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Author name: Dev Team

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New Service Available

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Sierra Mental Wellness Group is now offering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by a Level II trained EMDR practitioner

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Rahul Godula, MHA

Sutter Health

Rahul is a healthcare finance and operations professional with extensive experience supporting large-scale hospital systems. As a Senior Finance Analyst at Sutter Health, he plays a key role in developing and managing hospital budgets exceeding $2 billion, with a focus on staffing strategy, growth initiatives, and financial modeling to support high-quality patient care. 

Rahul began his career as an Administrative Fellow, where he led a variety of operational projects across patient experience, imaging, surgery, and facility services. During this time, he also served as an interim manager overseeing supply chain and Gamma Knife surgery operations, further strengthening his expertise in both clinical and administrative environments. His background spans hospital finance and operations, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the complexities of healthcare delivery. 

Rahul joined the Board of Directors of SMWG with a strong commitment to advancing equitable access to mental health services. He is passionate about reducing stigma and believes in the importance of bringing mental health care to the forefront of community health. He is proud to support Sierra Mental Wellness Group’s mission to expand access and meet the growing needs of the communities it serves. 

Originally from Houston, Texas, Rahul is an avid soccer fan and a dedicated supporter of Arsenal, as well as his hometown Houston teams and the Sacramento Kings. Since moving to Sacramento, he has embraced the local community and enjoys exploring the area, playing pickup soccer, and searching for the city’s best dessert spots. 

Ali Johnson

Sutter Health

With more than 20 years of progressive human resources experience, Ali Johnson is a seasoned HR leader with deep expertise in employee relations, labor relations, and workforce strategy within complex healthcare environments. She specializes in navigating high-risk employee relations matters, partnering with executive leadership, legal counsel, and union representatives to address sensitive workplace issues, reduce organizational risk, and support high-performing teams. 

Throughout her career, Ali has successfully managed complex employee relations cases involving workplace investigations, corrective action, conflict resolution, regulatory compliance, and litigation support. Her healthcare labor relations background includes negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, managing grievance and arbitration processes, and leading strategic union engagement initiatives in highly regulated settings. 

Known for her thoughtful and balanced leadership style, Ali combines strong business acumen with a people-centered approach. She is recognized for handling high-stakes situations with discretion, fairness, and sound judgment. Her ability to interpret employment and labor law, assess risk, and implement proactive solutions has consistently strengthened workplace culture and operational effectiveness. 

As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, Ali is passionate about building resilient HR infrastructures, developing leadership capability, and driving sustainable workforce strategies. She is proud to bring her expertise to the Board of Directors for Sierra Mental Wellness Group in support of its mission to provide accessible, compassionate mental health care to the communities it serves. 

Lisa Hayhurst

Sutter Health

Lisa is a dedicated nursing director whose passion lies in connecting with healthcare employees and empowering them to find their strengths. She believes that healthcare providers that are able to truly identify their passion and connect it to their purpose become more impactful caregivers. 

Lisa has been an RN for 20 years, with an overall focus in cardiovascular care. She originally began her career in healthcare as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician (EMT). That experience solidified her desire to help others and set her on the path of becoming a registered nurse (RN). Lisa’s nursing experience includes working in various Intensive Care Units (ICU), IV therapy, interventional radiology and the cardiac catheterization lab. For the last 8 years she has been a dedicated nurse leader, including oversight of one of the most comprehensive cardiovascular programs in the state of California. She oversees daily operations, employee relations, physician relations, equipment and supply budgets, programmatic growth including research and bringing in the newest technologies available to improve cardiovascular care in the community she serves. 

Lisa brings her healthcare leadership experience and passion for service to the Board of Directors of Sierra Mental Wellness Group, where she supports the organization’s continued growth and commitment to compassionate mental health care. 

When not at work, Lisa can be found keeping up with her kids’ very busy athletic schedules or pursuing some sort of physical activity herself. Hiking, boating and out walking her dogs are some of her favorite activities. Lisa leans on her faith and devotion to God to guide her through most of life’s challenges. 

Bret Brzyscz

Roseville Police Department

Bret Brzyscz has served in law enforcement since 2002 and currently works as a Patrol Lieutenant with the Roseville Police Department. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of roles including patrol, vice, narcotics, gangs, and as a Field Training Officer. He has also spent many years volunteering with the Roseville Police Officers Association supporting fellow officers.  

Through his work, Bret has extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. These experiences have strengthened his belief in the importance of accessible mental health services in our communities.  

Bret is especially passionate about the Roseville Police Department Peer Support Program, which provides support to employees during difficult times. His service on the Board of Directors for Sierra Mental Wellness Group reflects that same dedication to wellness, resilience, and ensuring individuals and families have access to compassionate mental health support when they need it most.  

Outside of work, Bret enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and fishing in the Sierra Nevada’s. 

Paul Carlson

Retired Pastor

Paul served as Pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Granite Bay for 37 years. In retirement, he continues to preach and also served as Interim Pastor at Lihue Lutheran Church on Kauai for a year, tough duty! 

While serving at Resurrection, Paul was on the original board of Home Start, a program assisting individuals experiencing homelessness through transitional housing, as well as Roseville Youth Services. Roseville Youth Services, which began in 1970, was the predecessor to today’s Sierra Mental Wellness Group. 

In early 1970, Paul received a phone call from Pastor Jim Patterson of Bethel Lutheran Church, inviting him to attend the organizing meeting of Roseville Youth Services the following week. He accepted then and has remained committed ever since through the many challenges, changes, and growth that have shaped the organization over the past 56 years. Thankfully, as Paul notes, SMWG has no term limits for board members. 

Over the years, his chief concerns have been attracting new board members and helping the communities served by SMWG better understand the programs and support available to them. 

Now retired, Paul enjoys walking the many golf courses in the area two or three times a week. Golf provides challenge, exercise, and valued friendships with the groups he plays alongside. He also continues to hike and fish in the Sierra Nevada’s, and now has more time for reading both fiction and history. World War II accounts have been a particular interest for more than 30 years. He also enjoys tending to his vegetable garden. 

After all these years, Paul still feels that serving on the Board of Directors of Sierra Mental Wellness Group allows him to continue serving those who need support in living healthy, productive lives. 

Nancy Leone

Retired Executive

Nancy is a retired Silicon Valley executive and retired U.S. Army officer with a passion for giving back to her community. She currently serves as Board Chair of SMWG, helping guide the organization’s strategic direction and impact across the region. She has also dedicated her time to supporting homeless veterans and volunteering with Placer County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  

Nancy began her career by joining the U.S. Army right after high school and continued to serve as a reservist for 21 years.  After earning her BS in Mathematics and MA in Quality Assurance, she spent 30+ years in high-tech operations, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and holding multiple Chief of Staff roles.  Along the way, she also earned her graduate degree in Counseling Psychology where she focused on bereavement counseling, reflecting her commitment to helping others navigate life’s challenges.    

 In her free time, Nancy enjoys hiking, golf, pickleball, and spending time with her grandkids. She also loves family game nights and competitive card games!