Our Mission
Advanced Crisis Solutions is a behavior analytic organization passionate about crisis stabilization and committed to supporting people with developmental disabilities to live their best life by partnering with and training stakeholders.
Our Purpose
To provide solutions and sustainable change for people with challenges beyond the scope of traditional services.
Our Vision
To provide superior behavior analytic and crisis stabilization services throughout California.
Our Executive Leadership
M.A., BCBA
Jesse Daniel
Chief Executive Officer
M.A. In Counseling Psychology
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
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Greetings, I'm Jesse, a co-founder, and presently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Advanced Crisis Solutions. Our organization is dedicated to delivering a range of services, including crisis stabilization, behavioral respite, behavior analysis, and comprehensive training for families and providers. We extend our support to both in-home and residential settings, catering to individuals with developmental disabilities across Shasta, Tehama, and Butte Counties.
My journey has led me to complete a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University in 2010, culminating in my achievement of BCBA status in 2014. Over a span of nearly two decades, I've acquired a wealth of experience working with diverse populations in various settings, encompassing in-home care, adult residential facilities, vocational programs, children’s residential facilities, hospital settings, and educational institutions. My close collaboration with California Regional Centers, residential providers, and families has further enriched my knowledge and dedication within this field.
Throughout my career, I have honed expertise in treating severe problem behavior, conducting comprehensive functional behavioral assessments, formulating precise behavior intervention plans, and overseeing client stabilization initiatives. My skills extend to the facilitation of dynamic and comprehensive training, effectively breaking down the complexities of behavior science so that it can be understood and utilized by caregivers and professionals.
As the CEO at Advanced Crisis Solutions, my role encompasses dynamic leadership responsibilities, guiding the strategic direction and expansion of the organization. These responsibilities span a wide spectrum, encompassing clinical leadership, business acumen, and the provision of high-level client services. I have been instrumental in pioneering the development of a comprehensive behavioral program, with a focus on crisis stabilization and respite services for individuals with developmental disabilities. My dual role as a BCBA equips me with the expertise to steer the implementation of cutting-edge behavioral interventions while ensuring the delivery of exceptional services to our clients and employees. Through my leadership, ACS has carved a distinctive niche in the behavioral health industry, achieving remarkable success in enhancing the lives of those we serve and their families. Personally, I'm fortunate to share my life with my lovely wife, Paula, who is a school teacher, and our children, Cameron and Sophia. Our family also includes our beloved dog, Penny. Outside of my professional endeavors, I cherish the time spent with my family and indulge in pursuits like skiing, snowboarding, basketball, camping, watching sports, and the constant pursuit of new adventures and hobbies.
I specialize in facilitating behavioral trainings, motivating others, staying calm in highly stressful situations, supporting clients and families navigate very difficult situations, de-escalating people, cooking steaks, snowboarding.
My hobbies include skiing, snowboarding, watching basketball and football, hiking, camping, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends.
Favorite part of the job: Making small amounts of progress with clients that lead to huge increases in quality of life, seeing ACS employees grow as people and professionals, attending company events.
Fun facts about me: I'm from Boise Idaho, I've summited Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen on a split board, I played college football, my favorite dessert is warm brownies and vanilla ice cream.
M.S., BCBA
Ryan Tucker
Chief Operating Officer
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
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Hello! I'm Ryan, the co-founder and current Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Advanced Crisis Solutions. Our agency is dedicated to providing crisis stabilization services, behavioral respite, transitional services, training to families and providers, through in-home, and in-facility support to Shasta, Tehama, and Butte County’s most vulnerable citizens.
Having graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University in 2019, I became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2020. With over a decade of experience in the field, I have worked across various settings, including in-home, adult residential facilities, vocational programs, youth residential facilities, and school settings. My close association with the Far Northern Regional Center (FNRC) has deepened my expertise and passion in this industry.
