Biridiana “Biri” Baez’s journey with Penny Lane Centers is a testament to growth, perseverance, and staying open to opportunity. She began her career with Penny Lane Centers fresh out of graduate school as an Outpatient Therapist and quickly developed a passion for making a greater impact. When advancement opportunities were limited at the time, Biri explored private practice to continue growing professionally.
Not long after, a call from her former supervisor inviting her back to fill a temporary position brought her back to Penny Lane Centers. What began as a short-term opportunity quickly reignited her passion for the work Penny Lane Centers does and the team. Six months later, she accepted a permanent role as a Clinical Supervisor and has continued to excel, most recently earning a promotional advancement as Clinical Supervisor over the Clinic and Substance Use disorder (SUD) Programs. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving others have made her an invaluable part of Penny Lane Center’s success.
Hello! My name is Biridiana, but everyone calls me Biri—pronounced "Bidi" with a soft "d." If you know Selena's classic song "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," you'll never forget how to say it! Outside of work, I'm a proud mom to my daughter, Zoe, and a devoted pug mom to Bruno and Augustine. When I'm not spending time with family, you'll find me cheering on LAFC, escaping into the wizarding world of Harry Potter (separating the art from the artist, of course), or relaxing with my favorite comfort shows, The Big Bang Theory and The Office. And if you really want to win me over, all it takes is a bag of extra-crunchy kettle chips.
Before joining Penny Lane, I began my career at another nonprofit agency in Orange County. That experience introduced me to community mental health, helped me build a strong clinical foundation, and confirmed my passion for this challenging yet deeply rewarding work. Moving to Penny Lane felt like a natural next step, giving me the opportunity to grow professionally while making an even greater impact.
I originally came to Penny Lane right after graduate school to begin earning my clinical hours. What started as a place to gain experience quickly became my professional home. Over the years, I built meaningful relationships and lifelong friendships with my colleagues, and those connections inspired me to continue growing within the agency. Eight years later, I'm still here, still learning, and incredibly grateful for the journey.
Without a doubt, it's the people. The work we do can be emotionally demanding, but I've never felt like I've had to face those challenges alone. There is always a colleague willing to listen, offer support, or help solve a problem. Having a team that genuinely cares about one another makes all the difference.
My path to promotion was unexpected but incredibly meaningful. After earning my license, I was ready for new professional growth beyond outpatient therapy. At the time, there weren't any opportunities available, so I made the difficult decision to leave Penny Lane and pursue private practice full-time.
Just six months later, my former supervisor reached out to see if I'd be interested in temporarily covering for a colleague on maternity leave. I remember thinking, "If I don't like it, it's only temporary." By the time she returned, another Clinical Supervisor had announced their retirement, creating an opportunity I hadn't anticipated. I'm incredibly grateful that when the position opened, my colleagues and peers believed in me, advocated for me, and supported my transition into leadership. Their encouragement made the move feel both exciting and seamless.
Penny Lane has been incredibly supportive of my professional development through educational reimbursement and the flexibility to attend conferences, trainings, and specialized workshops that directly benefit my work. Those opportunities have allowed me to bring new knowledge and best practices back to my team. It's inspiring to work for an organization that genuinely invests in its staff and believes in lifelong learning. And honestly... how many nonprofit agencies invest in getting their clinicians EMDR trained?
The biggest challenge has been learning how to balance competing priorities. Everything feels important, so I've had to learn how to determine what needs immediate attention while still keeping the bigger picture in mind. I'm constantly refining my workflow and time management skills. Throughout the process, I've also learned the importance of extending grace—not only to my colleagues, but to myself—as I continue growing into this role.
People are often surprised to learn that I danced Folklórico throughout college, and I absolutely loved it! They also might not expect that, despite my quiet and reserved personality, I love blasting Rock en Español during my drive home. Music has always been one of my favorite ways to recharge. My current favorite song is "De Música Ligera" by Soda Stereo.
Growing up, my parents wanted the very best for my brother and me, which meant our family moved frequently. I've lived in Mexico, Nevada, Iowa, and California. Those experiences taught me how to adapt, embrace change, and step outside my comfort zone—qualities that continue to guide me both personally and professionally.
The best advice I've ever received is, "Échale ganas"—give it your all and put your heart into everything you do. I've always believed that hard work and dedication never go unnoticed. That mindset has served me throughout my career and has certainly proven true at Penny Lane, where commitment and perseverance create opportunities for growth.
What I appreciate most is Penny Lane's commitment to inclusiveness and its genuinely supportive culture. This is an organization that doesn't just talk about community—it lives it every day. Staff consistently support one another, and everyone is united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve. That sense of purpose motivates me to give my best every day.
I have so much to be grateful for, but my health is at the top of the list. It's a gift I never take for granted, and I work hard every day to care for my well-being. Above all, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. It's one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. My daughter teaches me something new every day, helps me heal my inner child, and inspires me to become a better person, both personally and professionally.
Congratulations Biri!
Biri's journey is a wonderful example of what can happen when passion, perseverance, and purpose come together. From beginning her career at Penny Lane as a newly graduated clinician to stepping into her new role as Clinical Supervisor, she has consistently demonstrated compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those she serves. Along the way, she has built meaningful relationships, embraced every opportunity to grow, and become a trusted leader and colleague. Her story reminds us that when talent is matched with heart and hard work, incredible things are possible.
Congratulations, Biri, on your well-deserved promotion! Thank you for the positive impact you make on your team, our clients, and the Penny Lane community every single day. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this exciting milestone with you and look forward to seeing all that you'll accomplish in this next chapter of your Penny Lane journey.
Check out some more photos of Biri below!
