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Bethanie John I am a student at Pepperdine. I originally applied to Pepperdine to get an ABA Masters, but quickly realized MFT was a better fit for me and was luckily able to switch tracks. I am now going for dual-licensure and completing my final semester this summer; I can't believe it. It has felt like I've been in school for a long time and it has gone by quickly all at the same time. I am also a freelance dog sitter and a part-time nanny to twin boys. One of my passions/interests is... old cars, just kidding!! I wish I had exciting hobbies, but the truth is I am a huge introvert and passionate about introverts. I love watching TV and movies. I enjoy reading, but at the end of the day, it's TV over everything. What would I like to be doing in 10 years? This is a tough question to answer because there are many options in this field and many ways to combine my interests with therapy. I am open to experiencing different aspects of this field in order to find and create my fit within the mental health community. The next couple of years of being pre-licensed feels like the time to explore and really find my niche. In 10 years, I will be continuing to align my values with my career. I hope in 10 years, mental health and health care, in general, are not only adequate but really serving and helping populations most in need and deserving of care. I saw Therese and Karen speak during a practicum class at Pepperdine. When Therese and Karen started to speak, I hoped they would consider me to train at CPLA. I loved their dynamic, their personalities, and their passion. Their banter with each other indicated that CPLA had a great working environment and the way they spoke about what it was like to work at CPLA made CPLA my top choice immediately. I also thought working with children in a school setting felt like the next gradual step for me because I have a lot of experience babysitting and nannying. I thought CPLA would be a great way to continue working with children but with the added mental health aspect. What is comforting to me about therapy is that the therapeutic relationship is the most important and effective aspect of therapy. I hope that I can impact children by giving them my complete time, attention, presence, and non-judgement during the session, and in doing so, validate them and their experience. I think children feeling accepted just as they are can be very healing for them. It has been such a great experience being part of the CPLA community. I really enjoy the school I am based in and clients I get to work with. I am grateful for all of the supervisors I've been able to train with. Everyone is equally passionate and brings different perspectives, life and work experiences that have all impacted my professional work. I now have high expectations before going to another site because I want supervision and training to be as on-point as it is at CPLA. Kenzie Jenest I am currently studying at Pepperdine University, graduating in May 2022 with my MA in Clinical Psychology and an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. My passions include mental health awareness and advocacy, accessible healthcare, sustainable living, helping people connect to their bodies, and many others. As for hobbies, I love reading, cooking, camping, weightlifting, and doing yoga. I consider myself a lifelong student because I am endlessly curious and wanting to learn more. You can usually find me reading a book or two…or three. I actually quit my full-time job before starting with CPLA because I wanted to dedicate my last year of grad school to practicum and coursework (I feel very lucky to have been able to do this!) Before making the professional leap into mental health, I worked mostly in the entertainment industry. That industry is obviously quite different from this work, but it allowed me to learn from others, grow as a person, and finally pursue my current career path. In my spare time, I like to volunteer and practice self-care, which looks like hanging out with loved ones, eating delicious food, spending time outdoors, and moving my body. In 10 years, I hope to be living in a cute little house covered with vines with my partner and a few dogs, working as a therapist with adolescents and adults (individuals and couples). But who knows! I’m a planner at heart, but I also want to keep my options open. I love connecting people to resources they need and I also love teaching, so I am considering working in multiple facets of the mental health field. At the very least, I want to show kids and young adults that help is out there. I also hope to show kids and young adults that safe and healthy relationships are possible and that they are capable of cultivating these relationships. As most of my clients know by now, I want to help them accept the notion that change is the only constant and that life can be uncertain but ultimately worth living. I initially wanted to work for CPLA because my original goal was to be a high school counselor. We didn't have any emotional support at the schools I attended, and I wanted to be that person for children. I always felt that there was more to being a kid than just being a student, and there's much more to counseling than just focusing on academics! I love working for CPLA because there is so much built-in support. I never feel like I’m going at it alone, and they truly honor and emphasize the training element of their agency. There are endless resources and opportunities to learn more, which is my favorite thing to do. Additionally, I have enjoyed being able to form honest therapeutic relationships with kids who might have never had this experience before. It is immensely rewarding watching children learn more about themselves and apply the skills they learn in counseling in their everyday life. Katarina Avalos I earned my bachelor's degree from California State University, Fullerton in 2019 and am now getting my Master's in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. I am excited to be graduating at the end of this year! When I am not at my site I also work as a substitute teacher and a graduate course assistant for an undergraduate Abnormal Psychology course. When I am not working or in school I enjoy exploring outdoors, playing guitar, and spending time with my friends and family. In 10 years, I hope to hold dual licensure as an LMFT and LPCC working in a community setting with children and/or individuals who require court mandated therapy. As a therapist, I hope that at minimum, I am able to be a compassionate and stable figure in the lives of those who need it most. I have worked both clinically and non clinically with children and adolescents for the past seven years. I wanted to continue my work with this population and came across CPLA. While searching for a practicum site, it was extremely important to me that I was part of a company that was dedicated to not only helping others, but also to providing new therapists with the support and guidance needed to flourish professionally and make differences in the lives of others. I was drawn to CPLA because not only do they provide all of this, but they go above and beyond to make our work as therapists feel appreciated. I love working for CPLA because of