MEET OUR STAFF

SPECIALTY

Adult, Child and Adolescent, and Addiction Psychiatry; Psychoanalysis; Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology

“With medications, we meet the clients halfway. We want to reduce their discomfort but not to a point where they are not able to access their feelings. This is the point to best utilize therapy”

Board Certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry

SPECIALTY

Management

I am humbled and inspired by the courage revealed by every person that comes to us for help. That show of strength and human spirit is what pushes me every day. Everywhere we turn is an opportunity to serve others. We must start looking at these moments deliberately. I see a synchronistic relationship among us all on this planet. Service to others is not only a passion and joy, but it is my responsibility. Our actions, no matter how small, have energy – energy that ripples. I want the ripple effects of my actions and the work we do at Balance to reach far and wide as positive and powerful service to others.

Chief Operating Officer

SPECIALTY

Trauma, Psychological Testing, EMDR, CBT, DBT, Seeking Safety, Trauma Focused CBT, Family Systems, Adolescents

I am passionate about trying to create an environment in which our clients and our staff can thrive, feel cared for, challenged and respected so that they can all be their best selves. I have always done what I do for the same reason and that is so I can support clients compassionately, while holding their pain, being with them and accepting them unconditionally. Working with clients has allowed me to learn from the most resilient teachers.

Clinical Director – Licensed Clinical Psychologist

SPECIALTY

Management

I knew that I wanted to be a part of a system that does good for humanity. Making a living while making real change for good. Working amongst people that feel the same way about their work is often an unrecognized benefit. Working with people who are passionate about contributing positivity to the universe is an incredible luxury. We are on this beautiful blue-green sphere for a finite amount of time. How we spend it says a lot about who we are. I need to know I’m spending it spreading love, joy, and positivity into the universe. I believe it matters. Balance is a perfect vehicle for people like me to give good in life.

Director of Operations

SPECIALTY

Mentalization Based Treatment, CBT, Mindfulness Based CBT, Psychodynamic, Psychosis, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence

I think of the impact I have on people’s lives. I remember the moments when I provided a safe place for someone to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. I remember the reward of seeing a client struggling when they first come in and then finding some relief by the time they leave. I choose this work because it is hard. I choose this work because I want to impact not only the lives I touch but the people around me. I want to leave this world knowing I made a difference and I am lucky enough to be able to make that difference every day.
Balance is a warm, supportive, environment that provides the opportunity for growth not only for clients but for staff as well. I am so happy I get to come to work and be surrounded by people who exhibit similar goals and values as my own.

Program Director Calabasas – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

SPECIALTY

Trauma, Domestic Violence, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Schizophrenia and Acute Psychosis, Child and Family Assessment, Substance Abuse, CBT

I have yet to meet a person diagnosed with an emotional “disorder” who has not experienced injustice, trauma, victimization, injury or rejection. Most often I have found these difficult experiences precede the emotional “disorder.” Vulnerability is easy to relate to as we are all fragile, nurturing and fiercely protective at some point or another in our lives. I entered this field of work with ideals to create more justice, equity and protection for vulnerable populations. I have witnessed and experienced how giving language to pain and sharing stories of vulnerability connects people, softens us and adds the flexibility needed for resilience. I am more alive, self-aware and connected because of this work.

Program Director San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

SPECIALTY

Trauma, Domestic Violence, Mood Disorders

Program Director Visalia – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

SPECIALTY

Trauma, Severe Mental Illness, Dissociation, Adults

Ever since I was little I felt that humans were on this earth to help each other. I feel that like its our responsibility to take care of our earth, its also our responsibility to take care of each other, in all different ways. Some people do this by teaching, coaching, or serving others in some capacity. Others have helped me on my journey, I feel I need to help others on their journey. We have tremendous capacity to survive and to have hope, despite huge struggles and obstacles. I experience Balance as a type of bridge that can help individuals get back on their feet again, and experience their life in a new and healthy way.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

SPECIALTY

Trauma, Trauma-focused CBT, Family Systems, Psychodynamic

Associate Clinical Social Worker – San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria

Associate Clinical Social Worker – Calabasas

SPECIALTY

Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, Attachment, Adult and Child Assessments, Group therapy, CBT

Growing up in an underserved community where mental health services were nonexistent, I have come to understand how essential it is to not only help our communities but to break the cultural stigma around mental health. My clinical experience has included working with underserved populations that have experienced injustices, trauma, and limited access to community resources, rejection, and invalidation. I entered this field with hopes of creating safe spaces for equality, inclusivity, breaking multigenerational cycles of trauma and for our vulnerable clients to be seen and feel heard. Every client deserves a seat at the table, and I hope to achieve that through empathy, compassion, empowerment, and resiliency.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist – San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria