Brooke Kerr, LMFT (she/her/hers)
Pain is part of being human. We are navigating difficult relationships, struggling to manage heavy emotions, adjusting to unexpected life circumstances, battling the constant weight of the world - the list goes on! But there is also joy, hope, genuine self-acceptance, and healing. Everyone is deserving of these things and it is my goal to help my clients find them. I want to help you connect deeply with yourself and those around you.
I obtained my Masters from Chapman University in 2019. I have experience with a wide range of populations including individual adults, adolescents, caretakers, individuals with chronic illness, parent-child relationships, families, and children. I have a year of experience with play therapy and also have experience in school counseling.
I am flexible and extremely collaborative when it comes to meeting client needs. What I want most for my clients is what they want for themselves! I will follow where you lead and point out some important things I notice along the way. When I do guide, it is to initiate and mediate difficult, healing conversations within and between people. I hold hope and optimism for those that can’t find it in themselves and I believe in everyone’s capacity for growth and change.
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Brionne (Bri) Clemons (she/her/hers) is an Associate Clinical Social Worker
Brionne (Bri) Clemons is an Associate Clinical Social Worker, born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles. Bri received her Undergraduate Degree from California State University Northridge in 2016, Majoring in Sociology: Criminology and Criminal Justice as well Minoring in Africana Studies. Bri continued her education at California State University Northridge receiving her Masters in Social Work, Class of 2018.
Bri's core principles of being a therapist is making sure every client feels safe, connected and comfortable when creating a therapeutic environment. Bri has experience working with Adolescent and TAY Youth(12-25 years old) with severe emotional disturbances in outpatient settings, community mental health, residential facilities, and shelters. Bri's professional expertise is working with DCFS/Probation youth including Dual Diagnosis, Special Needs, Substance Use, and Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Victims.
Bri currently works at Diamond Cultural Family Therapy as an associate clinical therapist. Bri currently implements trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) solution focused therapy techniques, and narrative therapy.
Jessica (Sosun) Ha, BA, AMFT, Speaks Korean (she/her/hers), (Completing Master Program - Marriage And Family Therapist)
Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves
" You matter. And who you truly are matters." As a therapist, my life mission is to support people to live freely as they are. I am passionate about working with people to discover their true selves and help them free from what they're not anymore. My name is Jessica. I am a therapist trainee in a Master's program in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. As a therapeutic partner, I will walk through your life journey together. My goal is to hold a safe space for you with emotional support and acceptance in the healing process. We will fully experience, process, and grow together in that journey by creating sustainable changes in life. I work with the core belief that people are inherently resourceful, creative, and whole. I have work experiences as a meditation instructor, life coach, and HR manager, working with individuals, adults, and couples. My special interest is in mindfulness-based techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. I enjoy doing meditation, baking, camping, playing golf, and tennis in my spare time. Areas of Focus:
- Life Transitions (Immigration, loss, marriage, divorce, and more)
- Trauma and PTSD
- Co-dependency, Emotional Attachment issues
- Relationship issues
- Empowerment and Self esteem
- Life Purpose
- Women's Leadership Development
- Stress management, Coping skills
Special Interest:
- MBCT (Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy)
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
- Experiential Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Family System Therapy
- CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- EMDR for Trauma
John Hobbs AMFT, APCC
John Hobbs is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. John is passionate about helping clients overcome obstacles in their lives. He believes the therapeutic relationship is what makes therapy special and sees it as the key to healing childhood trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, stress, personal development, and spiritual growth. He has specialized training, CBT, Mindfulness therapies, and group therapy. John has had success treating adolescents and adults throughout their lives as well as caregivers who provide for their elderly family members. John welcomes all clients, cultures, ethnicities and genders His goal is to help you achieve your goals
L’Oreal Henry, AMFT (she/her/hers)
Hello, my name is L’Oreal. My sole purpose of being a therapist is making sure every client feels safe and comfortable when talking to me. I want to make sure no matter what is going on around clients, they can be their authentic self. I want every client to discover their own voice and understand their thoughts and emotions are always valid when conversing with me. I have experience working with postpartum mothers, children with special needs as well as families that need guidance on learning about their child with special needs. I also have experience being a behavior technician for 4 years, working on behaviors and learning how to improve daily living skills.
I received my second masters in I received my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy from California Baptist University. As well as my first master’s in psychology with a focus in Health Psychology.
I am currently an Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT) 133898 and I am currently supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves, License Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, 51463.
