There are millions of people who are not receiving adequate care for their mental health needs. The proof is in the news every minute of the day. Soluna Wellness exists to serve this growing and underserved population.
Our multidisciplinary team specializes in major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), ADHD, ADD, dissociative disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). We advocate for people suffering from these mental conditions to receive the same quality and length of care previously only reserved for substance abuse disorders. Healing from mental illness takes time. However, when it is done correctly with a caring staff of professionals, the positive effects reverberate and spread throughout the community. At times, it seems the world is suffering from mental illness. It’s time we came together as a community to heal. Let’s make a better tomorrow for ourselves and our future.
Soluna Wellness was founded on the pillars of Creativity, Community, Culture, and Connection to mind & body.
The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Learn more about what this means for you and the care that we provide here.
CEO
Antonio Hernandez has been assisting in the social and emotional development of children, adolescents, and adults for over a decade. He has provided mental health support, worked as a behavioral and educational consultant, and acted in the director role. He is passionate about working with clients and seeing their social and emotional needs fulfilled. Antonio himself has reached for many of the coping mechanisms we offer to find peace. Antonio received his masters in Educational Psychology from Brandman University in 2016 and has a background in behavioral interventions, crisis interventions, implementation and creation Behavior Support Plans, implementation and creation of functional behavior assessments, and working as a Bilingual Psychologist. This former school psychologist and special education director knows what it’s like to keep a level head in times of crisis and distress. Antonio combines career knowledge with an open heart and a dash of humor along the way.
CFO, COO, Human Resources Director
Emmercelle Hernandez has made a career of working with underserved members of the community. She has toured the United States to present and work with high schoolers on their career paths; dedicated 10+ years to mentor an at-risk youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters; brought the fun to camps of every kind as a camp counselor, including STEM-based camps and camps for children with HIV/AIDS; and has worked as a preschool special education teacher for 6+ years. With a bachelor’s degree in Literary Journalism from UC Irvine, Emmercelle understands the importance of expressing yourself creatively via writing. Her master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in autism from San Diego State University showed her how to further serve populations that are often misunderstood. Emmercelle is passionate about understanding others’ human experiences and giving them a safe space to be themselves, and works to make Soluna that very space for everyone who enters our doors.
Clinical Director
Jennifer Evans is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She has worked in both the private sector as a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor, as well as with public school districts as a School Psychologist. Mrs. Evans specializes in human development, family systems, mental health, counseling, educational psychology, behavior modification, and clinical program planning.
Over her lifespan, Jennifer has taken a special interest in cultural awareness and holistic approaches that appeal to underserved populations. She is passionate about the role of spirituality and search for meaning in creating a strength based narrative. Jennifer is also a proud wife and mother of 4 plus 2 step-children. Mrs. Evans is uniquely qualified to meet the diverse needs of Soluna Wellness clients and staff.
LMFT license # 107515
NPI # 1336408004
Clinical Therapist
Kelli Raymond is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, passionate about helping others find hope and healing. Kelli is an empathetic and compassionate woman who naturally holds space for others. Her therapeutic approach includes providing tools, and resources, and helping clients understand what is causing their problems and how to fix them.
Kelli values psychological health from a holistic viewpoint and takes into account the importance of spirituality and physical health. She places emphasis on creating an environment where clients feel safe, and accepted, and a place to vulnerably express themselves with no judgment.
Kelli Raymond’s ideal client is someone willing to make healthy changes to their lives in order to improve their overall well-being. She has experience working with clients who are depressed, anxious, and struggling with intimacy issues and trauma. Kelli enjoys helping clients learn how to set healthy boundaries so that they can have more fulfilling relationships.
APCC11363
Case Manager
Elley Berg is a mental health provider based in San Diego, CA. She is the Case Manager at Soluna Wellness, and she is also a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Elley completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling at San Diego State University and has served as an instructor in their undergraduate and graduate counseling programs. She values intentionality and playfulness when building trust with clients, and her approach is strongly driven by her desire to be collaborative, culturally-responsive, and non-pathologizing. In her Case Management role, she offers individual and group support, and she aims to be a devoted advocate for clients in their pursuit of health and wellness. Elley finds inspiration in holding space for others and honoring their unique experiences as they strive to create meaningful, multi-storied lives.
AMFT #126755
Social Media manager
Mitzi Martinez was born and raised in Tijuana Baja California. Her diverse background and array of talents are a testament to her versatility and passion. Her eight years of dedication to childhood education is reflected in her expertise as both a Preschool Teacher and ABA therapist, where she thrived in her ability to nurture and inspire young minds. Beyond her educational roles, Mitzi has also distinguished herself in creative and technical domains, particularly in photography, a skill that earned her a prestigious spot as part of the photography crew at the San Diego Film Festival. Mitzi has also proven her marketing acumen and skills during her tenure as a Marketing and Social Media Assistant for a car dealership, where she showcased a unique blend of creativity and business savvy. Mitzi is very excited to take Soluna’s Social Media to the next level.
