Anne Berg  I am currently studying at Pepperdine University's Malibu Day-Time Program for Marriage and Family Therapy. In my free time, I like spending quality time with family and friends, cooking, going on leisurely walks or fun hikes. A fun fact about me is that I speak fluent Dutch and even lived in Amsterdam for a year! I am currently on the board of Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) Student Government Association (SGA). I also tutor middle and high school math as a side job. I wanted to work for CPLA because of the supportive and encouraging environment they provide, which aligns with my passion for helping children and families. The opportunity to work within a team that values collaboration and fosters personal growth was a key motivator for me in choosing CPLA as my trainee placement site. I love working with CPLA because I have the opportunity to intervene at a pivotal time in a child’s life. School-aged children are constantly growing and adapting, and I love being part of their journey. It’s a privilege to offer them support as they navigate challenges, whether it’s managing emotions, building relationships, or handling stress. CPLA’s special community has inspired me to collaborate with educators and families, who all play a role in a child’s development. The encouragement and support from CPLA only enhances the impact I can make, knowing there’s a team supporting and empowering me to be the best I can be. If I could change the world I would want to provide a space where my clients feel truly understood, valued, and empowered. Children often internalize the challenges around them—family struggles, societal pressures, and self-doubt. By offering guidance, empathy, validation, and the tools for emotional resilience, my aim is to help my clients grow into confident individuals who can navigate life's inevitable ups and downs with a strong sense of self-worth, even if it's just one child's world. Jessica Pelikan I'm currently a student at Antioch University studying to be a marriage and family therapist. In my free time, I like to enjoy board games, deep conversations that make me question my worldviews, and walking my dog. A fun fact about me is that I am a 2nd degree black belt. Before this, I was on the road to becoming a physician, but I was less focused on the illness itself and more so on the patients' experience being sick. I shifted gears into therapy. I also taught martial arts for 10 years. In a decade, I see myself working with children and adolescents who have behavioral issues like aggression and bullying. I also see myself living somewhere near nature, where I can walk with my dogs. I wanted to work at CPLA because the reviews online were almost too amazing to believe, and I just had to see for myself if they were true. If they were, I knew it would be a place to grow and find my therapeutic style. I love how supportive everyone is. They create structure behind the scenes, which allows counselors freedom and creativity for sessions and treatment planning. I hope to change the world, even if it is one child's world, by making it a reality that all children are safe at home. Neil Monaco I graduated from Touro's MFT program in June 2024. In my free time, I enjoy Rock Climbing, movies, and weight lifting/fitness. A fun fact about myself is that I was an actor and a filmmaker before becoming a public school English teacher for 20+ years. I currently have another traineeship where I work with adults. In 10 years, I hope to have established a private practice. I wanted to work for CPLA because it is dedicated to trying to ease the pain that is a normal part of growing up, as well as helping young people who are caught in extraordinary circumstances make the choices that will get them through the challenging times they are bound to face. I believe that Therese Funk has a heart of gold and Jen Vitanza is not only a wonderful supervisor, but also an exceptionally professional, and outstanding clinical director. It is an absolute pleasure to work for CPLA, and I love being part of a profession dedicated to trying to improve the lives of every client. Michelle Trimble I am currently a student at Pepperdine University. In my free time, I like scrapbooking, adventurous outdoor activities, shopping, family game nights and photography. A fun fact about myself is that I am a former cheerleader and was captain in High School. In 10 years, I see myself continuing to expand my impact as a leader in both education and mental health. As the owner and director of my preschool, I aim to further develop programs that integrate counseling services, supporting not only the children but also their families, fostering a holistic approach to early childhood education and well-being. I envision scaling this model to serve more communities, creating a network of preschools that prioritize mental health and early intervention. With my EdD in Educational Leadership, I plan to advocate for systemic changes in how educational institutions address trauma and mental health, providing training and resources to educators and administrators. I also see my private practice thriving, offering specialized care to individuals and families navigating trauma and life transitions. My goal is to build a team of compassionate professionals who share my vision of empowering clients to overcome challenges and find resilience. Ultimately, I hope to be seen as a thought leader in the intersection of education and mental health, using my platforms to influence policy, mentor future leaders, and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. I hope to change the world by being a compassionate