Arcadia Providers

Arcadia

Arcadia Site Coordinator

Adriana Avila, LMFT

I graduated from the University of La Verne in 2013 with an M.S, and I have been doing work in the mental health field since 2010. My experience started at Project Sister where I assisted survivors of sexual abuse (children, males, females, transgender, and other populations). I have also obtained experience through community mental health at Foothill Family where I had the opportunity to help those with substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, parenting skills, grandparents, transgender youth, foster youth, probation youth, self-harm behaviors, disruptive behaviors, and children and adolescents in the school and home setting. I have also gained experience working in intensive services, known as Wraparound and FSP; which allowed me to further gain experience in treating those in immediate crisis situations (i.e., suicidality). I believe in individualizing treatment to fit the needs of the individual and their families, and helping through the healing process. I speak Spanish, and would love to utilize my skill with those in need of a Spanish speaking therapist. I also love working with children, and providing them a safe environment to process their feelings, along with their parents.

I love learning, and on my spare time I enjoy doing research, and volunteering in school settings with elementary students in first grade, second grade, and special education students. I aspire to be a doctor in Clinical Psychology, and as such I continuously expand my knowledge by attending trainings, doing research at local universities, and attend conferences. I look forward to providing my clients a safe environment, and provide the support needed.

Licensed Therapist

Magena Ammen

I received my Bachelor’s degree at Humboldt State University where my studies focused on the field of psychology and went on to complete a Master’s level education in clinical psychology at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo. Working with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, families afflicted by trauma, and people suffering from addiction and co-occurring disorders has given me a wide range of experience.
My specialty is working with trauma. Trauma has been defined as any negative experience in life causing havoc in relationships and other aspects of daily life. Given this broad definition, it allows me to work with those affected by every day stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and other compulsive behaviors, relationship issues, codependency, co-occurring disorders, and more. I find great value in helping others locate an integrated and authentic self through the use of many different therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Gottman Method couples therapy. Collaboration, creativity, and fun are integral to my work.

Licensed Therapist

Kyle Ballentine, LMFT

I use a variety of theories in therapy as needed but focus on Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and a Humanistic approach.  I strive to provide an extremely accepting environment with all my clients.  That’s what I love about therapy; nothing is taboo and it’s a place we can discuss anything in our lives. It’s important to be understood and heard, so I hope I can provide that for you while we find some practical steps to improve how you cope with life.

Personal interests include animals, art, comedy, games, science, and how our weird brains work.

Licensed Therapist

Michael “Sean” Greener

Are negative thoughts and self-doubt cluttering your mind day in and day out keeping you from living the life you want? Sleepless nights filled with nagging feelings of worry, unbearable sadness, and disappointment as you dread the next day? Feeling lonely because no one hears you or if they do they don’t understand?Maybe you need some space.… Maybe you need a space.A space where it’s okay to be imperfect…where it’s okay to be human. Therapy can be that place. I can help. Together, in a nurturing, safe, and non-judgmental space, I can help you clear those negative thoughts, build your confidence, and get to the bottom of what’s keeping you stuck. We’ll discover and use your strengths to help you cope with difficult emotions so you can get a good night’s sleep and look forward to the next day, month and year.If that sounds like something you want…something you need, then go ahead and give a call and let’s see if this whole therapy thing is the right fit for you.LICENSURE: • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW#83054)EDUCATION: • Masters in Clinical Social Work (Boston University) • Masters in Organizational Leadership (Azusa Pacific University) • Masters in Music (UCLA)TRAINING: • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) • Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) • Depression Treatment Quality Improvement (DTQI)

Ranee Bose Kang, LCSW, ACM-SW, ACHP-SW

Sometimes “life happens” to us and there are things that we cannot control, such as where we were born and raised, or the family members or coworkers we have. Other times there are obvious or not so obvious choices we can make to create the life we’ve always wanted or didn’t know we wanted until we made the space to think about it. Then there are times when we wonder if we’re capable of making those choices that may impact how we experience life around us. I believe in the power of choice and one of the very first steps start with the decision to reach out and talk to someone. Everything else after that can be a chapter in your life that you create with my guidance and support.

