What is Turning Point?

Al Rowlett was named Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2016, following his role as Chief Operations Officer (COO). Beginning as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Al has been with the agency since 1981 and today provides leadership and guidance to over 40 programs in several Northern California counties. He holds a Bachelor of Art (BA) degree from Ottawa University (OU), a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Health Services Management from Golden Gate University (GGU), a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Al was appointed as a trustee to the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) Board of Education in 2009 and in 2010 he was re-elected serving through 2012. In 2013, California Assembly Speaker John A. Perez appointed Al to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Board. He was named Vice President and a Commissioner for the U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) and served until 2014 and was elected to the Board of Director in 2016. He was Board Chair of the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions (CIBHS) and an Executive Board Member for the Child Abuse Prevention Center (CAPC) which included working with Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna on reducing infant and childhood morbidity for African Americans. In 2018, Al was appointed to the Board of Directors of the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies (CBHA). He is currently a Volunteer Clinical Professor at the University of California Davis (UC Davis) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences directing the Community Psychiatry seminar for residents and formerly served as an adjunct professor for the CSUS MSW programs for the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) cohort.

Diana White has a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development and a master’s degree in Psychology. She is as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She has worked in the mental health field for over 30 years with a wide variety of populations including children aged 0-5, youth, Transition-Aged Youth (TAY), and adults both in the mental health system and systems serving those with developmental disabilities. Dr. White began working at TPCP as a case manager providing wrap around support for adults with both intellectual disabilities and a mental health diagnosis and then served as a case manager and therapist in Turning Point’s Northgate Point outpatient clinic. From there Diana served as a Clinical Director for the 34th St. Crisis Residential Program and she was a part of the team that began Turning Point’s children’s services in Sacramento County, also serving as the Clinical Director. She then became the Program Director and then Director of Children’s services for both Sacramento and Yolo County. Prior to becoming COO, Diana served as Regional Director for Sacramento and Yolo County children’s and adult services as well as Regional Center contracts.

During Dr. White’s tenure with the agency she on-boarded several best practices including Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), 0-5 specialty services in the Children’s programs and a free developmental screening program for children in the Sacramento County region. Dr. White completed the Sierra Health Leadership program in 2008. She was past president of the Infant Development Association (IDA), River City Chapter, and currently serves as President of the Association of Behavioral Health Contractors (ABHC) in Sacramento County.

Jennifer Wellenstein has worked in the Behavioral Health Services field for over 25 years serving children, families, transitional age youth, and adults with mild, moderate, and severe mental illness to support transitional housing programs, forensic behavioral health, and community outpatient services. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Following graduation with her bachelor’s degree, Jennifer moved to California where she continued her profession in the mental health field working in Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) and Juvenile Justice and Crime Prevention (JJCP). Jennifer earned her master’s degree from California State University, Sacramento in Marriage, Child, Family Counseling and is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. Jennifer joined Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) as the Assistant Program Director (APD) for TPCP’S Placer County Coloma Center’s Assertive Community Treatment – Full-Service Partnership Program (ACT – FSP) in April 2015. Shortly after joining TPCP as the APD, Jennifer became the Director of the Placer County Coloma Center site where she continued for almost 3 years before taking on the role of Regional Director for Placer and Nevada Counties. Jennifer’s leadership embodies the values of Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability which she uses as a foundation to enhance our agency’s values of Relationships, Resiliency, and Recovery. The implementation of these values and Jennifer’s leadership led to her promotion to Deputy Chief Operations Officer in 2021.

Deborah Starkey started working for Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) in 1991as a part-time Accounts Payable Clerk. While working for TPCP and raising her family she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. As TPCP grew so did Deborah’s career. After rising to the position of Controller in 2006, Deborah was promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in  2021. Deborah is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and was appointed to the California Behavioral Health Planning Council in 2017 and currently serves as their Chair. She also joined Proxy Parent Foundation’s board of directors in 2018 and serves as their Treasurer.

Alexis Bernard, who holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development, began her journey with Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) in 2000. Her dedication and leadership quickly propelled her into the role of Program Director for TPCP’s Homeless Intervention Program (HIP) in 2002, where she played a critical role in providing essential services to some of the Sacramento region’s most vulnerable populations. In 2007, when TPCP was awarded one of Sacramento’s first Full-Service Partnership (FSP) programs, Alexis took on the leadership of the Pathways to Success after Homelessness (Pathways) program while also maintaining responsibility for HIP, ensuring continuity of care even when HIP lost its funding in 2008 due to state budget cuts.

