meet our team

As a queer feminist, Malea understands the importance of having a culturally sensitive therapist. She recognizes that having a therapist who is aware of systemic issues and their impact on mental health is crucial in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. She uses feminist theory to help clients unpack societal norms and cultural narratives that influence their lives.

Having grown up in a social-media-driven society, Malea is familiar with the struggles of body image, perfectionism, and comparison. She understands the challenges teens face when expressing themselves and the difficulties adults encounter when exploring their identities. She acknowledges how eating disorders and body image issues can interfere with discovering one's true self and building authentic relationships. Malea believes that curiosity, openness, and humor are essential first steps in the journey to eating disorder recovery.

Malea earned her master’s degree from Antioch University Los Angeles in 2018, with a specialization in LGBT Affirmative Therapy. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in gender and sexuality studies. Her professional background includes working with non-profits and feminist organizations such as Planned Parenthood, Girls Today Women Tomorrow, The Institute for Girls’ Development, and San Francisco State’s Sexual Health Center.

She gained her clinical training hours at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where she provided crisis intervention, individual therapy, and facilitated a queer women’s support group. During her time at the Center, she collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, case managers, addiction specialists, and domestic violence counselors to support clients holistically. She also received training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and crisis management.

From 2019 to 2022, Malea worked at Second Chances Counseling under the supervision of an eating disorder specialist, treating teens and adults with eating disorders. She developed a specialization in LGBT Affirmative Therapy and feminist theory, working extensively with clients in the LGBT community. Since becoming licensed in 2021, she has continued to support clients with eating disorders, collaborating with dietitians, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and case managers to provide comprehensive care.

Additionally, Malea has guest lectured at Antioch University on topics such as Bisexual Affirmative Therapy and Feminist Psychology Theory, further demonstrating her expertise and commitment to advocacy and education. If you would like to work with Malea Woods, LMFT (#129642) please visit www.EDRecoveryCollective.com

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Danielle Snowden (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who earned a Master’s in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. She brings a warm, empathetic, and encouraging approach to her work, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients. Sensitive to multicultural issues, she values each client’s unique background and strives to integrate their cultural experiences into the therapeutic process. Danielle’s approach is rooted in evidence-based and strengths-based therapies, each tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients. By emphasizing clients' strengths, she guides them in identifying and building on their inherent resilience, helping them navigate challenges such as, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and life transitions. Through these methods, Danielle supports her clients on their paths toward growth, insight, and well-being.

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George (Darius) Ester (he/him) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. He is passionate about providing evidence-based therapy to children, parents, and families, focusing on fostering connection and strengthening well-being. He has experience working with adolescents in Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP), helping them navigate challenges and build resilience. He creates a collaborative and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to achieve their goals. His clinical interests include family dynamics, adolescent development, and supporting individuals through life transitions.

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Emily Bartels (she/her) is a highly skilled and dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from California Baptist University. Emily is a compassionate and insightful clinician known for fostering meaningful therapeutic connections with her clients. She specializes in working with adolescents, couples, and individuals, guiding them through personal growth and transformation in both their internal and external worlds. With a strong foundation in client-centered and strengths-based therapy, Emily honors and validates each client’s unique story, empowering them to embrace their resilience and potential. Trained in trauma-informed care, she utilizes EMDR therapy to help clients heal from past experiences and overcome trauma. Emily’s ability to create a safe, supportive space allows clients to explore their emotions openly while building the skills necessary to thrive in all areas of life.

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Tina Shameon, AMFT, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor’s in Public Health from California State University, Northridge. Fluent in Assyrian, Farsi, and Armenian, Tina provides culturally sensitive care, making her a valuable resource for Middle Eastern communities. Specializing in trauma recovery, life transitions, and relational stress, she offers compassionate therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relational conflicts. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma (CBT-Trauma), Tina focuses on helping clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop practical coping strategies. Her person-centered, strengths-based approach fosters a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to express themselves and explore new ways of relating to themselves and others. Tina’s holistic view of mental health, informed by her background in public health and mental health care, enables her to guide clients through life transitions and relational challenges, promoting personal growth and deeper connections. Passionate about walking alongside her clients on their healing journey, Tina is committed to helping them rediscover their strengths, navigate adversity, and achieve emotional well-being.

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Natalie Holst is a seasoned therapist with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She employs an integrative holistic approach to guide individuals through the exploration of their internal belief systems, relationship dynamics, life stressors, and the profound connection between mind and body. Natalie's expertise extends to addressing a broad spectrum of challenges, including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual identity exploration, anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship issues, personality disorders, and experiences of abuse and trauma.

