Education Support Programs

Ariel Martinez is a Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) Coach in Alameda, delivering behavioral health support to youth and families Through Fred Finch’s Degree Assistance Program (DAP), she is continuing her professional development while supporting youth and families through community-based behavioral health services.

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Receiving this support has been a source of pride for Ariel and has reinforced her connection to the organization. She appreciates being part of a workplace that prioritizes staff well-being, recognizes individual growth, and invests in the people who carry out the mission every day.

Ashley Jerez is a Facilities Supervisor in Maintenance. With support from Fred Finch’s Degree Assistance Program, she is continuing her education to build skills that strengthen her work and support those around her.

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For Ashley, the Degree Assistance Program provides an opportunity to grow professionally while continuing to serve others behind the scenes. She values working for an organization that recognizes the importance of every role and invests in staff who help create safe, supportive environments for the communities it serves.

Hailey Ruggles is a Behavior Consultant with Center for Autism Research Evaluation and Service (CARES) Orange County, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis services. As a recipient of our Degree Assistance Program, she continues to expand her knowledge and skills to support effective, evidence-based care for children and families.

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Receiving this support has reinforced Hailey’s dedication to ongoing learning and professional development. She appreciates being part of an organization that encourages growth, values curiosity, and invests in staff as they strengthen their practice and deepen their impact.

Destiny Perez is a Program Specialist in Administration who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, balancing her academic goals alongside her role supporting day-to-day operations across the organization.

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For Destiny, the Degree Assistance Program represents both encouragement and stability—allowing her to stay focused on her education while continuing to build a strong professional foundation. She values working for an organization that recognizes potential, supports long-term goals, and invests in employees as they shape their future careers.

Sara Bohannon, Grants Manager in our Development Department, is pursuing a Project Management certificate to strengthen grant oversight, improve efficiency, and expand fundraising capacity.

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She shares that the Degree Assistance Program has played a key role in supporting her professional growth and empowering her to contribute more effectively to our mission. Sara values being part of an organization that invests in its staff and creates opportunities to grow while advancing meaningful impact

Aviva Porter is a dedicated Special Education Teacher at our Avalon Non-Public School Program. The DAP Award has provided her with the opportunity to further her education, allowing her to enhance her skills and continue delivering high-quality education to the youth at Fred Finch Nonpublic School. With the support of the DAP Award, Aviva looks forward to continuing her journey with Fred Finch, working alongside the wonderful staff to make a positive difference in the lives of the youth and families in our community.

Christina is valuable Facilitator with the Child & Family Team Meeting Facilitation program. She is pursuing her MSW and is grateful that the DAP has given her financial support by helping to alleviate tuition costs and providing resources for the program. Christina shares that it is a great opportunity to further her career, by opening new doors and opportunities. She looks forward to giving back to our participants and community.

Talia is a dedicated Parent Partner with East Bay Wraparound. The DAP has inspired her to explore more opportunities within clinical work. Talia is excited to pursue a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree, which will allow her to work more extensively with the entire family and communities we serve. The support with tuition from Fred Finch helped her decide to go back to grad school and pursue holistic work with the entire family.

Mitzi is a valuable Behavior Tech Trainer within CARES Temecula. She is continuing her master's degree in early childhood education. The DAP brings hope to Mitzi, as it has enabled her to further her career goals and continue with higher education. Mitzi looks forward to giving back to our participants and the community for many years to come. 

Larisa is a valuable ECM Care Manager within Enhanced Care Management. She is currently completing her degree in psychology, before completing her master's degree in child development, with an emphasis on early childhood mental health. The DAP has been a game-changer for Larisa, as it has provided crucial financial assistance that has relieved her of the burden of tuition costs and allowing her to focus entirely on her studies and career aspirations. 

Diana is a dedicated TBS Coach within Alameda County Therapeutic Behavioral Services. She is currently pursuing her MSW, which will help her be better prepared to work with our participants and their families. It will also allow her to continue doing what she feels most passionate about, which is helping communities become more self-sufficient in all aspects. Diana is thankful for Fred Finch for helping her achieve her dreams and for distinguishing itself as an employer that provides invaluable financial resources to support its employees' educational and their career aspirations.

Xiomara is a valued Crisis Home Counselor with the San Diego Crisis Home. Her career aspiration is to become a Clinical Psychologist, specializing in working with children and adolescents, particularly those who have experienced trauma. This goal drives her current pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Childhood and Family Clinical Counseling. The support from Fred Finch has been crucial in her educational journey and has inspired Xiomara to dedicate herself to serving participants.

Linda is a valued Behavior Counselor within the Specialized Wrap Program. Linda has been with Fred Finch since 2020 and had dedicated her skills and educational background to help her community. She is pursuing her master's degree as an LMFT. With the amazing support of her Specialized Wrap family, Linda has continued to receive guidance and education as she moves into her role as a future clinician. Fred Finch has provided Linda a huge opportunity to learn and financially provide for her goals. Linda hopes to continue to provide support to families and the community.

Sirenia is a dedicated Residential Supervisor for the New Crisis Home in Jamul, CA. Sirenia has dedicated the last 8-9 years to working in this field and serving this population of children. DAP has allowed Sirenia to continue to pursue a higher education. Sirenia is attending the National University for her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a behavior analyst and potentially a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional overseeing a residential facility. Sirenia thanks her family, friends, Fred Finch, and mentors. She hopes they all know their support helped her get here. Sirenia believes it is crucial for the kids she works with to have someone to look up to who looks like them and who mirrors their strengths and struggles. 

