Program Coordinator at Ascend’s Culver PHP/IOP. He has a background working in non-public school settings for individuals with special needs. With 15 years of experience working as a T.A. to students of all ages, he gained unique insight into the development of adolescents.
Paul has been privileged to work with Ascend for two years, expanding his experience and growing professionally. While he originally started out as a mentor, he has consistently evolved by completing a variety of training and certifications. He’s excited to take on the role of Program Manager, infusing Culver with the passion he has for working with young people and helping them along their journey.