Our Company

Our Mission

To provide the highest quality, most effective, culturally relevant, evidence-based mental health services to meet the social, emotional and behavioral needs of children, adolescents and their families.

OUR VISION

At Stirling, our vision is to be a beacon of transformative mental health care for children, adolescents, and young adults, where each individual’s well-being is prioritized, diversity is celebrated, and strong, compassionate relationships form the cornerstone of healing. We envision a future where mental health services are not only accessible but are woven into the fabric of a supportive, inclusive community.

Guided by our core values, we aspire to be leaders in mental health, upholding transparency, accountability, and unwavering ethical standards. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in every aspect of our practice, ensuring that every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, feels seen, heard, and valued.

We are champions of compassion and empathy, fostering a therapeutic environment where genuine connections are cultivated. Our vision extends beyond individual sessions; we aim to build a network of interconnected relationships — a tapestry of support that embraces families, schools, and communities.

Collaboration is the heartbeat of our mission. We envision partnerships with community organizations, educators, and healthcare providers to create a seamless continuum of care. Together, we work tirelessly to improve lives, break down barriers, and promote mental well-being as an integral part of overall health.

As a team, we are not just colleagues; we are collaborators in the pursuit of positive change. We celebrate victories together, learn from challenges, and grow as one cohesive unit. In our vision, success is not measured individually but collectively, as we strive to be a catalyst for lasting change in the lives of the young individuals we serve.

At Stirling, our vision is a future where mental health is a shared responsibility, where well-being is prioritized, inclusivity is celebrated, and every young person has the opportunity to navigate life with resilience, strength, and the support of a compassionate community.

OUR VALUES

WELLBEING

We foster a culture that supports physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

COMPASSION

We are compassionate, empathetic and build strong relationships.

INCLUSIVITY

We cultivate an environment in which every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, feels seen, heard, and valued.

INTEGRITY

We abide by transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards.

COLLABORATION

We are committed to meaningful collaboration with our community partners to improve lives.

TEAMWORK

We work and win as a team.

OUR HISTORY

1985

Stirling Academy was founded in 1985 as a nonpublic school for children and adolescents diagnosed with Serious Emotional Disturbance. 

1989

In 1988, Stirling was awarded a contract by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) to provide mental health services to students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Present

For more than three decades, Stirling has partnered with LACDMH to provide free mental heathcare services to children, teens, and young adults.

Our Leadership Team

Dr. Broomand completed her undergraduate degree at UC Davis before earning a doctorate in clinical psychology at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.

She spent two years at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she completed a practicum and internship before returning to Northern California for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at UC Davis Medical Center in the Department of Neurology. She was subsequently hired by Kaiser Permanente where she was the only pediatric neuropsychologist in the region, directed the post-doctoral training program, and founded the Youth Sports Concussion Program.  While at Kaiser, she also obtained board certification with the American Board of Professional Psychology-Clinical Neuropsychology.  

In 2008, Dr. Broomand co-founded and became President of the non-profit MindGame (formerly Sacramento Valley Concussion Consortium) which brought together all of the major healthcare systems to provide improved access to concussion specialists for youth athletes. Her work in the field of concussion landed her a position on the Center for Disease Control’s Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Guideline Workgroup where leading experts in the field of mTBI worked together to create a clinical guideline for use in doctor’s offices and emergency departments (published 2018).

Dr. Broomand’s work in the area of youth concussion earned her accolades as she was awarded the National David E Lawrence Community Service Award, was named a Sacramento Business Journal’s Healthcare Hero, and 40 Under 40. Dr. Broomand has maintained a commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy. She has served on a number of boards including MindGame, the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association, El Dorado Hills Soccer Club, The Oak Ridge High School Foundation, and is currently Secretary of the Cook Foundation.

Catherine Broomand, PhD

Chief Executive Officer &
Board President

Andrew Mankarios, MBA, MSc.

Program Director

Andrew Mankarios is a seasoned healthcare management professional. Upon completing his undergraduate degree at UCLA he pursued a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from Johns Hopkins University, where he was recognized as a Dean Scholar. 

Andrew has led teams of over 100 employees in both public and private healthcare settings, driving operational efficiency and advancing collaborative work environments. His leadership resulted in dramatic increases in clinic utilization and significant cost savings through strategic resource allocation and process improvements. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, Andrew has consistently demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex operations. His commitment to staff development has played a key role in optimizing patient flow, improving overall efficiency, and enhancing team performance.

Earlier in his career, at the National Cancer Institute under the National Institutes of Health, Andrew exhibits his proficiency in research and policy through conducting in-depth market analysis and translating research into actionable strategies. His ability to effectively communicate complex information and collaborate with cross-functional teams was instrumental in advancing key
projects.

His business acumen was further displayed during his time as a Business Consultant at a CPA Firm, where he developed and presented financial strategies that resulted in significant tax savings for clients. 

Andrew’s multidisciplinary expertise extends to legal analysis as well, having worked as a Law Clerk for the District Attorney’s Office, where he supported legal strategies and discovery processes. His comprehensive approach to leadership, research, and business strategy has made him a highly versatile and impactful professional in both the healthcare and business sectors.

Dr. Victoria Shabanzadeh brings her vast experience in mental health to the oversight of all mental health services at Stirling Behavioral Health Institute. 

After completing her undergraduate degree at UCLA, Dr. Shabanzadeh earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, at Alliant International.  

Her journey with Stirling started in 2002, after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Casa Pacifica, an intensive child/adolescent short-term residential treatment program. 

Dr. Shabanzadeh has held several positions at Stirling, starting as a school-based clinician then moving to Quality Assurance Director and Interim Acting Program Director before landing her current position as the Clinical Director in 2008.  

She specializes in working with high school aged youth as well as young adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss and grief, trauma, and navigating life transitions. Dr. Shabanzadeh is also experienced in several empirically supported therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adaptive Practice (MAP), Seeking Safety (SS) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

 

Victoria Shabanzadeh, PhD

Clinical Director

Meet our front office staff

Leidy Gutierrez

Intake Coordinator

Nati Lopez

Reception

Join Our Team

Competitive benefits, flexible work schedules, hybrid work schedules, a friendly, supportive atmosphere and up to 20 earned vacation days per year. Come join us and make a difference.