About La Cheim

Who We Are

Over the past 50 years, La Cheim has developed a robust continuum of care to help the vulnerable and marginalized children, adolescents, and adults throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our educational and mental health services include non-public school, a Community Mental Health Center, a therapeutic behavioral services program, and a residential treatment center.

Our success lies in the caliber and compassion of our team, which includes teachers, art therapists, teacher assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mentors. They are the ones who create life-changing experiences for the hard-to-reach adolescence and adults in the greater Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

To be a premier provider of high-quality health, education, and support services, and a strategic community partner in the disruption of health, social, academic, and ecological inequities.

We commit to inspire, create, and nurture effective and sustainable action that supports individuals, families, communities, and the natural environment to be healthy and thriving.

  • Inclusivity & Equity
  • Relational Centeredness & Collaboration
  • In Touch & Innovation
  • Business Conscious
  • Transparency
  • Resiliency
  • Excellence
La Cheim full color logo

Contact

Behavioral Health Services
3031 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

PHP/IOP Admissions
PHP/IOP Referral Form
(510) 596-8350

General Inquiries
php-iop@lacheim.org
(510) 596-8125

Fax Submissions
(510) 225-2745

Payment Inquiries
Billing Inquiry Form

Our History

La Cheim started with $6,000 on a credit card. Established in 1974, La Cheim’s origin story begins in the basement of a church, when parents and community leaders came together to serve at-risk children who were removed from their homes, undersupported by their schools, or involved in the criminal justice system. La Cheim’s mission statement at its inception set the trajectory for the agency: “La Cheim creates an array of individual treatment and educational programs for children and adults, with a clear goal of engaging our clients and students, providing effective interventions, and establishing community and family alliances to support growth and future success.”

La Cheim’s capacity to provide high-quality, transformational programming to diverse and high-risk populations has been increasingly refined over the agency’s almost 50-year tenure. Building upon our legacy, La Cheim has now developed a new three-year strategic plan, which is attentive and responsive to the challenges facing youth and families of today and tomorrow. Our goal as an agency is to assure increased accessibility and availability of high-quality mental health, educational, and residential services to vulnerable populations in the Bay Area by dismantling health and social inequities and strengthening community partnerships through advocacy and inter-agency/community collaboration. Key to our advocacy work is attending to the mental wellbeing of our own team members, and caring for the caregivers by creating a safe, inclusive milieu filled with diverse professionals with lived experience who possess incredible skill, grit, and passion. We subsequently position our staff to model and facilitate the creation of healing and just conditions to support the people La Cheim serves and the natural environment in which we live.

Recognizing this period of global change and uncertainty, La Cheim continues to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of those we serve. La Cheim’s new mission statement is “to be a premier provider of high-quality health, education, and support services, and a strategic community partner in the disruption of health, social, academic, ecological inequities.”

At La Cheim, we are committed to inspire, create, and nurture effective and sustainable action that supports individuals, families, communities, and the natural environment to be healthy and thriving.

a group of kids smiling at the camera
a woman reaching out to touch another person's shoulder
a group of women smiling at the camera

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Meet the Team

Leadership

David Hartman

Interim Chief Executive Officer

David joined La Cheim April 2023, to lead the organization through our current executive transition. David is a seasoned leader in the social sector, with 30 years of service in management and consulting. Since 2011, he has served numerous organizations as Interim Executive. In this capacity, he provides leadership during an executive transition that stabilizes organizations, supports the board and staff, and elucidates options for future strategic direction. He works closely with our staff and Board to strengthen systems, and structure, evaluate, and improve program outcomes.

David has held senior executive roles in such prestigious organizations as the American Red Cross, serving as executive director of the Sierra Nevada Chapter and chief operating officer for the San Francisco Bay Area; and President of the National MS Society, Northern California. He also had a distinguished tenure with Netzel Associates, Inc., where he provided counsel and training to nonprofit organizations and institutions throughout the U.S.

David earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of San Francisco. He studied economics at the University of London and was trained in interim executive management, with a focus on leadership protocols and instrumental tools for providing strategic transitional leadership.

David, Interim CEO at La Cheim

Fawada Mojaddidi

Chief Administrative Officer

Fawada Mojaddidi joined La Cheim in 2023 as our Chief Administrative Officer, directly supervising Human Resources, as well as overseeing the administrative and operational functions of the organization.

Fawada brings 25 years of successful work experience in community-based organizations focused on mental and behavioral health services. Her success is fueled by a passion for the field and unwavering commitment to serve others. She also excels in many core areas of leadership, from strategic planning and organizational development, to facility and asset management.

Fawada is a dedicated and effective leader with engaging communication skills that allow her to nurture professional relationships at all levels. She provides exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution, and helps others navigate complex situations and achieve positive outcomes. Her empathy and collaborative style are central to her success in team building and fostering successful outcomes for individuals and organizations.

Fawada studied psychology at San Francisco State University and obtained a certificate in human resources from Cal State University — East Bay.