Natalie is particularly dedicated to supporting individuals and couples in various aspects of their lives. She works with couples on communication issues, polyamory dynamics, family matters, and sexual issues within relationships. Additionally, she assists individuals in exploring their gender identity and sexual identity, providing a safe space for self-discovery and growth.

Her commitment also includes supporting those affected by complex relational trauma, performance anxiety, perfectionism, and LGBTQIA+  and BIPOC individuals navigating minority stress. Holding an MA in Clinical Psychology and an MBA from Pepperdine University, in addition to an MA in Strategic Marketing and Communications from IE Business School, Natalie draws from a robust relational and business background. Her training at Sentio Counseling Center and the Violence Intervention Program focused on Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-based therapies within underprivileged communities. Certified as a Reiki Master, pranayama breathwork teacher, and sound healer, Natalie brings a holistic perspective to her practice. She holds training certificates in traumatic stress studies and EFIT for Attachment Trauma.

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Lauren Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, who owns and practices therapy at Therapy With LT in Los Angeles. Lauren was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, eventually pursuing her Bachelors in Psychology (with a minor in Women & Gender Studies) and Masters in Counseling Psychology within the Cal State System (CSU Fullerton and CSU Northridge, respectively).

Early on in her academic process, Lauren was passionate about focusing on couples, intimacy issues, and bridging the gap between cis women and sexual pleasure. Upon personally experiencing microaggression and systemic barriers for Black and Brown therapists in academia, she pivoted to providing specialized Trauma Informed care for Black and Brown femmes and any folks who identify with an intersectional oppressed experience.

Lauren practices from a stance of collaboration and respect, with the belief that all people have the capacity to grow and transform from a strong and empowering therapeutic relationship. Rooted in a feminist, anti-racist perspective, Lauren approaches client care acknowledging systemic barriers and factors impacting client’s well-being in addition to individual life factors. In her spare time, Lauren volunteers as advisor/mentor for college age women and students developing professional leadership skills and learning how to balance personal well-being with professional ambitions.

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Bringing a wealth of experience in trauma-informed care from an intersectional feminist and collective care lens, Geri Lynn Cesar joins our team as a clinical supervisor, enriching our practice with a deeply empathetic and inclusive approach to therapy. With a commitment to meeting individuals where they are and fostering community support, Geri Lynn believes in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships in empowering individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship stress, and chronic illness. Drawing on years of experience in community mental health, including roles at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and volunteering for The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ+ teen suicide prevention lifeline, she is adept at providing affirming and compassionate care to diverse populations.

A graduate of Antioch University, Los Angeles with a Master's in Clinical Psychology specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy, Geri Lynn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. As an Adjunct Faculty member at Antioch University, she is deeply committed to education and mentorship, ensuring that our team remains culturally competent and responsive to the needs of our clients. Geri Lynn also provides consults and cultural competency trainings for organizations and corporations, further enhancing our team's ability to provide inclusive and affirming care. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team as a clinical supervisor, where their dedication to empowerment, inclusivity, and community support will undoubtedly enrich our practice and enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients.

 

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Sandy Gordon is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who brings a wealth of compassion, care, and understanding to her clients. She recognizes how important it is to consider the many layers that impact our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Sandy's approach to therapy is rooted in person-centered/humanistic and EFT/attachment-based modalities, and she utilizes a holistic and culturally affirming perspective. Her ultimate goal is to help her clients move beyond shame, cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance, create meaning, and find purpose. 
She is highly skilled in helping individuals navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, and existential concerns. Additionally, Sandy is fully trained in EMDR and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Moreover, Sandy is bilingual in Spanish and has a passion for integrating holistic forms of healing into her practice. No matter what challenges her clients face, Sandy is committed to helping them find hope, healing, connection, and transformation on their journey toward well-being.

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Cece Wrenn (she/her), an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, brings a compassionate, grounded, and approachable presence to her practice. Dedicated to nurturing a safe and supportive environment, Cece ensures that clients feel empowered to explore their stories and embark on a journey of personal growth. Drawing from strength-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approaches, she meets clients where they are, tailoring her methods to suit each individual's unique needs. Whether facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or life transitions, clients can expect warmth, encouragement, understanding, and curiosity while working with Cece. With experience working with diverse individuals of all ages and backgrounds, she has a particular passion for supporting adolescents, adults, and couples of all races, identities, and sexualities, fostering a space where everyone feels valued and understood. Cece pulls from many evidence-based therapeutic approaches, but mainly utilizes elements from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness-based and solution-focused techniques.

