Meet Our Staff

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Meet Our Staff

Our Counselors

We have Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT) and Trainees working at KTH. Both are in the process of gaining their hours towards licensure. The state of California requires 3,000 hours of clinically supervised experience in order to license as a psychotherapist.
On average, this takes 2-5 years- it’s a long dedicated haul!

All our counselors are supervised on a weekly basis by Alexis Marson LMFT 80115 and Gary Henderson LMFT #7053.

Our sliding scale for self pay clients ranges from $75-$135. Insurances accepted include Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna and Medi-cal through Partnership (Placer County) or Anthem Blue Cross (Sacramento County).

Kim Oates

Registered Associate MFT #155156, Registered Associate PCC #19370

Kim Oates

Registered Associate MFT #155156, Registered Associate PCC #19370

You are brave to choose therapy...and I consider it a privilege to witness your journey! You might have a specific issue or find yourself seeking a safe space to be heard, seen, and known. I am going to walk alongside you in support, being curious of what works best to help you meet your therapeutic goals. I draw from a range of trauma-informed therapeutic models to meet the needs of individuals of all ages, couples, and families.

As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I hold a MA in Counseling from Western Seminary.

Additional training:
*(In-process)EMDRIA™ Approved EMDR Basic Training
*Brainspotting
*SYMBIS Assessment for couples
*Child and Adolescent Trauma Training
*Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1
*Attachment-Based Family Therapy

Norka Gaggero

Registered Associate MFT #156746

Norka Gaggero

Registered Associate MFT #156746

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate life transitions with resilience and self-compassion. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Northern Arizona University and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University. After several years of professional practice, I took time off to raise my three children, an experience that deeply informs my therapeutic approach. I believe in the power of identifying and challenging false narratives that no longer serve us, and in rewriting our stories based on our true selves—our strengths, vulnerabilities, and values. Through cognitive-based therapy and a supportive, client-centered approach, I try to help clients build healthier, more fulfilling relationships, starting with themselves.

Daren Eaken

Registered Associate MFT#158498

Daren Eaken

Registered Associate MFT#158498

I work with individuals, couples, and families who know something needs to change but keep finding themselves caught in the same patterns. That might mean having the same conflict over and over, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling disconnected in a relationship, or trying to find your footing through grief, separation, divorce, or another major life transition. My approach is active, practical, and collaborative. I help people slow down and see how a problem works, identify what may be keeping it going, and find new ways of responding that create real change. You can expect more than a place to talk. I offer questions, perspective, honest feedback, and practical experiments that can help turn insight into something different in your everyday life. I work especially well with people who are curious about themselves, open to being challenged, and ready to take an active role in therapy. At the same time, I want therapy to feel human, respectful, and safe enough to be honest about what is difficult. When helpful, I also use clinical hypnosis to help people work with patterns that can be difficult to change through conscious effort alone.

To learn more about how I work, visit https://www.dareneaken.com/

Erika Lutz

Registered Associate MFT #160865

Erika Lutz

Registered Associate MFT #160865

Hi!
I’m Erika Lutz, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, and my Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from Sacramento State University. For 13 years, I had the pleasure of working with children and their families across various age groups as a teacher. I truly believe that effective therapy begins with a genuine and open conversation in a safe environment. My aim is to help clients navigate life’s transitions, gain a deeper understanding of their situations, and build the skills they need to cope. I’m passionate about working with people of all ages, couples, and families!

Grace Talley-Clay

Registered Associate MFT #164045

Grace Talley-Clay

Registered Associate MFT #164045

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, I am passionate about providing a supportive and collaborative space for individuals, couples, and families. With over five years of experience, I have worked with families navigating high-conflict divorce, children in foster care, and special education. I specialize in autism, ADHD, behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics, helping clients strengthen communication and build resilience.

Currently, I am pursuing my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling at the University of Massachusetts Global. I take an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring techniques to each client's needs in office, virtual, and nature-based settings.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our dog, and two cats, as well as hiking, being out on the water, and connecting with friends and family. I believe healing is a journey, and I'm honored to walk alongside my clients as they work toward meaningful change and personal fulfillment.