I am a Board of Behavioral Sciences certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS#24624) practicing out of the Soultenders Arcadia office. I received my Bachelors in Arts in Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine, focusing on the study of people in their environment and how the two interact and shape each other. I concentrated in Psychology and Social Behavior, which piqued my interest in and led me to pursue a Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Southern California, with a concentration in Health. I hold a professional membership with the National Association of Social Workers and the American Case Management Association. I also hold an Advanced Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care as well as in Case Management. I have over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and particularly with those who have been affected by a chronic illness such as cancer. My specialties include Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Sleep Issues, Chronic Illness, Cancer (new diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and end-stages of life), Stem Cell Transplant, Life Transitions, Caregiver Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, Grief and Bereavement. I work with adults and the geriatric population, individuals and couples, from all ethnic, cultural, religious, spiritual and socio-economic backgrounds.

I value the connection between the mind, body and spirit and strive to help my clients discover a balance of their own. I have an Eclectic theoretical approach that draws on Psychodynamic,
Attachment, and Systems Theories, and Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused and Humanistic Therapies. My bi- ethnic background and life experience have allowed me to appreciate different cultures, religious and spiritual beliefs, creating a safe space for my clients to explore their family of origin, relationships and dynamics as they have experienced it in various stages of their life. My work with clients is strengths-based, insight-oriented and person-centered, so that individualized treatment plans can be created in partnership with the client.\

Whether you have been in therapy in the past, or therapy is new to you, I hope you choose life, in any way, shape or form that speaks to you, and I hope to help you discover it. I leave you with
a passage that has impacted my life, that which may speak to you: “For what it’s worth: It’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald

Licensed Therapist

Jennifer K. Luna-Nguyen, MSW, LCSW

Welcome!  I graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.  I went on to graduate from California State University, Long Beach, and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Older Adults and Families.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #90761) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences.  For most of my career as a social worker, I worked under a medical model to assist clients to live safely in their homes, managed end of life care and hospice services, and assisted clients with chronic diseases to include HIV, AIDS, and End Stage Renal Disease, among others.  In all aspects of my career, it was important to address the mental wellness of the clients, from depression, to anxiety, to psychosis, and substance abuse, among others.  I have always been passionate in working with people while using a wholistic approach to address their problems and to explore how multiple aspects of their lives are impactful and meaningful to their mental wellness.  As a clinician, I have established a private practice style that incorporates a wholistic and meaningful approach, as well.  Although I have served the adult population most of my career, I have grown an affinity to working with youth, teens and young adults, during private practice.  My hope is that each individual is aware of how important each is; and I am honored to be here to work with each client, one client at a time.

Licensed Therapist

Carmen Majied

Greetings! My name is Dr. Carmen Majied and I am pleased that you’ve chosen to visit Soultenders!

A little about me… I come to you as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a compassionate clinician with 20+ years of professional experience providing individual and couples counseling. In my work with individuals and couples who are seeking support and guidance, I assign top priority to establishing a solid therapeutic alliance with each client who chooses to share the intricacies of his/her personal journey with me.

I mostly tend to draw from the Person-Centered Approach when in a therapeutic relationship with my clients. This means that I make consistent efforts to meet each client “where they are” and to serve as a catalyst for each individual who is progressing through their unique process of self-discovery and self-identification.

Although my primary treatment modality centers around the Person-Centered Approach, I pride myself on being able to access a multitude of other therapeutic orientations depending on what each client may need from me in the moment. Offering my clients an eclectic, flexible and accommodating approach to treatment is my commitment to each and every individual who chooses to engage in a collaborative partnership with me.

The road to self-discovery can be both exciting and challenging, but you don’t have to travel it alone. I look forward to being of service to you!

