Staff - Mens Center of Los Angeles

Stephen J. Johnson Ph.D., LMFT, Executive Director

Dr. Stephen Johnson is the founder and Director of the Men's Center of Los Angeles, which was formed in 1989 and creator of the Sacred Path Men’s Retreat (since 1987) and Call to Adventure Rites of Passage Retreat for boys and men (since 2000). Having been awarded Masters and Doctoral Fellowships, he earned his advanced degrees from the University of Southern California. He has taught in a number of venues and is a published author. A licensed Psychotherapist in private practice since 1972, Dr. Johnson stands in the forefront of the developing field of Male Psychology. For more information regarding Dr. Johnson, including his articles: www.drstephenjohnson.com

Dan Franklin, M.A., LMFT, Associate Director of Counseling Services

Dan Franklin is the Associate Director/Counseling Services of the Men’s Center and is a state licensed Marriage and Family therapist. In addition to working with individual male and female clients to promote empowerment and facilitating men’s groups at both the Beverly Hills and Woodland Hills locations, he specializes in couples counseling. He earned his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington D.C. and Master in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. His early training is rooted in the Human Potential Movement, with extensive background as a seminar leader, trainer, coach and mentor. His current enthusiasm is for helping his clients develop a comprehensive Integral Life Practice. This approach is cutting edge, utilizing ancient wisdom teachings in a harmonious blend with post-modern understanding of the mind as applied by ever-advancing psychological principles. As Dan describes the work, "facing up to life, developing a philosophy for living and raising one’s consciousness are the hallmarks of a healthy, meaningful life".

Steve Branker, Associate Director of Events and Retreats, Chief Operations Officer

Steve Branker is the Associate Director of Events and Retreats. He has been associated with the Men’s Center of Los Angeles and Sacred Path Retreats since 1990. Steve received his degree in Social Work and Sociology from California State University, Northridge, in 1975. His thesis and work centered around at-risk, delinquent and dependant teenage boys who received involuntary placement by the Courts in County Youth Facilities within Los Angeles County. As a Social Worker, Steve was at the forefront and cutting edge of the development and implementation of utilizing Small Group Counseling efforts with these youths. During the 1980’s, he continued his training with prominent Personal Growth Leaders such as Dr. Barbara DeAngelis and Dr. John Gray (Making Love Work Seminars) and Dan Millman (Peaceful Warrior Seminars). In early 1990, Steve met Dr. Stephen Johnson and began attending the Sacred Path Retreats. He has been working since that time in the continued development of the Retreats for the benefit of the Men and Youth of our communities who attend the Retreats. Steve’s favorite outdoor activities are fishing and baseball. He has been the Varsity Baseball Coach of a small private high school in Northridge. His favorite movie is "Field of Dreams", and the spiritual quote from that movie, "Build it and they will come". This quote is also Steve’s on-going working vision regarding the Sacred Path and Call to Adventure/Rites of Passage Retreats.

Wisdom Council and Event Staff:

Board of Directors

Stephen J. Johnson Ph.D. LMFT – Chief Executive Officer
Richard Bizzaro – Co-Chief Financial Officer
Steve Branker – Associate Director of Events and Retreats, Chief Operations Officer
Phillip Gross – Co-Chief Financial Officer
Mitch Roth – Legal Counsel

Active

Tom Couper
Scott Edwards
Bruce Figoten
Tommy Holmes
Phillip Jennings
Grant Mays
David "Strong Bear" Myers
Ed Munter
Clayton Norcross
Christo Pellani

Remote

Matthew Burke
Phillip Dichter
Dan Franklin
John Mafrici
Albert Marrewa
Dan Stanton
Fred Sugerman

Emeritus

Alf Ackerman
Timothy "Whispering Eagle" Aguilar
Steve Aguilar
Walter Atkinson
Jay Berger
Les Brown
Ray Bunch
Timothy Cook
Hector Escarcega
Bob Fimiani
David Green
Rich Manners
Stephen Reynolds
Zoran Windrich
Stephen Zelenka

Honorary

Conrad Burke