Meet the Therapists

Vahan Oknayan, AMFT

(949)414-5341

Hi, I'm Vahan! (two-syllables, sounds just like it's spelled) I hold an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Acting from California State University Fullerton. I have a passion for various arts and humanities including visual and performance arts, music, literature, and history. In my acting program, I was introduced to physical techniques that I found useful to better understanding my own mental wellbeing. When I was a client, I found that tension reduction and emotionally expressive exploration are key companions to analysis and behavioral modification. Since then, my passion has been understanding means of improving quality of life that encourages us to actively participate in life. As a past and present mental health client, a neurodivergent person, and LGBTQ+ community member, I like to share my identity to promote visibility and normalization. I believe in an integrative and holistic approach to therapy. I enjoy working with ages 9 and up, adults, couples, and families, and love learning from the broad spectrum and age-range of people. I take an eclectic, client-centered approach that utilizes established and newer perspectives, which is listed below. "Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone." Mr. Rogers

Areas of Focus:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD and Neurodivergence
• Trauma
• Conduct/Behavior Disorders
• Identity
• Sexuality and Intimacy
• LGBTQ+
• Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults of all ages
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Family Dynamics

Techniques:

• Humanistic/Rogerian/Client-Centered Therapy
• Psychoanalysis
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Somatic-Experiential Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Choice Theory and Reality Therapy
• Emotional Processing Therapy
• Existentialism and Gestalt Therapy
• Social Systems, Multiculturalism, and Intersectionality
• Mindfulness and Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Expressive Arts Therapy

Francisco Garcia, MFT

(951) 444-8591

Hello everyone! My name is Francisco Garcia. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee currently obtaining my Master's of Science Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of La Verne. I feel that it is just as important to look after our mental health like our physical health. I look forward to aiding clients with their mental health difficulties and helping them find solutions that will improve their quality of life. It has been a passion of mine since I was an adolescent to step into this field of work and be able to positively impact those in need of a helping hand. Someone to help clients reach their goals, potential, and begin the recovery process. I look to better understand the client through my knowledge of multiple therapeutic approaches and implementing the approach that best suits the needs of the client.  I offer a safe, judgement-free space for all clients to feel fully comfortable and understand that I am there as a support system for clients and am there to guide clients through this healing journey. I am a first generation Mexican-American and understand the principles of cultural sensitivity which is necessary for seeing a vast array of clients. I also am fluent in Spanish and speak some French, for any clients requesting therapy in either language. I am currently supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), LIC: #51463

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Micqwaun Wright

(562) 459-5406

Micqwaun graduated from the University of Southern California with his Master Degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on children, adult and family therapy. As a dedicated therapist specializing in depression, anxiety, and family dynamics, his mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals and families can explore their challenges and discover pathways to healing and growth.

In a city where hope often feels like a distant dream, Micqwaun sees the resilience of inner-city youth. They navigate a landscape marked by challenges, but within them lies untapped potential. His passion is to empower these young minds, helping them develop effective communication skills and emotional regulation techniques.

Micqwaun believes in the power of meeting clients wherever they are, in hopes to establish a safe space for dialogue and connection. With a compassionate approach, my goal is work collaboratively with all clients to identify underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and enhance communication within families. Micqwaun empowers each person to navigate their emotional dispositions, build healthier relationships, and cultivate a sense of hope and fulfillment. Together, we can transform struggles into opportunities for personal and relational growth.

Alexandra Stull, MFT (she/her/hers), (Completing Master Program- Marriage and Family Therapist)

Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves

Hello, I'm Alexandra Stull, and I'm on a mission to be a source of support and solace for those navigating life's intricate journey. Currently, I'm a therapist intern pursuing my Master's in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University. My deepest purpose is to guide individuals towards a place of inner peace and strength as they tackle the challenges and stressors life presents.

I bring a unique perspective to my practice as an artist. I've discovered that creativity can be a powerful tool in therapy, allowing clients to work through their issues in ways that are deeply personal and profoundly meaningful to them.

One of my true passions is working with teens and young adults, although I am open to all who feel they could benefit from my care. I'm dedicated to providing them with the guidance and understanding they need to navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and more. My approach is rooted in warmth and compassion, and I'm here to stand by your side as you embark on your path to healing and well-being.

Special Interests:

• Person-Centered Therapy
• MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)
• Art Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Areas of Focus:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sexual Trauma
• Trauma and PTSD
• CPTSD
• Relationship Issues
• Life Transitions

Lynne Saks, BA, MFT Speaks Africans (she/her/hers), (Completing Master Program - Marriage And Family Therapist)

Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves

Hi my name's Lynne .  Life can be a confusing, meandering path that we all are trying to make sense of. Along the journey we can feel misunderstood, unsupported and alone. My journey to becoming a therapist has been informed by the richness of life experiences that being an immigrant, a mother, a daughter and community member has brought. My life experiences have often shown me the greatest therapeutic moments come from the power of being heard without judgment and embraced with full acceptance. I practice a person centered, trauma informed culturally humble approach that honors the strengths, values, views and experiences you bring to therapy. My goal is to create a safe space by cultivating a shared authenticity and trust as we collaborate in clarifying your values and move towards a valued, fulfilling life. You are the expert on yourself, my job is to help you to apply that expertise in a way that makes you feel empowered in moving through life.

