Higher Ground Youth And Family Services Inc

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Dr. Jesse Payne

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Dr. Payne has built a dynamic career in education and business, leveraging his diverse expertise across several key roles to make a practical and tangible impact on students, educators, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations alike. In education, he has experience in play therapy, social-emotional group instruction, classroom teaching, online teaching, curriculum/program development, public school administration, International Baccalaureate World School leadership, university professorship, DEI, and university administration. In business, Dr. Payne has experience in operations, advancement/development, budget management, recruiting, professional growth, leadership coaching/mentoring, consulting, DEI development and implantation, and Human Resources. A key focus for Dr. Payne is in the study, teaching, and enhancement of the brain. He has authored and developed several books and programs focused on applying practical strategies to enhance brain health, including Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (Before 25), Making a Good Brain Great: High School Course, and the Brain Thrive programs/courses with Amen Clinics. He is the CEO of Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing wraparound care and services to under-resourced and underserved communities in Southern California. He also partners with the Special Forces Charitable Trust to provide training and resources to those serving in our special force’s military communities. Dr. Payne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s Degree in Education from Vanguard University. He has a Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from the University of Southern California. He has an active teaching license and principal license in public education in the state of Oregon, as well as the Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society of Human Resources Management. He is also certified in DISC instruction.

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