Throughout my career, I've specialized in treating severe problem behavior, conducting functional behavioral assessments, creating behavior intervention plans, and overseeing client stabilization. My skills also encompass conducting comprehensive and dynamic training, thereby bridging behavioral understanding and educating others on behavior principles and their application to those in need.
As COO at Advanced Crisis Solutions, my primary responsibility is to ensure the creation and maintenance of seamless systems, streamline services, and align operational strategies with the company's overarching goals. By focusing on stabilizing our clients, maintaining their placements, and reducing future crisis incidents, we aim to set benchmarks for excellence. We take immense pride in reaching out to individuals with developmental disabilities, especially those who are underserved by other providers. Cultivating a company culture that promotes employee success, engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a priority for us.
On a more personal note, I'm fortunate to share my life with my lovely wife, Natalie, who devotes her time to raising our two beautiful daughters, Abby and Noa. Our family also includes our adorable dog, Lia, who's always up for a playful moment. Outside of my professional realm, I cherish time spent with my family, relishing a game of golf, enjoying sports, and constantly seeking new adventures and hobbies.
J.D., M.B.A.
Dr. David Lopez
Chief Financial Legal Officer
M.B.A. in International Economics
J.D., Doctorate of Law
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David Lopez's extensive career is marked by a series of prominent roles that showcase his proficiency in Law, Economics, Communication, Team Building, Public Speaking, Estate Planning, and Management. Since 2005, he has been the General Counsel at Alliance Centers of Legal Advocates, LLC, and concurrently served as an Adjunct Professor at Simpson University until 2020. David's commitment to social causes is evident from his tenure as General Counsel and Board Chair at Hope Alive Inc from 2012 to 2019, and in a similar role at Sisters of Hope International during the same period. Earlier, he honed his skills in academia as a Professor and Team Leader at Wuhan University from 2004 to 2005.
Beyond his professional endeavors, David is deeply passionate about supporting marginalized and disenfranchised clients. His personal interests include playing tennis, learning pickleball, sailing, and maintaining a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Additionally, David channels his creativity into writing, particularly in the genre of Thrill-Spense novels. His light-hearted approach to life and dedication to assisting those who are marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised, offering them hope and indispensable support, are integral to his character and professional ethos.
I am so very thankful for ACS and your program. Thanks to your exceptional training and staff, my son is now a success story.
– CLIENT’S MOTHER
Our Team
Rayna Rush
M.Ed., Director of Operations, Anderson
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Rayna earned a Master of Education with a concentration in Social Emotional Learning from National University in June of 2022, and a Bachelor of Business Administration, which was achieved from the same institution in 2009.
Her journey in education began as a Behavior Technician within the public school system. Over time, she transitioned into a teaching role, specializing in elementary and middle school education at an alternative education school in Shasta County. During this period, Rayna acquired extensive experience working with special populations, honing her skills in behavioral assessments, behavioral management, and crisis interventions within the unique context of the school setting.
Rayna joined Advanced Crisis Solutions as a Behavioral Case Manager, in 2022 and was promoted to Director of Operations within the a year.
Rayna specializes in building and maintaining relationships. She loves to help people achieve their goals, and the process they go though to get there. Helping others advocate for the needs, wants, and right of others
Rayna enjoys cheering on her two boys at their hockey, football and wrestling games. She enjoys traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures with her family.
One of her most rewarding aspects of serving as the Director is the opportunity to orchestrate positive change and stability for both our clients and the organization.
She loves to see people succeed, watching the growth process and then finally reaching their goals is life giving for her.
Fun facts about Rayna: She loves a great cup of coffee and make it her mission to find a great cup of coffee everywhere I travel.
Kimberly Congdon
M.S., Director of Operations, Chico
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Kimberly, holding a B.A. and M.S. in psychology, is currently furthering her qualifications through a post-graduate certificate program to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beginning her tenure with Advanced Crisis Solutions in mid-2021 as a behavior technician, she swiftly advanced to the roles of case manager and then director. With over two years of experience working with the current population, Kimberly has gleaned substantial knowledge from ACS's BCBA's.
