Director

Wendy Ludecke Selevitch, PhD

Burbank Site Coordinator

Kristine Adamian, LMFT

I am a bilingual therapist, fluent in Armenian in addition to English, with over 7 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families with a variety of needs and concerns. I specialize in tailoring the treatment to your specific and unique needs; understanding that each person is different and, as a result, their way of coping with issues is also going to be different. My approach is warm, thoughtful, informative and non-judgmental. I am committed to helping you determine what goals you want to meet in your life and what ways to best meet them. I support you in gaining the self-awareness to understand your goals, identifying obstacles hindering your progress, and feeling empowered to make necessary changes for a healthier and happier life.

My mission is to create a safe, therapeutic environment to facilitate exploration and resolution of underlying conflicts that can lead to stagnancy, confusion, depression, complacency, anxiety, and anger. I have experience in the following areas: Adjustment, Aging, Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Bullying, Blended Family Needs, Child/Adolescents, Codependency, Communication Problems, Couples, Depression, Divorce, Grief & Loss, Irritability, Isolation, Multicultural Concerns, Oppositional Behaviors, Phobias, and Traumas.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and went on to receive my graduate degree from the University of Southern California. In 2009, I graduated from USC with my Master’s in Social Work, emphasizing in clinical work. In 2014, I received my licensure through the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Being certified in new therapeutic approaches, I am more fully connected to innovative practices and trends to best serve my clients and their specific needs. I believe that gaining insight in the context of a supportive relationship with one’s therapist will lead to authentic expression, lasting change, and true happiness.

Pasadena Site Coordinator

Lizzete Banuelos, LMFT

“The quality of our life depends on the quality of our relationships.” -Esther Perel

Healthy, loving, and respectful relationships are easier said that done. Unresolved trauma can skew our understanding of a healthy dynamic in our relationships with ourselves and others. I collaborate with individuals and couples in creating therapeutic goals and a plan to help process their struggles with sexual traumas, partner abuse, child abuse, and other traumas. I utilize the therapy tools of EMDR (emdria.org), Trauma Exposure Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy using timelines, Trauma-Focused CBT, along with other relational tools. As a POC I understand the vulnerability and culture sensitivity in opening up about the impact of racism, systematic oppression, and choosing a therapist with a relatable experience.

I earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 from Pacific Oak’s College. I began working for a non-profit organization in 2007 before transitioning into a private practice group setting in 2013. I became the site supervisor in 2017 for the Soultenders Pasadena location where our goal is to provide a compassionate safe space for individuals, couples, and children.

I have experience working with adults and couples struggling with different types of anxiety, PTSD, sexual traumas, child abuse, partner emotional and physical abuse, LGBTQIA/gender identity, relationship conflicts, attachment issues, and divorce/breakups.

Email would be the best way to reach me. I look forward to mapping out a plan towards the day you do not have to feel your past controls your present and future.

San Marino Site Coordinator

Cristina Castrillon, LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide counseling services in both English and Spanish. I’ve worked in an array of settings from community counseling to psychiatric hospital settings. My approach is meeting the patient where they are and using an eclectic theoretical approach to work with what they need. We are all looking to obtain clarity and a sense of happiness and peace. Everyone is working from their experiences, feelings and views on life, making the best decisions based upon what they know to be true. Life can be challenging and at times confusing. Not only could we benefit from obtaining some support through that journey, but heightening our own awareness to ourselves and raising our consciousness to a healthier state of mind. I’m a believer that we all need a sense of purpose, fulfillment and connectivity. I welcome you in your decision to seek that for yourself.

South Pasadena Site Coordinator

Lauren Stockly, LCSW, RPT-S

Lauren Stockly, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor/RPT-S, ECMHS, PPSC

I am a licensed therapist with a passion for supporting youth and their families through the ups and downs of life. I honor the uniqueness of each client and will partner with you to tailor my treatment to their specific needs, goals and strengths. I provide a compassionate, creative, non-judgmental and engaging space for your child/teen to explore their feelings while learning to manage their emotions, behaviors and relationships.
For children, self-expression and communication occur most naturally through play. While adults tend to process thoughts and feelings verbally, children engage in play to show us their inner worlds. This is why I specialize in Play Therapy, a model that uses the therapeutic powers of play to help clients resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development. My practice integrates this invaluable technique with insight-oriented and evidence-based practices including Neurosequential Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Sand Tray, Trauma-Focused CBT, PCIT, Theraplay and Mindfulness.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from UC Irvine before pursuing a Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License # 71707), am a member of the Executive Board of the California Association for Play Therapy. I also have a background in school-based mental health and hold a Pupil Services Credential (PPSC), which has provided me with the training necessary to help you communicate your child’s needs to their school and navigate the special education process. I am the Site Supervisor of the Soultenders Child and Family Center in South Pasadena, where we aim to provide high quality, specialized mental health services for children and families.

