Staff

Haley Burns, Office Manager (she/her)

Haley Burns is a dedicated student at Saddleback College, eagerly working towards completing her AA degree within the next year. She is passionate about psychology and the transformative power of therapy. Her long-term aspiration is to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She has worked in the substance use disorder treatment and mental health field for the last four years, which has allowed her to witness the resilience and strength of individuals in their journey towards recovery and fostered my passion for helping others. She has found great fulfillment in being of service to the recovery community and providing support in any way possible. Outside of work, she loves to read, run, and spend time with my family.

Melissa Reynoso, MA, Director of Finance and Operations (she/her)

Melissa received her Master’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 2014, and Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and American Studies in 2012. She joined Shanti Orange County in 2017 and has held several positions within the agency including Program Coordinator, Case Manager, and most recently stepped into a new position as Director of Finance and Operations in 2023. She says, “I am thrilled to have earned the opportunity to grow within this agency and aim to continue to promote Shanti’s mission of providing compassionate and personalized care for all.” During her free time, Melissa is an avid collector of books, recipes, new food experiences, and travel.

Talia Bombola, Mental Health Supervisor, LMFT (she/her)

Talia Bombola, the Confidence and Assertiveness Specialist™, is an LMFT bringing a wealth of experience to Shanti OC’s clinical supervision team. Talia Bombola has been selected three years in a row for Newport Beach’s Best Psychotherapist Award Winner and is now in the Newport Beach Business Hall of Fame. Talia is the CEO and Founder of Newport Counseling Center for Individual, Couples and Family Therapy, Inc. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Talia is a Certified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist. She received an additional year of training in Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy as well as Couples Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, all through Newport Psychoanalytic Institute.

Kyle Boyd, MFT Trainee (he/him)

Kyle is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee working towards his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Kyle received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Kyle strives to provide clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss with resources and skills to improve their overall life functioning. Kyle is passionate about bringing mental health services  to underrepresented communities and helping to educate as well as to fight against mental health stigma. As a Black man, Kyle believes that each client has an individual and unique story that requires a therapist to provide collaborative, culturally-competent, and affirming care to each of their clients. Kyle’s work is focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy, while ensuring empathy with each of his techniques. Outside of work, Kyle loves to spend time with family/friends, exercise, watch movies, try out new foods, and go to conventions.

Maria Alfaro-Campos, MS, AMFT (she/her)

Maria began her education and training at the University of Redlands where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Creating Well-being through Human Connection (incorporating psychology, sociology, and ethics). She went on to train at the Family Institute of Northwestern University where she graduated with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Maria is passionate about advocating for her clients and giving back to her community, including those in the LGBTQ+ community and Spanish-Speaking clients who often struggle to find services. She believes therapy can be an important tool for change in working towards personal goals and approaches therapy collaboratively with the client to make therapy a space that serves their needs with compassion and without judgment.

Maria has experience working with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, family conflict, grief, trauma, immigration, gender and identity exploration/transition, and couple conflict/communication. Her therapeutic approach draws on components of Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to connect with the client’s values and goals.

During her free time, she enjoys reading, playing the piano, video games, and spending time with her family.

Micaela Caudillo, AMFT (she/her)

Micaela Caudillo is a Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist who earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in 2022. As an advocate for quality mental healthcare accessibility for all, Micaela completed her graduate school traineeship at a community mental health clinic, treating clients of lower socioeconomic status. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Micaela is also passionate about bringing affirming care to individuals questioning or processing their gender and/or sexual identities in a safe and judgement-free space.

Micaela’s approach is heavily rooted in psychodynamic and person-centered frameworks. Her focus is to look further into the current issues that clients are experiencing in their lives and relationships to collaboratively understand and address the deep-rooted relational and developmental causes and their implications on everyday living. In sessions, Micaela brings a calm, curious, and empathic presence while developing genuine human connections that are founded in the visceral experience of adversity.