the wonderful support they provide for all of us Clinicians. Between the supervisors, FSP's and Director, even the most challenging of times feel manageable. There are continuous opportunities for us to learn and grow as therapists through consultations, monthly training, and student presentations, which are essential elements of creating compassionate and skillful clinicians. I also love that CPLA dedicates their time to work with underserved and low- income families. Being able to provide therapy to this particular population has been beyond rewarding and through this experience I have grown so much as both a person and a therapist. Stephany Martinez In 2018, I received my B.A. in Psychology from Cal State University Long Beach. Currently I am continuing my education at Pepperdine University where I will earn my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I chose to work for CPLA after learning how much their mission and values aligned with my own professional goals. Some of those professional goals include working with children and young adults in underserved communities. It was also important for me to work in an environment where respect and unconditional support is emphasized. I have enjoyed the flexibility of being able to apply different modalities into my work as I believe therapy is not a one size fits all. I am passionate about working in a field where I can help others become the best versions of themselves. Being a part of each client’s personal growth has been both rewarding and inspiring; everyday I am reminded that this career is truly where I am supposed to be. In 10 years, I hope to have grown into a stronger therapist and hope to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others. Lynnae Arredondo I received my bachelors in sociology and child development. I am currently obtaining my masters in social work from Ohio State University. I wanted to work for CPLA for a variety of reasons however, the first thing that caught my eye was the mission and the population CPLA serves. I have a passion for providing counseling to students in a school based setting because not only can we work with families to provide interventions in the home but we also have the opportunity to work with teachers to give guidance in the classroom. Providing one to one mental health counseling allows me to empower students to create changes in their lives and having the opportunity to do that brings me joy. Some of my interests include working out, walking my dog Ollie, traveling and eating at new places/trying different kinds foods ! In my past roles I have been a First Grade teacher, a Counselor where I helped children with social emotional skills.I have also worked as a Foster Care Licensor where I helped families become licensed to become foster/adoptive parents. Each of my roles have led me to know and love working with children and families and I am grateful to have had these amazing opportunities. In 10 years I see myself happily working as a therapist for children, families and couples. My goal is to help every client I work with to view their life/challenges with a new perspective. I hope to give them the tools to feel successful without my guidance and ultimately feel happiness and peace in their life. Sarai Rodriguez I received my BA in Human Development and Minor in Child Development from CSULB in 2018. I recently graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills. I received my MS in Marital & Family Therapy. My number one favorite thing to do is spending time with my family. I also enjoy; crafting, walking my dog, and hiking when the weather is good. I am a mother to a soon-to-be 5-year-old, which keeps me pretty busy on top of the fact that I am a big introvert who loves to binge-watch shows in the comfort of my home. You'll see a bit of an extrovert in me when you catch me at Disney occasionally. Disneyland and California Adventure are one of my top ways to self-care! I enjoy the rides and the yummy treats while I am at the parks! In 10 years, I see myself working to improve our underserved communities. I still see myself primarily working with children and families and maybe by this time I have also added working with women who have struggled with infertility, child loss, and postpartum depression as this is something I have been challenged with myself and hope to one day be able to help others cope with their grief. Aside from professionally, on the personal side I hope to have my own home and add another child to our family and also a few more four-legged babies. I hope I am able to be a person in a child's life that reassures them that they are worthy and that they have so much to give and so much more to experience. If I am able to do this for a child then that would translate to how I would hope to change the world since this would help decrease the stigma on mental health and decrease suicide rates and increase healthy ways in which children can voice when they are struggling. I wanted to work for CPLA because of a few reasons: a. I did not have a great experience with school staff when I was in K-12, and more specifically when I was in high school. I wanted to "be the change" that I wish I would have received because it was much needed. b. Working with kids was always something I envisioned myself doing, I didn't know in what capacity, but I quickly realized how much of an impact a counselor can have in a child's life. And c. I often think about my childhood which leads me to think about how it would have been great to feel fully supported by someone as I was discovering who I was and figuring out my identity in this big world. I feel passionate about being that person for children. As an adult looking back, I know I was cared for and loved, but it did not always feel that way. Receiving counseling in a school setting as children is beneficial in so many ways! Some of those include learning to express themselves, acquiring healthy coping skills, learning mindfulness techniques for when they are feeling stuck, feeling validated, feeling heard, and one of the biggest ones is learning to reach out when things feel like they are falling apart, CPLA gave me the opportunity to be this person to children and it is honestly such a privilege. Additionally, while working for CPLA I have felt very supported and I love the community of counselors always sharing ideas and providing feedback to each other. I have also been very lucky to have such supportive supervisors that will hold your hand through the hard things that sometimes need to be done and then making sure you process if anything came up for you. Gabrielle Torres I am currently studying at Palo Alto University and working on my dual licensure (MFT & LPCC). I spent 4.5 years working as a Behavior Therapist with children on the Autism Spectrum. I learned the ins and outs of behavior modification and how this can help decrease our everyday "problems". But I have always had a passion for discovering what goes on behind those behaviors. This passion led me to pursuing my Masters in Counseling and taking what I have learned in my own life and experiences and using that to help support others in their self-exploration. I am (obviously) passionate about serving others. But in my free time, I am either spending time with