I have experience working with children, adolescents and families in a range of areas including: trauma, grief, anxiety, LGBTQA/gender identity, depression, emotional regulation/anger management, school issues, parenting, relationship conflicts, giftedness, life transitions, attachment issues, divorce, selective mutism, domestic abuse, child welfare, and adoption. I am a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) and main passion is for treating childhood trauma and helping clients to reconnect with themselves as they process their experiences at their own pace. I feel honored to be part of each client’s personal journey through recovery as they begin to regain control over their lives.

I also work with Transitional Age Youth (adults 18-25) dealing with childhood trauma and former clients who are now adults and would like to return to therapy. I do not typically accept referrals for adults outside of these circumstances.

Whittier Site Coordinator

Irma Lopez, LMFT

Each of us has a story of something we have been through and how it has impacted our lives. Throughout our journey, we experience some of life’s difficult moments, which can affect our relationships and quality of life. I invite you to share your story with me. I have a gentle and patient approach. I will work with you at your speed, so that we learn together what your purpose in seeking therapy is and what you would like to learn or heal from. I enjoy helping clients find their strengths and provide support for their growth.

I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist. I have 10 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in the following areas: Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Selective Mutism, Life Transitions/Changes, Relationship Conflicts, Communication Difficulties, LGBTQ community and needs, Special Needs Children and impact on families, Divorce/Co-parenting, Adolescents and Suicidal Ideation, Children/Teens and difficulties at school (Academic/Relational Impairments), Children and Teen Victims of Bullying, Positive Parenting, and Narrative Therapy. I enjoy using creative methods such as photography, art, music, literature, and guided imagery.

I graduated in 2006, with a Master’s in Science of Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In 2010, I received my Marriage and Family Therapist License from the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Since 2010, I have been trained in Evidence-Based Practices, including Seeking Safety, Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS). I am a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.

Whittier Location

Claremont Site Coordinator

Christina Olivera, LMFT

We all yearn to feel heard, safe and supported as we journey through life. I invite you into this space where together we can explore life’s challenges, discover your strengths and feed your passions to pursue a fulfilled life. As individuals, I believe it is important for us to learn from our past, have a hope for the future and be able to live in the present. Therapy can provide a safe space and a timeout from a busy world in order to gain insight and skills to live a life with intention.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 6 years of experience working with individuals, families and children (3 to 18 years old) in the following areas: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, Childhood Behavioral Difficulties, Relationship Conflicts, Loss, Divorce/Co- Parenting and Life Transitions. I am trained in the following evidenced based practices: Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Positive Parenting Pathways, Depression Treatment Quality Improvement for Teens, Managing and Adapting Practice (for anxiety, depression and disruptive behavior) and Military FOCUS.

I completed my undergraduate studies at California State University, Fullerton and graduate studies at California Polytechnic University, Pomona where I received a M.S. in Psychology. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License 96690) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences and a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Monrovia Site Coordinator

Jennifer Pruitt, PsyD

I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance at Louisiana Tech University. I completed my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 24215) with the California State Board of Psychology. I am a member of the American Psychological Association and the Pasadena Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Therapy does not involve a therapist giving advice and simple solutions. I guide my clients towards gaining insight and awareness to help them problem solve, make healthy life choices, and establish healthy and meaningful relationships. Therapy can be the supportive environment people need to help make life changes necessary to enhance their lives and futures.

I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. I have experience working with various issues including Depression, Anxiety, relationship conflict or end of relationships, life transitions, abuse, and trauma. In addition, as a Licensed Psychologist, I also have experience completing Psychological Testing with children, adolescents, and adults. As a Psychologist, I enjoy providing therapeutic services and Psychological Assessment services to provide thorough assessment and treatment to individuals.