In her free time, Micaela enjoys social outings just as much as her introvert time, music and art culture, playing instruments, traveling, writing, and outdoor recreation.

Targol Chabok, AMFT (she/her)

Targol is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a profound passion for supporting clients on their journeys to healing, growth, and living their preferred lives. She earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School and completed a year-long traineeship at The California Family Institute. Before diving into the world of therapy, Targol spent five years in the Film and Television industry, where her love for storytelling was rooted in the intricate relational dynamics and resilience of the human spirit, which naturally led her to pursue a career in mental health.

Targol has always been driven by a deep interest in mental well-being and the healing power of connection. Her approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive, drawing from Narrative, Psychodynamic, and Bowen Family Systems modalities. She believes everyone is the expert in their own life, honoring the experiences, values, and beliefs each individual, couple, and family brings to the room.

As a second-generation Iranian American, Targol is fluent in conversational Persian (Farsi), bringing a rich bicultural perspective to her work. This background enhances her ability to connect with and support clients from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and personal backgrounds, allowing her to appreciate the unique experiences and challenges that shape each individual’s journey. Targol is also proud to be an LGBTQ+ allied therapist, committed to creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels valued and respected.

When she’s not in the therapy room, you’ll find Targol enjoying movies and TV shows (no surprise there!), spending time with loved ones, having fun at game nights, exploring new places, and staying active.

Sarah Chik, AMFT, APCC (she/her)

Sarah Chik is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Professional Clinical Counselor. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2021. She completed her clinical practicum at Western Youth Services and was a member of the LGBTQ+ Committee, providing psychoeducation and resources to clinicians on gender identity, healthy LGTBQ+ relationships, and gender/sexual expression. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, families, and groups with a variety of mental health concerns, such as eating disorders, body image issues, depression, anxiety, family and relationship conflict, life transitions, career changes, identity exploration, and self-esteem issues.

Sarah is passionate about providing a safe, culturally competent, and inclusive space, helping her clients undo the stigmatizing messages that we receive regarding race, gender, sexuality, body image, socioeconomic status, and ability. She believes that her clients are the experts in their own lives and ensuring that their authentic voice shines through their work together. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy and Family Systems. Outside of work, Sarah loves reading, cooking, spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga, and doing crafts.

Jacqueline Cid, MEd (she/her)

Jacqueline is a clinical psychology trainee who transitioned from a career in higher education to psychology. Witnessing the widespread mental pain during the pandemic, she discovered her true passion lies in helping others. This profound realization has led Jacqueline to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to supporting individuals through their most challenging moments. Jacqueline is working towards her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from The Chicago School, Anaheim. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys hiking, exploring new cities, and baking.

Joshua Couture, AMFT (he/him)

Joshua is a compassionate and dedicated associate therapist (AMFT) with a strong commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. His journey in the field of therapy began with a deep desire to make a positive impact by assisting individuals discover who they are and what they might like to become. He has an understanding that seeking therapy is a difficult and significant step in any personal or collective journey. Joshua places emphasis on maintaining a safe and non-judgmental space for the therapeutic process to take its course.

Joshua earned his Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Through this program he developed a solid foundation in understanding the concepts of psychology and associated therapeutic techniques. Joshua is currently earning a doctoral degree (PsyD) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is continuously working to expand his knowledge in the mental health space along with maintaining an understanding of the rapid pace at which society is evolving to better assist clients with grasping the entire scope of their situation.

His therapeutic approach is client-centered and collaborative. Joshua believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and working together with clients to establish a path forward that is reflective of their goals. Joshua draws from a variety of evidence-based techniques, tailoring the approach to meet the needs of the individual. He has experience working with a diverse range of clients along with exposure to a wide array of mental health diagnostics.

Outside of his work, he enjoys creating music, hiking, reading psychology books, spending time with family, traveling, and learning new ways to develop as a human on a personal basis. Joshua believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which allows for him to have the necessary space to work with other humans.

