As the frontline emergency responder, Crisis Support Services' (CSS) primary goal is to provide on-going prevention services through crisis prevention and emergency response intervention, behavioral support, training, and critical situation support 24 hours/7 days a week, 365 days a year. CSS team members are equipped to respond to critical situations and provide on-going support utilizing evidence-based practices over the duration of the crisis to stabilize the individual in the immediate and long-term placement. Team members are specifically trained to help assess and assist during situations when police or hospitalization involvement is deemed necessary.

Crisis Support Services currently supports Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, South Central Los Angeles Regional Center, San Andreas Regional Center and Tri-Counties Regional Center.

Michael Landrum

Team Leader: Tri Counties Regional Center

Michael is the Team Lead for the San Luis Obispo office. Michael is a local to the SLO area. Michael has worked in the field for over six years serving adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities. Michael has a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State with a focus in development and learning.Michael has a variety of experience serving the community through ILS and SLS Support, Job Counching, Case Coordination and Management, Crisis Counseling, and now the Team Lead at CSS San Luis Obispo.

Anthony Gonzalez

Team Leader: San Andreas Regional Center

Anthony is a dedicated advocate for underserved communities, having graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Chicano Studies and a minor in Education. With a passion for social justice and mental health awareness, he has committed his career to building bridges of resources that empower marginalized populations. At City Year and Project Access, Anthony focused on developing programs that enhance access to services, fostering environments where individuals can recognize their value and support their well-being. He believes in the transformative power of community engagement and actively works to amplify the voices of those he serves. Through innovative outreach and collaboration with local organizations, Anthony strives to create sustainable solutions that uplift communities, promoting a holistic approach to mental health and overall wellness.

AJ Ramos

Team Leader: Tri-Counties Regional Center

Since 2013, AJ has worked on the frontline of mental health; serving in psychiatric facilities, community settings, and short-term residential therapeutic programs. AJ has held multiple roles ranging from: mental health worker, unit clerk, home-health aide, enhanced respite worker, behavioral interventionist, youth development specialist, direct care worker, and assistant manager. Holding multiple roles has given AJ a 360-view of how we can better serve our underserved populations. AJ has proven himself to be a dependable leader and an advocate for mental health, at-risk youth, and the developmentally disabled. AJ is excited to lead the Ventura County Crisis Support Services team, continue helping others, and put his compassion into action.

Mel Vela

START Program Director

Mel Vela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Latino Studies with a Minor in Criminal Justice, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership. He brings extensive experience in mental health, behavioral health, and crisis intervention services.

Before joining SYC-START Services, Mel served as a Program Director in South Central Los Angeles, supporting individuals with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and those requiring mobile crisis response. He has worked extensively with adolescents diagnosed with severe emotional disturbances who required intensive mental health therapy, and has provided care for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Mel also served as a Supervisor in a Level 14 locked psychiatric facility, overseeing care for individuals experiencing acute emotional distress and suicidal ideation in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Fluent in Spanish, Mel joined the SYC-START team in March 2025 and continues to contribute his leadership, clinical insight, and cultural competency to the mission of supporting underserved communities.

Jordana Silvestre

START Clinical Director

Jordana brings over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across diverse settings, including schools, homes, community programs, and clinic-based services. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from the University of California, San Diego, and went on to complete her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for more than 11 years, Jordana has led interdisciplinary teams and implemented evidence-based practices to promote meaningful outcomes for individuals and their families.

In her role as START Clinical Director, she is committed to advancing person-centered, trauma-informed care through collaborative partnerships and system-level innovation. At Stephanie Young Consultants, Jordana values working alongside a team that is driven, mission-focused, and dedicated to creating lasting change in the lives of those most in need.

In her free time, she enjoys camping and cheering for the Dodgers.

Jessica Castro

Team Leader Lanterman Regional Center

Jessica Castro holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Since 2009, she has been dedicated to the mental health field, gaining extensive experience working with diverse populations across a variety of settings. She began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA therapy, and later transitioned into the public school system as a one-on-one Behavior Interventionist. In this role, Jessica supported students and their families in meeting their IEP goals. In 2020, she shifted her focus to working with young adults facing substance use challenges and co-occurring mental health disorders. This experience deepened her understanding of dual diagnoses and reinforced her commitment to serving individuals with complex needs. Jessica's passion for mental health, particularly in supporting individuals with developmental delays and diverse communities, continues to grow. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through compassionate, evidence-based support.

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