Meet the Therapists

Angela is a licensed, certified and seasoned Speech Language Pathologist with over 30 years of experience, provides speech therapy to those at B.R.A.I.N. and also oversees graduate students in training and clinical fellows. Angela’s areas of specialty include swallowing/dysphagia/motor speech disorders and cognition.

Call/Text Angela at 714-715-2708 or email her at angela.mandas@thebrainsite.org to make your appointment today for individual therapy or the Conversation Group (Dysarthria Group).

Jesse is the proud father of three and husband to an amazing teacher. He has served as a speech and language pathologist for over a decade. Professionally, he is a UCLA PEERS® Certified Provider for Adolescents, a state and nationally licensed and credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in brain injuries, adult language disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, voice disorders, speech articulation and sound disorders, language delays, developmental delays and fluency. He is a graduate of California State University Long Beach where he earned a Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders. 

Jesse leads our Guy’s Group on Thursday afternoons

When: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm

Cost: $20 partners, $25 non-partners

The Guys’ Group is a specialized communication group for men, led by a seasoned male Speech-Language Pathologist with 15 years of experience. This group aims to enhance communication skills and foster a supportive brotherhood, encouraging growth in independence, initiation, self-care, healthy living, and leadership. Participants will work on regaining lost skills and acquiring new ones, ultimately improving their own lives and positively impacting their families and communities.

Call/Text Jesse at 714-580-4888 for more information on the Guy’s Group.

Tia is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist who provides therapy to adults who have sustained brain injuries. Speech, language, and cognitive therapy is offered both individually and in group settings. Tia is originally from Minnesota and moved to California to attend Biola University. She quickly learned that the weather, culture, and food in Southern California is the best! Tia enjoys working with brain injury survivors due to her personal experience as a stroke survivor. Individual sessions at B.R.A.I.N. are made by appointment.

Call/Text Tia at 763-742-3627 or email Tia at tia.hein@thebrainsite.org to make your appointment today.

Kerry Anne is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, who provides speech therapy to those at B.R.A.I.N. She completed both undergraduate and graduate education to become a Speech Language Pathologist at Biola University. She has been a volunteer at B.R.A.I.N. for 5 years which is where she developed a passion for serving survivors of TBI and stroke. She has experience practicing in a variety of settings including: outpatient rehabilitation hospital, post acute rehabilitation hospital, and public schools.

Call/Text Kerry Anne at 562-972-7422 or email her at kerryanne.haggerty@thebrainsite.org to make your appointment today for individual therapy or the Let’s Talk Class (Aphasia Group).

Amara graduated from Biola University with her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology in 2022. She interned at B.R.A.I.N while in graduate school, and it was here where she realized her passion for caring for and working alongside those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. She values the family-like atmosphere of B.R.A.I.N, and its emphasis on community-driven and functional care. She currently lives in Westminster with her husband, Zach, and her kitten, Bennington.

Call/Text Amara at 802-379-3608 or email at amarachester5@gmail.com to make your appointment today for individual therapy.

Amy obtained her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Biola University in 2023. She interned at B.R.A.I.N. as a graduate student, it was at that time she knew B.R.A.I.N. was different from other practices and she would enjoy working with our survivors and their families in their recovery process. Her emphasis includes traumatic brain injuries, concussions, dysarthria, AAC, dysphagia, aphasia, and apraxia of speech.

Call/Text Amy at 209-298-4820 or email her at amykral7@gmail.com to make your appointment today for individual therapy or the Cognitive Class.

Strengthen your body as you strengthen your brain with personal training sessions designed just for you.

Education: B.A. in Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Fitness- California State University, Long Beach

Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer – American Council on Exercise

(ACE) and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

Focus: To Promote Health and Wellness through Passion and Practice

Sessions by appointment, call/text Kevin Jung at 714-350-7598 or email at kevin.jung@thebrainsite.org

Russell Ikeda, LMT – Shiatsu Massage Therapist

B.R.A.I.N. offers massage therapy services after a brain injury. Shiatsu (Acupressure) Therapy is a form of massage to relieve pain from injuries or stress, maintaining flexibility, improving circulation and increasing range of motion. This type of massage therapy may be done without oils and with clothes on. Stretching and soft tissue release are also applied.

Sessions by appointment, call/text Russell Ikeda at 714-989-3457 or email: russell.ikeda@thebrainsite.org

Circulation Acupressure Massage is to help those who have chronic pain or ailments due to poor circulation. By applying proper amount of pressure to certain areas on your body, we aim to stimulate both your internal and external circulation. Our desired outcome is to improve your health and reduce your body pain as well as stiffness, eventually to help you achieve a higher level of general well-being.

Contact Cathy Yu at 626-290-3000 or email: cathy.yu@thebrainsite.org to make appointment.

My name is Linda V. Cabrera, I have a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine with more than 40 years of experience as a registered cardiac and vascular sonographer.  I started my career at the age of 20, working in open heart surgery and cardio-pulmonary department during the day while attending college classes at night.  Upon completion of a Marketing extension program at UCLA, I was inspired to open my own business.  I have owned and operated a diagnostic ultrasound business for 42 years.

During a vacation to China, I was introduced to the art of Oriental medicine and instantly knew that I wanted to learn more.  I attended South Baylor University and received a Master of Science degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.  I received an award for outstanding clinic services and patient care from South Baylor University.

I opened a private office, and in 2016 decided to further my education and received a doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2019 from Yo San University of Traditional Chinese medicine.  I received highest honors of a DAOM Distinction award.

I was fortunate to study at the most prestigious Acupuncture Academy in China, The China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, and the Institute of Acupuncture and China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.  I received training in dermatology, stroke, infertility and acupuncture for cancer at the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training center.

The art of healing is my passion and I absolutely love when someone comes to me for the purpose of knowing when they leave my treatment room, they are in the process of healing from physical pain that will be demonstrated by feeling lighter, more peaceful, lower blood pressure and the ability to move forward and accomplish the desires of their heart.

Contact Dr. Cabrera at 714-329-2171 to make an appointment.