As CPO, Embrie will lead all ECS programs, including early childhood education and behavioral health.
Since 2024, Embrie Tapia has served as ECS’ Director of Behavioral Health Services. In her role, she provides oversight for our children’s behavioral health, transitional housing, and substance use disorder programs. Under her leadership, ECS has increased our reach in supporting local children, families, and individuals as they navigate their mental health journeys. We are proud to announce that Embrie has been promoted to Chief Programs Officer, effective August 1, 2026.
“[Embrie] has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across ECS and has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead through both opportunities and challenges while keeping our mission at the center,” said Elizabeth Wilberg, Chief Executive Officer. “I am excited to partner with Embrie in this new role and confident she will help lead ECS into a strong future.”
Embrie is guiding ECS through the expansion of Para Las Familias (PLF), our no-cost, bilingual behavioral health service for children and their parents. Previously exclusive to the South Bay, PLF will soon be available countywide. Embrie has also led the recent acquisition of a property that will soon house our Substance Use Disorder Residential Treatment Recovery Program, which will support hundreds of adults annually. As CPO, she will also oversee our early childhood education programs.
Embrie will continue to work closely with our program sites, such as UTSH. September 2025.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief Programs Officer at Episcopal Community Services,” shared Embrie. “ECS is a truly special organization with deep roots in the San Diego community and a longstanding commitment to serving others. I look forward to building upon our impact and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”
Embrie not only supports ECS as a leader, but as a donor. In May, Embrie and her family served as Silver Sponsors at Evening on the Bay, our annual fundraising event. This is a true marker of her belief in our mission, dedicating her resources, time, and skill to ECS.
Geri Bannister, Associate Director of Behavioral Health said, “It is exciting to see the dedication, passion, and expertise that Embrie has demonstrated within the Behavioral Health Department now extending to support and strengthen all ECS programs.”
“Embrie strives to be a supportive leader and is committed to gaining a deep understanding of the many moving parts of the programs she oversees,” said Leslie Manriquez-Jimenez, Associate Director of Children’s Behavioral Health. “She also demonstrates genuine care and appreciation for the employees who provide these essential services. Under her leadership, I have felt heard, supported, and guided. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her and am excited to see how she will continue to lead ECS and further its mission in the future.”
ECS is committed to investing from within. Comprised of 475 talented staff members, expertise exists throughout our organization, and our strength emanates when we uplift one another. This helps us to continue breaking barriers and transforming communities together.