Licensed Therapist

Kenneth Monroy, LMFT

Therapy is a beautiful thing. However, there are so many misconceptions of what it really is. I believe the core objective of therapy is not to explore why the unwanted behaviors, the symptoms, or the diagnosis. The secret is in a good, effective mental health therapeutic relationship that lies in connecting, in a safe-holding environment, where the patient can explore and ask themselves – Why the fear? Why the pain? In my therapeutic approach with you, I will walk with you through the difficult past, and today’s present day challenges. I will slowly and compassionately explore with you how and why the initial unwanted behavior began. We’ll take a deeper look at the current feelings, emotions, triggers and patterns that influence your negative and unwanted behaviors. Imagine the emotional freedom you’ll feel as we find solutions together. From there, you’ll move forward, and rise above the adversary inside. With your permission, we’ll explore the origins of your presenting problem – and that’s when the healing begins. Through our sessions, you will gain a greater awareness and understanding of your mental health symptoms by understanding the underlying issues of what you are currently feeling. I’m excited for you, and I’m looking forward to finding solutions together.

I utilize several effective therapy approaches that will include Psychodynamic/Insight-Oriented Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Client Centered Therapy. I have Evidence-Based certification in both Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) Treatment Models which I have obtained through the Department of Mental Health (DMH). I have extensive experience working in areas of Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Guilt, Shame, and Remorse. I especially enjoy working with Families and Couples. In addition to running a private practice, I am the Assistant Drug and Alcohol Clinical Director at

Sheer Recovery Treatment Center in San Juan Capistrano. I conduct individual mental health therapy with Dual Diagnosis patients, and facilitate group therapy. I specialize in aiding patients with their spiritual development as they incorporate a greater understanding of sobriety with true life transition and individuation.

Kenneth Monroy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over 35 years of graduate and undergraduate experience in case management, psychology and psychotherapy. At UCLA, while earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree, a work study project with “emotionally handicapped” children stirred his emotion, and Kenneth began his life’s journey in the field of mental health. At St. Anne’s Maternity Home, he managed the Responsible Teen Sexuality Program as the program’s Education Coordinator, and also began Residential Counseling and Case Management there for pregnant and parenting adolescents. Eventually, he was introduced to the Department of Children and Family Services’ Family Preservation Program through Bienvenidos Family Services in East Los Angeles, and gained over 12 years of experience as an In-Home counselor and Program Manager. He also became interested in working with young men and their fathers through the indigenous Hoven Noble Program at the Latino Father and Family Institute. Working on his Masters Degree in Marriage, Family and Children’s Counseling at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA, he worked as a Wraparound Facilitator. Moving forward at The Center for Integrated Family and Health Services (CIFHS), he facilitated addiction recovery groups, and was an on-site high school therapist for the Baldwin Park Unified School District through DMH. He received certification in Evidence-Based Treatment Models – Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT).

Kenneth married in 1996, and he became a member of the Charter Oak Unified School District PTA Executive Board (Elementary School), and was also the Annual Walk-a-Thon Chairperson. Later he became the Charter Oak High School Marching Band Fundraiser Chairperson (High School). Additionally, Kenneth has fond memories as producer of the “Beneath The Surface” Radio Program with a Golden Mike Award winning team at Pacifica Radio’s KPFK 90.7FM. As lead guitarist for Highland Avenue Community Church Worship Team in Alta Loma, CA, he has received momentous inspirational connection and growth, and he is thankful for daily spiritual gifts.

Licensed Therapist

Katy Niles

Katy has been practicing for the last 4 years but has been assisting, mentoring, and guiding others in various avenues for the last 12 yrs. Katy has spent her recent time working with families and children, but very much enjoys working with individuals who are looking to improve their lives. Her specialty includes a myriad of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, nonactive addictions, ADHD, selective mutism, bipolar, and LGBTQ+.

Licensed Therapist

Daniela Ojeda, LMFT

I am an experienced, qualified, and registered licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #117284) in private practice in Arcadia, CA. I am a bilingual Spanish Speaking therapist.

As a cultural sensitive therapist, I respect differences in opinions, values, and attitudes of various cultures and different types of people. My therapeutic approach includes working with diverse groups of people and understands that racial, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual identities interact with one’s beliefs and behaviors.

Everyone can find life overwhelming at times. Psychotherapy can help you to understand what you are going through and support you as you face difficult thoughts and feelings. I value your unique experience and our therapeutic sessions will be tailored to meet your unique needs, offering you the beginning of a healing process.

