Paco Retana

Paco Retana has a diverse range of work experience in the mental health field. Paco started their career as the Co-Founder of the Youth Development Project at Saint John's Health Center, where they provided therapy to "at-risk" youth and conducted cultural competence training for school staff. Paco then worked as the Director of Outpatient Services at the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic, where they developed and implemented comprehensive mental health programs. Paco later became the Regional Director at Children's Institute, Inc. (CII), overseeing program evaluation and treatment of community-based mental health services. Paco then worked as a Clinical Supervisor at Green Dot Public Schools, providing clinical supervision and consultation for mental health services in inner city schools. Currently, Paco is the Chief Program Officer at Wellnest, where they are responsible for overseeing clinical programs and managing a large number of provider positions.

Paco Retana obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA, which they completed from 1982 to 1987. Following their undergraduate studies, from 1988 to 1990, they attended UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, where they pursued a Masters degree in Social Welfare with a focus on Micro Practice in Child and Family.