and safe adult in a child’s life, offering constant support and care. Even if it’s just one child, being that reliable, nurturing presence can make a lasting impact on their world. I wanted to work for CPLA because I deeply believe in its vision of creating hope, empowerment, and success for students and their families. I am passionate about the impact that compassionate, school-based counseling can have on a child’s life, especially within the supportive community of Catholic schools in underserved areas of Los Angeles. Being able to provide a safe space where students feel seen, heard, and supported aligns perfectly with my values. I am inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, helping to shape a brighter future for each student and their family through the power of connection, faith, and care. What I love most about working at CPLA is the incredible support and sense of community from the entire team, including the clinical directors and faculty members at the school sites. The unwavering encouragement and guidance create an environment where I feel empowered to grow both personally and professionally. Knowing that I am part of a dedicated team that truly cares about each student’s well-being inspires me every day. It’s fulfilling to work alongside people who share the same passion for making a positive impact in the lives of students and their families. Collier White I am currently studying at Antioch University, Los Angeles to be a therapist. In my free time, I love playing the guitar, writing plays, organizing community events, and horror movies. A fun fact is that in my former career, I founded a "green" taxi service in Minneapolis, and we operated for over 15 years. In addition to being a CPLA trainee, I am a behavioral interventionist with Verdugo Hills Autism Project. In 10 years, I see myself having many published articles and giving presentations on the complicated psychological challenges that young men face in our society. At first, I was afraid to work with children. Children are forming their schema for interacting with the world. They are setting themselves up for success and for significant challenges as they head into the future, and I felt daunted to tinker with this process of self discovery. However, I am learning that by providing a safe space to talk about their problems and worries, with the gentlest guidance they find the strength to make choices that are consistent with their values. What I love about working at CPLA is my clients, and I love being part of a very supportive school community. I hope to help children stay connected to themselves and their values so they do not become afraid of their emotions. With these skills, they can remain present and honest and lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Kacey Walker I'm studying at California Baptist University to be a therapist. In my free time, I enjoy reading/puzzles/binge watching a show. A fun fact about me is that I used to be a professional organizer. I would help people organize their professional and personal spaces and it taught me a lot about what people hold onto and how to talk to just about anyone about anything. Right now, I call myself the chaos coordinator of my house. My other job is loving and supporting my husband, daughter, three dogs, bunny, and chickens. It is never quiet or dull in my house. In 10 years, I see myself owning a private practice with my husband who is also a therapist. We would like to serve military families with both pre/post deployment support. My husband is a Marine and it is a passion project of ours to serve military families. My childhood was a great childhood but I always acted like a little adult. I think I was called back to work with children to get the opportunity to tap into my inner child and experience the gift that play and curiosity can bring into life. CPLA has allowed me a second chance at getting to witness how many therapeutic lessons there are with children. CPLA is run like a well oiled machine. I didn't know this at the time when I interviewed, I just felt warmth from Therese. But that warmth has trickled down to each person I have come in contact with at CPLA and that makes me so darn proud to be apart of an agency like this. I hope to change the world, by having the people who are in my life feel seen. When you are with me I want you to leave feeling like your tank has been filled not emptied. I want to be a power source not an energy zapper. Nan Wang I am currently a student at Cal State Fullerton. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, discovering new places/cultures, abstract painting, and vintage shopping. A fun fact about me is that I have a real fear of chickens (all poultry, actually!). I'm also a mom to a really cute (at least in my eyes) baby boy, I'm a wife to a Korean-American husband, I'm a daughter to two parents who live in Norway, and a strategy consultant for private equity firms. In 10 years, I see myself hopefully doing something at scale, making a positive difference to a large group of people. CPLA is a well-organized training site with the values and ambition that I share. What I love about CPLA is the support the staff provides children, not only through direct clinical support but the entire ecosystem of the child's life. I hope to change the world, even if it's one child's world, through helping children know and feel that they are enough. Andrea Rulfo-Khachi I am currently a student at Pratt Institute in their Art Therapy program. I love listening to audiobooks (mostly about psychology) and going on walks with my dog. I also like listening to podcasts. Right now, I'm