Staff
Emily Westerholm, M.S., RMHCI Founder and Executive Director
Human services professional with two decades of direct service and program coordination experience. She has specialized education in substance use disorders and mental health counseling.
Emily has worked with individuals in the following settings: prisons and jails, outpatient mental health, crisis services, street outreach, and community clinics. Emily is an advocate of trauma-informed treatment, focuses on cultural empowerment, and uses a compassionate strengths-based approach. In her free time Emily likes to hoard plants and spend time with her family.
Leigh Scott, Director of Community Outreach
Leigh is a lifelong Gainesville resident. Leigh has worked as a community change-maker with a remarkable passion over the last decade. His accolades include, but are not limited to; running the community outreach program at a low-barrier shelter for those experiencing homelessness, co-hosting a podcast called “Uncarcerated”, serving as a fellow at Community Spring where he co-designed Links Not Locks, and working as a local DJ. Leigh has an amazing wife, 3 dogs, and a wonderful son.
Jakacia Phipps, M.S. Director of Participant Engagement
Jakacia Phipps is a passionate mental health advocate who draws from both her personal journey and professional expertise to guide individuals toward healing and growth. Her professional journey is grounded in her own experiences overcoming challenges, which fuels her dedication to helping participants navigate their own paths to wellness. As Director of Participant Engagement, Jakacia blends her knowledge of counseling and coaching to develop strategies that address both immediate emotional needs and long-term personal development. In addition to her role, Jakacia is an aspiring speaker, eager to share her story and professional insights with broader audiences. In her free time, she loves “nature-things”, fashion shows, cooking, and attending community events.
Dana Ebiasah, Peer Support Specialist
Dana has a strong background in advocacy, community services, and work in the behavioral healthcare system. Dana brings a person-centered approach her work while supporting individuals navigate barriers that may prevent successful reintegration into the community. Dana brings resilience, empathy and hope all to welcome individuals on their journey to successfully become acclimated to the community. In her spare time Dana studies new ways to support her current community by taking trainings, learning current reliable resources available in the area, and actively engaging with a subcommittee to strengthen the homeless prevention services. Dana also enjoys peaceful walks, and spending quality time with her family.
Julia Baca, Office Coordinator
Julia is from Miami and comes from a family of Ecuadorian migrants and strong southern women. She has a history working with marginalized people through a variety of community activism efforts including eviction defense, mental health crisis response, and Books for Prisoners. Most recently, she was an advocate for those experiencing homelessness at a low barrier shelter. Julia is passionate about Mother Earth, writing, yoga, gardening, ancestral veneration, and artistic expression. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology.