About – The Teen Project

About Us

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) helping young women impacted by trafficking, homelessness, and the foster care system.

Leadership Team

Lauri Burns

Chief Executive Officer

Bio

Lauri L. Burns serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Teen Project, which she founded in 2007. She developed the corporation and all of its programs. In her role, she leads organizational strategy, program development, fundraising, and partnerships to expand access to treatment, safe housing, education, and long-term support for vulnerable young people. Since founding the organization, she has raised more than $80 million and established residential and outpatient programs serving individuals affected by homelessness, addiction, foster care, and human trafficking. She brings an extensive background in finance and technology, including her corporate experience as a former technologist at Northrop Grumman. Her leadership is also informed by her lived experience as a former foster youth and survivor of homelessness and trafficking. Lauri works closely with government agencies, donors, and community partners to build sustainable programs that help young people heal and achieve independence. She created RehabApp and SafeSite to identify open beds and help connect patients with Medi-Cal-funded rehabilitation programs and survivors with safe houses. She is an author and screenwriter, she brings her experience to books, film, and television projects that explore survival, recovery, and hope.

Jeffrey Rubenstein

Board President

Bio

Graduated with Dean’s Honors from UCLA, then attended Loyola Law School. He joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy District Attorney, where he prosecuted sex crimes, gang crimes, domestic violence, stalking, and sophisticated white collar and identity theft crimes.

After leaving the DA’s office in 1998, Rubenstein has since practiced criminal defense law. Rubenstein is also a Professor of Public Administration and Legal Policy and teaches at the graduate level at National University. He is also a consultant with the prestigious Constitutional Rights Foundation, where he lectures and writes on both constitutional law and criminal law and procedure at UCLA’s annual Summer Law Institute.

Shelly Price

Board Secretary

Bio

Coming soon.

Nick Kochek

Board Member

Bio

A results-driven, dynamic and versatile Executive Operations Officer with successful C-level experience as the former Vice President of Operations for UPS, the former President and current Executive Advisor of TEMCO Logistics, and Founder and President of Novice2Noble.

Nick has former Board experience as the Board Chair of Boys Town, which is now the home of Vera’s Sanctuary, as well as the Uncork for Hope Foundation.

Darren Calbay, CPA

Board Treasurer

Bio

Attended California State University Northridge, where he received his degree in Accounting. He worked as an accountant for Hinton, Kreditor & Gronoos, LLP for over eight years before stepping into the role as Tax Manager for Wishnow, Ross, Warsavsky & Company in 2014.

Anasheh Safarian, MHA

Chief Compliance Officer

Bio

Anasheh Safarian serves as Chief Compliance Officer at The Teen Project, where she leads compliance, regulatory affairs, risk management, facilities, and other key operational functions. With more than a decade at the organization, she has played an integral role in its operations, helping maintain the infrastructure, systems, and processes that support its expanding programs and services, while ensuring alignment with contractual requirements in collaboration with key stakeholders. Her experience has also spanned program administration, human resources, and information technology, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the organization from the ground up. Anasheh works closely with executive leadership, clinical professionals, program teams, and regulatory agencies to promote accountability, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a Master of Health Administration from West Coast University.

Lora Caldwell, M.A., CATC IV

Administrator of Sanctuary Recovery Center

Bio

Lora Caldwell serves as Administrator of The Teen Project’s Sanctuary Recovery Center, providing leadership and oversight to the adolescent program supporting girls ages 12–17 on their journeys toward recovery, stability, and healing. With a background as a counselor specializing in children affected by abuse, Lora brings a strong clinical perspective and a commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in counseling from Amberton University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor IV in California. Her leadership emphasizes program excellence, safety, clinical staff development, and lasting hope for youth.

Lisa Button, SUDCC

Program Manager of Adult Outpatient Services

Bio

Lisa Button serves as Program Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at The Teen Project, where she has been part of the program’s growth and development since 2022. She brings experience in behavioral health leadership across both nonprofit and private-sector settings, including previous Program Manager roles. Lisa is a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC), earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Governors University, and is currently pursuing an MBA. Her work focuses on program strategy, expansion, operations, community partnerships, and team development while supporting high-quality, client-centered services and the continued growth of The Teen Project Outpatient programs.

Sally Mansour, LCSW

Clinical Director

Bio

Sally Mansour serves as Clinical Director at The Teen Project, providing clinical leadership for programs that support individuals on their path toward recovery, healing, and rebuilding connections. With a background in clinical practice and a strong foundation in behavioral health, Sally brings a strategic approach to clinical services. She is committed to fostering safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered environments while developing strong clinical teams. Sally earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. As Clinical Director, Sally focuses on program quality, staff development, and clinical standards. Through this work, she advances The Teen Project’s mission and supports the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care.

Jewelana Kayanan, LMFT

Senior Program Director

Bio

Jewelana Kayanan serves as the Senior Program Director for The Teen Project’s Orange County programs, leading multidisciplinary teams and overseeing all program and clinical services. She has helped lead Orange County’s growth from its first residential services into a full continuum of care. Jewelana holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and California Alcohol and Drug Counselor III. She believes in walking alongside people through suffering and helping them rediscover hope, stability, and purpose. She has a special place in her heart for women’s issues, particularly perinatal women and their babies, survivors of human trafficking, and those healing from complex trauma.

Bert Paras, MPA

Chief Operating Officer

Bio

Bert Paras joined The Teen Project in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience in nonprofit leadership, government administration, and financial management, including experience as an auditor. He oversees the organization’s financial operations, government contracts, facilities and assets, human resources, and information technology. His auditing background informs his emphasis on financial accountability, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Previously, Bert served as Executive Vice President of Operations at Child and Family Center, overseeing operations, finance, contracts, and administration for an organization with 185 employees and a $13 million annual budget. His experience includes guiding an agency merger, strengthening financial sustainability, modernizing technology systems, and using data to improve program performance. He has also held leadership and contract oversight roles supporting people affected by homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, and justice system involvement.

Bert holds a Master of Public Administration from American Military University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare with a minor in Accounting from California State University, Northridge. He is a U.S. Army veteran.

Rebecca Small

Program Director at Freehab Treatment Center

Bio

Rebecca Small serves as the Program Director at Freehab Treatment Center, providing leadership, direction, and oversight to programs dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their journey toward recovery, stability, and long-term wellness. In this role, Rebecca is committed to fostering a supportive, structured, and client-centered environment where individuals can build the skills and confidence necessary to create meaningful and lasting change.

With experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment, Rebecca is passionate about providing compassionate care while maintaining high standards of program quality, accountability, and professionalism. Rebecca works closely with staff and treatment teams to promote collaboration, strengthen clinical and operational practices, and ensure that services effectively meet the needs of the individuals served.

Through a combination of professional experience, leadership, and a dedication to the recovery process, Rebecca focuses on staff development, program excellence, continuous improvement, and creating an environment that empowers clients to take meaningful steps toward healthier and more independent lives. As Program Director, Rebecca is proud to contribute to Freehab Treatment Center’s commitment to helping women achieve sustainable recovery and build a stronger future.