In 2017, Alexis embraced the challenge of Housing Director, supporting all TPCP programs with a housing component. Her expertise in housing and homeless services led to her promotion in 2019 to Regional Director, where she successfully launched two new programs in San Joaquin County and cultivated a thriving partnership with El Concilio. Later that year, her region expanded to include the Pathways program.

In 2023, Alexis reached another milestone when she was named Chief Development Officer. In this role, she continues to drive innovation and organizational growth. Looking to the future, Alexis is focused on expanding TPCP’s reach by developing new housing initiatives, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability to better serve the communities TPCP supports.

Barbara Vermilyea comes to Turning Point with over 30 years of accounting experience. She attended University of Phoenix and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business accounting. In 2012, she obtained her master’s degree in business administration. The majority of Barbara’s career has been in a Controller position for a wide variety of companies, including a few years operating her own bookkeeping service. Her most rewarding job was when she accepted the Executive Director position for a nonprofit that treats substance use disorder with evidence-based practices. Her passion to help those who suffer from addiction and her financial skills were a good fit and very rewarding.

In September 2022, Barbara accepted a new position at Turning Point Community Programs as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer. Barbara believes that her expansive experiences and education will be a benefit to the continued growth and support of Turning Point and the communities we serve.

Colleen Peschel attended California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Communications in 1998 and a master’s degree in Business in 2016. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resource certificate since 2007. She joined Sutter in 1998 as Human Resource Technician at Sutter Center for Psychiatry. Throughout her tenure, she has been highly instrumental in developing the Regional Human Resource Service Center and standardizing policy and procedures across the region. She was promoted to HR Director in 2012, and Vice President in 2015, which included responsibility over an additional hospital, Sutter Solano Medical Center. She is also a member of Sacramento Area Human Resources Association where she volunteers in the mentor program. Collen currently serves as Board Chair of the Turning Point Community Program Board of Directors.

Susan Stieber is currently a Managing Partner of Wax Center Partners with 37 centers in fours states. Susan has been married to Larry for over 50 years. They have three children and six grandchildren who live close by. Susan has been a franchisee with European Wax Center since 2009 when she and Larry started building and acquiring EWCs in northern California. Susan was previously employed by Turning Point Community Programs for 15 years and left the position of Director of Adult Mental Health Programs in 2010. Susan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker but is currently retired from the field. Susan currently serves as Vice Chair of the Turning Point Community Program Board of Directors.

Peter Yellowlees, MD is CEO of AsyncHealth Inc, a telemedicine company he co-founded to implement and promote the practice of asynchronous telepsychiatry (www.asynchealth.com). He is also Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis, where he directed the UCD/UCI Fellowship Program in Clinician Wellbeing (2018-23). Previously he was the inaugural Chief Wellness Officer at UC Davis Health (2018-22) and held the Alan Stoudemire Endowed Wellbeing Chair in Psychiatry. He was President of the American Telemedicine Association (2017-8) and has conducted research in the areas of psychiatry, telemedicine and physician health. Peter currently serves as Secretary of the Turning Point Community Program Board of Directors.

Dave Fukui is a lifelong resident of Sacramento.  His engineering background has led to work in electronics design, system design and implementation as well as construction and consulting.  He currently works for Innovative Construction Services providing program & construction management services to local school districts and park districts.  He has had been a member of Turning Point Community Programs Board of Directors since 1996 which has allowed him to see substantial growth in Turning Point as well as progress in the organization’s mission. Dave currently serves as Treasurer of the Turning Point Community Program Board of Directors.

Carol Ann Frezza graduated from Highland Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, New York in 1956 earning a Registered Nurse and Public Health Nurse certificate. She graduated in 1959 from Syracuse University with BS in Nursing. Carol received a MPA/ Health Services Administration degree from the University of San Francisco. She joined Turning Point Board of Directors in 1991 and was employed in 1997 as Program Director for Northgate Point RST and then Director of Nursing until retirement and return to the Board.