Areas of focus:
- LGBTQIA
- Self-esteem
- Young adults
- Mothers with special needs children
- Mindfulness
- couples/relationship issues
- Postpartum
- Depression
- Anxiety/Stress management
Lisa Friedman, AMFT (she/her/hers)
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss Lisa is an Associate Marriage and Family therapist (AMFT#129979) working under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Reeves(LMFT #51463). Lisa holds a Master's degree in Psycology from Chapman/Brandman University, an MBA and BA in Music from UC Irvine, and a PAMA certificate in Music Therapy. Lisa's goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment for clients to be heard. Lisa has worked in the corporate world and continues to operate her own Music Therapy studio specializing in adolescents with ADHD, and those on the high functioning autistic spectrum. Lisa has worked in the foster care system, working with individuals, couples, and families. Lisa holds a certificate in Promoting Placement Stability Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process from the LA County Department of Mental Health.
Areas of focus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- Grief, Cancer treatment and loss
- Behavioral issues
R.L. Broomfield (KaMu), AMFT (he/him/his)
Hey there! I'm Lamar, but you can call me KaMu. I'm proudly an MFT Associate at the Diamond Cultural Family Therapy Center, working under the guidance of Dr. Pamela Reeves.
After finishing my bachelor's degree in health administration and management, I gained valuable experience as an MRI technologist with a neuroscience research team specializing in Functional MRI at the University of Southern California Medical Center. This hands-on involvement intensified my enthusiasm for Psychology, which led me to pursue a master's degree. At the University of Capella, I completed my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, focusing on Counselling Psychology.
Currently, I'm enrolled in a Doctoral program at Quantum University, where I'm diving into the profound art of holistic healing for the mind, body, and spirit. This includes studying various modalities like hypnosis, NLP, and Neurofeedback, among others.
I'm a passionate Psychologist with comprehensive expertise in providing innovative treatment to help individuals navigate psychological and emotional obstacles. I'm committed to offering unwavering support throughout the entire process of diagnosing, evaluating, and implementing treatment. My approach integrates trauma-informed therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I believe in delving into the depths of trauma's history, unveiling hidden patterns, and embarking on a journey of emotional restoration. By doing so, we can rediscover the joy of life, nurture relationships, and revive our spiritual and emotional well-being. Let's work together to make that happen!
Certifications /Training
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Duke University)
Rational Living Therapy (National Association of CBT)
Method Levels 1 and 2 (Gottman Institute)
Traumatic Stress Studies Certification (Trauma Research Foundation)
Spiritual Life Coaching (AGAPE International Spiritual Center)
Social Network
Association of Black Psychologists
National Association of Cognitive Therapy
Delta Kappa International Honor Society of Marriage and Family Therapy
National Society of Leadership and Success
Areas of Focus
Trauma/PTSD (Trauma Research Foundation)
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Couples/Relationships (Gottman Method)
Children and Family Conflict
Mindfulness
Spirituality
OCD and ADHD
Sharayza Blakemore, AMFT (she/her/hers)
Hello, my name is Sharayza! I come from a Humanistic and Person-centered perspective. Which means that I see every person for who they truly are. I am not here to judge anyone, rather to work with you, to reach limits that you did not think might have been possible.
My perspective is that I am the passenger, and YOU are the driver when it comes to reaching your goals, however as your therapist I will make sure that you are going in the right direction.
I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy from California Baptist University, and my MBA degree from University of Phoenix. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children/adolescents.
I am currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT 128412, under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Reeves, License Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, 51463.
I look forward to holding a safe, unjudged space for you to process your experiences, while working with you too healing!
“What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.” ― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood
Suzette Ali, ASW
You are the only one that truly knows how you feel. But, sometimes, you need a guide to help you to explore your internal feelings and emotions. Self-exploration takes a lot of courage, a safe space, and a compassionate and supportive guide to walk with you through your journey of understanding yourself and the healing process.
I bring to my practice a unique background in Human Resources. I enjoy working with preteens, adolescents, adults, aging adults, foster youth, and individual from the LGBTQIA+ community. My specialties include anxiety, depression, career counseling, loss and grief, trauma, and workplace stress management.
Developing a solid therapeutic relationship built on trust is a vital step in the healing process. As a therapist, my years of lived experience as an advocate, ally, coach, conflict resolver, social worker, teacher, and therapist helps me to quickly develop a trusting and supportive bond with my clients. If you are ready to start your healing journey, contact me at (714) 594-9346 for a free 15-minute consultation.
Francisco Garcia, MFT
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
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.
Paula Ramos, AMFT
Hi, my name is Paula Ramos. I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of CA (AMFT #139161) supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves (LMFT # 51463).
Life is about maintaining balance in all aspects, through love. There is so much out there to learn and grow from, so why not have fun doing it?
A little about me: I love going to CrossFit every morning. I am a huge nerd, which looks like constantly listening to audibles and/or podcasts such as Huberman Lab and non-fiction books. I enjoy being outdoors, doing anything active: snowboarding, motorcycle rides, dirt biking, hiking, any movement really. I also love traveling. My parents are from Peru, so I visit there often. I also speak Spanish - Tambien hablo español!