Molly Christensen

Registered Associate MFT #160797

Molly Christensen

Registered Associate MFT #160797

My journey to become a therapist is driven by a passion for guiding others toward hope and self-discovery. This path wasn't always part of my plan, but after confronting my own struggles and finding empowerment through therapy, I knew I wanted to offer others the same transformative experience.

My approach to therapy is informed by my life experience, which helps me relate to and have compassion for others. As a mother of four—two teenagers and two adults—I've learned many lessons about love, sacrifice, and the challenges of parenting. My role as the wife of a retired military pilot has taken me on 13 moves across the U.S. in 20 years, from which I cultivated resilience and adaptability that I bring to my practice. These life experiences have taught me to grow wherever I'm planted, a skill I'm eager to share with my clients.

After college, I worked in a program that used outdoor survival to help teens uncover their inner strength and self-reliance. Within each of us lies the strength to navigate life's challenges. I'm committed to helping you traverse your personal terrain just like I guided my young charges through the wilderness. With the right skills and support, we all can survive and thrive in our own unique "wilds."

You'll likely find me on the slopes when I'm not working or studying. Snowboarding is more than just a hobby; it's my happy place. I also find joy in travel, whether exploring local spots or venturing abroad. These experiences are particularly special when shared with my family.

Holly Klein

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Holly Klein

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Rooted in curiosity, empathy, and a desire to explore the depths of the human experience, Holly believes that truly being seen holds tremendous power for healing and growth.

Offering a compassionate and collaborative space, her thoughtful approach centers on listening deeply and connecting with clients, honoring their experiences, evolution, and life story. With a grounded, sensitive presence, Holly invites her clients to discover and deepen their self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-trust. Whether facing uncertainty, grief, life transitions, the challenges of parenthood, or the search for meaning, she seeks to help her clients find steadiness in the face of change, loss, and all it means to be human.

When she’s not accompanying clients on their path toward healing, you might find her reading or communing with nature, in the pottery studio or somewhere among the foothills.

Nick Klein

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Nick Klein

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

There are times when life looks manageable on the outside, yet inside something feels heavy or off balance. Many people reach a point where pushing through no longer works, and the weight they’ve been carrying begins to show up as anxiety, exhaustion, or a sense of disconnection from themselves. Therapy can be a place to slow down, take a breath, and begin to feel more grounded again.

Clients often come to me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or wanting a better understanding of their emotions. Over time, many people begin to feel more present and less reactive as they make sense of what they’re experiencing. I offer a grounded space where we can slow things down, explore what’s happening beneath the surface, and work toward change at a pace that feels manageable. When helpful, I incorporate Brainspotting as part of the process.

What shapes my approach is the way I combine clinical training with real-world experience. My background in the Marine Corps and law enforcement helps me show up with steadiness, clarity, and compassion. I pay attention to emotional patterns and how past experiences continue to influence the present, rather than focusing only on diagnoses or symptoms. I value honesty, collaboration, and creating a space where you don’t have to perform or hold everything together.

My role is to walk alongside you as you better understand your story, reconnect with yourself, and decide which parts you want to carry forward and which you’re ready to release.

Sarah Listberger

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Sarah Listberger

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, I bring a unique background in law enforcement and child advocacy, which guides my commitment to supporting children and families through complex transitions. I work closely with individuals and families connected to the foster care system, including foster youth, biological parents, and caregivers navigating reunification and placement challenges.

I specialize in helping families manage high-conflict custody dynamics and co-parenting struggles with a focus on safety, healing, and stability. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and use a collaborative, trauma-informed approach to help children and adults process difficult experiences and build healthier relationships.

I’m passionate about supporting those in demanding or high-stress roles, empowering clients to find resilience, emotional regulation, and connection even in uncertain circumstances. My goal is to provide a safe and grounded space where every client feels seen, supported, and capable of lasting change.

Danielle Thompson

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Danielle Thompson

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Hi, I’m Danielle, a Marriage and Family Therapy trainee earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. I’m drawn to the stories people carry, the ones we tell ourselves, the ones we inherit, the ones we create in relationships, and the ones we’re still in the process of writing. Therapy, to me, is a place to pause and listen closely to those stories, to see them more clearly, and to imagine what new chapters could look like. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, utilizing curiosity, humor, and honest conversation to foster meaningful connections. Together, we’ll explore the emotional patterns that shape your connections with yourself and the people who matter most to you.