Active in community service, she has volunteered with young adults and leadership teams. Kimberly specializes in supporting ACS employees to provide top-notch service to clients and their caregivers, focusing on detail-oriented problem-solving, prioritization, and fostering a collaborative environment. Her goal is to help people exceed their expectations.
In her leisure time, Kimberly enjoys hiking, traveling, and camping. She is passionate about encouraging and nurturing the growth of her team, contributing to a like-minded, compassionate group that genuinely makes a difference. A fun fact about Kimberly is her past pursuit of studying to be a pastry chef, underlining her value for rest and relaxation.
Riley Vest
B.S., Director of Operations, Eureka
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Riley Vest's educational journey began with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University, and he is currently advancing his career in human services by pursuing a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University. His goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, furthering his expertise in the field.
Riley's professional background is rooted in behavioral management and crisis intervention, skills he sharpened while serving as the Licensed Administrator of a residential Community Crisis Home for five years. This facility, which specialized in treating adults with dual diagnoses, provided Riley with extensive experience in stabilizing intense maladaptive behaviors, managing medication, and safely transitioning individuals in crisis back to the community. His role also encompassed staff training, quality assurance, and compliance with Title 17 & 22 regulations. Before his tenure at the Crisis Home, Riley worked in Supportive Living services, dealing with challenging behaviors for three years and collaborating with various stakeholders in the human services sector.
In addition to his professional achievements, Riley is an Eagle Scout Award recipient and has contributed to his community through roles such as Program Director for Rural Housing Development and as an Adaptive Aquatics Instructor for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Riley excels in building connections, motivating team members, ensuring quality assurance and compliance, and creatively solving complex problems or challenging behaviors. His personal interests include backpacking, biking, camping, traveling, and playing basketball.
The aspect of his job that Riley finds most fulfilling is client interaction. He is passionate about making a difference, supporting those in need, and participating in activities that foster lasting relationships with clients and their families.
A fun fact about Riley: He is not only a Certified Personal Trainer but also an avid musician, enjoying playing both the piano and alto saxophone.
Lisa Boster
MPA, BCBA Director of Clinical Development
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Lisa Boster, Director of Clinical Development, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at Advanced Crisis Solutions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and has expanded her expertise with a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington (2011) and a Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology (2012).
With over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, Lisa has applied her skills across a variety of settings including adult residential care, behavioral health organizations, non-profit organizations, and higher education. Her career has been dedicated to designing and individualizing learning experiences to enhance the quality of life for those she serves.
Lisa is actively involved in community service. She has volunteered as a legal researcher for asylum seekers, participated in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program, and supported a nonprofit for day workers in Mountain View. Additionally, she has engaged in various community events and was a participant in the Citizen's Police Academy in Phoenix, AZ.
Her specialty lies in the creative application of evidence-based procedures to improve individuals' lives and in the development of systems and processes that support these improvements.
Lisa's hobbies include crocheting, spending time with her dogs, and enjoying the outdoors. The most rewarding part of her job is witnessing the joy on someone's face as they progress toward their personal goals and values.
A fun fact about Lisa: She is an avid lover of dachshunds and has three long-haired dachshunds at home.
Stacie Neff
M.S., BCBA Consulting Supervisor
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With a BS in Psychology from Florida State University and an MS in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, Stacie Neff has carved a niche in the field of behavior analysis through a journey that began in the child welfare system. Utilizing Dr. Glenn Latham's "The Power of Positive Parenting," Stacie and her team developed a curriculum for various stakeholders in children's lives. Her role evolved from working directly with children and caregivers to training new employees, marking the start of her illustrious training career.
Stacie's expertise has been integral to organizations like the University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, and the Professional Crisis Management Association. Her most recent role before joining our team involved being an instructor and curriculum designer at the Clemson Center for Behavior Analysis, where she contributed for 11 years.
