Noelani is a queer, second-generation Filipino woman who was born and raised in North San Diego County. In her free time, she likes to fill her cup by going on hikes with her golden retriever, playing the piano, chasing sunsets, getting lost in a good book, and connecting with loved ones. Her journey into the social services field was inspired by her lived experience and a desire to create safe and accessible spaces for healing at both the individual and broader community levels. 

Noelani brings nearly a decade of experience working in social services and behavioral health. Her approach is rooted in recognizing interdependence between systems, for better or worse, and empowering individuals and communities to mobilize needed change. She has worked with youth and adults in substance use treatment settings; adults and families with children experiencing homelessness; youth, adults and families in outpatient comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy; and individuals of all ages and backgrounds experiencing a substance use or behavioral health crisis. In addition to providing direct clinical care, Noelani has served the community as a leader in social services and through volunteer work with The North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center (WRC) and San Diego Humane Society.