Our team of dedicated, enthusiastic, warm, and highly capable people is what makes us stand out We are committed to providing quality training and continuous professional development for each of our team members. In addition, we are constantly working together to ensure quality services are provided. Our team-based approach allows you have access to our multi-disciplinary team members to address any concerns or needs. Meet our team!

Alisa Cohen

Alisa earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from UCLA and has also received a Masters Degree in Social Work from CSUN. Her dedication to working with families and individuals in helping build important communication skills has been instrumental to each family and individual in maintaining important relationships in their lives. Alisa credits her success in working with clients to her ability to connect with them on a personal level. She also gives credit to her love for dance and music as the creative inspiration in building these important relationships with clients. She is an advocate for wellness and is very excited to be a part of the ADVANCE LA team where she can help make a difference everyday.

Michelle Mendoza

Michelle graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is an artist, a writer, a teacher, a student, a dreamer, an advocate and above all else, a believer in the abilities of her clients. For the past several years she has specialized in working with children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well emotional challenges, and other related Developmental Disorders. If ever there were a position where her passion and creativity were to merge in life, it would be here at ADVANCE LA working creatively with clients out in the community. Michelle has been on a remarkable journey, and according to her it has only begun.

Eric Canson

Eric graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Wellness. He has always had a passion for working with adolescents with special needs, which lead him to The Help Group, where he served as a residential counselor. His passion for teaching independent living skills and healthy living inevitably led him to joining the ADVANCE LA team where he has the opportunity to be a positive impact in people’s lives every day. Eric’s zest for life has taught him the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, something he wishes to instill in others. When he is not working he enjoys outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and basketball to name a few. Eric cites his value of the relationships he has with family and friends and the fact that he does not take life for granted, as being the most important things in life to him.

Sol Garcia

For the last 10 years, Sol Garcia has worked in the social services field with a wide range of individuals and families. She  comes with international experience in providing support and conducting research in developing countries to serve people who were struggling to meet their basic needs. Five years ago, together with a group of friends, she founded a volunteer based non-profit program that promotes generosity and completes projects in various countries that help others to become self-sufficient. She has a B.A. in Sociology and is in the process of obtaining a Graduate Certificate in the Nonprofit Sector through CSUN’s MPA program. She has a true love of adventure, travel and learning of other cultures. Her life’s passion is to use what is in her own hands in order to help others reach their own potential.

Alyson Gould

Alyson graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal studies. She has worked with children and adolescents with special needs for over 3 years starting her career off as a behavioral therapist at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. She then joined The Help Group as a Residential Counselor. She thrives off teaching children and adolescents with disabilities and loves to watch them grow by helping them learn the skills they need to be successful in the future. She is excited to be a part of the Advance LA team, where she will continue to shape the lives of young adults. In her free time, Alyson loves to camp, hike, and exercise. Living a healthy lifestyle is very important to Alyson and will be a major component in helping her clients feel confident enough to live a happy and independent lifestyle.

Hugo Rodriguez

Hugo has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Child & Adolescent Development from California State University Northridge. He recently completed  a Master of Science in Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University Long Beach. Hugo has worked with children of divergent ages, ethnic/psychosocial backgrounds, and unique needs (gifted, abuse history, developmental disabilities), in both private and public settings as a teacher, coach, tutor, and behavioral/family therapist working utilizing evidence based practices.  Hugo is passionate about facilitating inner strength and hope with youth and families.  Hugo enjoys hiking, basketball, music (hip hop to classic rock) and swimming

Jaclyn Ferber

Jaclyn Ferber is a Masters of Social Work graduate from the University of Southern California. Before attending USC, Jaclyn obtained a Bachelors of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in Child Development, and a Minor in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. While studying at Davis, Jaclyn became involved with the Autism Awareness Student Group on campus, at one point holding the position of Vice President. Through this group, Jaclyn also assisted in the development of the Social Outreach Network, a group for University students with unique challenges. Ultimately, Jaclyn is a passionate advocate for the well-being of others and she has the desire to work with children, young adults, and parents to promote healthy relationships and development as individuals. Jaclyn is an avid rock climber and enjoys camping and hiking in her free time.