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

Kelda Hartman

Kelda earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. She has previously worked with children, adolescents and young adults in a variety of capacities, including as a school mental health counselor with Providence Center for Community Health Improvement; as an instructor at Marlborough School; as a childhood and parenting educator at Claris Health Pregnancy Clinic; and as an English teacher at a home for orphaned children and adolescents in Vietnam.

Kelda also had a previous career in the entertainment industry, working in film and television. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California with a major in Communication and a minor in Cinema/Television. Kelda enjoys traveling, playing music, and spending time with friends and family.

Hugo has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Child & Adolescent Development from California State University, Northridge. He recently completed a Master of Science degree in Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University Long Beach. Hugo has worked with young people 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 utilizing evidence-based practices.

Hugo is passionate about facilitating inner strength and hope with youth and their families. Hugo enjoys hiking, basketball, music (hip hop to classic rock), and swimming.

Kay earned her Master of Arts in Public Administration from Barry University and a Bachelors of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Florida State University. Kay has experience with adolescents and adults with various disabilities in the private and non-profit sector. Throughout the years, Kay has worked as a Case Manager and Job Coach at Bayview Mental Health Center; and Program Coordinator (HSHT/STEM) at The South Florida Center for Independent Living where she encouraged high school students with disabilities to explore jobs and postsecondary education leading to technology created careers.

Kay is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and aims to assist her clients in reaching their short and long-term goals. She enjoys art, museums, singing, zip-lining, and traveling.

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.

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

Kelda Hartman

Hugo Rodriguez

Kay Ross

Nora Selmeczi, MA

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

Kelda Hartman

Hugo Rodriguez

Kay Ross

Nora Selmeczi, MA

Advance LA

The Help Group

About Us

Our Services

Events

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