Aria Dudley, MA, AMFT(she/her)

Aria is an associate therapist (AMFT) who earned her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University in 2023. She completed her graduate school traineeship at California Family Institute (CFI), an affirming community mental health clinicwhere she had the opportunity to closely work with a diverse population of clients. Prior to pursuing psychology, Aria studied and worked in the field of neuroscience research. Through her journey of pursuing personal therapy to work through grief after an unexpected loss, and her passion for working directly with people, she began her transition into the field of therapy.

Aria’s goal is to create a safe space where families, couples, and individuals of all ages can feel supported and encouraged to express vulnerability. Sharing a therapeutic space can feel intimidating and look different for each client. Aria works to support each client in their own story and experiences through narrative therapy.

Outside of work, Aria loves spending time with family, teaching yoga, and being by the ocean.

Amal Fazli, Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee (she/her)

Amal is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee, dedicated to receiving her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Drawing inspiration from her background in psychology, she is committed to breaking down barriers that have kept different backgrounds and cultures from accessing effective therapy. Her journey revolves around creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels valued and understood.

She is determined to make therapy a welcoming experience, where individuals and families from all walks of life find their voices. Through culturally sensitive practices, she strives to empower people to reclaim their narratives, no matter their life story. With every step she take towards licensure, her goal is to be a beacon of support, resilience, and empowerment for every person she has the privilege to work with. She strives to work in collaboration to rewrite the narrative of mental health, ensuring that every community, every individual, knows they have a place where they’re not just heard but truly understood and supported.

In her free time, she likes to ride her motorcycle, hangout with friends, discover new foods, and watch movies.

Natalie Flores, LMFT (she/her)

Natalie Flores is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in the LGBTQIA+ community, codependency, and trauma. She received her MS in Clinical Psychology from the Vanguard University of Southern California. Natalie’s community and school counseling background has allowed her to work with various populations such as children, teens, adults, and groups. As a Hispanic woman, it is a mission of hers to empower those who identify as a minority. Natalie is passionate about assisting clients in creating an empowering narrative, processing trauma, and giving people a safe place to discover themself and their voice.

Natalie has an eclectic style and pulls from many different therapeutic styles, but mainly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge clients’ assumptions and uncover and replace their negative beliefs while using Person-Center Therapy to validate clients’ personal experiences. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and uses it to assist clients in processing their trauma and negative experiences. She is a firm believer in changing our world and surroundings and we must first look inward. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, crafting, crocheting, weight lifting, spending time with friends and family, reading, and watches films and television.”

Anthony Fontana, MFT Trainee (he/him)

Anthony Fontana is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee working toward completing his Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Anthony received his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Drama with an emphasis in Music Theatre from the University of California, Irvine and went on to work in the entertainment industry working with a diverse population not only as a performer, but helping to guide and develop the careers of performers as a vocal coach and talent manager.

Having always been interested in psychology and human behavior, Anthony is determined to help clients work toward their goals and to achieve a more happy and harmonious life that they envision for themselves by meeting clients where they are and working collaboratively. Anthony is committed to make the therapeutic process a welcoming experience where individuals, couples, and families can work to find their voices and work through barriers that stop them from achieving their highest potential. Anthony’s work is focused in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Somatic work. Anthony is also a certified yoga instructor (E-RYT 200 / RYT 500) and breath work instructor having taught both privately and in group classes at CorePower Yoga, YogaSix, and Life Time. His goal is to inspire clients to become the best versions of themselves and help them navigate their lives in a safe and supportive environment.

In his free time, Anthony likes to spend his time at the beach, surfing, teaching and practicing yoga and martial arts, traveling, in addition to spending time with his family and their two dogs.