listening to the Pete and Sebastian show with comedians Pete Corrielli and Sebastian Manascalco and Superfly with comedians Dana Carvey and Dave Spade. I also enjoy playing the guitar, singing and listening to oldies like The Beatles, Tom Petty, Neil Young and newbies like Madison Cunningham. A fun fact about me is about seven years ago, I decided I wanted to learn to play the guitar. I was inspired by my two children, who were beginning music classes at school. The first three years of learning were rough and so challenging for me. Then finally, during quarantine, I was able to sit for long periods of time, learn chord sequences and sing at the same time; I was shocked! Persistence paid off. Working at CPLA is my part-time internship and my full-time work is taking care of my two children (13 year old daughter (8th grade) and 11 year old son (5th grade)). I'm posting their grades because when I'm working with clients at CPLA, the client's situations often mirror what I'm experiencing as a parent at home. I enjoy cooking for my family (including my husband of 16 years :)) typically making tacos, stews/soups, and pasta and staying home, playing Uno or watching TV. In 10 years, I see myself as an established therapist working with children, adolescents and adults who are interested in using art and therapy as a tool for self-development/self-awareness. I would like to provide financially accessible therapy (or work for an organization that does) so I can work with clients from many socioeconomic backgrounds. I wanted to work for CPLA because I've worked in a school setting before for the past three years and so, I felt comfortable working with children, teachers, and parents. I enjoy working with the multitude of people who support one child, even though it can sometimes be overwhelming. Students need a lot of support given the demands of academics, peer pressure, and life at home. I am happy to know I can be one person the student can go to for support. When I was growing up, mental health and student counseling was scarcely available, and so if I can be a support for one student, then I consider my work a success. What I love about working at CPLA is I'm given the opportunity to use what I've learned in the classroom and in books and apply that in real time. I'm able to receive the support of supervisor's who are highly experienced and interested in supporting my growth as well. I hope that when students work with me, they realize their wholeness and intrinsic value and worth. I hope that in realizing this, students will treat themselves and others with compassion, understanding every person is doing the best they can. Victoria Sandoval I'm currently a student at Pepperdine University pursuing (pursuing dual licensure MFT & PCC). In my free time, I love running, working out and trying new hobbies. Also would love to travel more. A fun fact about myself is that I had the opportunity to compete to make the Mexico team in track and field at the 2020 Olympics, but COVID-19 shut everything down. It was an incredible experience, though I had to rush back to California the very next day before the borders closed. In addition to being a graduate student, I co-own a family restaurant. I manage all aspects of the business, including paperwork, scheduling, payroll, inventory, hiring, customer service, and daily operations. I see myself fully licensed and owning my private practice that integrates fitness and psychology to help individuals manage and overcome depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. This would be a comprehensive facility offering not only mental health services but also programs tailored to individual needs. For athletes, this could include physical therapy, strength training, coaching, and more. My goal is to inspire hope in those who may feel like the world is against them, while fostering strong habits and a supportive community that promotes a healthy lifestyle and work ethic. I’m deeply passionate about helping young individuals build a foundation for lasting success and well-being. Becoming a CPLA counselor offers a valuable opportunity to provide crucial support to students who may not have access to it elsewhere. I truly enjoy getting to know my students and look forward to the journey we’ll share together. I’m also grateful for the training, workshops, and support I receive, as they play a key role in shaping my clinical identity here at CPLA. My goal is to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health by creating a safe space where individuals feel supported and understood. I want to foster a sense of community, encouraging people to become their best selves. I'm committed to being someone can rely on, always keeping my word and fully dedicating myself to their needs. If I can bring understanding, self-acceptance, and even the smallest positive change to someone’s life, I will feel I've made a meaningful difference in the world. Danielle DesRosier I am currently a graduate student at Pepperdine University, Malibu. I spend my free time in spotting areas near airports watching planes take off and land, following along on the radar, and listening to air traffic control. This has been a hobby since I was little, and it's my favorite thing to do! A fun fact about myself is that I won The Price is Right! I won a jacuzzi, massage chair, outdoor heaters, a Samsung tablet, and a monthly candle subscription. I facilitate grief peer support groups for young adults ages 20-40 through an organization called The Dinner Party. I am a Gloves for Grief board member, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing holistic mind, body, and soul healing