I have a special interest in working children and adolescents. I believe that  storytelling, imaginative play, props such as dolls and puppets, as well as theater techniques like improvisation and performance help children to explore their feelings, connect with others, and problem-solve difficult situations. I also work with people who have experienced trauma and have walked aside people during acute crisis. I have worked with people who have experienced domestic violence, providing trauma intervention.

 I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and am supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves, LMFT #51463. It would be a privilege to work together. 

Tong (Rainie) Li, MFT, Speaks Chinese Mandarin (she/her/hers), (Completing Master Program - Marriage And Family Therapist))

Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves

"Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." - Tori Amos

Hello, my name is Tong, and I also go by Rainie. I am a dedicated and passionate intern at the Multicultural Therapy Academy, under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Reeves. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree at Pepperdine University, where I am building a solid foundation in psychology and counseling.

Growing up in China and moving to the United States has provided me with a unique perspective in my work in the field of therapy. My own experiences have granted me deep insights into the challenges of acculturation and the value of embracing cultural diversity. They have also strengthened my empathy and understanding of the unique struggles individuals face when seeking therapy in a new cultural context.

My journey is driven by a commitment to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of my clients and communities from diverse backgrounds. I firmly believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic therapeutic space where clients from various cultural backgrounds can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My therapeutic approach centers on empowering my clients to tap into their inner strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve personal growth and healing.

Areas of Focus:

• Life Transitions
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Couple/ Family issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Mindfulness and wellness

Vahan Oknayan, MFT Trainee

Hi, my name is Vahan (two-syllables, sounds just like it's spelled)! I'm currently finishing up my Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I hold a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Acting from California State University Fullerton as well. I have a passion for various arts and humanities including visual and performance arts, music, literature, and history. During my time in a conservatory-style acting program, I was introduced to physical techniques that I found useful in my own journey in managing and developing mental wellness. As I navigated talk therapy as a client, I found that interpretation and behavioral modification could also benefit from tension reduction and expressive exploration which is standard for performers. Since then, my passion has been understanding means of improving quality of life that encourages us not just to exist but actively participate in living. As a past and present client of mental health as well as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I make these parts of my identity known as a means of visibility and normalization. I believe in an integrative and holistic approach to therapy. My focus is on working with individuals as well as families and couples to improve relational dynamics and achieve emotional wellness for everyday functioning. I define my theoretical approach as a Humanistic Integrative Common Factors Approach which draws a little bit from everywhere, applying the most relevant techniques to a client's needs. This includes Humanistic (validating personal experience), Psychoanalytic (finding connections to past experiences and present behaviors), Cognitive-Behavioral (focused adjustments to thought and behavior patterns), and Narrative (empowerment through identifying and building upon individuals' unique strengths) approaches.

Joseph Pennino, MFT (he/him/his), (Completing Master Program- Marriage and Family Therapist)

Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves

Hi everyone, my name is Joseph Pennino and I work as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist Intern at the Multicultural Therapy Center under the clinical supervision of Dr. Pamela Reeves. I have experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I received my undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and am currently finishing a post-graduate master’s degree from Pepperdine University in clinical psychology. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and trusting environment where my clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I utilize evidence-based treatments, drawing on a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and others. This tailored approach allows me to develop a personalized treatment plan for each client, addressing their unique needs and goals. My personal experience has taught me that pain and suffering are inevitable realities of life; however, having the support of a professional who can empower you with the tools needed to foster resilience, cultivate harmonious relationships, and achieve personal growth can make a world of difference for those who struggle. Joseph Campbell said it best when he wrote, “The privilege of a lifetime is simply being who you are.” Let’s work together and help you find your own path towards self-discovery and healing.

Yvette Sanchez (she/her/hers)

Hello, my name is Yvette Sanchez, and I am the Administrative Assistant for Diamond Cultural Family Therapy. I help I am bilingual and speak fluent Spanish. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I love to be organized and keep everything up to date in my planner. I am always happy to help our team here so that they can better help others.

Outside of work, you’ll find me stuck in a book, which can range from nonfiction to horror to any other book I find interesting. I also love going on long walks with my dog or spending time with family and friends.

Britteny Scott, Administrative Assistant (she/her/hers)

Hello, my name is Britteny and I am the administrative assistant for The Multicultural Therapy Academy. I am an executive relations professional with 15+ years of people management, operations, and communications experience. I am currently attending ASU for psychology and on the weekends, I can be found hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors.

Alexandra Stull, MFT (she/her/hers), (Completing Master Program- Marriage and Family Therapist)

Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves

(714)406-3408

Hello, I'm Alexandra Stull, and I'm on a mission to be a source of support and solace for those navigating life's intricate journey. Currently, I'm a therapist intern pursuing my Master's in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University. My deepest purpose is to guide individuals towards a place of inner peace and strength as they tackle the challenges and stressors life presents.

I bring a unique perspective to my practice as an artist. I've discovered that creativity can be a powerful tool in therapy, allowing clients to work through their issues in ways that are deeply personal and profoundly meaningful to them.

One of my true passions is working with teens and young adults, although I am open to all who feel they could benefit from my care. I'm dedicated to providing them with the guidance and understanding they need to navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and more. My approach is rooted in warmth and compassion, and I'm here to stand by your side as you embark on your path to healing and well-being.

Special Interests:

• Person-Centered Therapy
• MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)
• Art Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Areas of Focus:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sexual Trauma
• Trauma and PTSD
• CPTSD
• Relationship Issues
• Life Transitions