my family and friends or working out in the gym. The body and the mind are muscles and they both should be worked on! I hope to change the world (even if it's just 1 child's world) by spotlighting the importance of mental health and complete wellness. Humans are flawed, and we will always be working on ourselves. But if we focus on being the best versions of ourselves every chance we get, we will all see each other for who we truly are-- people who yearn for understanding and have the need to be loved and supported. My ultimate goal is to leave the lives I've touched, desiring and demanding to know themselves more so they can show up for those in their lives. In 10 years, I see myself owning a private practice that focuses on total wellness. Meaning it will be a space that houses not only mental health therapy, but also nutrition and body wellness professionals as well. I am a huge believer in advocating for those who are not spoken for; the children and communities CPLA serves deserve a space to express themselves, whether good or bad. I wanted to be a part of a team who placed high importance on this! I love working for CPLA because it has given me a chance to touch the lives of impressionable children. Whether they are 5 years old or 13 years old, they have not only trusted me with supporting them, they have taught me to appreciate every moment I get on earth and to never take things for granted. Michaela Harris I am currently studying at Azusa Pacific University for my MFT degree. I currently work in retail and have managerial experience of over 5+ years. Recently, I was a manager at my retail job but decided to step down so that I could focus on my education. I was also a Girl Scout growing up. I am a very caring and passionate person who loves to help out my family and friends but also anyone in general. I try to go above and beyond to help anyone out if I can because I know what it is like to feel as though you do not have any support. Some of my hobbies/passions/interests are listening to crime podcasts, drawing, painting, and baking.
In 10 years, I see myself being more of an advocate for having more mental health services and resources provided in schools. My entire school career, I did not have a mental health counselor that I could have gone to about my mental health and I know a lot of schools do not have access to these sorts of resources. I hope to change the views on mental health and let others know that it is ok to want to work on their mental health and that just because you talk to someone about your problems or issues, it does not mean that you are crazy or something is wrong with you. I hope to show others that there are people out there who do care and support them, even if it's only 1 child's world that I change. I wanted to work for CPLA because it provides mental health resources/services to children and families. This was really important to me because I truly believe that children are the future and in order to succeed, children and families need to be supported in every way whether that is academically, socially, and/or mentally. I love working for CPLA because it allows me to be a support system to children and their families. I am able to relate to a lot of the different developmental stages our students may be currently going through and I am able to validate how they feel and show them that they are not alone and are not going to continue to be alone as they continue to grow in these areas. Danielle Dickerson I am currently studying at Mount Saint Mary's University, located in Los Angeles, CA, attaining my MFT degree in Counseling Psychology. I am currently a Tools for Peace facilitator based in Los Angeles County. Tools For Peace is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and cultivating social/emotional awareness through mindfulness and meditation practice within Los Angeles Public Schools. Some things that nourish me are exchanging postcards and letters to others across the United States, Birdwatching, and Nature-walking, including hiking trails. Some of my interests are reading poetry and writing. I also like to spend time with my loved ones when I can. I see myself working with students ranging from 14 to 24 years through school settings in ten years. I enjoy the idea of providing services at a location that may initially offer safety and comfort for many youth and young adults developing their sense of self. I also see myself engaging in community projects centered around mindfulness and meditation for youth and young adults across the country and the world. I hope to co-create a safer world for all to feel comfortable being themselves with guidance and support. I hope to normalize the practice of accepting and requesting help during difficult times- we all depend upon one another in many different ways. Recognizing and strengthening this interdependency is crucial. What drew me to working with CPLA were their core values centered on nurturance and agency in improving the wellbeing of students across Los Angeles County. I found their work to be inspiring. I envisioned myself being led by several professionals dedicated to students' mental health – body and mind. Working with CPLA provides this ample opportunity to learn more about myself in the service of others. I believe CPLA's level of support and advocacy for students' wellbeing emphasizes responsibility and care, which I find vital during these times. Bridget Monge I am earning my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in marriage and family therapy at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in downtown Los Angeles. I am passionate about mental and physical wellness so I take time to incorporate a combination of activities into my daily life such as yoga, hiking, and gardening, just to name a few! I enjoy traveling and exploring new places as well as spending time with my family, my friends and my big dog baby Georgie! I am a self proclaimed foodie! I love to eat at new places and try different foods, so it makes sense for me to be involved in the hospitality industry. When I'm not at my CPLA school site, I'm making awesome drinks and serving delicious food in the South Bay. I connect with my guests over a food experience. Past guests have included me in their food blogs and I have regulars who appreciate the overall experience they receive at the restaurant. I'm passionate about serving people in general. I wanted to be a part of the CPLA family because of the committed and genuine work that is being done with children and adolescents. CPLA recognizes the importance of giving students a safe space to be themselves and feel supported. I love working for CPLA because it has allowed me to grow as a person and a professional. My position at CPLA has gifted me many new relationships that I am forever thankful for and most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to be a role model for my students. I feel very supported at CPLA and am grateful for the people who take time to help me through my journey. In 10 years, I see myself teaching at the University level as a Doctor of psychology. I will be working in my community to make mental health resources more easily and readily accessible to people of all backgrounds while continuously advocating for mental health. If