Maria Sol Diaz

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Maria Sol Diaz

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

I believe in the inherent goodness in each of us as well as our capacity to self-actualize and reach our goals.

As humans we all face similar challenges throughout our lives: heartbreak, loss, change, the unknown, isolation, and more.

It's often during times of crisis that humans become aware of the emptiness and confusion of their lives and seek someone that can compassionately support them in facing their lives fully.

Therapy can provide a safe place to gain insight into the unavoidable challenges of life, and can help you fine-tune your relationship with yourself, and with others.

My goal is to help you live more harmoniously, authentically and courageously.

I look forward to getting to know you!.

Janell Hastings (She/Her)

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Janell Hastings (She/Her)

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Hi, I’m Janell Hastings, a Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee. I am passionate about creating safe, compassionate spaces for recovery, growth, and belonging. I’m currently completing my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at National University, where I focus on trauma-informed, integrative therapy that honors the connection between mind, body, and relationships.

I have a special interest in working with children and adolescents, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build resilience. My approach is rooted in empathy, equity, and inclusivity, and I believe in guiding clients to shift their perspective from trauma toward post-traumatic growth by discovering strength, meaning, and empowerment through their restorative journey.

My passion for therapy comes from my lived experience as a burn survivor, which gives me a deeply relational and strengths-based perspective. Alongside my clinical training, I work as an Experience Consultant, leading patient experience initiatives and creating programs that foster healing environments. I also volunteer with the Firefighter Burn Institute, supporting adolescent burn survivors and speaking on emotional resilience. At home, I cherish time with my daughter, encouraging her creativity and goals as a musician.

I believe therapy should be collaborative, creative, and holistic. Empowering you to discover your own pathway to wellness. My goal is to help clients feel safe, seen, and heard as you work toward meaningful change in a space where you truly belong. I look forward to partnering with individuals, couples, and families.

Katie Moroni

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Katie Moroni

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Many people reach out when life or relationships begin to feel heavy or strained. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating overwhelm, anxiety, and change. Parents often seek support when they feel worried about their child or unsure how to help. Therapy offers space to pause and make sense of what’s going on.

I pay close attention to patterns in how people relate, respond, and protect themselves, especially during times of stress or transition. Our work often involves understanding the stories people tell about themselves and their relationships, noticing how family dynamics shape those patterns, and building practical tools to support change in daily life.

I am especially interested in working with women who feel stuck in patterns that leave them disconnected from themselves, and who want to build stronger self-trust, balance, and emotional clarity. My background balancing professional and family responsibilities has shaped my understanding of the pressures that can come with being pulled in many directions.

Sometimes beginning is simply noticing that something needs attention, and allowing space to explore it.

Robin Mellott

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Robin Mellott

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Therapy, to me, is about real connection - being seen, heard, and supported in a space where you can just be yourself. As a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, I offer a grounded and compassionate approach that meets you where you are. I believe in helping people untangle the thoughts, patterns, and emotions that keep them feeling stuck so they can move toward a life that feels more balanced and meaningful.

Jason Sims

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Jason Sims

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

I am passionate about helping people that are struggling. I realize that therapy can be a transformative experience. I also believe effective therapy is grounded in the quality of the relationship with my clients, and as such, I aim to provide a space for you to be heard and seen in ways you might not have previously experienced. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I help those struggling with an array of personal and interpersonal concerns. These include substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Whether struggling with these predicaments, life transitions, grief and loss, or relationships, I am here as a guide and resource. I employ a collaborative and active style to help you achieve your goals. I utilize an integrative-therapeutic approach with a variety of techniques tailored to your strengths, preferences, abilities, goals, and needs.

I am also a certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC-II, #A054020824), certified clinical supervisor (CCS, #CACS5331124), and experienced as a program and clinical director at co-occurring disorder treatment facilities.

When I am not helping clients in achieving their goals, I appreciate spending time with family and friends. I love weekend warrior style adventures around the State of California. I also appreciate longer international trips and spent many years studying, living, working, and traveling abroad.

I am eager to support and guide you through a path of personal growth and healing. Please contact me now if you are interested in collaborating on your journey.