Operations Technician
Cedric Robertson is a local San Diego hip-hop artist. Cedric leads creative writing classes at Soluna Wellness specializing in free-writing exercises and lyric analysis activities. His goal is for clients to feel encouraged and supported in their emotional processing through writing. Cedric is also the operations technician at Soluna Wellness making sure day to day procedures run smoothly and in a timely manner. His passion for helping others is evident in everything he does.
Administrative Assistant
Jessica Gonzalez is born and raised in South Bay San Diego. She has 12 years of experience in working with children since 2012 with a background in ABA. During the summer time, you can find her in the pool teaching swimming lessons. Jessica also received her Aerial Yoga Teacher Certification and teaches classes in the San Diego area. She brings a positive presence in her role as Soluna’s Administrative Assistant.
Case Manager
Mari has dedicated the past 25 years to helping underserved communities, set and achieve academic, personal and college/career readiness goals by identifying their strengths, interests, aptitudes and abilities. She has collaborated with many behavioral health organizations as well as school districts throughout San Diego County. She received her degree from the University of San Diego and has vast experience as an Independent Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She also served as an Independent Vocational Evaluator and collaborated with the Department of Rehabilitation and The U.S. Department of Labor for over 20 years. She received her Master’s Degree from The University of San Diego in School Counseling. She has helped students develop educational and career plans, learn life skills and personal development, so they may obtain and retain suitable employment within their abilities. Mari is passionate about helping others understand the importance of self-care, being aware that physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness is vital for living meaningful lives. Mari is excited to share her professional experiences and give back to our community.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Kelli Raymond is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, passionate about helping others find hope and healing. Kelli is an empathetic and compassionate woman who naturally holds space for others. Her therapeutic approach includes providing tools, and resources, and helping clients understand what is causing their problems and how to fix them.
Kelli values psychological health from a holistic viewpoint and takes into account the importance of spirituality and physical health. She places emphasis on creating an environment where clients feel safe, and accepted, and a place to vulnerably express themselves with no judgment.
Kelli Raymond’s ideal client is someone willing to make healthy changes to their lives in order to improve their overall well-being. She has experience working with clients who are depressed, anxious, and struggling with intimacy issues and trauma. Kelli enjoys helping clients learn how to set healthy boundaries so that they can have more fulfilling relationships.
APCC11363
Wellness Director
Desiree Serrano is currently pursuing both her Masters & Doctorate in Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She is in the process of completing her senior internship at PCHS and has worked closely with a variety of Doctors who range in specialties from pediatrics, to internal medicine, and psycho-emotional health. Desiree has a passion for mental health and how that can manifest in physical presentations of disease within the body. She was led into this path through her own personal struggles with mental health and autoimmunity and has made it her mission to hold space for those ready to heal through their own personal journeys. Desiree believes that as practitioners, we do not heal you, but rather create the container to walk you down the path of healing yourself. She completed her undergraduate in Child Development and Psychology, with a deep understanding that depression, anxiety, addiction, etc. holds root in the building block years of our lives. Desiree’s goal is to be able to guide others in accessing the safety of their own bodies in gaining more capacity toward their parasympathetic nervous systems, utilizing therapies such as acupressure to heal and restore balance and health.
Medical Director
Dr. Wright is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and a Board Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist currently practicing in Newport Beach, CA. He provides general psychiatric services for adult Barn Life Recovery patients who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or thought disorders. For every new patient, Dr. Wright provides a comprehensive initial psychiatric assessment. Furthermore, he provides subsequent mental health treatment including medication management and individualized psychotherapy.
Desiree Serrano is currently pursuing both her Masters & Doctorate in Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She is in the process of completing her senior internship at PCHS and has worked closely with a variety of Doctors who range in specialties from pediatrics, to internal medicine, and psycho-emotional health. Desiree has a passion for mental health and how that can manifest in physical presentations of disease within the body. She was led into this path through her own personal struggles with mental health and autoimmunity and has made it her mission to hold space for those ready to heal through their own personal journeys. Desiree believes that as practitioners, we do not heal you, but rather create the container to walk you down the path of healing yourself. She completed her undergraduate in Child Development and Psychology, with a deep understanding that depression, anxiety, addiction, etc. holds root in the building block years of our lives. Desiree’s goal is to be able to guide others in accessing the safety of their own bodies in gaining more capacity toward their parasympathetic nervous systems, utilizing therapies such as acupressure to heal and restore balance and health.
Dr. Wright is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and a Board Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist currently practicing in Newport Beach, CA. He provides general psychiatric services for adult Barn Life Recovery patients who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or thought disorders. For every new patient, Dr. Wright provides a comprehensive initial psychiatric assessment. Furthermore, he provides subsequent mental health treatment including medication management and individualized psychotherapy.
