Monrovia (Mayflower)

Mayflower Site Supervisor

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

Tara Cavazos

We all need to feel connected and heard, and we each deserve a therapist that is truly interested in us and has our best interests at heart. I believe this is an essential component of therapy.
For the last 15 years, I have practiced in a variety of settings with children, adults and families. I have helped my clients with issues such as: anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, family conflicts, life transitions, trauma, career/school issues, and addiction.
I use an eclectic approach to work most effectively with my clients. Every individual I work with is unique, so I pay careful attention to what therapeutic approaches and interventions are the best fit. My style is warm, interactive, focused and positive. I respect my clients and deeply enjoy my work as a therapist.
I am honored to have the opportunity to help you gain more freedom from your past experiences and develop, lasting and meaningful changes in your life.

Psychologist

Emily Dalton

Everyone needs to be seen and heard. Sometimes, therapy is just that–a place where we are seen and heard. Other times, therapy delves deeper into our lives, our past, and our emotions. Therapy can also be a place to obtain skills, tools, and resources. Therapy has many shapes and forms. Each client has specific needs and it is my job to work alongside my clients in order to help meet those needs. I provide a therapeutic relationship that works to support clients in the best way possible and build upon client strengths. Along with therapy, I am also trained in psychological testing. This can be an excellent enhancement to therapy by providing further insight into a client’s challenges and strengths.

I am a licensed psychologist with training in multicultural and community psychology. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Scripps College and both my master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents and families in an intensive setting and have also worked with adult clients in various settings. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger issues, personality disorders, crisis, and trauma. I have worked with many clients on behavioral difficulties, grief and loss, school difficulties, and parenting. I have research and treatment experience with gender diversity and have worked with many LGBTQ clients.

A good fit is important in therapy. Developing a safe and comfortable relationship with my clients is of utmost importance. I am here to help my clients be seen and heard and to become their best selves.

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)

Licensed Therapist

Sareen Khodabakhsh

My specialty is in addiction, compulsive disorders and other mental health concerns. I have worked hard to help all my clients understand their own traumas, and find healing from broken attachments that create current pains. It is my goal to help families find healing as well, because the home is where the heart is! Healing starts with everyone living in the home, not just the individual who is identifying their symptoms of concern. My experience includes cultural and sexual diversity, finding meaning in life, and working towards a peaceful existence.  I work collaboratively with my clients on searching for answers to unresolved questions. Inner conflicts create anxiety and depression, and it is my goal to help each individual find peace within themselves.It is my goal to work with individuals, couples and families to find healing so that happiness is achieved.

David Leong, MS, AMFT

Anxiety & Depression, Near Death Experiences, Grief & Loss, and Identity Challenges
Life has led me on a meandering and sometimes confusing journey—one filled with triumphs and
troubles. I have survived a near death experience; I have wrestled through identity struggles having
lived in multiple cultures and continents; and I have dealt with abandonment, betrayal, and loneliness.
And yet, in the throes of life’s darkest, most heart-breaking moments, I have experienced the resiliency
of the human spirit; I have known the hope of renewal and transformation returning to a parched and
weary soul. These monumental moments of restoration are possible as we choose to be present in
relationships where truth can bravely speak into our hearts and worth graciously embrace our broken
souls.
This is the relationship I long for you to experience—a new kind of home, a togetherness—as we explore
and illuminate your life story. Throughout your process, I desire you to feel known, cared for, and
respected. What you choose to share with me is precious and of infinite value; you likewise are precious
and of infinite worth.
Contact me today for a free consultation—I look forward to speaking with and helping you decide
whether working together could be a good fit.

About David
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#94221). I began my professional clinical
training earning a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. Then after a period
living overseas in Taiwan, I decided to deepen my clinal training experience by completing my master’s
degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. I work with
adolescents, emerging adults, adults and couples to address the long-term issues of anxiety, depression,
near death experiences, grief & loss, and challenges that arise in identity formation. My hope in our
work together is that you will find clarity in the midst of confusion, renewed compassion, and an
empowered sense of purpose in your life.
(626) 727-9116
dleong@soultenders.com
David Leong is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #94221
Supervised by Evelyn Rodriguez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist MFC #92600

Associate Therapist

Cari Lu, AMFT

Hey you, yes you! You are truly remarkable and the steps you have taken to get this far to seek help and to advocate for yourself deserves an applause. Finding your own personal fit in therapy is important because you need to feel comfortable working closely with someone as you grow to tackle on life and its many obstacles. I would be honored to be apart of your journey, to hear you out and to create a safe space for you to feel at ease while you work on nourishing your mental wellbeing.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process and building strong relationships and rapport in the beginning stages of treatment will allow you to feel comfortable and will truly allow the therapeutic relationship to be the foundation for when challenges arise. The flexibility of incorporating a multitude of interventions and theories provides the most beneficial experience and as your therapist, I will empower you to make positive changes in your life. I understand that making any changes in your life may be difficult, but I am ready to support you along the way with an approach that is direct, non-judgmental and compassionate.

Mayflower Office, under the supervision of Maureen Leigh-Magee, LMFT (LMFT 38671)

Licensed Therapist

Liliana Lynn

I graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Masters’ of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and I also hold a Masters’ of Art in Education, School Counseling degree from Azusa Pacific University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (44668) with the California Stated Board of Behavioral Sciences.

I have a special interest in working with families, children, adolescents and adults. Much of the therapeutic work I do is based on the theories of Family Systems, Attachment, Object Relations, and Psychodynamic approaches. Philosophically, I adhere to Existential-Humanistic Psychology.