Patty Blum obtained a BA in Psychology and Art from Mary Washington College in 1979, an MA in Art Therapy from CSUS in 1982, and a PhD in Psychology from the Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center in 2007. Patricia is Vice President at Crestwood Behavioral Health and oversees all Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited facilities. She is a founding member of CIBHS’ Mental Health and Spirituality Initiative.

Derrick Bane has a Master’s in Business Administration in Leadership and Industrial Relations. He has worked in the Behavioral Health field since 1995. He has held various leadership positions in agencies throughout California. Including in Southern California where he was the Facility Director for one of the first Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers in the state. Derrick has worked for Turning Point since 2017. He began working at the Pathways to Success after Homelessness program, first as a Team Leader then as the Program Director. He was also the Program Director for a joint UC Davis/Turning Point venture at Bender Court Crisis Residential prior to becoming the Deputy Regional Director for Crisis Services. Derrick has 3 children. Derrick is committed to improving care through novel innovation within behavioral health system.

Vong Chang, is an LCSW who graduated with a master’s degree in Social Work from Stanislaus State University.  He was born in San Diego but lived much of his life in Merced.  He started employment with Turning Point Community Programs as a mental health worker in 2006 due to a curiosity in the mental health field.  He had little to no experience in mental health treatment during that time and most of his previous work was in foster care and child welfare.  Little did he know that opportunity validated his calling in working with individuals challenged with serious mental health conditions who experience chronic outcomes of homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization. He has experience in peer work, housing and was also part of the Turning Point Immersion Dispersion Team.  In 2010 he became the Program Director for the Merced CARE program, and he is now the Deputy Regional Director for both Merced and Stanislaus County.  He likes to lead by example and enjoys the troubleshooting opportunities in the complex systems of Behavioral Health in all sectors.

Marcia Gump started at TPCP in 1999 as Family Support Worker in TPCP’s very first children’s services program.  Shortly after, Marcia enrolled in a graduate school program in hopes she could have an even greater impact on the youth and families she was privileged to serve.  Marcia is now a Licensed Therapist and serves as the Regional Director overseeing TPCP’s children’s programs in both Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Susan Miner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who achieved her bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo; a master’s degree from Sacramento State University in January of 2002 and her clinical license in November of 2005. She has over 30 years of experience specializing in the treatment and support of dually diagnosed adults living with psychiatric disorders and intellectual disabilities.  She began her career with Turning Point in November of 1991 as a House Manager of three level 4I group homes for individuals who receive services through Alta California Regional Center (ACRC). Shortly after, ACRC requested an additional 4I group home for adults with Autism; then a cutting-edge program to provide wraparound services for regional center clients who also had a mental health diagnosis. The Transitional Support Services (TSS) wrap around programs where so successful and desirable; this service expanded to 6 sites and one housing program. The joys of Susan’s life are her three children, two dogs, and her family and friends. Susan is passionate about the outdoors and loves being active; spending much of her free time riding her mountain or road bike, hiking, playing Pickleball, and camping to “wash off the city.”

Sadie Shen has worked in the community mental health field for the past twenty-two years. She is a Licensed Marriage, Family and Children Therapist and has been with TPCP since 2002. Sadie has extensive experience working with at-risk youth and their families who struggle with mental health, the child welfare system, the juvenile justice system, and the family courts. She has spent the last nineteen years working with adults with dual diagnoses who are struggling with homelessness, medical health concerns, psychiatric needs, and the court systems. Within Turning Point she has worked in wide-ranging positions starting as a PSC, then as a therapist, a Clinical Director, a Program Director at Homeless Intervention Program, Children FIT Program, ISA, and finally, for the past six years, as the Regional Director overseeing Yolo County adult programs. Sadie is passionate about providing trauma-informed and strength-based services to people she works with. Her guiding belief is that when the individuals that we all serve are treated with dignity and respect positive life changes can happen. Sadie is passionate about providing staff with a supportive and positive environment to further ensure quality services.

Jennifer Vallin – PsyD, LMFT is one of Turing Point Community Programs Regional Directors. She is responsible for the Placer and Nevada County Region. Dr. Vallin concurrently holds the Quality Assurance Director position for the organization. Dr. Vallin started her journey with TPCP in 2013 as a direct service provider with one of our housing teams. Over the years she has expanded her knowledge of the organization through providing children and adult services throughout the organization. Dr. Vallin walks alongside her colleagues, fostering connection through curiosity and open dialogue.  Aside from being a behavioral health professional, she is a wife and mother. Her family loves going on adventures together. Most of the adventures center around professional sporting events, especially baseball and UFC. Her family loves sending post-cards to family and friends.