Psychotherapy is a unique experience for everyone, that starts with talking about whatever feelings and thoughts you wish to bring. Through the therapeutic relationship you might be to explore the shape of your feelings and what purpose they may serve for you and those around you. A better understanding and acceptance of the underlying motives of your problems can lead to a sense of integration, and positive change in your life.

Licensed Therapist

Josephine Quach, LMFT

Life can have its challenges and at times we can find ourselves confused, sad, anxious, and seemingly alone. It can be difficult to take that step to begin making a change toward your life, so I want to first recognize your courage. No matter the challenge that you are currently experiencing, you don’t have to face it alone. I can offer you a warm and caring environment to speak without fear of judgment and will be honored to collaboratively work with you to identify your goals by meeting you where you are in the present. My hope is that I can assist you to gain perspective, find the strengths that you already have within to overcome your life’s challenges, so that you can live a fuller life.

Licensed Therapist

Claudia Reyes

I am a bilingual Spanish Speaking therapist. I aim to co-create a supportive & healing environment with you and serve as a guide towards achieving your goals and meeting your needs. Starting therapy can be difficult at times and for that reason I aim to create a therapeutic environment that is warm and healing. It’s very important to me to offer cultural centered therapy to people with diverse and intersecting identities, such as: Latinx, indigenous, people of color, immigrant, and LGBTQ. People who I work with are encouraged to reconnect to their natural healing abilities and cultural practices. I believe that I provide guidance and neutral support to help you better understand yourself, improve communication, identify unhealthy patterns, and make positive life changes. I specialize in supporting the healing work of individuals, teens, parents, couples, and families experiencing relational difficulties due to traumatic life experiences.

Tailoring therapy to each person is important, which is why I have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to individuals dealing with challenging life experiences. My philosophy in therapy lies in integrating: mind, body, and spirit. I’m a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist from the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with many other clinical certifications. I also have experience in the following: Depression, Anxiety, Codependency, Couples, Irritability and Anger Management, LGBTQ issues, Divorce, Adjustments, Blended Family Needs, Communication Problems, Grief & Loss, Multicultural Concerns, Oppositional Behaviors, and Trauma.

I completed my Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2010. In 2014, I received my licensure through the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. With over 10 years of experience working with individuals, teens, parents, couples, and families I am passionate about helping you rediscover your inner voice.

Hablo español:

Soy un terapeuta Latina de habla inglés y español. Mi objetivo es cocrear un ambiente de apoyo y curación con usted y servir como guía para lograr sus objetivos y satisfacer sus necesidades. A veces comenzar la terapia puede ser difícil y por eso pretendo crear un ambiente terapéutico que sea curativo. Para mí es muy importante ofrecer una terapia centrada en la cultura a personas con identidades diversas e interrelacionadas, como: latinx, indígenas, personas de color, inmigrantes y LGBTQ. Creo que proporciono orientación y apoyo neutral para ayudarlo a comprenderse mejor, mejorar la comunicación, identificar patrones poco saludables y hacer cambios positivos en la vida. Me especializo en apoyar el trabajo de mejorar las vidas de individuos, adolescentes, padres, parejas y familias que experimentan dificultades relacionales debido a experiencias traumáticas de la vida.

Licensed Therapist

Daisy Rivera, LCSW

Hi and welcome!

I am so glad you found your way here. I’ve dedicated years of my life to discovering and mastering methods that provide a holistic and integrative answer to many mind/body/spirit ailments. I obtained my Masters in Social Work in 2004 from USC. Along with my professional career, I have been trained and certified in various Eastern modalities and am a certified yoga and meditation teacher, Reiki Level III Practitioner and Himalayan Tibetan Singing Bowls Therapist.

I know that from time to time our journeys are affected by challenges; challenges in the form of mental and emotional issues that impair our quality of life. I believe that at the core of each human being lies a powerful source of empowerment and that with support, we all can reconnect to that source. We all have a unique light to shine. And often it is through breakdowns that we are propelled to our greatest breakthroughs.

I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship and my goal is to assist you to realize your true potential and create the life you see for yourself. I believe you are already whole and come with strengths and skills. Through a humanistic and integrative approach, I will hold a safe space. With compassion, empowerment, encouragement, positivity, honesty, and trust we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization.