I could change even just 1 child's world, I would hope to have taught them to hone their skills to be able to push through the hardest times that we all experience in life and that they are reminded that their uniqueness is one of the most special things no one can take away from them. Natali Skaya I attend Antioch University and am graduating this week with a Masters in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Addiction & Recovery. I am in the marriage & family therapist (LMFT) track and the professional clinical counselor (LPCC) track. Some of my passions include being outdoors (traveling, hiking, camping, live music), yoga & dance, fostering dogs, and spending my free time with family and friends. Recently I have been working with a nonprofit to help provide Humanitarian aid to Ukraine, where my family and I are from. I currently work at a treatment center as a clinical liaison, advocating for clients and helping families find the right treatment for their loved ones who are struggling. I hope that I can ensure that children of all ages feel heard, respected, and valuable in this world. I strive to convey that to every single client that I work with. I am passionate about working with adolescents who struggle with mental health and wanted to be part of the CPLA team to gain more experience from those working in the field in a school-based setting. CPLA has taught me so much, about connecting and working with clients. I continuously feel supported by the team. Therese does an amazing job of helping each member of CPLA feel encouraged and part of the team! I love working with my clients and connecting with other interns and supervisors to help problem solve together. Donna Powell I am in the MFT Program at Fuller Theological Seminary. I came to work for CPLA to complete my Practicum training, after realizing that the situation that I was previously in was not a good fit for me. I was granted the privilege of coming to CPLA where I have been placed around great people, and a great site! I have found the clinical support to be phenomenal and the school that I am working at has been awesome! They are friendly, professional and have been conscientious about safety. The families and students have also been supportive, and I couldn’t be happier! As for my passions, I love cooking, baking and gardening. I am passionate about transforming my soul food recipes into gluten free delights. I am also passionate about justice. I am enjoying my work with CPLA because they provide the care and support that I feel a new therapist needs to become a successful therapist. I have previously held positions of Juvenile Probation Officer, Director of Community Corrections Programs, Child Abuse and Neglect Case Manager, as well as other positions in Financial Services. I am passionate about helping children to become the best version of themselves. Since I don’t know if I’m sitting in front of the next Pacquiao, Picasso, Serena, MLK, JFK, or the future leader of the Free World, I believe that each child should be treated as if they were the “King’s Kid’s” because in a way they are. I believe that each child has the potential to become someone great. Jennifer Villaobos Having earned my bachelor's degree at CSUN with a major in psychology and a minor in child development, I am now attending the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I will earn my master's degree as an MFT. Having the opportunity to further my education has been a blessing for me. Though it has been a long process, I am happy that I chose this career, and I could not have asked for better schools.
For the past three years, I have worked in an inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment center. It has been a rewarding experience and I have met many wonderful people. I am also a teaching assistant for my professor, which has been equally rewarding because we have built various mental health projects together. Prior to working at the treatment center, I worked for three years in a restaurant before becoming a behavioral therapist. On my days off, I enjoy doing things that I love. For example, I enjoy cycling and strength training. I also enjoy going to aerial fitness classes since they help clear my head and provide a nice sense of self-care. Additionally, I like to go on hikes, watch scary movies, and spend time with my cats. They are a big part of my life and keep me happy (and busy!). I also love spending quality time with friends and family. In 10 years, I would like to continue doing community work. I always had a passion for working with children, so I hope to continue doing so. A second interest of mine is working with women's mental and physical health (postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, miscarriages, etc.). If possible, I would like to open up a center and offer individual and group sessions. In my personal life, I hope to raise a healthy family and have a house of our own. Working with children and their families made it clear how much pressure, worry, and anxiety they experience. Life can be unpredictable sometimes, and I want to meet the child wherever he or she is and provide them with whatever support they need. Whether they need someone to talk to, to play with, or if I find that certain resources may be of benefit to them. The career fair gave me a chance to learn about various sites. I immediately felt drawn to CPLA, as I am passionate about working with children. Furthermore, I appreciate that CPLA works with underserved communities, and I intend to continue this work. Looking at the CPLA website and becoming more familiar with their vision and mission statement, I knew that CPLA was the right site for me. Throughout my academic career, I have been taught to work through a family systems lens. CPLA has given me the opportunity not only to work with children, but also with their families. We receive outstanding feedback, but we are still allowed to retain a sense of individuality to allow us to grow as clinicians. The best part of CPLA, for me, is the great amount of support we receive from them. I have never felt alone since I joined. There is always someone who can lend a helping hand should difficulties arise. In addition, I am incredibly fortunate to have been placed in a school that I love! The staff has also been very helpful and supportive. Debbie Andorka I am studying at California State University Dominguez Hills. I love singing and spending time with family and friends, being active with Pilates, swimming, and hiking, as well as doing whatever I can do to bring positive mental health to our communities to make them stronger and happier. I have been a bilingual elementary teacher, early childhood administrator, K-12 school counselor, adjunct professor at Pepperdine instructing teachers in how to work with second language students, and a happy and fulfilled mother. I look forward to treasuring my time working as a therapist with students in the future. I see myself continuing to work with children and families in mental health healing in addition to guiding others to do the same. I have loving experiences working with elementary kids and I also believe everyone can grow stronger and happier with a spiritual connection, so CPLA has given me the opportunity to train with kind and caring supervisors, field support, administrators and teachers to bring compassionate healing to children and their families. I am grateful to be in a program that offers valuable evidence-based training to me as well as providing compassionate needed services to families, especially to the children in those families. I am also grateful to be part of a supportive and compassionate team of supervisors, administrators, teachers, and field support who demonstrate kindness and integrity for the individual student’s health and happiness. With that support, I bring students a treasure chest of strategies to love and care for themselves, their families, and their friends. Sarah Oldfield I graduated from Pepperdine University with eligibility for dual licensure for MFT & LPCC. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, especially my 5-year-old Son & 12-year-old fur baby (dog) Rhino. I also enjoy going to the beach, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, and traveling. My favorite self-care activities include indulging in old movies on Turner Classics, acupuncture, and massages. When I'm not working for CPLA, I also work as an Intake Counselor for Del Amo Hospital, an inpatient psychiatric facility. I also hold an additional position as a Handle With Care Trainer, focusing on verbal de escalation to avoid physical altercations with patients. This trainer position perfectly compliments my martial arts background. When I'm not working I enjoy being a dedicated family member and supporting my family any way I can. In 10 years, I hope to have a thriving private practice while also continuing to dedicate myself to community mental health with a focus on children and adolescents. My goal is to help children and adolescents develop the tools necessary to become a successful member in their community. To me, a successful member in their community means being able to help those in need while also tending to their own needs and facing the world as an undaunted human, capable of mastering challenges. I wanted to come work for CPLA because I grew up Catholic and understand the community very well. I also remember what it is like to be school aged and having someone you can talk to about everything, can be a saving grace. I LOVE working for CPLA because of the complete support. From Therese & Karen and all of the FSPs as well as the stellar supervision, I feel completely supported in every avenue. Robert Kenyon I am currently attending Pepperdine Graduate University of Education and Psychology. I enjoy traveling around California with my wife, watching movies, and playing my weekly dungeons and dragons campaigns with my friends. Before coming to CPLA, I worked as a Lead Case Manager at an apartment building that supported people who had experienced homelessness and were living with severe mental health challenges. I am very lucky that I am currently in a position where I can spend my time focusing solely on CPLA and school. I love working for CPLA because they provide excellent supervision/training, advocate for both students and practicum interns, and, most importantly to me, will go the extra mile to make sure that a child is getting the help they need. A great example of this is when I was working with a student that had been experiencing suicidal ideation for several months and needed to move his meeting time to a day when my advisor was unavailable. I discussed the situation with Therese and within five minutes she agreed to be available for supervision on her day off if anything happened with the student. CPLA helped me discover that I have a true passion for working with children. I see myself working with children not just in 10 years, but for the rest of my career. With CPLA having helped me discover a passion for working with children, much of my original career goals have changed. At some point, I would like to work with either insurance or county mental health programs to lower the barriers to high quality mental health care for all children and their families. However, if I could change the world of one child, it would be for them to truly believe that they have the resilience to get through hard times and that they are worth it. Anne Qin I attend Fuller Theological Seminary. I am very involved with my local church and work on staff part-time as an administrator. In this role, I get to support the many families and children that attend our church! I love trying out new recipes, exploring new restaurants (I’m a huge foodie!), photography, and singing! In 10 years I’d really like to collaborate with non-profits that work to strengthen communities and serve the members of my community who are in need.
When you are truly seen and loved just the way you are, it will strengthen you to see what your purpose is in life. Once you know what your purpose is, you will be a gift that will bless your circle of support, your community and the world. This is what I hope to be able to help children see! I LOVE the support I receive from the CPLA supervisors and my colleagues. They have provided incredibly helpful advice as I’ve navigated challenges as a new clinician. It has helped me grow tremendously! I have a passion for helping people going through difficult transitions and I want to help them see their strengths. CPLA offers me the opportunity to work with students who are making the challenging transition of going back to in-person learning! Katie Holmes I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a BA in Psychology and minor in child and adolescent development. I am currently attending Pepperdine University and will earn a MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy this spring. In my free time I love to exercise and go to the beach. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends! I wanted to work for CPLA after learning about their mission of supporting at-risk youth and underserved communities. I enjoy working with children and adolescents, and I especially wanted to work in a school setting to provide mental health services to families who may not be able to access these services in their community. I love that CPLA allows counselors to have freedom to use different therapeutic techniques and interventions, but also provides extensive training and support. If there is ever a crisis or difficult situation, I know that I can always reach out to my FSP, supervisor, and other members of CPLA, for additional support and guidance. Aside from being a CPLA counselor, I also work part time as an assistant to the Clinical Training department at Pepperdine University, where I work with graduate students completing their internship. If I could change one child's world, I would want to provide them with a safe space where they feel valued and supported. This is a crucial time in their development, and providing unconditional positive regard and empathy can make a lasting impact in their life!In 10 years, I plan to start a non-profit organization that provides counseling and holistic services to youth and young adults. I would like to continue providing affordable and accessible services, while focusing on early intervention. Lauren Albrecht I’m currently attending Pepperdine University and will earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in June 2022.