Sydnie Dunn

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Sydnie Dunn

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Hi, I’m Sydnie, a graduate student in Alliant University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. I take a warm, personal, and emotionally focused approach to therapy, with a strong emphasis on building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I believe that feeling truly seen, heard, and understood can be the foundation for meaningful change. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions, relationships, and experiences at their own pace. Outside of school and therapy, I enjoy spending time with my dog and appreciating the simple moments in life.

Kyleiann O’Connor

Registered Associate MFT #146475 Registered Associate PCC #16433

Kyleiann O’Connor

Registered Associate MFT #146475 Registered Associate PCC #16433

I love cycling, football, movies, reading, spending time with loved ones, and helping others. My ideal client is willing to be vulnerable and transparent. Someone who knows what it is to struggle but also wants to improve their life. I have 15 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working with babies, children, and adults. I am also a mom to a child on the autism spectrum. I use these experiences to enhance my relationship with the people I work with. I desire to help others heal, grow, and reach their fullest potential. Life is hard, I have experienced a lot of hardship, but there is beauty to be found if we seek it.

I am an incredibly empathetic and compassionate individual who knows what it is to face difficulties, trauma, and challenges. I also know hope. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma or any other struggle life throws your way, I can help you navigate your way to a more fulfilling place. I see children, teens, adults, and couples/families.It would be a privilege to partner with you on your healing journey.

There is no greater honor than to meet someone where they are and watch them grow. Please know in your time with me you will be seen, heard, and fully accepted. I have walked a difficult journey and know personally the hope of healing in therapy.

Daniela Antone

Registered Associate MFT #144288 Registered Associate PCC #15570

Daniela Antone

Registered Associate MFT #144288 Registered Associate PCC #15570

I believe mental health is as important as physical health and should always be prioritized. No matter what we go through, having someone who makes us feel safe, understood, and supported can make all the difference.

As a wife for over 20 years, mother to two teenage daughters, PTSD survivor, and one who worked with individuals in orphanages, senior centers, and prisons, I can say that the life experience I gained so far is my most valuable "textbook" that has guided my approach as a therapist. I believe that no matter what adversity we face in life, whether it's an illness, relationship problems, the hardships of parenthood, career, or trauma, we can overcome it once we let ourselves be vulnerable and decide to take back control over our lives. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know therapy is one of the greatest steps you can take, as it can help you achieve peace, strength, courage, purpose, and victory over fear and shame. I would be honored to walk alongside as you achieve your goals for a better tomorrow.

Ellie Gresser

Registered Associate APCC #22884

Ellie Gresser

Registered Associate APCC #22884

Sometimes life brings us to places we never expected to be. Therapy can be a space to pause, make sense of where we are, and begin to listen to the parts of ourselves that know the way forward.

I believe there is an inner wisdom within each of us that can guide us toward what we need, and I see my role as a therapist as helping you to reconnect with that part of yourself. I feel deeply honored to walk alongside people through some of life’s most difficult and meaningful moments. I strive to offer a space for my clients that feels warm, steady, and free of judgment, where you can take a breath, feel supported, and reconnect with what feels true and important to you.

My journey to become a therapist began with earning my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England, along with a certification in Trauma Counseling. My experience as a therapist spans from community health settings to private practice. Having lived in the Midwest, New England, Colorado, and now California, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people from many different backgrounds. These experiences have shaped who I am and how I show up as a therapist. I value staying open minded, adaptable, and curious, and I genuinely enjoy connecting with new people and learning from the experience they bring.

Outside of therapy, I love trail running, yoga, crafting, and spending time at home with my husband and our silly French bulldog.

Allina Flores

Registered Associate MFT #160109

Allina Flores

Registered Associate MFT #160109

My name is Allina and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT).

I value making connections in a way that feels real and true. It is important to me to honor the map of who you are because you deserve to be met with that level of care. Whether it’s your first session with me or your 50th, your story deserves and will receive the utmost respect. I also strive for therapy to feel safe, human, grounded, and authentic.

I know from my own experience how incredibly difficult it can be to find your footing again and how much of a difference it makes to have someone help and guide you. We can make sense of your internal world and the things happening around you together. I believe that together we can find clarity and balance.

A little about me: I'm a Northern California native who loves music and anything that allows me to express myself creatively. I play a few instruments (not a pro here, just for fun), and my kitchen has definitely heard me sing more than once. I also love dancing and staying active.