Chelsea Girvan, Clinical Manager, LMFT, LPCC (she/her)

Chelsea Girvan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who received her Master of Science degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. Chelsea has experience working in both residential and outpatient treatment with children, adults, groups, families, and couples. She is passionate about working alongside individuals facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, struggles in relationships, identity-related issues, and stress management. Chelsea works collaboratively with her clients to support them reaching their goals. She utilizes Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, while also drawing on interpersonal and somatic tools. She provides a compassionate space for people to learn, grow, and heal so that they can live authentic lives. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, being at the beach, spending time with friends and family, and listening to health and wellness podcasts.

Valerie Uy, Mental Health Supervisor, LMFT (she/her)

Valerie Uy is an Asian American Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and social justice advocate who is passionate about creating spaces of healing, connection and safety. Valerie strives to be aware of her own privileges and implicit biases in regards to anti-racism, spirituality, sex positivity, consensual non-monogamy, and LGBTQIA+ affirming practices. She inspires others through her authenticity and compassion to learn more about civic engagement and activism to support marginalized communities, and has a vested interest in supporting BIPOC communities through their experiences of transgenerational and racial trauma.

Valerie has been the speaker for OC CAMFT’s “Celebrate Everything MFT” Gala, Asian Mental Health Collective’s TransformASIAN Conference, EM Collective’s Asian Mental Health Conference, ECAASU’s ‘Turning the Tides’ Conference, presented in panels for mental health regarding ‘Intergenerational Trauma’ and ‘Stress & Burnout’, and spoken at UC Irvine’s Psyber Guide’s Drop Ins regarding mental health.

Valerie received her Masters for Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, CSPP and currently works at SeaPort Family Therapy Services in Fountain Valley, California. She has a passion for working with couples and individuals, specifically inter-cultural or inter-racial couples, with transgenerational trauma, racial trauma, infidelity/betrayal trauma, and substance use. She works through an attachment-based and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) lens to help identify deep- rooted hurt and pain that impacts her clients’ interpersonal relationships.

Romina Haghighat, M.A., AMFT (she/her)

Romina is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She strives to work collaboratively with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, marital issues, grief, and loss to ensure that each client achieves their goal while providing support along the way. Romina is passionate about fighting for equal access to mental health treatment and connecting clients to community resources to help them build and maintain healthy relationships. Her work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with spiritual and mindfulness-based practices components. Romina conducts therapy by providing compassion and empathy, while meeting the client where they are at in their process. Outside of work, Romina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cuddling her dog, traveling, and going to the beach.

Lamia Haque, MFT Trainee (she/her)

Lamia Haque is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee working towards obtaining her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Lamia received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from University of California, Irvine.

As a first generation Bengali American she is driven to help underrepresented populations receive mental health care and navigate their personal journeys. Her passion is strongly rooted in social justice advocacy and accessibility of mental health for all. With a strong commitment to dismantling mental health stigma, she is motivated to help individuals from diverse marginalized populations to aid their unique mental health growth.

During her free time, she enjoys cozy video games, building legos, journaling and spending time with loved ones.

Mimi Le, MA, AMFT (she/her)

Mimi is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), who earned her MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2023. Prior to pursuing Psychology, she worked in marketing as a graphic designer, which has lended to her experience in collaboration. She received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and an additional one in Education, Society, and Human Development with an emphasis in Learning and Behavioral Studies at UCR. Mimi completed her clinical training at California Family Institute (CFI) where she supported clients through major life transitions, grief, loss, recovery, anxiety, depression, relationship work, and various forms of trauma.

Mimi aims to create an empathetic and affirming environment for her clients while emphasizing agency through collaboration. She is passionate about self-empowerment, social justice, resilience and cultivating impactful relationships with her clients. She is committed to helping clients grow through their journeys while appreciating their individuality and intersectionality. As an Asian American woman, Mimi acknowledges how identity, culture, stigma, and social locations influence thoughts, behaviors, communication, and accessibility.

Mimi still enjoys graphic design as a hobby and creative outlet. She also enjoys crafting, strength training, hiking, sightseeing, photography, reading and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She prioritizes health in every aspect of her life.

