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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.