to communities impacted by loss. I have the privilege of being a Certified Grief Educator following a 3 month training by David Kessler who is a renowned grief expert. I also enjoy being a content creator in the online grief space. Additionally, I serve as the President for my program's Student Government Association. I hope to be a grief therapist with my own private practice. In addition to clinical work, I see myself publishing books on grief as well as traveling to speak and teach about it. Grief is something that impacts every single person at some point, and I think there are a lot of gaps when it comes to training on how we work with that. I aim to fill some of those gaps by helping people--both clients and clinicians--befriend their discomfort as we ride the waves of grief together, integrating it into our lives. I wanted to work for CPLA because I value the opportunity to get a more holistic view of the students I work with by meeting them in their own environment. It is a unique experience to see how they interact with the world through their peers, teachers, and families being around. Being an active part of their community is a blessing! I am grateful for how supported and empowered I feel by the entire team. My FSP and supervisors belief in me helps me to believe in myself, too. The support they provide both in how to navigate tricky situations and in how to take care of myself means the world to me. I hope to cultivate a space where my clients feel appreciated and validated for who they genuinely are. I want my office to be a place where they can practice taking off the masks that society asks us to wear. I believe our world needs more authenticity, and if I can empower one person to truly accept, embrace, and be who they are, it will create a ripple effect. Eileen O'Donnell I am currently a student at Pepperdine West LA in their counseling program. Some of my passions include performing in Musicals, going to Disneyland and listening to pop music! A fun fact about myself is that I have a cat, Moose, with a mustache and 23 toes. In addition to being a graduate student, I am a behavioral interventionist for Therapeutic Play LA. In 10 years I see myself working with kiddos and young adults at an agency using creative arts therapy! I wanted to work at CPLA because I aspired to train with kids and in a school setting. What I love about CPLA is making a difference and seeing how excited students are to come to counseling. My lifelong goal is to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youths and a more inclusive world! Leah Davis I am currently a student at Alliant International University. I love to move my body. Exercise is a big part of my life and mental well-being, whether it's walking my dogs, teaching a group fitness class, or lifting weights in my home gym - I am constantly in motion. A fun fact about myself is that I love to read. I read anywhere from 80 to 100 books a year, shamelessly :) I have been a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for 10 years! I run my own business and love it so much. I hope to one day bridge the gap between my passions for fitness and mental health. In 10 years, I hopefully see myself bridging the gap between movement and therapy! I would love to start a non-profit of my own to support youth in inner city communities, like one I grew up in, to have an opportunity to strengthen both their bodies and minds. Before joining CPLA, I heard nothing but amazing things and knew I needed to see for myself. I am so glad I did. I love the people. The directors, the FSPs, the other trainees. I love the warmth and commitment from everyone. It truly is one big family that I feel grateful to be a part of. My ultimate goal is to be a safe space and a source of light for youth, to help them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-worth. If I can make a positive difference in even one child's life by helping them navigate challenges, feel supported, and find hope. I hope the small impact can create a ripple effect, shaping not only their future but the world around them. Connor Hansen I'm currently a graduate student at University of the West. I'm passionate about being creative! I write short films and flash fiction; create fantasy worlds with dense history and full-blown geopolitics with illustrated maps; and I play table-top games with friends. For the last year I've been hosting a weekly game night with my wife for our close friends where we play role-playing games. It's very nerdy, but those days keep me afloat when life floods. I just love telling stories and allowing others to escape their day-to-day and dive into an immersive experience, and hopefully get something out of it! A fun fact about myself is that I once was an award-winning craft cocktail artist. I even placed in the top 10 mixologists in all of Los Angeles in L.A. Live's May Mix Off. My delicate (and pretty stiff) cocktail ended up losing to a spicy Pina Colada served in a flaming coconut that went on to win the whole thing! Starting graduate school made me rein in what's most important. I used to be an owner-operator of a coffee roasting and cold-brew company. I used to be a screenwriter. I used to be a bartender and manager. I may return to some of those titles in the future, but, right now, I'm content with being a husband, an uncle to two beautiful girls (Hi Lee and Zoey!), a student, a friend, and a counselor. In ten years I see myself doing this! Being a counselor and providing service to those seeking to better themselves. As I was looking at potential sites, CPLA was a recommendation from my university's program. Oh, a site that provides