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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Favorite quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
