Meet the Team

 
 

Amanda Cruz, MSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Amanda Cruz is passionate about guiding individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves. Through the lens of the expressive arts and mindfulness, Amanda’s goal is to holistically foster the mind/body connection while encouraging healing and awareness of one’s emotional state to overcome adverse emotions. She is excited to join Lighthouse Therapeutic Services and grateful for the client's that allow her to join them on their journey to live a balanced and peaceful life!

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California, Riverside in addition to an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She also earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak- Peck School of Social Work. In her free time she enjoys hiking, yoga, and karaoke.

ACSW #98060. Amanda is under supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269

 
 

Elva Perez

Administrative Assistant
Elva Perez is a very compassionate and enthusiastic individual, with a passion for helping others.  Experienced with 15 years across various industries, she is a “Jane of All Trades.”  Elva has training in a wide range of office administration tasks and has the ability to work under pressure with a positive demeanor.  Successful in fielding phone calls, providing information to clients and acting as liaison between therapists.  Elva is excited to join the team and help out in any way she can.

When not being the ringleader of her household, with her three small kids, Elva enjoys the occasional Starbucks and a Target run.  Some of her other hobbies are baking and crafting which really brings out her creative side.

 
 
 
 

Marissa Hernandez, MSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Marissa Hernandez is a Mexican/Puerto Rican American from San Diego, who is focused on providing a safe space for her clients to feel vulnerable and become the best version of themselves through accountability and understanding cultural/childhood components. Marissa is a firm believer that by developing a safe and respectful therapeutic experience, it will help facilitate the beginning of her client's healing journey. She has a strong passion for helping people through the lens of art and mindfulness with a goal to provide cultural and diverse perspectives. Her goal is to foster a space where her clients can address their struggles through healthy coping mechanisms and effectively communicate their emotions with individuals in their life; as well as holding themselves accountable.  

Marissa received her Associates in Behavioral and Social Sciences from Cuyamaca College, Bachelor of Psychology from Pepperdine University, and Master of Social Work from University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Marissa is a bilingual Associate Clinical Social Worker, who also works in the medical setting as a Medical Social Worker specialized in Chronic Kidney Disease (ESRD). On top of speaking English and Spanish, she has been learning Japanese off and on the past two years. Marissa’s hobbies included photography (mostly portraits), traveling, being a foodie of all cuisines, painting, watching the Padres games and exploring her city. She is really excited to be a part of the Lighthouse Therapeutic Services Team and looks forward to helping her clients find their journey to a life of balance and healing. 

Specialties:
• Attachment Styles
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic Illnesses

ACSW #90921. Marissa is under supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269 

 
 
 

Jacqueline Boyadzhyan, MSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Jacqueline is a bilingual (in Armenian) associate clinical social worker. Jacqueline’s personal and professional goal is to impact the world through the rippling effects of positive change, one person at a time. She aims to heal and facilitate growth in the lives of children, adolescents, and families through building upon human connection and relationships fostered through respect, kindness, empathy, transparency, and authenticity. Jacqueline is an ally the LGBTQIA + community, practices active anti-racism, and firmly believes of social justice and equity. She has  diverse experiences and skills in understanding the strengths and experiences of youth and young adults, as well as further developing protective factors and prevention efforts for youth and families who are experiencing mental health concerns, physical health, social and economic instabilities, or hardships. She is committed to helping her clients gain autonomy and stability, through self-reflection, self- exploration, alignment of mind, body, and soul. Jacqueline hopes to create a safe and brave space for every person who chooses to embark on their mental wellness journey. 

Specialties:
• LGBTQIA+ Adolescents and Families
• Transitional Aged Youth/Young Adults (18-15)
• Stress and Anxiety Management
• Chronic Illness

 
 

Jesus Mendoza, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Hola. My name is Jesus Mendoza and I am a licensed bilingual Spanish speaking therapist. I specialize in immigration evaluations and also counseling for adolescents and adults. I also have extensive experience working in the hospital setting and working with culturally diverse individuals from various ethnic backgrounds.



My approach to my work is eclectic. I like getting to know the unique needs of my clients and use the approach that best addresses their needs. In my work I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Dialectical Behavioral, and Mindfulness techniques. I am an LGBTQ+ ally. I hold space in my practice for individuals of all sexual orientations, genders, and family/relationship structures. 

Specialties:
• Healthcare Workers
• LGBTQIA+
• Transitional Aged Youth/Young Adults (18-15)
• Stress and Anxiety Management. Work/Life Balance
• Chronic Illness

 
 

Sarandon Gilbert, MSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Sarandon’s personal and professional goal is to empower individuals to create empathetic, caring, and respectful communities. She aims to create trauma-informed and healing-centered spaces where she can walk alongside her clients in their journey to healing. Sarandon is a member of the queer community, identifies as Indigenous and works to practice anti-racism and social equity in all aspects of her life.

Specialties:
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies 
• Healing Centered Engagement
• LGBTQIA+ and Gender Affirming Care
• Working with Survivors of Violence