services to private catholic schools in Los Angeles? I grew up in the private catholic school system! I looked over their website and saw a list of partners. I saw my elementary school, St. Raymond's in Downey, and then I saw my high school, St. John Bosco. It felt too serendipitous to ignore! The universe was telling me to apply. I interviewed with Therese and fell in love with CPLA immediately. The service they are providing to these children and the support they offer families all over L.A. made me feel like working with them would fill my heart, and it absolutely has. Firstly, I have to express my gratitude and love for the incredible support we as counselors get from CPLA staff. I never feel like an island when I am struggling and I always have help to overcome hurdles. Secondly, I love working with the students. They are so awesome and so unique. I love being a support for them and their families. When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be a super hero so bad! I wanted to save the world and everyone in it; to make the world a better place. It took years of my own therapy to realize I don't have super powers, at least not the ones from the comic books. What I learned in therapy was that I was able to save myself using my own strengths that were illuminated by a wonderful therapist. I want to be that wonderful therapist to my clients; to illuminate their strengths and allow them to develop their ability to be their own super hero, and, in doing so, change their entire world, and maybe the world as a whole for the better. Emily Torchiana I am currently a student in Pepperdine University's MFT program. I’m passionate about staying active for both my mental and physical health! I practice hot yoga daily, play beach volleyball with friends on weekends, and recently started Pilates. I also love listening to health podcasts like Huberman Lab. A fun fact about me is that one of my favorite foods is breakfast burritos, and I go to a spot near me called Brothers Burritos. Lately, I’ve noticed that when I park my car, my breakfast burrito is already ready inside because they saw me coming from the window! I love supporting local businesses. I have been a professional mental health speaker for the last 10 years, speaking to high school and college students about suicide prevention and mental wellness! I also work in project management part-time. I recently co-founded a card game with my friend that gives you activities to explore in the city you live in! In 10 years, I see myself owning a private practice specializing in helping teenagers and young adults, particularly those who’ve experienced trauma. I’m passionate about integrating yoga, offering a holistic approach to therapy. On a personal note, I also envision myself as a mom, balancing my career with family life. I wanted to work at CPLA because some of my classmates were CPLA counselors last year, and I only heard positive things about their experiences. When I met Executive Director, Therese Funk, during my interview, I immediately felt a connection to her and the work CPLA is doing. It was a gut instinct to accept the position because everything aligned with the work I wanted to be doing. The amount of support CPLA provides to counselors is truly remarkable. Even though I’m the only one physically present at my school site on the days I go in, I’ve never felt alone. My FSP is always there for me, as well as the rest of the CPLA team and supervisors. There’s a short story that has always been my personal mantra- A little boy walks along a beach where thousands of starfish have washed ashore. He begins to pick them up and throw them back into the ocean so they don’t die. Someone sees him and says, "There are so many starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference." The boy picks one up and says, "I made a difference to that one." I want the children I work with to understand that they matter. Too often, kids’ problems are minimized, but I try to show each of them that their struggles are important and they deserve to be heard. Stacy Park I am currently pursuing an MA/EdS in School Psychology at Chapman University (LPCC license). Some of my passions, hobbies, and interests include singing, playing music, running, tv/movies, anime, musical theatre. A fun fact about myself is that I'm pregnant and about to give birth to my first child in January! I live at home with my husband, corgi, and cat. I used to be a full time drama teacher K-12 and decided I wanted to try something different. Before that, I was a singer/actor in various shows, choirs, and ensembles. I still perform from time to time.
In 10 years, I'd like to work at a place that supports my needs and interests as well as makes a positive difference in the lives of children in need. Whether that's at a school, in the community, or in private practice, I don't know. I'm open to what the future has in store! I wanted to work with CPLA because I was looking for an experience that would give me a high level of support, further my growth as a counselor, and give me professional development experiences that would expand my thinking. I loved the school I was at and the support that I received throughout the process. My supervision leaders were excellent and the process of supervision I found invaluable to my growth and positive experience. I hope to spread awareness so children know that feelings are normal and nothing to be afraid of, it's ok to have boundaries and say no, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and that adults are usually trying their best but it's ok if that's not enough.
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