Her specialty lies in public speaking, training, teaching, building relationships, and imparting the art of training to others. Stacie's passion for tennis shines through in her personal life as well; she plays on three competitive teams and coaches varsity boys' high school tennis, applying her behavior analytic skills to coaching.
The most gratifying aspect of Stacie’s job is forging connections with learners of varying skill levels and witnessing their confidence and abilities flourish. She takes immense pride in seeing her learners and supervisees evolve into teachers, supervisors, and leaders themselves.
A fun fact about Stacie: She has been a high school tennis coach for nine years, coaching both girls and boys, including her own children during their high school tennis careers.
Bailey Tompkins
M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor
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Bailey Tompkins, Clinical Supervisor, holds a B.A. in Psychology from Simpson University and an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. With a career commencing post-undergrad in diverse settings including a residential treatment program, Bailey has since honed his expertise in behavioral management and crisis intervention, particularly in the public school system. Since joining Advanced Crisis Solutions (ACS) in 2022, he quickly ascended from Behavior Technician to Behavioral Case Manager by January 2023. His commitment to professional growth is evident in his completion of a Master's program and his pursuit of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Bailey's specialty lies in forging strong, empathetic relationships, aiding others in overcoming both work and personal challenges, and ensuring individuals feel acknowledged and valued. His hobbies, such as rock climbing and motorcycle riding, reflect his dynamic and adventurous spirit. Bailey's favorite aspect of his role is the collaborative work with colleagues and witnessing the tangible results of collective efforts. An interesting personal quirk: he enjoys coffee, but strictly decaf, due to caffeine sensitivity. Bailey's professional journey and personal interests combine to paint a picture of a dedicated and multifaceted professional, constantly striving for excellence in both his career and personal life.
Dave Beltz
M.Ed., BCBA Clinical Supervisor
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Hi, I'm Dave! As Clinical Supervisor at Advanced Crisis Solutions, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University and a Master's in Education from the University of Cincinnati. In addition, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
My professional journey began in special education, where I taught and provided services to adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Over the years, I have conducted caregiver training, worked as a senior consultant establishing procedures for Community Crisis Homes across California, and developed creative programming tailored to empower individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives.
What I love most about my role is being a catalyst for change—not only for the individuals we serve but for their families and caregivers as well. Seeing the ripple effect of our work, as it fosters stronger relationships and new possibilities, is incredibly rewarding.
When I’m not at work, you can find me spending time with my two children, cooking with my wife, or strumming my guitar (even if I’ve yet to master a full song). I also enjoy snowboarding, albeit cautiously, and cheering on my favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Fun Fact: Each year, I drive about 238,900 miles chauffeuring my kids to their sporting and social events—the equivalent of traveling to the moon!
Chris West
Nurse Practitioner
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Hi, I'm Chris, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at Advanced Crisis Solutions. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Simpson University (Magna Cum Laude) and a Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) from Sonoma State University (Magna Cum Laude). I also hold a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medical Association and certifications in Peptide and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy from SSRP.
With a career spanning over a decade, I’ve gained extensive experience in internal medicine, family practice, weight management, hormone replacement, and peptide therapy. My professional journey has included roles in emergency departments, acute surgical nursing, case management, and private practice weight loss.
What I love most about my role is the deep connections I form with patients, guiding them toward healthier, more balanced lives. Whether it’s through personalized nutrition strategies, holistic wellness plans, or managing chronic health concerns, seeing tangible improvements in their well-being is deeply rewarding.
When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, playing the piano to relax, and spending quality time with my wife, kids, and our two mini schnauzers, Buster and Bonnie.
Fun Fact: Each year, I stay up to date with the latest health research as a lifelong learner and enjoy anonymously helping others through acts of kindness.
Missy Small
Behavior Technician Supervisor
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Missy Small attended the Oklahoma School of the Deaf.
