Meet Our Team

Our team of dedicated and enthusiastic coaches are a core component of Advance LA’s success. Advance LA coaches receive ongoing training and continuous professional development. They are individually supervised by a licensed psychologist on a weekly basis; they participate in group supervision led by a licensed psychologist; and they regularly take part in trainings on special topics. Our program of rigorous training, observation, and management ensures that our life skills coaches provide high quality, clinically-sensitive, and individualized support to each client.

Administration & Staff

Heather Humphrey, M.A., LMFT,
Director of Adult & Vocational Services

Heather Humphrey is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience providing services to children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. Heather currently supervises The Help Group’s adult and vocational programs, which include Advance LA, Project Six Adult Residential Program, the Community Employment Program, the WorkAbility 1 Program, and the We Can Work Program.

A Pepperdine University frequent flyer, earning Master’s degrees in both Applied Psychology and Clinical Psychology, she has worked with a wide variety of populations including individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other learning challenges, individuals with complex trauma needs, individuals that identify as LGBT+, and forensic clients. Heather is currently the State Chair of the Business, Education and Labor committee as part of the WorkAbility 1 program, through the California Department of Education.

Bonnie Auerbach, PhD, Clinical Director

Dr. Auerbach has spent over twenty years at The Help Group working with children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Long Island University in New York and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Auerbach’s professional background includes overseeing The Help Group’s Project Six Residential Program, where she helped adults with developmental disabilities build the skills needed to live more independently; supervising therapists in The Help Group’s school programs on the Sherman Oaks campus; and participating in the doctoral intern Training Committee.

During her time at Advance LA, Dr. Auerbach has enjoyed developing relationships with Live. Advance. LA. residents and their families. She believes that Advance LA truly helps young adults achieve goals they have difficulty accomplishing on their own, and allows them to turn their dreams into reality. In her free time, you can find Dr. Auerbach reading, knitting, and cooking.

Jeri began her career as an attorney with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office and became involved in the field of education when her children started school. She earned a Masters Degree in School Counseling and joined Westmark School as the School Counselor. In this role, Jeri assisted students and their families to manage challenging academic, social, and emotional issues. She is a National Board Certified Counselor and a Certified Parent Educator.

Jeri is the Parent Support Group Facilitator for the International Dyslexia Association of Los Angeles as well as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line. She is excited to share her professional skills, as well as her personal experience as a parent of three young adults, with Advance LA. Her goal is for Advance LA clients to find happiness and success in their academics, their employment, and in their relationships with family and friends.

Xenia Booker, Administrative Program Coordinator

Xenia began her journey with The Help Group more than 10 years ago with an eagerness to have a positive impact on families in her community. She received her Bachelors in Science from University of Phoenix, Pasadena California. Her experience includes working with children, teens and young adults with special needs.

She has a professional background in Behavior Modification as a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist in which she supports families with skill building and incorporating creative ways to address barriers and achieve their goals. She develops and facilitates Parenting Groups to foster lasting relationships within the family dynamic.

Throughout her time with The Help Group, Xenia has enjoyed building strong therapeutic relationships with children, young adults and their families. She truly believes that helping young people learn skills to live independently through Advance LA will foster a stronger and more cohesive community.

Coaches

Pavan has always enjoyed assisting young adults to achieve their goals ranging from academics and careers to personal goals such as relationship enhancements and confidence. Pavan is passionate about helping those around her build confidence and be the best version of themselves. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA as well as a Master of Arts degree in couple and family therapy.

While previously working with adolescents and young adults, she has learned that confidence and self-awareness does not happen over night. However, assistance with a compassionate, determined, and supportive helping-hand can have astounding effects.

Nora has a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Pace University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology/English from Chapman University. She has worked with various types of populations and has served communities and individuals who seek counseling due to depression, addiction, stress, identity/orientation, and grief or loss.

Nora also has experience in delivering programs related to mental health diagnoses, youth and family focused evidence-based practices, LGBTQ community issues, continuing education, and women’s advocacy.

Nora has worked in a variety of sectors including rehabilitation, private clinic, universities/vocational college, private equity and the United Nations. She is passionate about advocating for individuals with disabilities and under-served populations and communities; she assists her clients in accomplishing both short and long-term goals. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going hiking, traveling and exploring new recipes while cooking.

Theresa earned her Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology degree from National University and a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology degree from Hofstra University. She has over 13 years of experience working with children and young adults in the foster care and juvenile justice systems providing case management, service coordination, and supervisory oversight at a private nonprofit organization.

Theresa has worked with various populations of different ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and developmental backgrounds. In her most recent position, she provided in-home supportive services for her clients to remain stable in their communities and to avoid a higher level of care. Theresa believes that supporting children and young adults in building a strong and stable foundation can assist in a successful future. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Raj began her career co-operating three restaurants with her husband which provided her flexible hours to be involved in their four children’s lives. She has a BA in Sociology from California State University of Northridge (CSUN) and a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Over the years, she has gained many hours of experience in working with young adults, adults, couples and families in various settings with emphasis on specializing in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, behavioral issues, as well as advocating for marginalized groups.

Raj speaks fluent Punjabi and Hindi and is a culturally sensitive provider. She draws upon each individual’s unique strengths while simultaneously working with clients to identify their barriers, then collaborating with clients to overcome these barriers to achieve success. Raj uses a holistic approach to tackle various obstacles that can impact life such as, financial stress, relationship problems, lifespan stages, work issues, family dynamics, and overall stressors.

Raj’s free time consists of spending quality time with her family, their dog, and friends. Raj looks for any opportunity to hike or indulge in being around nature, attending mindfulness-type retreats, healthy cooking, reading and surrounding herself with people that inspire her.

Heather Humphrey, M.A., LMFT,
Director of Adult & Vocational Services

Bonnie Auerbach, PhD, Clinical Director

Jeri Rochman, MS, Director of Community Outreach

Xenia Booker, Administrative Program Coordinator

Pavan Kaur, M.A.

Nora Selmeczi, M.A.

Theresa Bennett, M.A.

Raj Basra, M.S.

Advance LA

The Help Group

About Us

Our Services

Events

Heather Humphrey, M.A., LMFT, Director of Adult & Vocational Services

Bonnie Auerbach, PhD, Clinical Director

Jeri Rochman, MS, Director of Community Outreach

Xenia Booker, Administrative Program Coordinator

Pavan Kaur, M.A.

Nora Selmeczi, M.A.

Theresa Bennett, M.A.

Raj Basra, M.S.

Advance LA

The Help Group

About Us

Our Services

Events

Heather Humphrey, M.A., LMFT,
Director of Adult & Vocational Services