I was a proud military spouse for many years and was fortunate enough to have lived in different parts of the country. Now that my husband is retired, I am excited and grateful to serve this community. Lastly, I am a mom to a sweet little boy who I spend much of my free time with

AMFT #160109 | Supervised by Gary Henderson, LMFT #7053

Tracey Peterson

Registered Associate MFT #140851

Tracey Peterson

Registered Associate MFT #140851

At some points in our lives, we get mired down with life’s challenges, have difficulties in our relationships, or just feel stuck. In these moments, we may feel alone and unsure of what to do next. I am here to be with you in those moments, to offer a listening ear and a helping hand. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #140851), I am passionate about connecting with my clients, providing a safe space in which to explore the past and present, and together finding a new path forward.

The journey of therapy is different for every person and my goal is to be a genuine, caring, and compassionate companion throughout this experience. Embarking on the path of therapy together provides an opportunity for connection, understanding, and healing.

I discovered my curiosity for psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Many years later, my fascination with people led me back to the field, and I completed my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at UMass Global. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, bicycling, paddle boarding, practicing yoga, and reading.

Erika Lutz

Registered Associate MFT #160865

Erika Lutz

Registered Associate MFT #160865

Molly Christensen

Registered Associate MFT #160797

Molly Christensen

Registered Associate MFT #160797

Jessica Deatherage

Registered Associate MFT #162902

Jessica Deatherage

Registered Associate MFT #162902

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and you don’t have to navigate it on your own. My hope is that therapy is a space where you can slow down, be honest, and continue finding yourself in the midst of it all. I believe we’re always growing and evolving. There isn’t a final point of arrival, and there can be real comfort in that. I believe meaningful change happens through authentic connection, empathy, and feeling truly seen and heard. Having faced my own challenges, I understand the courage it takes to seek support and will walk alongside you toward healing and finding yourself. I will meet you with unwavering empathy, always staying beside you, never asking you to go anywhere I am not willing to go myself. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from William Jessup University. Outside of my work with clients, you'll find me enjoying outdoor adventures with my family or expanding my mind through learning and new experiences. I value connection, curiosity, and finding moments of joy in the world around me.

Sarah Listberger

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Sarah Listberger

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Mattea Frost

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Mattea Frost

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and I deeply honor the courage it takes to step into this space. It is a privilege to walk alongside clients as they share their stories, and begin their healing journeys.

My therapeutic approach is shaped by both my training, and my personal life experience. I understand that life can be unpredictable, heavy, and complex. So I strive to create a place that clients can be met with curiosity, compassion and acceptance. I believe that meaningful change begins in relationship. Where people feel truly seen and understood.

I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Davis and am currently pursuing my Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from William Jessup University. Outside of the office, I’m often working on becoming a better home barista on my Breville espresso machine, or chasing after my toddler in the backyard.

Janell Hastings (She/Her)

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Janell Hastings (She/Her)

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Hannah Olariu

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Hannah Olariu

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and therapy offers a safe and supportive space to slow down, reflect, and begin healing. My goal is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I believe therapy should be personalized and collaborative, meeting you exactly where you are while walking alongside you toward growth

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at William Jessup University. In addition to my clinical training, I work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), which has deepened my experience supporting children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. I absolutely love working with children and teens navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma. My work has shown me how powerful early support and a strong therapeutic relationship can be in helping people build resilience and confidence.

As I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I am increasingly aware of the profound impact of authentic connection in the therapeutic process. I see myself not as someone who “fixes,” but as a helper walking alongside you on your journey toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself. I understand the courage it takes to seek support, and I am committed to offering empathy, warmth, and steady presence every step of the way.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy staying active—especially playing soccer—spending time playing piano and listening to music, traveling, and getting fresh air whenever I can. I value connection, joy, and lifelong learning, and I bring that same curiosity and care into the work I do with my clients.

Alicia Lewis

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Alicia Lewis

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, or other difficult experiences affect your emotional well-being and how you connect with yourself and others.

I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, relationship and family conflict, parenting stress, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma informed, recognizing how past experiences and relationships can shape the way we think, feel, and connect with others.

I know that starting therapy can feel scary, and sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone new can be intimidating. My hope is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, validated, and free from judgment. My goal is to build a trusting relationship with you where you feel genuinely seen and understood. Together, we can better understand what you’re experiencing, recognize patterns, and work toward meaningful change.