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Sarah Im is an Associate Marriage/Couples and Family Therapist (AMFT) who earned her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families, who are dealing with relational stress, trauma, a wide range of diagnoses, or maneuvering through difficult life challenges. Sarah’s approach to therapy is person-centered, narrative, and trauma-informed, with an attachment and social justice focused lens. She is passionate about working collaboratively with the client and believes healing happens within the context of relationships with ourselves, others, and our world. She prioritizes offering clients an understanding and safe space to explore, process, and feel seen as they are.

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Sandra Liu (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2021 from Pepperdine University.  Sandra is passionate about helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves and integrate mindfulness into their routines. Sandra has extensive experience and training in leading support groups and working with couples. She utilizes modalities rooted in person-centered, strength-based, and compassion-focused orientation. Sandra believes that happiness is an emotion that often leaves to help us grow; peace is often sustained through cultivating patience and self-compassion.

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Britney Thomas (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and a graduate of California Baptist University. She is known for having a genuine concern for her clientele and being able to relate to people regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious creed. She has extensive experience in assisting clients in building both their internal and external resources as well as aiding parents in improving their connection to their children. She also has a passion for those who have experienced spiritual trauma. She believes that each person is unique and complex; therefore, she prides herself on collaborating with her clients to ensure they receive care that suits them and will equip them to thrive in their individual circumstances.

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Brittney Cannizzaro (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2023 from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University as well as a Masters in Student Development Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014.  Brittney strives to create a therapeutic space of warmth and safety for clients and their vulnerabilities.  She deeply believes in the bravery required to actively work towards healing- honoring the unique process and pace of each client while encouraging grace and compassion throughout. Brittney has worked in higher education settings with college students for over a decade and is most passionate about working with young adults, adults and couples of diverse backgrounds.

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Jess Sunio (she/her) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who earned a Masters in Clinical Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. Known for her warm and approachable demeanor, Jess creates an environment that fosters connection and growth. Grounded in strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches, she offers a safe space for clients to explore their unique narratives and feel courageous in their therapeutic journey. As an advocate for social justice and multicultural awareness, she addresses and validates systemic issues that may impact mental health and well-being. Jess has experience working with individuals of various ages and backgrounds and enjoys collaborating with young adults and adults to navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals.

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Jane Diep (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California. She provides a warm and empathetic space where clients can explore their emotions and experiences. She prioritizes being trauma-informed and social justice-based, which means working through an intersectional lens. She avoids pathologizing individuals, recognizing how systems of power impact everyone. Jane has experience working with individuals of various ages and backgrounds and particularly enjoys working with teens, young adults, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Her approach is collaborative and tailored to the specific needs of the client, recognizing that everyone is unique in their experience.

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Destanee Prior is an Associate Marriage/Couples and Family Therapist (AMFT), who earned a Master of Arts in couples and family therapy from Alliant International University. She has experience working with an array of individuals, teens and families from various backgrounds, with life challenges (including life transitions, self-esteem challenges, anxiety, trauma, relational issues). She is passionate about creating a safe, affirming, warm and compassionate space for all clients to explore their authentic and most vulnerable parts of themselves. Destanee uses a trauma informed, integrative and collaborative approach, uniquely tailored to meet each client’s specific needs, goals, values and identity. She prioritizes a genuine connection with her clients in order to assist in reframing their life narrative to one that is free of shame and embraces each client’s strengths and uniqueness.

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Juliet Proulx (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for guiding

individuals in living their authentic selves. Juliet is dedicated to providing a safe space for her

clients, through compassion, warmth, and understanding. She strives to build a therapeutic

relationship that is strong and supportive, as clients work toward their goals and process

emotional wounds. She also believes that sometimes we just need a little bit of laughter, and will

not hesitate to bring in humor when appropriate. Juliet has experience working with individuals

of various ages and backgrounds and particularly enjoys working with adolescents, young adults,

couples, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Her approach is collaborative and integrative, and

tailored to the specific needs of the client, recognizing that everyone is unique in their

experience. Juliet mainly utilizes elements from DBT, CBT, attachment theory, narrative theory,

the Gottman Method for couples, and solution-focused techniques.

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Fallynne Usher is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a master’s in counseling psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Baptist University. Building healthy communities has been Fallynne’s life passion. She enjoys using her experience in community mental health, birth work, grief and loss, education, and customer service background to provide a genuine approach to psychotherapy that opens the door for clients to explore their authentic selves and identify their voice. She is committed to doing the work of helping clients heal. Fallynne’s clinical interests include treatment in all types of traumas, perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and providing psychotherapy to adults, and couples. 

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Christina Jabourian is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Bachelors in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is bilingual therapist and is a tool to Armenian communities. She is passionate about creating a collaborative safe space for clients to achieve their goals in treatment. Her clinical interests include providing psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ia experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, as well as attachment and relationship challenges. 

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