Meet Our Team
OPI Executive Director Jessica Breton shares with us her thoughts on the passionate and skilled team here at OPI. Several team members have been with OPI for more than 10 years, and all team members focus on our core values of empathy, service, trusting relationships, and growth.
Leadership
Jessica Breton is the Executive Director at the Optimum Performance Institute and has been with OPI since 2009, holding the positions of licensed therapist and Clinical Program Director.
Jessica’s background and expertise are well suited to serve the young adults at OPI. She holds a BA in psychology from University of California at Santa Barbara and has a Master’s degree from Phillips Graduate Institute in Marriage and Family Therapy.
She received Training in Mentalization-based Treatment Approach in Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder through UCLA Semel Institute. She also has training in Treating Multiple Severe Disorders with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with Michael Hollander, Ph.D., from Harvard/McLean Hospital. Additionally, Jessica has participated in Social Skills and Violence Prevention Training from the California Family Counseling Center.
She has served as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the California Family Counseling Center, has worked in several Los Angeles Unified School District elementary, middle and High Schools and has maintained a small private practice.
Ms. Breton is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, as well as Evolving Women.
At her heart, She is a passionate clinician. Jessica strongly believes that the relationships we build with clients and staff members helps to create an environment conducive to growth, healing, and change.
When not at work, Jessica loves spending time with her husband and 2 small boys.
Alisa received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. She has a strong passion for the field of psychology and for supporting others on their life path through the power of therapy.
Mario has been with the Optimum Performance Institute since 2008. He started as an Independent Living Specialist and transitioned to a Site Supervisor/Fleet Manager role. Mario works closely with his fellow supervisors and scheduler to ensure all participant transportation needs are met on a daily basis.
Sal has been with the Optimum Performance Institute since 2005. He started as an Independent Living Specialist and transitioned to a Site Supervisor/facilities manager. And is now our Director of Operations.Admissions and Outreach
As the Admissions Director of OPI, Robin brings over 15 years of dedicated experience working with adolescents and young adults in the therapeutic field. With a steadfast commitment to empowering families and their young adults, she wholeheartedly believes in guiding them towards realizing their full potential and fostering lives of independence.
Throughout her extensive career, Robin has cultivated a responsible and esteemed professional network, serving as a trusted liaison in connecting individuals with the essential care and resources they require. Robin's approach is deeply relational and empathetic, grounded in the belief that each individual's journey deserves personalized support and understanding.
At OPI, Robin is dedicated to offering families and young adults' truth, insight, and compassion as they navigate the path to healing and personal growth together. Robin finds immense fulfillment in advocating for the therapeutic needs of young adults and their families, as well as the enduring relationships she has formed within the industry, with clients and families, and the team at OPI.
Outside of work, Robin finds joy in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or gardening, accompanied by her husband, Kelly, and their trusty golden retriever, Cayenne. Together, they appreciate the strength and beauty found in life's simple pleasures, and look forward to time spent with their young adult daughters, who continue to inspire them with their independence and resilience.
Janet Martin, M.D., Ph.D. is a Board Certified (ABPN) psychiatrist with over 10 years of private-practice experience, committed to helping patients using psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. She completed her residency training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2006, where she was Chief Resident of the Consultation & Liason service. She received her M.D. from UC Irvine, where she also completed a Ph.D. in neuroscience research, studying neuropathology in dementia. She completed her undergraduate education at UCLA, where she majored in Psycho biology, graduating magna cum laude.
Dr
Katherine earned her master’s degree in Social Work from Brandman University after completing her undergraduate degree in sociology.
Beradin has been a therapist since 2015, using attachment theory and emotion-focused therapy as the foundation of her work. She believes that recognizing patterns is key to making meaningful changes—because once you can identify a pattern, you can do one thing differently and create realistic, lasting change. Beradin is known for her direct yet compassionate approach, always prioritizing a strong therapeutic relationship that allows her to challenge clients in a way that is both supportive and honest. She holds unconditional positive regard for those she works with, ensuring they feel safe enough to explore and grow.
A NJ native, Susan earned a BA in business administration and had a career in corporate training and development before moving to Los Angeles in 2011. Once in Los Angeles, Susan began working in the addiction treatment and mental health field and knew this was her new career path. Since that time, she has worked at several facilities with all age groups. Susan recently received an AA in social and behavioral science and is working on earning a BA in psychology from California Coast University. She is a member of WAAT (Women's Association for Addiction Treatment) and is active in the recovery community.
Introducing participants to the world of work to become job-ready is something that Jenny strives to do in the Department of Volunteer and Career Services. Jenny has been the Director since 2010 and previously worked with the Los Angeles Community College District working at both Pierce and Valley College in the Job Placement Center, Disabled Student Services, and EOPS.
Tricia graduated with her Bachelors in Business Marketing and Minor in Studio Art from Sonoma State University. She joined the OPI team in 2010 as the receptionist and has since transitioned to Office Manager where she enjoys being part of the vibrant OPI team. As Office Manager, Tricia works closely with the administrative assistants to ensure the office is running smoothly and efficiently.
Lindsay is certified as a Health Coach and Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise. She has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from CSU Northridge and a master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States.
Alex has been with OPI since 2009 and began working as an overnight Independent Living Specialist. Alex was soon promoted to Clinical Site Supervisor.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Isaias graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Isaias joined the OPI team in 2015 as an Independent Living Specialist and transitioned to Clinical Site Supervisor. In his free time Isaias enjoys the many privileges and opportunities that come along with living in the great city of Los Angeles.
Monica graduated with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. She began working at Optimum Performance Institute as an Independent Living Specialist since 2009. After few months, Monica transitioned to Site Supervisor. Throughout the years of employment, Monica has collaborated with the development of OPI’s Policies and Procedures in different areas such as medications, safety, and emergencies, One of Monica’s greatest passion is to bring healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience.
Marvyn has been with OPI since 2015, starting off one of our drivers. He later became an Independent Living Specialist, then transitioned to a Lead Overnight ILS, and soon after promoted to Clinical Site Supervisor.
Arleida has worked at OPI since 2021. She started out as an ILS staff and quickly moved from ILS to Lead ILS, and then on to Supervisor. She graduated from California State University-Stanislaus with a BA in Criminal Justice and with a concentration in juvenile justice. Her passion is to work with at-risk youth.