Adam Sholder

Adam Sholder has been working in education for the past three decades. He has developed numerous programs throughout his career for at-risk youth and young adults living with mental health conditions. In 2004, Adam created Insight Enrichment Group, providing the highest quality individualized and integrated psychosocial support for teens and adults of all ages living with mental health conditions. IEG established their Peer Mentoring Program in 2010, and in 2018 IEG opened their independent living program, LaunchPad Living. In 2020, Adam and his team of Peer Mentors established the non-profit organization, A Gap In The Forest.

Jane Kovich, ACSW

Jane Kovich has been with IEG for the past year and brings over six years of experience working with clients living with a variety of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, grief & loss, ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, life transitions, dissociative identity disorder, complex trauma and PTSD. 

While working one-on-one with our clients, Jane takes a collaborative approach to help them identify areas of strength and overcome challenges. Jane also serves as a consultant to families, coordinates with clinicians, and provides leadership and supervision to our team of coaches and case managers. Jane was born and raised in New York City and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Bard College in Human Rights and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California. Jane is a Registered Associate Therapist (ACSW) earning clinical hours under professional supervision at Los Angeles Therapy Network & Trauma Therapy Specialists in Los Angeles, CA. 

Rachel Roessler

Rachel began working in community mental health over a decade ago, assisting those with dually diagnosed with mental disabilities and a mental health condition live independently in their communities. For the past decade Rachel has worked as a coach and case manager for Insight Enrichment Group. She has worked closely with IEG clients, their families, and their clinicians providing psychosocial support and independent living skills. When not working with our clients helping them achieve their personal, vocational, and educational goals, she’s working on her own goals and interests, including photography, furthering her education, and traveling the world.

Mara Gold

As a Bay Area native, Mara is Insight Enrichment's Coach/Case Manager for the San Francisco Area and has worked with IEG for the last five years, using her skills as a Rehabilitation Technician for adults struggling with all issues relating to substance use and mental health. Mara received her Bachelors in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Building her passion for community service and her interest in governmental affairs, Mara has worked for a U.S. Congressman, County Supervisor, and for various community outreach campaigns. While in these roles, Mara worked with organizations such as NAMI, county mental health boards, and underprivileged children's scholastic organizations. She also sits on the Board of Directors for A Gap In The Forest.

Kate Shantar, MSN, PMHNP-BC, RN-BC

Kate is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, now serving as the Director of Psychiatric Services at Enriched Living. She holds a Masters Degree of Science in Nursing from Drexel University. Kate has been a registered nurse since 2016, having graduated with honors from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Kate also holds a bachelor’s of arts degree from San Francisco State University. Kate served on an adolescent and pediatric psychiatric unit at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as in the United States Peace Corps as a tertiary teacher. She spent several years working with children with special needs before pursuing the calling to become a nurse.

Meriah Erdman

Meriah has experience working in the mental health and nutrition field with specializations in eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction, among other comorbid disorders. Meriah’s passion for life coaching stems from both personal life insight and career choices focused on improving the lives of others. Having overcome an array of personal challenges, Meriah is able to empathize with a wide variety of individuals and guide them in the process of self-realization and fulfillment. 

Meriah holds a Master’s degree in Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition from the University of Western States. She completed her undergraduate degree from California State University, Los Angeles where she majored in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Her approach to coaching integrates mind, body, and spirit; By addressing all three elements, Meriah teaches clients the value of emotional and physical well-being, with an ultimate goal of achieving balance and peace within. 

Meriah has a love and passion for alternative ways of healing, which inspired her to complete her yoga teacher training in Nepal. She is currently working on a two year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, and her combined backgrounds in mindfulness, nutrition, and mental health make her an ideal ally on the path to a meaningful life. 

Erika Brown

Formerly an Insight Enrichment Group client, Erika takes a peer-based approach with clients, utilizing her lived experience to help others navigate similar life challenges. She has a background in writing, and facilitates A Gap in the Forest's Creative Writing Group. Erika also edits and publishes the nonprofit's collaborative digital anthologies, and oversees peer-led creative teams.

Keegan Halupowski

Keegan began working in inpatient treatment settings in 2015, and has been working as a coach since 2018. He has extensive experience providing individualized support to teens and adults who are neurodiverse, living with mental health conditions, or have a history of substance abuse. He helps his clients meet their established goals through creating trusting partnerships. He excels at helping clients create daily structure and routine. Keegan has years of experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and has a keen understanding of the trauma so often experienced within that community. Keegan has two Associate Degrees and is presently working towards his Bachelors in Psychology at UCLA. 

Marifel Sison

Marifel Sison has twenty-five years of experience working in the mental health field. Her background includes work in nonprofit management, grant writing, and community mental health services. She received her MA from Pepperdine University, and outside of work has a passion for gardening, cooking, and mentoring individuals towards the goal of living their best lives.

Kate Patel

Kate was raised between Northern California and England. She graduated from University of Victoria with a BA in anthropology, and an MA in International and Intercultural Communication from Royal Roads University while living with mental health issues and addiction. She is a professional ballet dancer, and today lives and works in LA as a documentarian, peer mentor and actress. Kate is also a certified addiction counselor and sits on A Gap in the Forest's Board of Directors.

Bryanna Barragan

Bryanna believes that wellness is an equilibrium of emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health so she takes a multidisciplinary approach to her coaching. With her extensive knowledge in mental health and her passion for finding new ways of healing, life coaching was an inevitable trajectory. 

Having overcome homelessness, depression, and addiction Bryanna has had to be dedicated to her own mental health and wellbeing. This has given her a unique perspective and ability to truly connect with others and help them overcome their own addictions and adversity. She believes that the most important relationship we have is the relationship with ourselves and is dedicated to helping her clients truly shine from the inside out. Bryanna brings an array of tools to help her clients find what works for them so that they are able to be self-sufficient, self loving and radiant human beings. 

Safiyyah Yasin 

Safiyyah is originally from Oakland, California. She is a graduate of Diablo Valley Junior College and Alaska Anchorage University, where she studied Communication and Journalism. A lifelong athlete, she became a passionate advocate for mental health during her time as a collegiate basketball player. Citing the correlation between training physical and mental wellness, Safiyyah continues to pursue her role as a coach in both arenas, symbiotically. Her approach with clients centers around organic mutual trust which creates space to gain knowledge and understanding, and develop personal strength.

Erica Ullman 

Erica’s knowledge of mental health is multi-tiered as her background includes personal, educational and vocational experience within the field. As a communications major at Loyola Marymount University, she focused her thesis on Depression Anonymous and, becoming a regular attendee, found the support group to be an invaluable asset for both herself and her peers. Post-graduation, she spent time volunteering as a trauma counselor and soon thereafter transitioned into working full time for an organization supporting young adults and victims of domestic violence. Still an ongoing proponent of support groups, Erica brings her passion for compassion to the forefront in her work with IEG’s clients.

Julia Lesel

Julia hold a Bachelor's in Psychology from UCLA and a Master's in Business Psychology from USC. Julia's approach is grounded in her psychology background, offering practical strategies for personal growth.

Having worked with individuals with special needs at SMC Community College, Julia brings hands-on experience in supporting academic success and personal development. Her coaching style is pragmatic, leveraging psychological insights to guide individuals through challenges. Julia's focus is on equipping clients with practical tools and fostering resilience to navigate life transitions. Beyond coaching, she enjoys hiking, crafting, and is a published young adult fantasy author of three books.