I am so honored to share this time with you and I look forward to working with you!

¡Hola y bienvenido!

Me da gusto de que haya llegado a este espacio para encontrar apoyo.  He dedicado años de mi vida a descubrir y dominar métodos que brindan una respuesta holística e integradora a muchas dolencias de la mente, el cuerpo y el espíritu. Obtuve mi Maestría en Trabajo Social en 2004 de la USC. Junto con mi carrera profesional, he sido capacitada y certificada en varias modalidades orientales que incluyen yoga y meditación, Reiki y el uso terapéutico de cuencos tibetanos del Himalaya.

Sé que de vez en cuando somos afectados por desafíos; desafíos en forma de problemas mentales y emocionales que perjudican nuestra calidad de vida. Creo que en el núcleo de cada ser humano se encuentra una poderosa fuente de empoderamiento y que con apoyo, todos podemos reconectarnos con esa fuente. Todos tenemos una luz única para brillar. Y a menudo es a través de averías que somos impulsados a alcanzar nuestros mayores avances.

Creo en el poder curativo de la relación terapéutica y mi objetivo es ayudarle a realizar su verdadero potencial y crear la vida que ve para sí mismo. Creo que ya está completo y viene con fortalezas y habilidades. A través de un enfoque humanista e integrador, mantendré un espacio seguro y sin juicio donde pueda refleccionar y enfrentar las dificulatades que lo han llevado a buscar apoyo. Con compasión, empoderamiento, aliento, positividad, honestidad y confianza, nos embarcaremos en un viaje de autodescubrimiento y autorrealización.

Me siento muy honrada de compartir este tiempo y trabajar con usted en Español, mi lengua nativa.

Licensed Therapist

Rupinder Sidhu, LCSW

Licensed Therapist

Irina Strekalova

Who I am and how I work

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #44632) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA. I work with individuals, couples and families. I assist children and adults through life’s transitions and challenges that can potentially lead to depression, anxiety, low self-image, decreased self-confidence, or behaviors they would like to change. I work with couples who want to improve their relationships and those considering marriage or separation. We will work together to figure out where you are, where you want to be, and how you can get there. I provide childhood and relationship trauma treatment if necessary to help individuals heal and move on in life. I find that cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy in conjunction with mindfulness, behavior modification, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM (trauma resiliency model) works well for most people. My approach is integrative and tailored to each individual or couple. My goal is to assist you in developing skills and strategies that you can use to bring about realistic and positive changes in your life.

My background

I grew up in Ukraine, then studied and lived in Moscow, Russia, before moving to the USA in 1994. I have two master degrees in psychology: one from Moscow State University, another from New York University. I started practicing psychotherapy in 1999 in Houston, TX, with individuals who suffered chronic pain. Since 2004 I work in Los Angeles, CA, with children, adolescents, and adults.

Professional affiliations

Trauma Resource Institute, EMDR International Association, Tourette Association of America, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), and San Gabriel Chapter of CAMFT.

Personal

I like to travel, read, hike, dance, and paint in watercolor. I speak Russian and Ukrainian.

Licensed Therapist

Jennifer “Jen” Welty, LCSW

Hello and Welcome! I am so happy you are here in search of a therapist for support. Whether or not that ends up being me, I am glad you are making the time to invest in your own mental health and wellbeing. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from having a safe space to be vulnerable,  process and explore their feelings, and feel heard and supported. That is the space I hope to create for the individuals and families I work with, and to partner with them in their journey toward the life they want for themselves. I take a Humanistic approach rooted in Attachment Theory and believe that a positive therapeutic relationship and good rapport are central for progressing forward in our work together.

I received my Masters in Social Work from USC in 2007 with a concentration in mental health. I worked for a decade in community mental health and have also worked for several years in the medical oncology setting. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW#28519)

I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families facing an array of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal relationships, grief and bereavement, and chronic illness.

My personal interests include yoga, hiking and backpacking, fitness, spending time with family and friends and watching movies.

I look forward to connecting with you, and partnering with you in working toward your goals in therapy.

Licensed Therapist

Daniel Wongthavatchai, LCSW