The Wellness Center South is a nationally recognized program that offers and array of groups, classes and resources to increase the wellness of the Orange County community through four key areas: physical, emotional, spiritual and social/community. WC is an entirely peer-run program with each member of the staff having “lived experience” with their own recovery. Members of the Center must be 18 years or older, reside in Orange County and are seeking mental health services now or in the past. WC offers an array of groups each week such as Arts and Crafts, Yoga, Positive Thinking, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), Social Hour, community integration groups, bowling, nature hikes, walk-about trips to museums, gardens, etc. The Central location is a well- established site. The South location will begin implementation on 7/1/2020.

Raul Fernandez is the Program Director of Wellness Center South and identifies as a Peer. He lives with depression, anxiety, and has addiction in his history. Raul is a surviving family member of someone that has died by suicide, Raul and his family lost his older brother to suicide in 2015. Raul has been grateful to find acceptance in the Wellness Center South community and feels honored to be in recovery while serving the members receiving mental health recovery services in Orange County.

Huy Tran is the Data Analyst for the Wellness Center South & Central. He has completed his master’s degree in Biostatistics in 2021. He has worked in the field of healthcare and research for more than 5 years. Huy’s job is to apply the power of numbers and statistics to the program and further improve our services.

Zakia Bashir is the Operations Manager at Wellness Center South. Zakia moved to the United States in 2013 from Afghanistan and pursued her higher education at Norco College and Fullerton University. Zakia is passionate about her job because she embodies Clarvida mission of improving the lives of people by inspiring personal growth, health and wellness. Zakia is committed to the success of Wellness Center South which is fueled by her compassion to help individuals living with a mental health challenge.

Nathan Green is the Employment & Education Specialist. He went to UC Berkeley and has worked in education and the non-profit world for over 20 years. Throughout that time, he has helped people define and accomplish their employment and educational goals. He loves working at Wellness Center South.

Brian Gilbert, Peer Support Specialist: Brian brings with him ten years of experience as a Peer Support Specialist to Wellness Center South.  He obtained his Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification in January 2023. Brian promotes mental, emotional and spiritual growth to the Wellness Center community. He is in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse and is over ten years clean and sober. His lived experience gives him a unique perspective when facilitating groups or offering support. Brian’s friendly disposition, trustworthy nature and enthusiastic approach are strong contributions to the Wellness Center South team.

Bei-Min Hoffnagle is a dedicated Peer Support Specialist at Wellness Center South, where she brings over two years of experience supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. With a strong background in health and wellness, Bei-Min excels at working with culturally diverse populations and creating inclusive, supportive environments. She is especially skilled in helping individuals manage bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. Her lived experience , empathy, and commitment to recovery have made a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves.

Miguel Carvente is a dedicated Peer Support Specialist at Wellness Center South. He brings a strong background in education to help facilitate varied groups that deal with socialization and supporting the mental health and overall well being of the diverse populations we serve. After coming to terms with his own mental health trauma, Miguel feels blessed to have been both a member of a Wellness Center and a staff member. This lived experience, coupled with his professional journey, helps him make an impact on the lives of others who are on their recovery journey.

Jason Cordova is a Certified Peer Support Specialist/Driver with 10+ years of professional working experience in the behavioral health field. Jason is in recovery from Bi-polar, anxiety and depression. He makes a great connection with members and members enjoy his company at the groups and outings. He is excited to be a part of the Wellness Center South team.