Fawada, Chief Administrative Officer at La Cheim

Donovan Grant

Chief Financial Officer

Donovan Grant is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with a remarkable track record of 30+ years in financial leadership. Known for adeptly navigating financial decision-making and instituting company-wide policies, Donovan has a distinct knack for surmounting operational challenges and fostering proactive enhancements.

Donovan’s extensive skill set includes proficiency in Excel, a mastery of reporting, expert negotiation abilities, prowess in business development, and a deep understanding of various accounting tools and quantitative analysis skills which further elevate his financial acumen.

As the Chief Financial Officer at La Cheim School, Inc. in El Sobrante, CA, Donovan has expertly managed a wide spectrum of responsibilities over two decades. Donovan’s strong grasp of time management and prioritization has ensured compliance with deadlines and regulations in the complex landscapes of K-12 Education, County Mental Health, and Behavioral Health Services.

Donovan’s journey includes a past role as corporate controller at ViaNovus, Inc., Oakland, CA. Donovan oversaw all aspects of financial reporting, built relationships, managed VC investments, and prepared financials for the Board of Directors. Donovan’s role included crafting strategic fiscal and business plans and providing crucial financial counsel on impactful contracts. Donovan’s academic foundation includes a General Certificate of Education in Accounting from the University of London, England, and three diplomas from the Jamaica Commercial Institute of Business in accounting and business management.

Donovan, CFO at La Cheim

Britany Oliver

Program Director for La Cheim School

Britany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is deeply committed to delivering trauma-informed care to marginalized communities facing moderate to severe mental health and co-occurring disorders. In her professional journey, Britany actively engages in community outreach, offering psychoeducation to sustain mental health and facilitates access to community resources, to enhance overall well-being. She collaborates with individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, helping them identify personal strengths to cope with life’s uncertainties.

Beyond her therapeutic role, Britany brings over 10 years of dedicated service in the California Army National Guard. Responding to state emergencies has been an integral part of her commitment to public service. She has responded to wildfires, led several teams in COVID-19 medical response efforts, responded to floods/earthquakes, and addressed civil unrest. Through her dual role as an LCSW and military professional, Britany is driven by a profound sense of duty to improve the welfare of underserved communities.

Britany, Program Director for La Cheim School

Amanda Morrison, LMFT, LPCC

Program Director, La Cheim Behavioral Health Services (BHS)

Amanda Morrison is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Amanda graduated from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA with a master’s degree in counseling psychology and has worked for La Cheim Behavioral Health Services since 2017. Amanda currently specializes in crisis stabilization, person-centered treatment, Somatic Experiencing work, parenting support, and the use of Non-Violent Communication methods. When not at work, she enjoys playing with her two dogs and raising her children on her ever-growing homestead.

Amanda, BHS Acting Program Director & BHS Clinical Operations Manager at La Cheim

Leslie Leiva

Program Director, Youth Empowerment and Wellness (YEW)

Leslie was born in Guatemala, brought to California at the age of three, and raised in the Bay Area. She has been married for 19 years and is a mother of two beautiful children who are now young adults. She graduated from SFSU and has been working at La Cheim for the last 13 years. In her free time, she likes to paint, hike, go on short walks, and swim.

Leslie, Director YEW at La Cheim

Ebonie Reed

Clinical Director, Youth Empowerment and Wellness (YEW)

Ebonie has worked in the field since 2009, inspired by a passion for helping others. She began her career as a case manager working with children and families, and is so thankful to have the opportunity to work her way up to Clinical Director with La Cheim. When not working, Ebonie enjoys crafting, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Ebonie, YEW Clinical Director at La Cheim

Lemuel Constantino

Program Director, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)

Lemuel is a passionate psychiatric mental health nurse who’s been lucky enough to spend years diving into the world of in-patient and out-patient mental health care. But his journey doesn’t stop there – he has also worked with COVID clinics, vaccine clinics, and school nursing. What truly makes his heart beat faster is working with young folks and those seeking support for their mental health journey. Being that reassuring presence during these pivotal moments is where he finds his true purpose.

Away from nursing, life takes on a vibrant twist. He is a father of three adorable dogs at home, who keep him on his toes. Nature is his haven, his place to recharge. Climbing rocks and bouldering gets his blood pumping, while hiking and soaking up the beach vibes soothes his soul. And then there are his leafy friends – a thriving collection of more than 50 house plants, including some rarities. They teach him patience and the beauty of nurturing life.

Whether it’s tapping piano keys, hiking trails, or lending an empathetic ear, Lemuel’s life is an orchestra of passions. With a heart set on making mental health care accessible and compassionate, he is here to guide and lend support, all while nurturing his own zest for life.

Lemuel, STRTP Director at La Cheim

Board of Directors

Richard Ivry

Chair
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Veronica Lopez

Secretary
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Juliana Morgan-Trostle

Member
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Kristine Panik, MD

Member
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Jonathan Tomasco

Member
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Andre Green

Member
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Bob Mertens

Member
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Careers

Join the Team

La Cheim is a great place to work due to its emphasis on a strong sense of community, professional growth opportunities, and commitment to providing high-quality mental health services, creating a fulfilling and supportive environment for its employees.