Our Team

Brian LaPolla - Founder of SoCal MindEd & MHFA Instructor Since 2023

Brian founded SoCal MindEd in an effort to reduce the stigma about talking about mental health and highlight the importance of self-care.

Brian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communication from the University of Maryland, College Park and has worked in non-profit management, healthcare administration and operational management at the County of San Diego, HHSA. Brian combines evidence-based practices with an understanding of mental health challenges, enabling participants to feel empowered in their ability to help others by sharing his experience about his own mental health struggles - to give hope that recovery from mental illness is available! Brian also works as a crisis responder with the Family Urgent Response System (FURS) through the State of California to work with foster youth and parents to help stabilize difficult situations and assist in keeping families together.

Brian prides himself as an avid gamer, foodie, and world traveler having visited over 20 different counties across 5 continents. Brian relaxes by cuddling up with his cat, Natasha, to watch horror movies.

Instructor Tony - MHFA Instructor Since 2019

Tony is a MHFA instructor with a speciality in teaching Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, Military/Veterans, and Higher Education personnel. Tony is a United States Army veteran, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University-Sacramento and completed his Master's Degree in criminal justice from Kaplan/Purdue Global University. Currently, he is at the candidate stage of his doctoral studies in Psychology at National University.

Tony is a retired correctional officer and parole agent with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Additionally, Tony holds the position of Instructor for New Mexico Tech Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) in collaboration with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His areas of expertise include Crisis Intervention, mental health behaviors, and terrorism. He served as an adjunct lecturer at San Diego State University’s College of Extended Studies, where he collaboratively taught the subject of Police and Correctional Psychology within the Forensic Psychology Program.

Regarding self-care practices, Tony engages in culinary activities and is a practitioner of both Tai Chi and Krav Maga martial arts, as well as watching the waves roll at the beach.

Instructor Racquel - MHFA Instructor Since 2009, Youth MHFA Instructor Since 2014

Racquel joins the team with a unique background in both Native American and Asian Pacific communities, Racquel brings a rich cultural lens to her work. Fluent in multiple languages, she is deeply committed to inclusive education that respects and uplifts every community she serves. Her extensive experience in training American Indian/Alaskan Native populations, veterans, older adults, and youth allows her to tailor each session with cultural humility and relevance. As a partner in Shuluk Consulting and founder of initiatives like NIWAN and the Dreamcatcher Approach, she continues to lead with compassion, innovation, and a deep respect for cultural healing practices. She has trained healthcare professionals, caregiving students, and community leaders across diverse settings—urban and rural—with a strong emphasis on accessibility and empowerment.

Instructor Tiffany - MHFA Instructor Since 2024

Tiffany holds a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on early education. She has extensive experience teaching Elementary Students in multiple school districts across San Diego County. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany transitioned to work remotely on the San Diego County COVID-19 Crisis Response Team where she worked with residents who recently tested positive for covid to ensure that they get the medical attention needed as well as provide resources to address mental health concerns. Tiffany’s unique background of formal teaching experience and healthcare outreach offers a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and self-care.

In her off time, Tiffany loves enjoying live music, gardening in her yard, and going for long car rides with her husband in her Vibrant Red Mustang LX 5.0 Limited Edition Convertible.

Instructor Nancy - MHFA Instructor Since 2017

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Nancy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents in México as well as being is a licensed therapist. Nancy facilitates her trainings with a strong focus on Mexican culture and stigmas in the Spanish speaking community regarding Mental Health. Nancy has been teaching Mental Health First Aid for almost a decade and has been internationally recognized throughout the USA, México and Colombia through her role as International Facilitator at CADCA International Programs. Nancy regularly provides trainings and workshops at Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), to their professors, administrators and students highlighting the important impact mental health plays on a student’s growth and success.

Nancy loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends, she also enjoys reading, dancing, listening to music and going to the Spa with her daughter. 

Tanja Schroeder, Burnout Coach

Tanja is a Burnout Coach, jewelry designer, and passionate traveler with a diverse cultural background bringing a unique experience to SoCal MindEd. After a decade of working abroad, she encountered workplace burnout in their first office environment, sparking a deep interest in organizational well-being. This led her to pursue a master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and it was through mindfulness that she discovered the key to a healthy work environment. Tanja founded Link, a company dedicated to strengthening the mind-body connection at work, empowering employees to take an active role in their well-being and navigate workplace environments with greater awareness, balance, and joy, while fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and compassion.

Tanja joins SoCal MindEd to continue her mission to provide a mental “pause” to refocus and re-energize students in their busy lives. Tanja enjoys going on hikes, exploring new cities, spending time in nature, and spending time with her dog.

Lauren Magness - Administrative Support

Lauren is a graduate from the University of California, San Diego, with a Major in Psychology.