Despite initially lacking experience in this specific field, Missy has cultivated a strong passion for her work, leading to her being honored with the Behavior Technician of the Year award in 2023. She finds immense fulfillment in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to live their best lives.
Missy pursued education in sign language interpretation, which has been immensely beneficial in her work with nonverbal individuals. She excels in high-stress environments and is proficient in handling crisis situations.
Missy enjoys immersive reading experiences with thrilling novels and spending time with her cherished companions, Rex (a German Shepherd) and Ozzy (a Border Collie). In the summer, she enjoys paddle boarding with them and training them tricks. She values fostering meaningful connections with friends and family, traveling, and playing board and card games.
Missy finds great fulfillment in her role at ACS, particularly valuing the interactions with clients and admiring the dedication and passion of her colleagues.
Missy raised pigs and participated in pig shows for nearly a decade. Her favorite pig, named Rocky, accompanied her to a show at the California State Fair.
Angela McPherson
Behavior Technician Supervisor
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For more than 15 years, Angela has been actively involved in assisting clients with developmental delays and disabilities. Prior to that, she was the owner of a daycare facility catering to children under the age of two, where I placed a strong emphasis on teaching them American Sign Language (ASL).
Angela’s areas of expertise include working closely with ACS clients to ensure they achieve the best possible outcomes. Additionally, she specialize in providing comprehensive training to our staff, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of support and achieve the most successful outcomes.
During her leisure time, Angela takes pleasure in cultivating a vegetable garden during the summer months. It brings her great joy to witness the growth and harvest of fresh produce. Additionally, she has a strong affinity for interior decorating, as she thoroughly enjoy the process of transforming living spaces into visually appealing and comfortable environments. Furthermore, Angela has a deep passion for cooking, as it allows her to unleash my creativity and indulge in the art of preparing delicious and nourishing meals.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Angela’s profession is witnessing the remarkable progress the ACS clients make as they transition from a state of crisis to a place of stability and fulfillment. It brings her great joy to provide them with empathy and equip them with the necessary tools to navigate their challenges. Over time, she has had the privilege of witnessing our clients develop the skills needed to stabilize their crisis behaviors and lead a more fulfilling life. Additionally, Angela finds immense satisfaction in educating and empowering our staff to become the best versions of themselves. Lastly, being able to offer support to providers and parents is also incredibly rewarding.
Fun facts about Angela: One fun fact about Angela is that my favorite inspirational quote is "Be the change you want to see in the world" by Mahatma Gandhi. This quote resonates with her deeply and serves as a constant reminder to take responsibility for my actions and strive to make a positive impact on the world around her.
Chris Phothong
Behavior Technician Supervisor
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Thoungsai Christopher Phothong is a Behavior Technician Supervisor at Advanced Crisis Solutions, bringing a natural passion for helping others and fostering meaningful connections. Growing up, he was always drawn to caregiving, taking care of both children and the elderly from a young age. His heart for people and dedication to service have shaped his approach to working with clients, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and understood.
His background includes extensive community service through the Redding Police Department’s Explorer program, where he assisted with local events such as Kool April Nights and civic center operations and provided support for youth programs like West Camp. His experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, offering a blend of compassion, humor, and authenticity.
Christopher excels at creating a comfortable and engaging environment, using humor, dad jokes, and even a bit of awkwardness to put people at ease. He believes that small moments of joy can make a big impact and approaches his work with a balance of professionalism and lightheartedness.
The most rewarding part of his job is forming meaningful connections with clients and their families. Knowing he can make even a small difference in someone’s life fuels his passion for this work. He values the importance of having fun and not taking life too seriously while still making a positive impact.
Outside of work, Christopher has a wide range of creative interests, including cars, music, dancing, singing, acting, videography, and photography. A self-proclaimed theatre kid, he loves traveling and experiencing different cultures.
Fun Fact: He grew up in Alaska, has traveled extensively, and has lived through nearly every type of natural disaster. He can also mimic almost any accent!
Christopher thrives on creativity and problem-solving, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. His unique approach to his work and his ability to bring laughter and comfort make him a valued part of the ACS team.
Mitchell Ross
Behavior Technician Supervisor
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Hi, I'm Mitchell, one of the Behavior Technician Supervisor at Advanced Crisis Solutions. I earned my B.A. in Organizational Communication with a minor in Journalism from California State University, Chico. My professional journey began at the Boys and Girls Club of Conejo Valley, where I mentored youth and supported community development initiatives.
While attending Chico State, I honed my leadership skills as an executive board member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, served as a Nightside Assignment Desk Editor at KHSL/KNVN Action News Now, and developed strong ties to the Chico community. After graduating, I transitioned to behavioral health, where I provided crisis respite and management services, gaining hands-on experience in navigating high-stress situations and supporting individuals with behavioral challenges.
What I love most about my work is helping individuals overcome life’s challenges while mentoring my team to provide exceptional care and grow into outstanding behavior technicians. Witnessing the progress of both clients and staff is incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces the importance of the work we do every day.
Outside of work, I’m a passionate Los Angeles Dodgers fan, an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping and traveling, and a cinephile with a special appreciation for mob and mafia films like Goodfellas. I also enjoy music—especially Greta Van Fleet—and share my life with my two cats, Felix and Tangy.
Fun Fact: I have a unique talent for touching my tongue to my nose, and I like to think of myself as an unofficial food critic with a refined palate.
Johnny Flores
Behavior Technician Supervisor
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Johnny Flores brings a wealth of expertise gained from years of dedicated service in various settings. With over 6 1/2 years of experience working closely with adults and children with developmental disabilities, he has honed his skills in providing essential training, behavioral respite, support, and impactful skill learning.
Beyond his direct work with adults and children with developmental disabilities, Johnny boasts four years with Advanced Crisis Solutions, where he covered diverse environments such as homes, facilities, day programs, and schools. His proficiency extends to being a professional Crisis Management Instructor, with a commendable track record in leading many courses with high success rates. Johnny is also a certified Ukeru Instructor with a year of experience.
His capabilities don't stop there. Johnny excels in extensive training skills, designing innovative training programs, and providing administrative counseling. With a holistic approach, he continues to make a significant impact in the field of behavioral support and crisis management.
Johnny’s family is passionate about volunteering at our neighborhood's food pantry. During the holiday season, he create beanies and scarves for homeless families. He also enjoy volunteering in my local community to help walk and clean the streets of Cottonwood, removing trash.
In the realm of specialties, Johnny’s strengths shine most brightly in training and crisis management. He possess an innate ability to maintain remarkable calmness during intense crisis situations. Johnny’s adaptability is a key trait, allowing him to seamlessly transition between diverse tasks. Furthermore, Johnny deeply values client engagement, whether that involves playful activities like chalk drawing, taking refreshing walks, assisting with hand-over-hand learning, or simply lending an attentive ear when they need to vent or decompress.
When he's not immersed in his professional endeavors, Johnny finds joy in the company of family, friends, his cherished dogs - Harley (a Dogue de Bordeaux), Doby (a Doberman Pinscher), Athena (a Husky Mix), and a lively flock of chickens. He treasures moments spent with his boys, whether they're relaxing at home, fishing, hiking, tending to the yard, or setting off on spontaneous road trips, eager to discover where the weekend might take them.
The highlight of his job, undoubtedly, is the ACS clients. Witnessing their transformation, from confronting the most daunting obstacles to cherishing life's pinnacle moments, is truly fulfilling. There's an unparalleled gratification in entering their homes, actively engaging when others might refrain, and most importantly, bringing a smile to their faces. Yet, an integral part of this experience is the exceptional team at ACS. We are far more than just co-workers, managers, supervisors, and directors. We are a cohesive unit, supporting one another in every stride we take to ensure our clients thrive. A close second in terms of job satisfaction is training. I deeply value the chance to mentor new staff, arming them with the techniques and wisdom I've accumulated over my years in the field. Helping others foster confidence and adeptness in managing challenging behaviors is incredibly rewarding.