What does it mean? The essence of my belief in existentialism and humanism is in the value of personal experience and subjectivity in the “here-and-now” of the therapeutic moment. While the past is important, it is also important not to forget the present. I highly regard a strong commitment to understanding, processing, and valuing the therapeutic relationship aiming to achieve the client’s increased self-awareness.

Humanistic and existentialistic philosophical approaches both value the basic goodness in people and the human potential. Part of the therapy process is understood as freeing the individual up to embrace their basic goodness and potential.

Concurrently, I also employ therapeutic techniques from other theories as well; including Cognitive-Behavioral, Trauma Focused, and Neurobiological approaches. The intrinsic relationship of the body, mind and brain is a dominant aspect of my theoretical framework. Concluding, my therapy approach is focused on how you can understand, connect, embrace all of your story and its influence in your identity.

Welcome to the journey… to uncover the meaning of your life.

“Change is the only constant in life.”

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!

Associate Therapist

Andrea Medina, ACSW

Asking for help can be challenging, especially asking for help outside of your community, being friends, family, neighbors, etc. Especially the use of therapy as a help seeking tool can in itself be taboo, scary, or simply just something unknown. Personally, coming from a family where dusting yourself off and getting over it was the advice given, it is ironic that I have pursued a career in a therapeutic setting. My role as a clinician is to provide a welcoming and safe environment where feelings are validated.

I have experience working with children, adolescent and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA/gender identity, emotional regulation, anger management, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I also have experience working in school-based counseling, as well as with individuals experiencing homelessness. While I work with a wide range of individuals, I am passionate about working with youth. Helping youth realize their strengths and aiding them in realizing they are enough.

I received my Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker #84732, and I am supervised by Lauren Stockly, LCSW.

Licensed Therapist

Carolina Miranda

WHITTIER OFFICE

Knar Meloyan, MS

The foundation of my therapeutic approach draws upon the strength and resilience within each of
us. I work with my clients to create a collaborative relationship to explore the struggles they face,
honor the attempts they have made to overcome their struggles, and identify the steps they can
take to meet their personal goals. We explore the behavioral steps that can be taken, as well as
address the thinking patterns and underlying emotions that may be constraining them.
Within my practice, I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with a range of
issue, including depression, anxiety, trauma, intimacy concerns, body image, grief, identity
issues, life functioning, and transitions. I have experience working with kids, teens, and adults
with diverse backgrounds and identities. As a systemic therapist, I believe in the value of
understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual contexts within which clients exist, and how
those identities inform their unique set of strengths and challenges.
I earned my graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at
Northwestern University, and my undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa
Barbara. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).
I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate of Marriage and Family
Therapist, AMFT # 116121, practicing in the Mayflower office, supervised under Carolina
Miranda, LCSW # 69102.

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

Natalie Thies, LCSW

Associate Therapist

Douglas Tu, ACSW

I have worked with a diverse array of populations such as domestic violence-survivors, undocumented immigrants, individuals struggling with major depression and anxiety, the elderly, teenagers and transitional-age youth. I am experienced in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and grief counseling.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, where I also minored in Applied Psychology. I studied how intersections of gender, race and class influence individuals in a variety of different ways. Particularly, I studied how cultural norms affected mental health services available to the Asian American community. I then received my Masters in Social Work from CSU Los Angeles where I studied how socioeconomic factors influence father involvement. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (#83802), and I am supervised by Kristine Adamian, LCSW.

Therapy may be a journey towards healing but it is not always easy, especially when one is implored to dig deep into what has made them the person they are today. As a therapist who takes a strengths-based approach to clients, I will offer nothing less than my unconditional positive regard. However I am not afraid to challenge clients to become the great people they are always meant to be. With enough hard work and dedication, I believe all human beings have the capacity to perform great feats.

“A future is not given to you. It is something you must take for yourself.” -Unknown

Associate Therapist

Janelle de Veyra, AMFT

I believe working with trauma is both critical and a catalyst for change in the community. I find that each individual’s unique narrative impacts the collective unconscious that we all have the ability to tap into and work with. I specialize in working with empaths, which are people who soak up the emotions of others like a sponge, and give the the opportunity to release excess energies they have been carrying intentionally and unintentionally, differentiating what is truly their own experience versus the feelings, expectations, problems of their closest relationships. My mission as a therapist is to bridge the world of the subconscious and clinical psychology together to empower individuals to live in alignment with their highest purpose. My passion is learning all I can about what it means to be both human and divine- the sacred part of us that has the ability to co-create our own reality; truly experiencing life in this world, making connections, overcoming traumas, and ascending over obstacles that elevate our relationship to the human spirit and one another. My goal is to work with clients in seeking awareness and truth of their authentic selves and their roles in impacting universal consciousness that connects us all.

My favorite specialization is dreamwork or dream tending, where we make the dream come alive in the room and develop a relationship with the psyche. My therapeutic approach stems from depth psychology, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, and solution-focused orientations. I guide others to posses the ability to see the bigger picture of situations, the ability to communicate feelings, and the empowerment to express themselves by encouragement. We delve into the past to find the source of the situation, identifying patterns in life that keep you on a constant loop, shift them with awareness and insight, and reprogram outdated modes of thinking or unwanted reoccurring situations with positive intention placed into a practice that is both practical and strategic, in a way that works for the person. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, crisis interventions, suicide prevention, PTSD, self-harm, social boundaries, and communication skills acquired from working with adolescents and their families in a low-income charter school non-profit organization.

I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate of Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #109589, practicing in the Arcadia Office, supervised under Dr. Jennifer Pruitt, Psy.D License #2009125.

Daniel Wongthavatchai, LCSW

Nairy Aintablian

Associate Therapist

Nicole Woolf, ACSW