Martha Lopez, MPH, CHES (she/her)

Martha Lopez is a certified health educator specialist that recently received her Master’s in Public Health from CSU San Marcos. Martha has a passion to promote a healthy lifestyles and behavior and to raise awareness about the importance of caring for your health. During her free time, she likes to bing watch shows and movies and spending time with her family.

Sara Kumasaka Matsuda, APCC (she/her)

Before Sara Kumasaka Matsuda started her career in counseling, she was a higher education administrator. She sees life-long learning as a transformative process. She believes learning not only comes from academia, but also from life. She has worked with college students and clients in assisting with their whole development. Her clinical training in therapy has focused primarily on addictions (alcohol, drugs, sex, love, gambling, debting, spending, eating, codependency,and other forms of addiction). She believes that addictions are a symptom of systemic and interpersonal trauma. Sara has worked with clients who have experienced multiple forms of trauma (e.g., religious, bullying, identity, first responder, fostercare, parental neglect, sexual assault, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence, and child abuse).

Sara’s approach to therapy is eclectic, because she believes every person is unique and requires an individual approach. Her foundational approach to therapy is person-centered. She utilizes multiple therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, somatic psychotherapy, positive psychology, Post-Inductive Therapy, and CBT.

In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with friends, family, and friends who are family. She enjoys cooking, traveling, laughing, and singing.

Mark Myran, MS, AMFT (she/they/he)

Mark is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. They received their Master’s degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton in 2020. She began her counseling career working at a domestic violence shelter and has been helping people heal their trauma wounds ever since, including intimate partner violence, sexual abuse/violence, growing up in an abusive/chaotic family, or navigating gender/sexual identity in a culture obsessed with conformity.

Mark is trained to work with trauma using EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, and believes his clients possess everything they need, making therapy a process of discovering and unleashing a client’s natural capability to grow and thrive. Mark is also trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), loves working with couples, and is in awe of the power of relationships to both heal and harm. This informs their work with all clients, because it is human nature to seek comfort from others, act defiant when controlled by another, and be guarded with somebody who feels unsafe.

Mary Perez, MFT Trainee (she/her)

Mary is a passionate Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients. She is currently in the final year of her Master’s program in Clinical Psychology at the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Mary received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Mental Health and Rehabilitation from the University of Maine before moving back to her hometown in Orange County to pursue her graduate degree and start giving back to the community where she grew up.

With a strong commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Mary provides culturally competent and affirming counseling, acknowledging the unique challenges that exist within relationships. Mary is devoted to helping individuals navigate complex life experiences and working in collaboration with clients to create empowering life stories. She utilizes both Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support clients in their journey toward well-being and personal growth.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with her closest friends and family, planning her next trip to Yosemite, and she always welcomes a quiet day in with crafting, a cup of tea, and her favorite comedies playing on TV.

Angela Phillips, AMFT (she/her)

Angela is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has been serving youth and their families in South Orange County since 2021. Her internship with the Wellness and Prevention Center helped her discover her passion for working with LGBTQ+ youth, specifically transgender youth. Angela approaches therapy from a non-judgmental, trauma informed lens and believes in creating safe spaces where individuals and families can have a voice in their treatment and feel supported and heard. She has worked with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, grief and loss, and trauma. She is deeply committed to providing accessible LGBTQ+ affirming care to those seeking treatment and strives to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust where individuals are encouraged to be their authentic selves. In addition to her work, Angela serves on the Ladera Pride Club’s Board of Directors as their Communications Director and volunteers with her daughter’s Girl Scout’s troop. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, music, and running with her dog.