Fun facts about me: I'm an avid car enthusiast with an undeniable passion for speed. While I can be described as a workaholic, always seeking activity, I also deeply cherish the moments of relaxation and bonding with my boys. However, it's when we're on the move or creating that I truly come alive. Photography is another passion of mine, capturing the world's beauty through a lens. My love for animals is profound, and I especially enjoy hands-on experiences, like building and crafting projects alongside my boys. It's these shared activities that create lasting memories.
Brooke Winter
Clarity HR - Consultant
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Brooke Winter is a Human Resources Consultant at Advanced Crisis Solutions, bringing over 14 years of management experience and a strong background in organizational leadership and HR strategy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Human Resources from Simpson University, earned in 2016. As the founder and CEO of Clarity HR Consulting, a firm she launched six years ago, Brooke has worked with hundreds of companies nationwide, providing tailored HR solutions that simplify labor laws, enhance employer-employee relationships, and create thriving, people-centered workplaces.
Her expertise lies in streamlining HR processes, improving employee engagement, and driving business success through a data-driven approach. She specializes in analyzing workplace trends, assessing employee satisfaction, and implementing effective strategies that help businesses proactively address challenges. Brooke is passionate about HR as a tool for growth and collaboration, ensuring organizations build strong, supportive environments where employees and companies can succeed together.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the opportunity to mentor and coach business owners and HR professionals. She thrives on helping organizations cultivate positive workplace cultures, strengthen operations, and empower employees to reach their full potential. Brooke believes HR should go beyond compliance—it should foster trust, communication, and long-term success.
Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, camping on the coast, playing board games with her family, and reading books that inspire both personal and professional growth. A lifelong Dodgers fan, she never misses a chance to support her favorite team.
Fun Fact: Before pursuing a career in HR, Brooke worked as a wedding planner, developing essential skills in organization and adaptability. She is also a devoted animal lover, having fostered cats and dogs as a teenager. Today, her family includes two beloved dogs, including Blaze, a German Shepherd mix rescued from the Camp Fire.
MiKayla Heath
Financial Clerk
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Originally from Georgia, MiKayla Heath relocated to Redding, California in 2017 to pursue new opportunities. She began her professional journey with Advanced Crisis Solutions in 2021 as a Behavior Technician, where she demonstrated her versatility by managing various special projects and taking on multiple roles.
Currently, MiKayla is a dedicated Financial Clerk in the financial department, where she expertly manages accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and billing. Additionally, she produces monthly financial reports and income statements, directly reporting to the Chief Legal Financial Officer.
Outside of work, MiKayla is a creative at heart. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and friends and engaging in her favorite hobbies. She finds joy in playing cozy video games, board games, tennis, and expressing her creativity through photography and music.
Mindy Stephens
Executive Assistant
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Mindy Stephens brings with her a rich background in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Accounting, Scheduling, and Dispatch. She is also an experienced entrepreneur, having successfully managed her own virtual assistant business.
Mindy joined Advanced Crisis Solutions as an Executive Assistant. Her ability to manage multiple priorities, understand the big picture, and focus on the small details that support overarching objectives has been integral to her role. Mindy is particularly skilled at learning and implementing new strategies to enhance organizational efficiency.
Outside of her professional life, Mindy is committed to her community, regularly volunteering at local events to support worthy causes. Her hobbies include traveling, parasailing, playing card and board games, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, binge-watching TV series, and walking along the beach, enjoying the ocean foam.
Mindy's favorite aspect of her job is the daily variety and the opportunity to support the executive staff, contributing significantly to the company's broader goals. A fun fact about Mindy: she is a vibrant personality in a petite frame, an avid cat lover with eight cats, and she dreams of skydiving one day, embracing her adventurous side.