Leslie Springer serves as a Regional Director in Sacramento County, working with crisis continuum programs including the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic, Abiding Hope Respite Home and the four Crisis Residential Programs. She began her career with TPCP in 2007 as a MSW intern with the Crisis Residential Program (CRP) and was promptly intrigued by the unique treatment model. Leslie was inspired by individuals who can uncover hope and resilience during the most difficult times and was drawn to the challenges of operating a short-term residential mental health treatment program. After completing her master’s degree in Social Work, she held various leadership roles within CRP before having the opportunity to participate in the opening of new Crisis Residential Programs and the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and native of Sacramento, Leslie remains committed to the efficacy and sustainability of voluntary, recovery-oriented crisis resources in our community.

Carol Stanchfield, LMFT, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) & Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Services. Carol has a Master of Science degree from the University of Portland and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). Since joining Turning Point in 1999, Carol has provided intensive supports and services on behalf of children, families and adults across the lifespan. In 2007 she directed the implementation of Adult Assertive Community Treatment (AACT) in rural Nevada County. In 2008, in collaboration with Nevada County Behavioral Health and Nevada County Courts, Carol participated in the development and implementation of the first Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program in California. Also known as Laura’s Law or AB 1421, AOT provides community-based, court ordered treatment on behalf of individuals with untreated severe psychiatric disorders who would not otherwise access mental health services. She has provided advocacy and expert testimony on behalf of those served through the AOT court process.

Misao “Emily” Maeyama, LPCC was born and raised in Ventura County and moved to the central valley in 2006 so she could attend the University of California, Merced for her bachelor’s degree in psychology.  After graduating from UC Merced, she attended Alliant International University where she earned her master’s degree in clinical counseling. She then worked for Center for Human Services as a mental health clinician, providing counseling services in the school-based systems. In 2016, she began working with Stanislaus County Behavioral and Recovery Services, where she served as a mental health clinician at Modesto Recovery Services. There she provided various mental health services including assessment, treatment planning, individual & family and group therapy, case management and psychosocial rehabilitation services to adults 18 and over with severe and persistent mental illness. Shortly after, she was promoted to a mental health coordinator, and was responsible for overseeing the program both clinically and administratively. Since a very young age, Emily has always been passionate about helping others, and takes pride in being able to serve her community and provide quality care at the highest standard. 

Aside from her role and responsibilities in her professional capacity, Emily is a wife, and mother of 3 children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending every minute with her family, and especially going to sport events (softball, baseball, and basketball games). She also volunteers in her community whenever she can, coaching recreational sports, teaching religious education at the church, and helping non-profit organizations in her area.   

Kathryn Wright, LMFT, serves as a Regional Director in Sacramento  and San Joaquin Counties. Kathryn has a master’s degree in Somatic Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and has worked in community mental health programs for over 15 years. She is a strong advocate for improving the accessibility of quality mental health services for all members of the community. Kathryn is passionate about developing programs that utilize Evidence Based Practices that meet the unique needs of individuals within the communities they serve. Kathryn believes that working to improve the health and wellness of individuals and families is vital and is honored to bring her experience and passion to Turning Point Community Programs.

Sherreka Brady is an Alabama native, spiritual enthusiast, wife,  mom of three, and Air Force veteran. She enjoys cooking, baking, date nights with her husband, traveling with her son’s baseball team, water fights with her family in the front yard, and spending time outdoors. Professionally, she is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is also pursuing an Ed.D in Community Care and Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Counseling. She has worked in the mental health field for the last 8 years and has over 10 years of experience in case management. Sherreka had the pleasure to serve a diversified group of adults, children, and families from a wide range of ages, in community, crisis homes, group homes, schools, assistant living facilities, etc. She specializes in person centered care that focuses on supporting others with assessing and accessing their individualized needs, which leads to self-empowerment, resiliency and enhanced optimal wellness. She also owns and operates a private practice known as Faith To Exhale that is centered on advancing the wellness of the BIPOC community through therapeutic community care and psychoeducation.