The Team

OUR TEAM CONSISTS OF HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP EXPERTS, COACHES, AND SUPPORT STAFF DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU ELEVATE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Committed to helping people live better and love better.

JESSICA YAFFA

CEO, Speaker, Trainer & Coach

A two-time published author, Ms. Jessica Yaffa, is an internationally-recognized healthy relationships expert, speaker, trainer, and coach. With a degree in sociology from the University of San Diego, California, and more than 2 decades of experience, Ms. Yaffa holds several positions of leadership within the mental health community: Co-founder and President of the nationally-recognized non-profit, No Silence, No Violence, former President of The San Diego Domestic Violence Council, and CEO of Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute. She has been featured on several high-profile talk shows, as well as in numerous publications in print and on the Web.

Come with a vision and I will guide you there.

ANIKA HILLIN

Relationship Coach

Anika Hillin is an ICF certified Relationship and Personal Development Coach. She received her education from Coach for Life, and Jessica Yaffa LLC. Additionally, she is a communication teacher trained in Nonviolent Communication, and has extensive experience helping clients navigate conflict. She is well versed in addiction, alternative relating, and LGBTQ. Her work and life experience supply the groundwork for impactful and life changing sessions with clients.

“As your coach, it is my honor to help you get the communication tools, breakthroughs, and connection you need to have a healthy, sustainable, and loving relationship(s). I support clients who are on the brink of separation/divorce, who are in the reparation phase, or who are simply looking to better their relationship. Coaching is goal oriented, and as your coach it is my passion to help you drastically change your relationship dynamic from frustrated, detached, and struggling, to connected, committed, and consistent. Deep in my bones I know how we can desire change, and not know how to achieve it. All you need to do is come with the vision, and I will guide you there.”

–Anika Hillin

“I’ve done a lot of therapy, and none of it has helped. The work I do with you is profound. I feel deeply seen, understood, and valued.” – Client

“Anika asks the hard questions. Anika asks the right questions. She’s got this uncanny and unique gift for hearing you so clearly and also zeroing into the space that exists between the words…” – Client

View more reviews for Anika on Yelp.

Changing the way we talk about intimate partner violence and trauma.

domestic violence and healthy relationship expert

KAROLYN JOHNSON, MFT

Trainer

Karolyn Johnson is a Marriage and Family Therapist and one of our domestic violence and healthy relationship experts. Karolyn received her undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University and her Master’s Degree from Alliant International University. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC81409), certified domestic violence provider, speaker and trainer.

Karolyn has extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families that have been impacted by intimate partner violence, trauma, and substance misuse, in both residential treatment centers and private practice. Karolyn’s therapeutic work is influenced by the belief that safe, secure relationships are essential to our well-being. She has used this perspective as the foundation for the work she does as trainer and speaker. Karolyn has co-created unique and progressive training programs and workshops offered around the country. She takes a collaborative approach to support her clients and participants in developing self-awareness, insight and ultimately creating authentic connections with others. Karolyn is passionate about changing the way we talk about issues including and surrounding intimate partner violence and trauma, and the resources available to those in need.

Committed to creating a culture of healthier relationships.

cheri harkleroad digital marketing expert

CHERI HARKLEROAD, CTRC

Director of Digital Outreach

Cheri Harkleroad graduated from UCSD with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and has over a decade of marketing experience, including but not limited to digital media. Cheri’s business Craft & Clover currently focuses on website development, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), branding, social media, and interactive digital outreach. While these are all areas in which Ms. Harkleroad specializes, what makes the work she does unique is that Cheri commits herself to working with both individuals and organizations that are invested in changing the human experience. Ms. Harkleroad has had extraordinary results in her ability to positively affect brand recognition, business leads, online presence, and cause awareness while investing in the mission of those she creates for.

Cheri has worked not only with Jessica Yaffa, LLC, but has also developed websites and created entire strategic online campaigns for substance misuse treatment centers, online communities, and small businesses.

KRISTINA CHASE

Design Intern

Kristina Chase is San Diego native, born and raised in La Jolla, California. She graduated from California State University San Marcos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and has over five years of experience in writing, social media, marketing, and graphic design. Kristina has worked with various charitable organizations, luxury car brands and high-profile individuals. In addition, she has helped develop websites for multiple organizations and was chosen as the recipient for The Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grant in 2022.