Joey Terry
Executive Assistant
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Joey Terry, originally from Las Vegas, NV, brings a diverse background to Advanced Crisis Solutions. Prior to joining ACS in March 2024, he gathered experience in social media management for an online company and honed his writing skills as a Security Report Writer at a prominent Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. His most cherished role was as a Residential Mentor at a behavioral health facility for youth in Las Vegas. Driven by a desire for a more faith-based, family-oriented community and the natural beauty of lakes, rivers, and trees, Joey moved to California in June of 2023 with his wife and two dogs.
While pursuing an Associate's Degree in Film at the College Of Southern Nevada, Joey discovered his talent for connecting with people, deep research, and envisioning future possibilities. His commitment to community service is evident in his volunteer work, including filmmaking for his local church, participating in mission trips to Mexico and Sri Lanka, working with wildlife conservation groups, and mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters Of America in Las Vegas.
Joey's hobbies reflect his love for the outdoors, including hunting, gardening, family time, biking along the Sacramento River trail, and playing board games. The most rewarding part of his role at ACS is being part of a team dedicated to helping a growing population in need, with the impact on young people’s lives being particularly close to his heart.
A fun fact about Joey: he is an aspiring entrepreneur with a vision for future companies, an avid cruiser, and a food enthusiast.
Kelsey Boyd
Operations Coordinator
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Kelsey Boyd is the Operations Coordinator at Advanced Crisis Solutions' Eureka location. With eight years of experience as a consultant in community engagement and user research, she has worked across diverse sectors, including healthcare, government, non-profits, and museums. Her expertise lies in helping organizations understand the needs of their staff, stakeholders, and communities, ensuring their services and initiatives align with their mission.
Throughout her career, Kelsey has played a key role in co-creating websites, neighborhoods, services, and brands that authentically represent organizations and serve their constituents effectively. She specializes in community engagement and cross-stakeholder collaboration, fostering meaningful connections that drive impactful solutions.
What she loves most about her role at ACS is supporting the dedicated staff who provide critical services and making a positive difference in the Humboldt County community. She finds fulfillment in ensuring the team has the resources and structure needed to continue their incredible work.
Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys backpacking, yoga, reading, embroidery, and spending time at the beach with her dogs.
Fun Fact: She has lived in various places across the U.S. and internationally, including Ohio, New York, Kansas, Washington, Germany, and Japan.
Nix Nichols
Operations Coordinator
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Nix Nichols serves as the Operations Coordinator at Advanced Crisis Solutions, bringing over 25 years of distinguished, award-winning service in leadership roles across large and diverse organizations. With a background in Homeland Security and Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nix holds a BAS degree from Waldorf University (Summa Cum Laude) and an AAS from the Community College of the Air Force, along with advanced leadership training.
His career spans executive-level program management, personnel development, safety operations, workforce instruction, logistics, and quality review. Known for his strategic mindset and strong communication skills, Nix is passionate about building high-performing, cross-functional teams and ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. His ability to leverage industry best practices and meet stakeholder objectives has made him an invaluable leader in every role he's held.
Before joining ACS, Nix served as the Human Resource and Operations Manager for the Boys and Girls Club, overseeing five sites and managing logistics, safety, and staff support for over 400 children. His community-centered leadership focused on establishing policies, improving resource access, and supporting program success.
What Nix finds most rewarding about his role at ACS is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, knowing that the work done here has a positive impact on individuals, families, and the broader community.
Outside of work, Nix enjoys traveling the world with his wife and three children, attending live music events, and indulging in gourmet cuisine.
Fun Fact: A proud Houston native, Nix is a die-hard fan of the Astros, Texans, and Rockets—H-Town all the way!
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Are you passionate about making a difference and driven by growth? Dive into a world where your skills, dedication, and passion can transform lives. At ACS, we’re more than just a team – we’re a family committed to empowering people. If you’re ready to elevate your career and make an impact, join us and be the change!