Ali Rumani, AMFT (he/him/هو)

Ali is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. He earned her MA in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Massachusetts in 2023. Grounded in empathy and understanding, Ali is dedicated to fostering positive change in individuals, couples, and families and committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their challenges and work towards holistic well-being. His therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with a keen awareness of the intersectionality of diverse identities. Ali is driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support and believes in dismantling barriers to mental health care and striving to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society. Whether navigating relationship dynamics, coping with life transitions, or addressing systemic challenges, clients can trust Ali to guide them on a journey towards resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment.

Andrew “Andy” Shouse, MFT Trainee (he, him)

Andy is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee working toward his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Andy is committed to supporting the growth and healing of others by providing a safe, collaborative place for exploration and self-discovery. Andy draws from his rich life experience to help people get to know themselves so well they experience their ability to choose regardless of their circumstances.

Andy’s approach is depth oriented, focused on deepening the experience of events in the lives of his clients by exploring the interplay between conscious and unconscious influences. Andy believes as individuals find themselves with “inexpressible hope, a yearning for connection, a desire for meaning, and a movement of energy toward healing” it is the role of the therapist to meet them in that experience and speak with them in the language of soul.

In his free time, Andy enjoys contemplating the complexity of the universe, connecting with friends, playing video games, and camping with his spouse.

Connor Stephenson, Psychology Trainee (he/him)

Connor is a working toward his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fuller School of Psychology in Pasadena, with a passion for delivering impactful psychological services. He is practicing under the supervision of Dr. Brent Murray at Shanti OC, where he provides therapy and assessment services. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a Research Fellow at the Thrive Center, a hub for research inspired by the positive youth development movement. Before pursuing a career in psychology, Connor gained experience working with adults experiencing homelessness in South Orange County, and studied Human Services at Saddleback College.

Connor believes in the profound impact of well-delivered psychological services. He views assessment, particularly when conducted at the right time, as a powerful tool to help individuals understand their cognitive functioning and make sense of their life experiences. In therapy, Connor adopts a collaborative, co-constructive approach, utilizing psychodynamic and narrative techniques to alleviate symptoms and foster personal growth.

Brian Stubbs, AMFT (he/him)

Brian is a passionate Associate Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. With a background in both clinical and therapeutic settings, he has experience working with clients navigating ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and self-esteem issues. His approach centers on providing empowering, compassionate support tailored to each client’s unique journey, fostering growth and resilience in a safe and inclusive space.

Brian is passionate about helping clients become more centered and grounded, supporting them as they explore and overcome personal challenges. Having completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology, better understanding and guiding others has always been a pillar of his being. Brian brings a holistic perspective to therapy, valuing the importance of balance and well-being. Outside of the therapy room, he enjoys yoga, camping, bouldering, and films, all of which offer ways to recharge, connect with others, and draw inspiration for his work.

Through empathy and direct, goal-focused interventions, Brian aims to empower clients to cultivate self-awareness and build the tools for lasting change and personal fulfillment.

Troy Sullivan, AMFT (he/him)

Troy Sullivan is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. He earned his MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2023 and completed his clinical training at the LGBTQ Center OC. Troy is passionate about creating a supportive and affirming space for youth and young adults to explore their uniqueness, work towards personal fulfillment, and embrace the most authentic version of themselves.

Troy’s approach to therapy integrates the techniques and philosophies of both Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He has had success utilizing this integrated approach with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, major life changes, gender dysphoria, identity exploration, and various forms of trauma including spiritual and religious abuse / trauma.

Outside of the office, Troy enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with his partner and their golden retriever. He is a fan of all things Star Wars, watches The Office on repeat, and is an avid podcast listener.

Liz McGlinchey Tan (she/her)

Liz McGlinchey Tan is working towards her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University to be Professional Clinical Counselor. She’s deeply passionate about supporting mental health, especially for individuals with neurodivergent conditions and chronic illnesses. Before becoming a therapist, Liz worked in fashion and freelance writing.

When she was pregnant with her first child, she faced challenges with depression and anxiety both during pregnancy and after the birth. Following a difficult birth experience, she started writing about mental health in new mothers from a feminist perspective.

