Meet our MERCI team
Bernice La Scala
Executive Director
Bernice La Scala is the Executive Director of MERCI, with over 30 years of experience advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and the aging population. She previously served as Regional Manager at Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, overseeing residential services and championing high-quality care. Bernice holds a BA in Sociology with a Gerontology minor from California State University, Los Angeles, reflecting her lifelong dedication to understanding and addressing the unique challenges of aging and developmental disabilities.
- Outside of work, Bernice enjoys genealogy, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest, balancing her professional advocacy with a deep connection to history and nature.
Noey Garcia
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES & PROGRAMS
With over 31 years of experience, Noey Garcia, our Associate Director of Residential Services and Programs, has dedicated their career to advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- From direct care to managerial roles, Noey prioritizes delivering quality services with respect and dignity. Recognized for collaboration with regional centers, vendors, and public agencies, Noey ensures compliance with Title 22 and 17 regulations.
- As a seasoned instructor for First Aid CPR and CPI Crisis Prevention Interventions, Noey upholds high service standards. Outside work, Noey enjoys family time, BBQs, and attending Dodger and Laker games.
Team Administration
Christian Trasviña
DISCOVERY COORDINATOR
Christian has been serving individuals with disabilities for over 20 years. He has worked with several organizations throughout his career. With a diverse background in fine art, illustration, and music, Christian has used his talents and creativity to provide fun and engaging experiences for the people he has served.
- Spearheading the DISCOVERY Program at MERCI, Christian applies his knowledge and experience in providing a creative dynamic to better help his staff provide fulfilling and Person-Centered support for MERCI’s participants. In his spare time, Christian is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, loves to go on beach outing adventures or trying new restaurants with his daughter, and enjoys making art and music for fun.
Melissa Mitchell
Program Coordinator
Melissa has a diverse career path rooted in education and social services. Her journey began as a Behavior Instructor in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where she worked closely with families of children on the autism spectrum. She later transitioned into a role as an Early Childhood Educator allowing Melissa to broaden her impact by focusing on inclusive curriculum development. Her career then evolved to support adults with intellectual disabilities as a Supervisor and Case Manager in Supportive Living Services. In this capacity, Melissa was dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, promoting their empowerment and integration into the community.
- Outside of work, Melissa finds joy in exploring California's Redwood forests, reflecting her appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. Her focus on spending quality time with her family and two cats (Orange Tabbies) highlights her values of connection and personal fulfillment beyond her professional achievements.
- Overall, Melissa's background and passions reflect a strong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others, whether through direct support, education, or advocacy in inclusive environments.
Reyna Peña-Magallón
QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER OF PROGRAMS
Reyna Peña-Magallón has worked in Human Services for 30 years. She initially started her career serving children with emotional and intellectual disabilities. She later shifted her focus to meet the needs of adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. Her experience includes administrating residential facilities, serving individuals with medical fragilities, as well as severe behavioral challenges.
- Reyna worked at MERCI for almost 20 years leaving in 2018. In January 2024 she returned to MERCI to help launch the ICBS program.
- In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, trips to Disneyland, hiking, music concerts and traveling.
Alex Stott
Residential Administrator
For the last 25 years, Alexander Stott has been a dedicated professional serving individuals with developmental disabilities in various roles, including residential administrator, QIDP, and day program instructor. He has worked at different non-profit agencies (MERCI, UCP/Momentum, Easter Seals), and served as a consultant for privately-owned residential facilities.
- Alexander holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California-Santa Barbara and a Master’s degree in Organization Leadership and Management from Pacific Oaks College. He also holds his DSP I and II certificates and is a certified CPR instructor. Outside of work, Alexander enjoys spending time with his daughter, hiking, kayaking, playing music, and tending to his cats.
Marisol Alvarez
Residential Healthcare Coordinator
Marisol earned her Associate's degree in Pre-Health in 2006, followed by a Gerontology degree in 2008 from Mount Saint Mary's University. With over a decade of experience as a dedicated Case Manager for the elderly, Marisol transitioned to supporting adults with disabilities in 2019 after being introduced to this rewarding path by a colleague.
- With her extensive experience in this field, Marisol quickly progressed to become a full-time educator in the Adaptive Skills Training program, where she actively assists in client enrollment. She subsequently contributed her expertise to the Supported Living Services program and now serves as the healthcare coordinator at Merci's Residential Program.
- During her free time, Marisol enjoys spending time with her two children.
Peter Pham
Director of Finance and Operations
For the last 18 years, Peter worked in a for-profit setting as the finance and HR lead and now brings that experience to MERCI. Peter is new to the non-profit world and hopes to make an impact serving individuals with development disabilities.
Board of Directors
Bobbi Bruesch
Bobbi earned her Master's in Education from Whittier College. For 39 years, she has served as an educator for the Garvey Elementary School District, teaching middle school students in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. Bobbi is a strong believer in community service and has dedicated her time and passion to many community and youth programs.
- Bobbi founded Rosemead Organization in Support of Youth (ROSY), an organization that awards deserving low income eighth grade students laptop computers for use in high school. She is also a co-founder of the Garvey Education Foundation that gives over $10,000 of direct grants each year to schools and teachers for special projects. In addition, she served with the Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club, Rosemead City Council and California School Boards Association.
April Dominguez
April Dominguez serves as an Operations Supervisor at Flowserve Corporation, bringing valuable operational expertise to the role. A Penn State University graduate, her dedication to MERCI stems from her brother's 25-year attendance, inspiring her to contribute as a board member. April combines her professional acumen with a personal commitment to enhance MERCI's mission.
Christina Cisneros
Christina M. Cisneros serves as an Assistant Principal within the Los Angeles Unified School District. With a Master of Special Education, experience as a Principal of a Special Education Center and a Special Education Administrator for LAUSD overseeing 165 school sites and over 12,000 students, Christina brings valuable insight to the MERCI Board in the area of educational transitional services for persons with significant disabilities. Christina has served on the MERCI Board for almost 15 years supporting the vision and mission of MERCI.
Rene Araiza
Rene Araiza, MERCI’s board treasure is currently retired with 39 years of experience in the insurance industry and also retired from United States Marine Corps Reserve. Rene also volunteers with the Marine Corps League in West Covina. Rene and his family have a long history with MERCI which goes back 50 years and has two brothers that currently attend MERCI. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in insurance, leadership and fundraising experience.
Wesley Witherspoon
Wesley Witherspoon is a Professional worker who trains people who receive services from Regional Center. Wesley has worked with the USC UCEDD for 19 years. He services on the board of many different committees: MERCI, Disability Rights of California, Los Angeles Registrar Recorder. Self-Advocacy Board of Los Angeles County where he served as a secondary Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Accessibility Advisory Committee. Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder voting community voter outreach committee, Ignite INC. and ARC transforming Healthcare advisory board, He also is a relationship and sexuality training for Jay Nolan Community services. Wesley ‘s parents are retired educators with LAUSD. Wesley’s brother is a small business owner that works in the San Gabriel Valley. Wesley worked to make sure people with disabilities are heard. Last year, Wesley went to the white house. Wesley has spoken at the national conference AUCD in 2018-2019 as well as 2022-2024. Wesley spoke about people with disabilities, employees, and the state-wide self-advocacy mental health disorders. People with disabilities in leadership positions and healthy relations for people with disabilities. In his spare time, Wesley works out at planet fitness, plays basketball, travels, reads, plays co-ed sports such as co-ed football, basketball, and soccer. Wesley believes that everyone has the ability and gifts to contribute to the world.