I love gathering with friends and family, traveling, taking long walks with my dog, and taking care of orchids. I volunteer at various organizations and am currently the president of my high school’s alumni council and a trustee on its board. I’m committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice remain a part of our conversations. I’m a mom of two teenagers and raising them influenced me to go back to school to become a therapist. In 10 years I hope to be working in a group private practice helping parents improve their relationships with their kids, so they can better navigate today’s high-pressured academic environment and adopt healthy life skills. I also hope to help kids find their voice, believe in themselves, and feel empowered to improve their world. I was drawn to CPLA because of its mission of providing counseling to underserved and low-income families in a school environment. The support from CPLA is amazing! From the leadership of Therese and her team, the FSPs, and experienced supervisors to the vital resources and training, CPLA is a fantastic organization for MFT trainees. Chantherrie Pao Hello! My name is Terrie and I graduated from Biola University with a B.A. in Psychology and am now working on my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Azusa Pacific University. One of the main reasons that I wanted to work for CPLA is because of my passion for working with children and adolescents in underserved communities. I also love how CPLA provides accessibility and awareness to mental health through school-based services. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be working for CPLA because of the guidance and constant support that I receive from my supervisors, FSP, and last but not least, my co-counselor. I absolutely adore my co-counselor, Nickella, so shout out to her! I hope to change the world, even if it’s one child’s world, by providing them with a safe space where they feel seen and heard. Recently, I had a bunch of kindergarteners running up to me for hugs, screaming “We love you, Miss Terrie!” This was the moment that I knew that I was made to work with this population. I hope that I can continue to be someone who can have a positive impact in the life of children by continuously providing them with warmth and care that they deserve. In 10 years, I see myself having my own private practice where I specialize in working with school-age children and their families. My hope is to continue to bring awareness to mental health and serve as a resource to underserved communities. I also would love to be in the process of starting my own non-profit organization geared towards encouraging and empowering the youth to pursue their aspirations. On my free days, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family as well as making time for self-care. Within the past 2 years, I have been loving film photography so I’ve been capturing every moment that I possibly can on my film camera. I find it so exciting to wait to see how the photos turn out in the end! Rocio Rodriguez I'm currently attending Pepperdine University. I'm passionate about human rights, science, and education. I like to hike or walk around my neighborhood, listening to tiny desk concerts, baking, dancing, vinyasa, and kundalini yoga practice. I also love spontaneous road trips with my friends, family, and my dog Panela. I love working at CPLA because I have a lot of support from my FSP and supervisors. I have the freedom to be authentic but at the same time know that I'm not alone and that my team is there for me every step of the way. I didn't think twice about choosing CPLA as my practicum site. In 2019 I completed a master's degree, and my grant proposal was specifically about school-based mental health services in Hispanic communities of Los Angeles. I spent a year researching what causes the underutilization of mental health services in this community and solution-based approaches. The concept of familismo and stigma play a major impact on help-seeking behavior. Hispanics are at higher risk of developing psychopathology than other ethnic groups. However, we are least likely to use mental health services. The underutilization of mental health services in our community serves as a threat to children born in this environment since the risk for psychopathology experienced at an early age can be carried on to adulthood if early intervention does not occur. With early intervention in mind, I moved on to research the importance of school-based mental health services. I learned about CPLA a year later from a friend who was doing his practicum there at the time. When I returned to Pepperdine to get the specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, I already knew what my top site was to get my hours and experience. I think everyone has the power to impact someone else's life. You don't have to be in the mental health field to show empathy and kindness to another person. I think it starts with our willingness to make changes in ourselves and evolve mentally and spiritually. Being yourself and genuine with your intentions. In ten years from now, I see myself having my own practice but also dedicating time to a non-profit to be able to serve clients who can't afford private insurance. Joelle Russum  My name is Joelle Russum and I am currently studying to get my MFT at California State University, Dominguez Hills. After teaching English abroad to children and teens in both Spain and Colombia, I decided that I wanted to support teens with their mental health needs. CPLA provided me with a wonderful opportunity to continue to grow! I love working at CPLA because of the unconditional support that I receive from my FSP, all the way to the top of the organization. CPLA provides me with resources, great supervisors and interesting trainings/workshops! In ten years I see myself working in both private practice and community mental health. I would like to support families through difficult life cycles and transitions. I hope to change the world by providing psychoeducation at schools and helping as many families as possible during a crisis. In my free time I enjoy practicing yoga, biking by the beach and hiking in the mountains. I am passionate about traveling and knowing more about different cultures. Stephanie Vera I previously attended CSU Northridge and graduated with a bachelor's in psychology. Now I am currently in my third year at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology working towards my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently also working, and have worked for three years at an adult mental health inpatient and outpatient treatment center. My official title is Client Assistant, and my responsibilities are to work in the residences providing support for the clients. I also worked for some time in the psychiatry office helping with administrative duties before returning to school for my master's program. In addition, I also TA for my professor in helping with the community partnerships department. In my free time, I absolutely love reading! Anything from a dystopian series, to mysteries, and even romance. There is just nothing like the feeling of losing myself in a book. A few months ago I became motivated to try something new and I decided to attend aerial fitness classes. It has now become my new favorite hobby.
I first heard about CPLA through a practicum fair at school. I was immediately captivated by their mission and values, and working with children has always been an interest of mine. They also demonstrate an immense amount of support for their counselors, something I truly value during this journey. I love working with CPLA because I truly enjoy working with the students at the schools. Also, because of the monumental amount of support we receive from our FSPs, supervisors, directors and from other counselors as well. In ten years, I see myself having my own private practice where I continue to work with children and families. My hope is to be able to reach the lives of as many children and families as I can. We live in such uncertain and difficult times that having a strong support system is crucial for everyone. I hope that I can make a change by being able to provide that much needed support, and a safe space for all the children I get to work with. Erika Marin I am studying at Alliant International University. I wanted to work for CPLA to gain experience with children and parents providing psychotherapy with a multicultural perspective. I love working for CPLA because I have known amazing people, very supportive supervisors, and kind counselors. I love to serve people and CPLA does great work helping people in need of mental health services. I love reading, movies, sharing time with my family, and playing games with my 5-month-old son. I also work with my husband for the entertainment industry producing commercials and TV shows. We make the magic happen! In 10 years I see myself as a happy mother with two kids, my husband, and my family together. I will be running a non-profit organization to help families prevent CSA (Child sexual abuse) and working with order-mandated clients guiding treatments for perpetrators. I hope to change the world, even if it is just one child's world, by preventing that kid from being sexually, emotionally, or physically abused. Madeleine Friendly My name is Madeleine Friendly (yes that’s my real last name!). I completed my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern California in 2019. I have been working as an AMFT for two years, primarily with young adults struggling with relationships, addiction, and grief. In addition to working at CPLA, I am currently a therapist at a private practice in Calabasas. After working with adults for a couple of years, I knew I wanted to get more training with children and teens, and I had heard great things about CPLA. I love working for CPLA because I feel I’ve been given freedom to try new things, learn, and grow, but with structure, support, and guidance from the CPLA team. It is a privilege to work with kids at such a critical time in their development. I hope to be able to show kids that their thoughts and feelings matter. I feel inspired by the potential ripple effect of intervening with children so early on. In ten years, I hope to be working in private practice helping people navigate difficult life moments, build better relationships, and become the best versions of themselves. In my free time, I love reading, listening to podcasts, watching the Great British Bake Off, cuddling my dog, and going on walks. Julia Melvin I graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Elementary Education and an endorsement in English Language Learning (ELL). I am currently attending Pepperdine University’s master's program in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. To gain more experience, I decided to begin my practicum journey early and am currently serving CPLA as an LMFT trainee in a volunteer capacity until I can start accruing licensure hours in January. CPLA has been the perfect place to begin this journey as they have created a space for counselors to feel valued and continuously strive to provide us with the best learning experiences. With their support, we are better prepared to empower our clients and grow as future therapists. In addition, I value CPLA’s mission to serve the community by advocating for mental health awareness and offering support to youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to seek counseling. Aside from being a student, I also hold positions as a graduate teaching assistant at Pepperdine, a personal assistant, and recently concluded work as a Preschool teacher. In my free time, I enjoy cooking/baking, reading, drawing, yoga, and traveling! Before attending Pepperdine and joining CPLA, I had the opportunity to teach English at an elementary school in Athens, Greece, as a Fulbright Scholar. I hope to travel back as often as I can and continue to adventure around the world. In 10 years, I plan to be working in a group or private practice and hope to build a network of support within the community by leading workshops, parenting groups, and teaching as an adjunct professor to future LMFT students. I have a passion for working with children and families to bridge the understanding gap and creating a space for children to feel seen, heard, capable, and empowered to use their voices. Shannon Boe I went to the University of California, Irvine where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences where I graduated in 2020. I am currently at Pepperdine University at the Malibu campus completing my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am in my 2nd year at Pepperdine and planning on graduating in June 2022. At Pepperdine, I am a Cohort Representative. I represent my cohort at bi-weekly meetings where I can provide and receive updates about administrative and program-related information. When I am not at practicum or completing homework, I love to spend time with my friends, go to the movies, and enjoy working out. I also enjoy reality tv shows such as Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and The Bachelor/Bachelorette. I knew I wanted to come work for CPLA because I knew I wanted to work with children and teens. School can be such a tricky arena to navigate and I really wanted to become a friendly face and a helping hand to those who might need it. I love working for CPLA for its amazing supervision and support system. I feel so supported by my supervisors, FSP’s, and fellow trainees. Group supervision has been a great opportunity to continue to network and make connections with other MFT Trainees. In 10 years, I hope to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist running my own private practice working with children, teens, and adults. If I could change one child’s world, I would want to provide them a safe place for them to be their truly authentic self where they never have to question if they have someone in their corner. Nickella Schlanger I am studying at California Southern University. My heart is in working with children, and I just love being on a school campus and becoming part of the school community. I admire CPLA's vision to take services directly to students so a child knows there is always somewhere to go that is safe and someone to talk to that will listen. I feel so lucky to work here! I feel like everyone at CPLA cares so deeply about each and every child while also caring about each and every counselor. I don't know how they do it but they are always there to check in on you after a tough day or celebrate with you when a child takes a small leap forward. I also absolutely LOVE my co-counselor Chantherrie! Shout out to Ms. Terri!!! Music and theater are passions of mine, along with yoga, hiking, puzzles, and board games. My family loves road trips to national parks, binge watching cartoons, and visiting the beach. As a hobby, I compose music, so I stay connected to my creative side. My last show was called Serial Killer Barbie, and it may be back on stage soon! I'm also a certified yoga instructor and crisis text line counselor, but I'm currently taking a break until I graduate. In ten years I see myself on a beach in Hawaii! Just kidding. I'd love to be working with schools, assisted living facilities, or community centers as a therapist integrated within other programs like yoga, drama, music, and art. I hope to change the world through kindness. I had a child this past week say to me at recess, "You know why I like you? Because you talk to me." I think if we could pause more and show up for each other in small ways, we can change the world one kind moment at a time! Mikella Polito I recently graduated from Pepperdine University with my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. In ten years, I see myself working in private practice with young adults and focusing on the treatment of depression and anxiety with a multifaceted approach using psychotherapy and physical fitness practices to help young adults achieve their fullest potential. I am passionate about health and exercise! I love doing yoga, Pilates, hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and meditating. All these interests are intertwined with my passion for improving mental health access to all! I also work as a property manager for multiple commercial buildings and I teach Pilates! I wanted to work for CPLA because of its incredible reputation for providing clinical training and supervision. I also am passionate about working with children and families and providing mental health services to at-risk and under-served populations. I hope that the clients I work with feel seen and heard. I love working for CPLA because of the guidance and support they provide while working to improve the mental health of youth. I believe that children are the future and if we can provide even one positive impact early on in a child’s life, you can change their world. Emma Feitshans Hello everyone! My name is Emma and I graduated from CSUN with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and am now working on my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide. I wanted to work for CPLA because I so deeply believe in their mission of making therapy accessible to children and families in underserved areas. I have always had a passion for working with children and families and as a former preschool teacher, I learned that being in a school environment and having interactions with both parents and children daily was where I felt the most challenged and the most successful. CPLA encompassed all of what I was looking for in terms of my traineeship and more. After speaking with Therese for the first time, I was so inspired by her and what she has created here at CPLA that there was no doubt I wanted to also be a part of it. My favorite part of working for CPLA is the endless amounts of support that is constantly available. Every person who works for CPLA is always there to assist in any way they can and offer guidance. In 10 years I would like to continue working with children and families while also finding ways, like CPLA, to make therapy more accessible. Some of my hobbies include playing sports, singing and playing guitar, and seeing live music any chance I can get! Stephanie Quiroga I went to Mount Saint Mary's University to become a nurse. During my first semester in the nursing program, my twin brother got diagnosed with a mental illness. It was the first time I had been exposed to a mental illness, and since he is my twin, all I wanted to do was learn how I could better help and understand him. I took an introduction to psychology course, and the rest is history. I graduated in the spring of 2020 with a B.A in Psychology and minor in Sociology. I am now in the enlaces Marriage and Family Therapist program at Mount Saint Mary's University, expecting to graduate next year. In 10 years, I see myself as a licensed Marriage and family therapist and a high school counselor transitioning to becoming a professor. My goal is to be a high school counselor first, then go back to school to get my doctorate and become a professor and share my knowledge and experiences with others. I hope to change the world, even if it's one child's world, by being someone they can trust, being a person who brings them joy, peace, and love because there is a lot of challenges that come to us when least expected, I'd love to be a person that they can proudly fall back on.
I wanted to work for CPLA because it seemed like the perfect fit for me since reading about the organization and how supportive they are in this learning experience made me sure that this is somewhere that I would like to grow as a future therapist. From the second I saw the CPLA website, I fell in love with what they stand for. It is everything that I aspire to be as a therapist to strengthen a student's sense of self and help students emotionally process the changes they are going through. I love working for CPLA because of the unconditional support that there is. CPLA makes it a safe environment to be your true self, and if at any time you are having a hard time, they are always there to carry you when you fall, guide you and support you every step of the way, which is fantastic. CPLA feels like home, and I can't wait to grow more as a therapist with CPLA by my side. Some of my passions are spending time with family, my friends, and my partner. I am also passionate about helping others find their inner strengths and be the best version of themselves. My hobbies are working out, try new food places, and do adventurous outings such as finding new hiking trails. The hiring process at CPLA started earlier this year and we are filling up quickly, but we would love to meet with everyone who is interested in working at our organization! In order for us to set up an interview with you please send in all the required materials to apply@counselingpartnersofla.org. You can find the list of required materials under the 'Train with CPLA' tab.
As a low-cost provider of mental health services, we are designed as a group supervision model. At this time, we have filled our (limited number of ) positions for candidates whose university requirements include individual/triadic supervision. As such, if you are applying, please know we will only be able to offer you group clinical supervisions. We look forward to meeting with each and every one of you. In these uncertain times, we at CPLA look at all the positives and we feel so blessed to have the chance to meet people who share our passion for helping at-risk children in a clinical setting. Hello prospective applicants!
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