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Latest News

October Counselor Spotlights

10/4/2021

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Nickella Schlanger

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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  • Home
  • About CPLA
  • Services
  • Leadership
  • Schools
  • Train with CPLA
  • Latest News
  • Donate
  • Stories of Hope
  • Webinars
  • 2022-2023 CPLA Counselors
  • Parent Counseling
  • Teacher Counseling
  • Mental Health Resources
  • For Parents & Caregivers
  • For CPLA Community