Meet The CPLA Team

We are committed to bringing counseling and support to all underserved communities so that every student has the best possible chance for emotional well-being and a promising future. 

Do What You Love, and Love What You Do.

Therese Funk ​

Executive Director, & Co-Founder 

In 2012, Therese co-founded CPLA with her long-time colleague, Monica Dessert after both working for Outreach Concern. Therese worked there for five years, all of them with her co-founder Monica Dessert. She received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from UCLA, her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal Grad Institute, AND an MBA from USC. Therese is on the Advisory Board of Vision of Hope. She is also one of the founding members of EveryChild Foundation. 

therese@counselingpartnersofla.org

Monica Dessert

Clinical Director, & Co-Founder

Monica Taylor Dessert co-founded and serves as the Clinical Director of Counseling Partners of Los Angeles. She received her Masters in Counseling from California State University, Northridge and Bachelors in Psychology and Economics from University of California, Los Angeles. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years experience working with children and families in a school setting, Monica brings a passion and enthusiasm for making a difference in children’s lives.

​monica@counselingpartnersofla.org

Jen Vitanza

Field Supervisor

Jen began working with CPLA in January of 2016. She began as a counselor at St. Genevieve Elementary and High Schools; and moved into the Field Supervisor position in 2018. Jen received her Bachelor's in Psychology and her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy  from California State University, Northridge. In addition to her work with CPLA, she has worked at the Mitchell Family Counseling Center at CSUN, and in a private practice setting at Social Coaching Club where she works with children, teens and families. As a Field Supervisor, Jen provides support and mentorship to counselors, as well as assists them through crises. She is committed to the professional growth and progress of each counselor and dedicates her time to ensure a safe and thriving school community. ​

​​​jen@counselingpartnersofla.org

Tasha Campbell

Field Supervisor

Tasha began working with CPLA in January of 2018 as a counselor at St. Joseph's and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. She moved to the Field Supervisor position in the summer of 2019. Tasha first discovered her passion for working with children and their families when she volunteered at the Therapeutic Recreation Center, working with children with disabilities on social and communication skills. She then attended the University of Oregon, where she received her Bachelors in Psychology and Minor in Special Education, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. At Oregon, she was a research assistant at the Family Behavioral Health Lab, which studied on the affect of stress on families with a history of child abuse. Tasha has a passion for supporting children and adolescent's journeys in finding self-confidence and reconnecting them to their families. Focusing on compassion and strengthening their clinical skills, Tasha works to build capacity in her counselors as a Field Supervisor. 

​tasha@counselingpartnersofla.org

Jenna Tattersall

Field Supervisor

Jenna began working for CPLA in June of 2017. She began as a counselor at St. Raphael Elementary School and moved to the Field Supervisor position in the fall of 2019. Jenna received her Bachelor's in Psychology and honors minor in Interdisciplinary Studies from San Diego State University. Thereafter, she went to USC where she received her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. Following the master's program, Jenna worked along Dr. Rossier, USC alum and founder of a school-based counseling program in Orange County. Jenna has experience working as a school-based therapist in several school settings and districts. Moreover, she has worked with students of all ages and grades, including elementary school, middle school, and high school. In addition to her work with CPLA, Jenna works in a private practice setting providing therapy to young children, teens, and families. As a Field Supervisor, Jenna aims to foster professional growth, clinical skills, and confidence in her counselors. 

jenna@counselingpartnersofla.org

Our Board

The community leaders that serve on our Board of Directors are volunteers that lend their time and expertise to guide our organization responsibly and effectively. Our board is made up of leaders from the private, non-profit and public sectors:
Ms. Andrea Curthoys
Mrs. Monica Taylor Dessert
Ms. Therese Funk
Ms. Yoseline Lopez-Marroquin
Mrs. Marcy Woodhull Polhemus
Bishop David O’Connell is a special advisor to CPLA

Program Staff

The CPLA team includes volunteer Masters-level trainees and post-graduate associates working under the close supervision of licensed therapists. All of the CPLA staff are experienced counselors and have undergone a thorough interview and screening process. Counselors attend intensive training prior to their school placements and additional monthly trainings throughout the school year. CPLA believes that consistent oversight and strong supervision of counselors are critical components in achieving success with the students we serve and to best support the training and growth of our counselors.