Therapy can help your understanding of where your emotions come from, connecting the past to the present, and decreasing the intensity by making sense of it. In order for others to understand you, you have to understand yourself first.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” -Viktor E Frankl
My therapy style is warm and welcoming, but I won't shy away from challenging you towards health. I want you to heal, grow, flourish. Therapy does not always have to be serious; I incorporate humor and add fun into sessions. I will explain the science side of therapy using psychoeducation, and predict the process to set you up for success. My goal for you is to heal the root, it won’t be easy but it will be worth it and I will guide you every step of the way.
Some measurable factors that therapy is working: increased quality of sleep, blood pressure and pulse regulated, clear mind, decrease in nightmares, and if you have a medical condition then the symptoms will decrease (pain, headaches, skin rashes, constipation, infections, high blood pressure or heart rate, etc), increase in immune response, ability to relate and connect, decrease in defensive responses.
Your life changes the moment you feel solidified in who you are & how to manage stress, let’s do this!
Areas of focus:
- Adults, couples, individuals, families, teenagers
- Marital/relationship Issues
- Life Transitions
- Post- Partum or new mamas
- Chronic illness or medical conditions (all to unknown/rare)
- Panic Attacks, anxiety, depression
- Grief/loss
- Stress induced careers (medical field/veterans/cops)
- Sexual abuse
- Families que hablan español
Education
- Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy
- Loma Linda University
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
- California State University, San Bernardino
- Associates in Psychology
- Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga
Licensure
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #139161
- Board of Behavioral Sciences, CA
- Training/ Certifications
- Polyvagal Theory training
- M.E.N.D. model training (focused on chronic illnesses)
Erlinda Addison
I understand that you are knowledgeable about your own experiences, although there may be moments when you feel uncertain. We will strive to achieve objectives that promote development, recovery, and constructive transformation. You may require support as we navigate this journey together.
Using various treatment methods, we will collaborate to develop effective coping strategies to overcome challenges and incorporate immediate stress management. Among my specialties are stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationships, women's issues, life after divorce, and substance abuse. A primary passion of mine is to offer assistance and healing to individuals facing trauma, life challenges, and unforeseen changes.
As a therapist, I am committed to assisting individuals in enhancing their self-awareness and self-esteem, enabling them to progress. The process of growth can be arduous, and change often brings discomfort. However, the pain of remaining in an unsuitable situation is far greater.
I am working under the supervision of Roopa Cantu, LCSW 74519.
Mimi Almero
Mimi Almero is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She spent her early childhood in the tropical Philippines before moving to and eventually calling home Orange County, California. Mimi holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California Baptist University (CBU). With Mimi's Christian faith background and training in faith integration, Mimi happily offers faith-based therapy to those desire and request it; Mimi also warmly and enthusiastically welcomes clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Mimi is a deeply empathetic and compassionate therapist who is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for her clients. She believes in the importance of client autonomy, authenticity, trauma-informed care and is sensitive to the needs of those around her. Mimi is dedicated to helping her clients feel heard, seen, and understood and is also creative and resourceful in her approach to helping clients overcome challenges and build resilience. Mimi's warm, genuine, and supportive therapeutic style stems from her person-centered and trauma-informed approach while blending evidenced-based practices like CBT. She is neurodivergent-friendly, and she specializes in expressive arts therapy for all ages. Mimi enjoys creating/planning personalized handouts/activities to support each of her clients.
As an MFT, Mimi can work with individuals, couples, groups, and families. However, Mimi has extensive experience working with children and adolescents facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship/family issues, ADHD, and Autism as well as other challenges. She enjoys collaborating with parents/families with the common goal of supporting their loved one/her client. In Mimi's last site, she provided therapy and other mental health services such as psychoeducation presentations at various Christian private schools (elementary to middle school). Mimi is also happy to work with adults of all ages and has extensive experience supporting parents and families.
Mimi is devoted to continued learning and development of her skills for her clients and is often learning. She is currently pursuing further studies in Expressive Arts Therapy (i.e., multimodal therapy in art, music, creative writing, body movement, nature, play, etc.). Mimi enjoys learning new ways to effectively apply therapeutic techniques digitally. In her free time, Mimi enjoys creating art (both digitally and physically), volunteering/working on causes/ministries, reading, learning, playing board and video games with family and friends. Mimi also has a Pomeranian she loves going on walks with.
Specialties
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Blended FamiliesChild
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Dual Diagnosis
- Family Conflict
- Grief
- Education and Learning Disabilities
- Life Transitions
- Marital and Premarital
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- School Issues
- Self-Esteem
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Trauma
- PTSD
Types of Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Attachment-based
- Christian Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior (DBT)Expressive Arts
- Family / Marital
- Mindfulness
- Narrative
- Humanistic, Multicultural
- Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
- Person-Centered Play Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Solution-Focused
- Trauma Focused
- Virtual Play Therapy
Chris Rene Johnson, AMFT
Chris Rene Johnson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.
Chris' passion to serve in mental health spans 30 years. She has worked as a case manager over the past four (4) years assisting children, adolescents, and women who experienced homelessness, severe mental health illnesses, and trauma. Chris believes it only takes one Chris Rene Johnson is a highly skilled and experienced Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who obtained her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from the reputed University of Phoenix. With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the mental health industry, Chris has dedicated her life to serving those in need.
Over the past four years, she has served as a case manager, assisting children, adolescents, and women who have faced severe mental health illnesses, trauma, and homelessness. Chris strongly believes that it takes only one person to show her clients that there is a path to healing, and she feels responsible for guiding them toward overcoming the challenges they face.
Chris is a consummate professional, and she is committed to understanding the unique needs and goals of her clients. She customizes her services to fit their circumstances, ensuring each client receives the best possible support. At the core of her work is building therapeutic relationships with her clients. You can trust Chris to be honest, open, and reliable in all her dealings with you. "one" is to show her clients that there is a path to healing and that there are steps to overcome whatever they may face. It is ultimately up to them to take the step, but she is responsible for showing them that overcoming these steps is possible.
Chris is a professional dedicated to understanding your unique needs and goals. She tailors her services to fit your circumstances, ensuring you receive the best possible support. Building therapeutic relationships with her clients is at the core of what she does. You can count on Chris to be open, honest, and reliable.
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.
Roopa Cantu, Clinical Supervisor
Roopa Cantu is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She identifies as South Asian and with the pronouns she/her. She entered the clinical social work world 13 years ago having been inspired by loved ones who overcame cultural barriers and sought recovery and treatment for their mental health and substance use issues. She sought to provide underrepresented communities access to mental health services. Roopa graduated from the Master of Social Work program at New York University (NYU), and thrived from her educational, professional, and personal experiences both at NYU and in New York City. After graduate school, Roopa worked as a clinical researcher with a NGO in Goa, India for six months. She began practicing as a clinical social worker in 2014. Roopa became licensed in 2016 and became a board-approved clinical supervisor in 2018. Roopa has worked in roles such as faculty, clinician, clinical supervisor, clinical director, and administrator. She has worked in a range of inpatient and outpatient settings with populations ranging from children to older adults. She enjoys supporting her clients with challenges including cultural, racial and identity concerns, low self-esteem, grief and loss, and relationship and family conflict. She leans towards cognitive-behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Roopa is passionate about her work as a clinical supervisor for trainees and pre-licensed therapists. She loves contributing to their education and growth and playing a part in their exciting journeys towards licensure. She is grateful to work with diverse communities in her work, including BIPOCs.
Skyler Lamar, BA, MFT (she/her/hers), (Completing Master Program - Marriage and Family Therapist)
Supervised by Dr. Pamela Reeves
Hi everyone! My name is Skyler Lamar and I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee. I am currently in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Pepperdine University. My goal is to be able to create a safe space for my client to not feel fear that they are being judged or having assumptions made about them. As a black woman myself, I know what it is like to have others assume your life story just by the way you look and I would never wish that upon someone else. As a first generation student, I received two undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Irvine. While there, I was able to get experience working with clients as a peer coach. One of the many things that I learned was that even if someone comes from a different background or has different experiences from you, there is always the foundation of emotions that we have all experienced in some capacity. I want to be able to not only help others but learn from their thoughts and feelings to become a more well-rounded person and mental health professional.
I would say that my current theoretical orientation is an integrative approach, especially because I believe that every person has different needs that can be remedied by different types of theoretical approaches. I not only want to help clients reach their goals but also be able to look back on the journey of how they got there with pride in their own growth. I want to assure clients that their stories matter and that their emotions and thoughts are not things to be looked down upon but rather things to validate and talk about further. The populations that I have a special interest working with are adults and couples, yet as a budding therapist I want to have experience working with multiple populations because something can always be learned in one place and applied in another. I hope to be able to empower others to move at their own pace, establish boundaries that they are comfortable with, and feel that they are capable of anything that they set their positive intentions towards.
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.
Talia Kokonian
Hello, my name is Talia Kokonian. I am a therapist intern, currently pursuing my master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. My main focus is to always provide a kind and supportive space. My approach to therapy is having a balance between nurture and healing. I will be utilizing the different aspects of art therapy and play therapy, while also in training to become a certified brain spotter. I am fluent in both Armenian and English, while also providing support through telehealth. I am passionate about supporting adults that are part of the LGBTQ+ community, adults in the Armenian community, and supporting adults that have ADHD.