LEADERSHIP TEAM
La Tonya Glover, MSW
Executive Director
La Tonya Glover has served as Executive Director of Valley Health Associates (VHA) since 2021, bringing more than 25 years of experience in social welfare, education, counseling, nonprofit leadership, and community service. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for individuals and families from historically underserved communities while building strong, collaborative teams capable of navigating change and achieving meaningful results.
Under La Tonya’s leadership, Valley Health Associates has undergone significant growth and transformation. She has strengthened the organization’s financial and operational foundation, more than tripled its annual operating budget, expanded its workforce from eight to 26 employees, several college level interns, strengthened Board governance, diversified funding, and significantly broadened VHA’s partnerships and community presence.
At the same time, La Tonya has led VHA’s evolution from a primarily clinic-based treatment provider into a regional, multi-county system of care serving Monterey and San Benito Counties. Today, VHA provides an integrated continuum that includes medication-assisted treatment, adult and youth outpatient treatment, peer support, Enhanced Care Management, wellness services, overdose prevention, justice-involved services, community outreach, and mobile treatment capacity designed to reach underserved and rural communities.
La Tonya is also a strong advocate for collaboration and systems-level solutions to substance use disorders. Under her leadership, VHA has developed and deepened partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, managed care, local governments, courts, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners. Her leadership has helped position VHA as an increasingly sought-after regional partner and a trusted voice in expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment.
Beyond VHA, La Tonya has served on the boards of community organizations including Palenke Arts, Restorative Justice Partners, Inc., and Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands. Giving back to her community has remained a lifelong commitment, reflected in her recognition as a Monterey County Weekly “Do-Gooder” for her service to people experiencing homelessness, local organizations, nonprofits, and youth.
La Tonya holds a Master of Social Work and continues to bring to her leadership a deeply held belief in dignity, collaboration, innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
Esmeralda Montenegro Owen
Development and Communications
Esmeralda Owen brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and marketing strategies. As the founder of Precious Stone PR Inc., she has specialized in supporting non-profit organizations on the Central Coast to reach their fundraising needs as well as increase visibility and brand awareness. As a journalist by trade, Owen uses the power of storytelling to enhance the awareness of needed services in the community.
Owen has worked for Hartnell College, the National Steinbeck Center, Youth Orchestra Salinas, Univision, and Telemundo. She is a board member for the Salinas Airshow and the Sunset Cultural Center, on the Women’s Fund Committee, and Hospice Giving Foundation.
Analisa "Lisa" Salud
Director of Finance
Lisa brings over 30 years of financial, administrative, and operational leadership experience to her role. She has led finance and human resources functions in both corporate and nonprofit environments, with expertise in budgeting, audits, compliance, and operational infrastructure. She has previously served in executive roles such as CFO, VP of Finance/HR, and Director of Finance, where she oversaw accounting, HR, and operations. She has achieved over 25 years of audits and streamlined financial and operational systems.
Lisa has been involved in her community, serving as Board Treasurer, Finance Chair, and Advisory Committee Member in multiple organizations throughout the Bay Area/Silicon Valley and San Benito County. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement.
Dr. Edgar Castellanos, MD, MPH, FSAM
Medical Director
Dr. Edgar H. Castellanos obtained his medical degree from University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and his Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University. He is certified in addiction medicine through the Society of Addiction Medicine as well as the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He is a Fellow FASAM through the American Society of Addiction Medicine And a Diplomat Certified in Addiction Medicine through the American Board of Preventative Medicine. Dr. Castellanos considers himself fortunate to work with Valley Health Associates and other non-profit agencies in Monterey County, collaborating with amazing counselors and dedicated staff members.
Dr. Christa Balch M.D.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Christa Balch is a family medicine doctor who graduated from SUNY Stonybrook School of Medicine trained locally at Natividad Medical Center. She is board certified in Addiction Medicine as has worked in addiction medicine since 2015. She has enjoyed working with patients at Valley Health Associates since 2017. She feels it is an honor to get to know and walk alongside patients in their journeys towards sobriety.
Lena Allen, LCSW
Clinical Director
Lena has over 21 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. She has a background in working with the community with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. Throughout her career she has worked in numerous substance abuse programs, adolescent and adult residential treatment centers, forensic settings, behavioral health, and legal and court settings.
Brianna Bostwick, LVN
Nurse Supervisor
Brianna has over 20 years experience in the nursing field, with the past 12 years focused exclusively on the field of drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Brianna's passion lies in helping individuals reclaim their lives through compassionate, evidence-based care. With extensive experience in both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient medication-assisted treatment (MAT), she brings a deep understanding of the recovery journey from both clinical and human perspectives. Whether working hands-on with patients or supporting them through long-term recovery plans, her commitment remains the same: to provide high-quality, respectful, and individualized care that empowers lasting change.