Having A
Community
is having a support network.
is having a support network.
Nicole Vanneman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and serves as Executive Director and CEO of Sierra Mental Wellness Group. With more than a decade of service to the organization, she has held multiple leadership roles and brings deep experience in program development, clinical oversight, and county partnership collaboration.
Nicole is passionate about expanding access to compassionate, high-quality mental health services across the communities SMWG serves. She works closely with public agencies and community partners to strengthen crisis and outpatient care systems while maintaining strong regulatory and quality standards.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and steady, solutions-focused approach, Nicole is committed to building strong teams, innovative programs, and sustainable services that improve outcomes for clients and families.
Bethany is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and program operations leader with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, contractual alignment, and high-quality service delivery. With more than five years of service to the agency, she brings deep operational knowledge and a consistent track record of strengthening programs to meet state requirements and funding expectations.
Her background includes direct experience as a crisis worker, informing her practical, field-based approach to program design and implementation. She develops and delivers engaging trainings for internal staff and external partners, supporting consistent application of crisis response practices, clinical standards, and operational protocols across systems of care.
Bethany leads program operations across behavioral health crisis services, ensuring systems, practices, and partnerships remain aligned with evolving regulatory standards and community needs. She integrates clinical expertise with administrative leadership to strengthen program performance, reinforce accountability, and advance coordinated, person-centered care. She is known for building collaborative relationships with county partners, clinical teams, and operational stakeholders to support sustainable, compliant service delivery.
Michelle is an experienced HR professional with a passion for fostering supportive and effective work environments.
Over the past eight years, she has built her career in human resources within the healthcare and social services sectors, developing expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and strategic planning.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, which provided a strong foundation in organizational management, business ethics, and leadership. Michelle is also certified in Human Resource Management and holds the Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) certification.
This specialized certification reflects her commitment to staying current with California’s unique employment laws and regulations.
Michelle’s goal is to create an environment where people feel valued and empowered to do their best work, whether navigating complex employment laws, implementing HR strategies, or supporting employees.
Josh Simpson is an accomplished professional with 18 years of comprehensive experience across state, county, and private sectors in behavioral health services and has been with Sierra Mental Wellness Group for the past 3 years. Specializing in project management, he possesses a deep understanding of behavioral health laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and excellence in service delivery. Josh has a proven track record of developing and executing the implementation of state-mandated specialty mental health services across multiple counties. As a seasoned leader, he has successfully led, trained, and managed psychiatric service teams, driving efficiency and efficacy in clinical operations. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Josh consistently achieves outstanding results in the dynamic field of behavioral health.
Leah DeRose is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience across county systems, private practice, and crisis services. As Director of Program Operations at Sierra Mental Wellness Group, she oversees all organizational programs, providing executive leadership, operational oversight, and systems development to ensure high-quality, compliant, and responsive behavioral health services across the communities served.
Leah’s work is centered on expanding access to crisis care, strengthening partnerships with counties and community partners, and building sustainable systems that support individuals and families during times of acute need. She brings extensive experience in crisis intervention, program implementation, regulatory compliance, and multidisciplinary team leadership. In addition to her role at Sierra, she is the owner of a successful group practice and volunteers her time as President of the local chapter of CAMFT. In her free time she enjoys taking long walks in nature, spending time with her family and interior design.
Outside of her work, Leah enjoys spending time with her family and animals, hiking, and exploring her creativity through cooking and interior design.
Hillary is a licensed health and life insurance broker. She started her insurance career after finding her passion for educating clients on the subject while working for a financial advisor in the Bay Area. She, then, ran a successful business partnering with various carriers to help meet her clients’ needs in offering benefits to their employees. Fast forward 10 years, she is now our Benefits and Communications Manager helping guide our employees through their benefit options.
Hillary received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Sacramento State University. She believes that knowledge is truly power. The more knowledge you have about any subject the more you can make a right decision for you. When she is not working, Hillary enjoys reading a good book, kayaking, fishing, and golfing with her family.
Currently serving as the Finance Specialist, Katrina manages all aspects of Finances, such as accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. In this role, she demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to financial integrity, contributing to the efficient operation of the organization. Having faced personal challenges with mental health, Katrina brings a unique perspective and empathetic understanding to her work, fostering meaningful connections with those in need. Driven by the desire to give back to the community, Katrina finds fulfillment in her work, combining her expertise in finance with her compassionate nature to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Katrina is a devoted parent to two children, two cats, a dog and a loving partner to her husband.
Sophie Wakoli brings a wealth of experience from her previous bedside healthcare practices to her role as the Program Operations Specialist at Sierra Mental Wellness Group. Known for her dedication to patient care and advocacy, Sophie has been recognized with multiple awards throughout her career.
Outside of her professional achievements, Sophie is an avid athlete who has played rugby, soccer, and tennis. She maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys singing and traveling in her free time. Her diverse interests and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to the Sierra Mental Wellness Group team.
Pashen Sims joins SMWG’s Roseville Headquarters as a seasoned Payroll Specialist with over 20 years of experience. Her background includes roles in Administration, Customer Service, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, and Medical Billing & Administration. Previously, Pashen managed payroll at the County Hospital (SJGH), where she developed strong expertise in payroll operations.
A proud mother of two, Pashen has a vibrant personality and a love for bright colors, especially purple. In her free time, she enjoys movies and reading. Pashen looks forward to collaborating with Michelle in HR to ensure accurate and timely payroll processes. Her extensive experience and enthusiasm make her a valuable addition to the SMWG team.
Boone Tucker was born and raised in San Luis Obispo County. He attended CSU Chico, where he studied sociology. Boone is deeply committed to supporting individuals in times of crisis and fostering trauma-informed care within the community of San Luis Obispo County.
Through his work, Boone has gained a profound understanding of the complexities individuals face during their most vulnerable moments. He navigates high-pressure situations with empathy, clarity, and efficiency, always prioritizing safety, empowerment, and collaboration. Boone also takes pride in working with local agencies and community leaders to ensure individuals in distress receive the support they need.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Boone is a dedicated father and an avid music and vinyl enthusiast.
Bretney is a highly skilled dispatch supervisor who plays a critical role in maintaining seamless communication channels with our community partners. With a focus on promoting safety and the well-being of our clients, Bretney excels at ensuring prompt and effective responses to all inquiries and incidents. Her experience as a licensed psychiatric technician, coupled with her tenure with the agency since 2022, has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate complex situations with poise and efficiency. Bretney’s dedication to excellence and her commitment to fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders make her an invaluable asset to our team.
As the Director of Program Operations, she oversees mobile crisis and mental health evaluation teams, providing leadership and support to ensure compassionate, effective care for individuals in crisis.
With 22 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his role. Throughout his career with two prominent agencies in the area, he held a variety of assignments, including patrol, investigations, and academy instruction. He was an active member of the peer support program and a negotiation team, emphasizing his commitment to fostering teamwork, communication, and resilience. Ryan is passionate about ongoing professional development and ensuring excellence in service delivery.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University, which complements his extensive field experience.
Outside of work, Ryan is a proud baseball enthusiast. You’ll often find him at the ballpark, keeping score the old-fashioned way as he enjoys the game.