Cerritos Site Coordinator

Ada Reveles

“Sometimes when things are falling apart they are actually falling into place”

I believe the process of change is inevitable and learning to navigate through life can be overwhelming and at times confusing. Therapy can lightening that load; it allows individuals to understand and manage how they feel, think and behave. Which then permits them to reach a level of acceptance and thus develop compassion for their own experiences. This process along with the development of coping skills and enhancement of ones’ support system promotes an ‘open-door’ for change.I am a bilingual-Spanish Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #90561). I attended the University of California, Irvine and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then continued my education at California State University, Fullerton where I obtained a master’s degree in Counseling. I am a member of California’s Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and have been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction therapy (PCIT) and Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS). I have more than 6 years of experience at non-profit organizations, working with individuals suffering from Major Depressive Disorders, Dysthymic Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, Panic Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, grief & loss and individuals with a history of abuse. I have facilitated family, individual and group therapy sessions where I have focused on helping individuals develop self-awareness, self-compassion, acceptance and coping/stress management skills.I have a passion for working with the “emerging adult” (adolescents and young adults); the transition into adulthood can be a very hectic, conficting, confusing and sometimes overwhelming process. Through psycho-education, awareness, acceptance and tolerance, therapy can assist an individual in gaining peace and balance in their life; ultimately, I hope to provide you with the support, clarity and guidance needed to reach this balance and stability. Please contact me with any questions/concerns. I work out of our Cerritos location and look forward to talking with you.

West L.A. Site Coordinator

Ray Hwang, PsyD

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles. I graduated from Antioch University Santa Barbara with a Doctorate of Psychology Degree in Clinical Psychology with emphases on family systems and family forensics. I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a licensed psychologist (PSY 27910) with the California Board of Psychology.

I have a keen interest in facilitating my clients’ understanding ofthe potential issues adversely affecting their mental health byexploring the dynamics involved in the interplay between theirinternal forces and factors in their external environments. My goal is to promote the well-being of my clients by encouraging and supporting their development of coping skills, perspective taking, confidence and competence, acknowledgment and acceptance of self, mindfulness, and insights as they engage fully and actively in the therapeutic endeavors. I have experience working with clients from a diverse ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. I have conducted individual, couples, family, and group sessions using a wide array of interventions from a range of therapeutic modalities to address issues related to adjustment, acculturation, anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss and grief, trauma, self-esteem, communication, intergenerational/parent-child/relational difficulties, and other behavioral or mental health problems.

I am a therapist with an integrative style and trained in a scholar-practitioner model in the field of clinical psychology. I am particularly sensitive and attuned to the multifaceted influences that shape, reinforce, or perpetuate the individuals’ physical, psychological and emotional experiences. I feel treatments must be individually focused and take into account all relevant content and contextual aspects affecting the individuals in order to be most effective, even though manualized or standardized protocols may afford the clients well intended guidance and structure to address the targeted issues at hand. I strive to work with my clients to identify constructive meanings or narratives of their personal experiences. My goal is to provide support and nurturance on their paths for self discovery and healing, and to encourage their taking the important and pertinent steps to affect positive and sustained change and growth. This may include the transformation and transcendence, not only within the context or scope of their respective selves, but also in the extent of their interpersonal relationships as well.

Rancho Cucamonga Site Coordinator

Emily Liwanag

It can be overwhelming as a parent when your child is experiencing emotional and behavioral concerns. My focus in my practice is working with children, families, and adolescents on a variety of difficult topics. My areas of expertise with children include neglect, divorce, trauma, aggressive outbursts, anxiety, grief and loss, and abuse.

My goal is to offer a safe space to openly express and explore these areas. I use a humanistic/ attachment focused approach and I utilize a variety of interventions (Play Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, mindfulness, sand-tray and Trauma-Focused CBT) to best fit each individual client I work with. I have extensive experience working with young children (0-5) and have training in several modalities for this population (Watch, Wait and Wonder, Preschool PTSD, Theraplay).

I received both my BA in Psychology and my MS in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. I have experience working in school based counseling as well as community mental health.

Arcadia Site Coordinator

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.

Mayflower 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.

Remote Site Coordinator

Aaron Krugman

My favorite part about being a therapist is helping others gain insight that will lead them to the change they want to see in their lives. In my 6 years of counseling experience, I have learned that the most beneficial and impactful part of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. As a result, I use our rapport to develop a connection and provide a strength-based approach to therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #92514) and California State University Long Beach. I utilize an integrative approach, including evidenced-based treatments and other theories, to implement a unique and individual approach for each client. Some of these include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Functional Family Therapy as well as Motivational Interviewing techniques to customize therapy specifically for you. Also, I have experience working with adolescents, individuals, families and couples. Whether your current trouble spots are individual or relational, anxiety or depression, life transitions or just feeling stuck, I know that we can work together to help you reach your goals.
I hope to show that therapy does not need to be painful, but can be an enriching time to learn about yourself. It can be difficult to talk to a stranger and ask for help during this difficult time in your life. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you and in learning more about what makes you…you.