Ginger is a valued Employment Specialist in the Support Services for the Transition Aged Youth (STAY) program.  Fred Finch has provided her invaluable support in pursing her education to achieve a Master's in Social Work at the University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.  She is motivated and excited to pursue her career goals towards a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in roles providing therapy, advocacy, and eventually to seek leadership roles that allow her to engage actively in partnerships with other community providers and work to enhance our system of care.  Ginger hopes to bring her knowledge, experience, and skills into collaborations with youth, families, programs, and communities.

Dania is a dedicated Behavior Supervisor in the Imperial region within Fred Finch CARES.  The DAP program has granted Dania an opportunity to pursue a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a BCBA and better serve our Fred Finch participants.

Jeff has been a dedicated Administrative Supervisor at Fred Finch since February, 2023. In 2022, he took a leap of faith to embark on a new direction in his personal and professional life. He decided to go back to school to get his Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration. He will complete his program in July 2024.  He has been able to apply both previous professional experience and current education to further our purpose with the communities we serve. 

Natalia is a valued Mental Health Counselor at our Supportive Services for Transition Aged Youth (STAY) program. For her, the DAP has been an answer to continue working towards her purpose in life. Fred Finch has shown her an incredible support towards her aspirations and career’s growth. With this fund she will be able to continue her Master’s in Clinical Counseling at University of San Francisco and pursue her goal to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is excited to bring to her participants and families we serve all the knowledge and skills she is developing through this master’s program.

Patricia is a dedicated member of our Therapeutic Behavioral Service (TBS) program in Alameda County. For Patricia, the DAP scholarship is a dream come true and a significant step towards pursuing higher education in the mental health field. Patricia is excited to begin her master's program this fall, where she will further her knowledge and skills in the mental health field. Her passion for helping others and making a difference in the lives of our participants truly reflects the core values of Fred Finch.

Anahi is a dedicated Behavior Counselor within the Fred Finch Wrap Connections Program. Her journey with Fred Finch, where she's been instrumental in helping families and children, strongly influenced her decision to pursue higher education. Thanks to the DAP program, she feels genuinely supported on her academic and professional path.

Brenda, a valued member of the Fred Finch family for almost 4 years, works as a dedicated Behavior Technician Trainer (BTT) in the Imperial region for CARES, positively impacting the lives of our participants and their families.

Brenda's commitment and passion for our mission have earned her this well-deserved recognition. With the DAP award, Brenda is pursuing a master’s degree in special education (Applied Behavioral Analysis) to become a BCBA and better serve our Fred Finch participants.

Addie is a dedicated Mental Health Counselor, playing a pivotal role in our Counseling Enriched Classrooms for School & Educational Services Program. The DAP program has granted Adelayne a remarkable opportunity to pursue her educational aspirations, as she diligently works towards a BA in psychology. The availability of this scholarship has not only eased her financial path but also ignited a sense of profound gratitude and motivation.
 

Alisha works as a Lead Skills Coach with Wrap Connections. She has always dreamed about becoming a licensed Marriage and family therapist/Licensed Community Counselor, so she can continue to help and work with families in the community . The DAP award fund is allowing her to pursue this dream. Thank you Fred Finch. 

Rosa Park, EHR Specialist, is pursuing for MSW degree from the University of Michigan with her DAP funds and will be graduating in 2025. Upon graduation, she plans to continue working at Fred Finch as a clinician.

Vanessa Ramos, a Child and Family Team Meeting Facilitator, was among one of this year's DAP recipients. She is so thankful for the opportunity to continue her education with peace of mind going into furthering her studies.

Francesca went through an extensive and competitive process, voted for by the Fred Finch Board of Directors, and will receive a $10.000 scholarship to continue to advance her education. 

Karlianne knew when she joined Fred Finch that she ultimately wanted to be a therapist. With DAP funding she began a master's program in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in the fall of 2021 and will be graduating in 2024. She plans to continue her clinical work at Fred Finch in the years follow and possibly pursue doctoral studies in the future. 

Lucas Maia, a Behavior Technician for CARES, will be starting his studies toward a BA in Psychology at CSU San Marcos and, while he’s undecided about the specific professional path he will take, his priority is to be of greater help to the families he works with. 

Andrea Jones, Specialist Counselor at Rising Oaks and formerly Turning Point, is transferring to Humboldt State University to pursue a BA in Social Work. This award will enable her to become a first-generation college graduate and be a beacon for underprivileged youth.

Glenda Cruz, a Therapeutic Behavioral Services worker for TBS San Mateo, will be pursuing an MA in Counseling with her DAP funds. She joined Fred Finch just the year prior, but she new she wanted to work with children since she was 15.

Karina Helgeson, Regional Development Manager in Southern California, is using her DAP funds to pursue a BA in Communications. She started as a Family Partner with Fred Finch over ten years ago, demonstrating her commitment to the youth and families we serve. 

Katie Estberg, a Regional Clinical Supervisor for CARES, had only worked with Fred Finch for a year but her commitment and dedication was immediately evident. With DAP funding, Katie will be completing coursework to prepare for a PsyD.

Mark Blackshear, a Behavior Counselor for Specialized Wraparound, has worked in three other Fred Finch programs since he joined the agency in 2014. He will be pursuing an MA in Counseling with DAP funding.