I help clients better understand their emotions, develop healthier ways of coping and communicating, and build more meaningful connections. I also incorporate tools that support emotional regulation and recognize the connection between our experiences, emotions, and nervous system. I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at William Jessup University while pursuing my path toward licensure.

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two daughters. I love staying active, hiking, spending time outdoors, and discovering great food. I value connection, laughter, balance, and finding joy in the everyday moments.

Anika Poole

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Anika Poole

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Hi, I am Anika.

I love stories and connecting with people beyond the surface. So much of our lives can be spent trying to meet expectations, keep up, or fit in. Along the way, we can easily lose sight of who we really are. I believe there is a difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and sometimes that starts with learning how to belong to ourselves.

I want to hear your story, understand your experiences, and get to know the person you are beneath all the expectations. I want to understand your unique perspective and offer you a safe, accepting space where you can be yourself. Together, we can find your path forward, one that feels authentic and right to you.

A little about me: I was born and raised in Germany and moved to the United States after meeting my husband while studying abroad. Building a life in another country has shaped the way I think about identity and what it means to find your place in the world.

Before entering the mental health field, I earned a Master of Education degree, but my life experiences led me in a different direction. I want to support people as they navigate life’s challenges and moments of growth.

My husband and I now have three daughters, two dogs, and eight chickens. Outside of work, I love photography and anything creative, being outdoors, hiking and backpacking, and spending time with my family.

Gracie Garibaldi

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Gracie Garibaldi

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Life can feel really difficult sometimes. There may be days when getting out of bed feels like a challenge, or when you wish you had someone you could talk to openly without worrying about being judged or misunderstood. I want to provide a space where you can be honest about what you’re going through and feel genuinely listened to. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you work through the things that may be weighing on you.

I believe that understanding ourselves can be an important part of healing and growth. Together, we can explore the patterns behind the way you think, feel, and respond, including how experiences may show up in your body. From there, we can work toward developing skills that help you cope, process difficult experiences, and feel more capable of handling what life brings. I feel especially drawn to working with children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate anxiety, depression, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also have an interest in trauma work and look forward to continuing to grow my knowledge and skills in this area.

I am an LMFT Trainee currently pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at William Jessup University. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University. Outside of therapy, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, taking my dog to the park, and exploring new places and experiences. I value connection, curiosity, and continuing to learn, both personally and professionally.

My hope is that you leave therapy feeling more understood, more confident in yourself, and with skills you can continue to carry with you beyond our work together.

Jason Sims

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Jason Sims

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

I am eager to support and guide you through a path of personal growth and healing. Please contact me now if you are interested in collaborating on your journey.

Kaitlyn Bottaro

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Kaitlyn Bottaro

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

I know that starting therapy can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are sitting down with someone you have never met and being asked to talk about some of the most personal parts of your life. I do not expect you to walk into therapy knowing exactly what you want to say or even where to begin. My goal is to create a space where you can show up as you are, without judgment, and know that there is someone in the room who genuinely wants to understand you and your story.

I see therapy as something we do together. I may bring clinical knowledge into the room, but you are the expert on your own life, and we can work together to figure out what healing and growth looks like for you. I especially enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life changes. I believe people are so much more than the problems that bring them to therapy, and I try to stay curious about not only what someone is struggling with, but also who they are, what matters to them, and what has helped them keep going. My hope is to create a relationship where you feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and exploring things at your own pace. There is no “right” way to do therapy, and we can take the time to find what works best for you.

As for the more “formal” stuff, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Theology from Jessup University and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology on the LPCC/MFT track. Outside of graduate school, I work in residential mental health with youth who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, and behavioral and emotional challenges. I also have experience working in adult crisis mental health and supporting individuals with autism. Working in these settings has taught me how important it is to stay calm when things feel overwhelming, meet people where they are, and take the time to understand the person underneath the behavior.

Outside of the therapy room, you would probably find me on nature walks with my camera or at a bowling alley with my friends! I value humor, authenticity, and being able to be myself, and I want my clients to feel that same freedom in therapy. Therapy can hold the really hard conversations, but I also believe there is room for laughter, celebrating progress, and simply being human along the way.

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