Not long after, she learned about her neurodivergent identity and received a diagnosis of ADHD, which led her to focus on parenting while navigating this experience. During the pandemic, after having her second child, Liz took the opportunity to go back to school.

Liz aims to help people embrace who they are, regardless of their identity, using an approach that respects trauma and cultural differences, while creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals. She believes in working together with her clients, seeing them as the real experts on their own lives, with counselors guiding them through the journey of self-discovery.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading historical fiction mysteries, crafting, and exploring her special interests in the history of psychology and feminism. She is perpetually too online and loves a good meme.

Laili Beheshti Tehrani, MA, AMFT (she/her)

Laili is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Prior to pursuing Psychology, she was immersed in the world of health and wellness as an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga instructor. Through this experience she gained appreciation for holistic health and continues to carry this as the foundation of her work as a therapist.

Her goal is to create a space where individuals, families, and couples feel supported and empowered to share the stories they have about their lives. She believes in the power of language to shape reality and collaborates with clients to give voice to their preferred ways of living. Compassion and curiosity are the driving force behind her work.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, going to the beach, and finding new ways to move her body.

Julia Verdugo, AMFT (she/her)

Julia Verdugo is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California. Julia has experience working in both residential and outpatient treatment with adults who are experiencing mild, moderate, and severe mental health issues ranging from mood disorders to complex trauma. She is passionate about helping clients cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships and work through stressful life transitions. Her therapeutic approach includes theories that look at the past and present, as she guides from psychodynamic approaches in conjunction with evidence based practices including CBT, DBT, and ACT. Her goal is to empower her clients to be their own healer and help them build the tools they need to be the best version of themselves. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, long distance running, going to concerts, and listening to audiobooks.

Samantha Walker, MFT Trainee (she/her)

Samantha is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee working towards her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Samantha received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Samantha is passionate about fostering strong interpersonal connections, and she is dedicated to supporting individuals through challenging times. She is also committed to growth, learning, and helping others find their paths to healing and happiness. Outside of work, Samantha loves to hang out with her family and two cats, workout, spend time in nature, and go out with friends whenever she can.

Ashley Webster, MA, AMFT (She/Her)

Ashley specializes in individuals from the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities who may be facing challenges with emotional regulation, self-acceptance, identity development, trauma, communication, and complex family dynamics. She specializes in supporting queer couples looking for a modern approach to relationship dynamics and communication. Whether monogamous, polyamorous, or exploring consensual non-monogamy, Ashley provides tools and insights to help strengthen relationships. Additionally, Ashley offers compassionate guidance for those navigating the complexities of nontraditional family planning and development.

Ashley approaches therapy with a non-judgmental and inclusive philosophy. She believes that each client is the expert of their own life, and together you will collaborate to achieve your goals. Her therapeutic style is personalized to meet the emotional and relational needs of each individual, couple, or family, with a focus on creating a supportive and affirming space.

Outside of her professional life, Ashley is someone who values family, deeply enjoys connecting with nature, animals, and children, and finds joy in laughter. Ashley looks forward to meeting you and supporting you in your journey to deeper self-understanding.

Ashley has an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills, an M.A. in Sociology from University of Nevada Las Vegas and a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Sonoma State University.

Ryan Wolpert, Eligibility Work and Client Advocate (he/him)

Ryan received his Bachelors of Education in Exercise and Sport Science, with a concentration in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Alabama in 2020. After interning with UA’s “Tide Against Suicide” program, he found a passion for community health and well being, and strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the clients he works with every day. His previous related experience includes serving kids and adults with special needs as well as planning and being a founding member of the University of Alabama’s “Student Tide Against Suicide” student organization. Ryan is proud to work to ensure eligibility for services, and to enroll clients in Ryan White and other eligible support services. In his free time, Ryan enjoys reading, exercising, watching sci-fi and horror movies, and playing board games.