December 2023 - April 2024 Counselor Spotlights

Suzanne Orellana

         I am currently an MFT student at Fuller Theological Seminary. I am passionate about helping those who are in need. I think it is very important to be intentional about seeing people and empathizing with them. Regarding hobbies, I love to read and dance. I am also a single mom and enjoy spending time with my daughter who is 8 years old. Church is also very important to me so you can often find me there getting involved.
​            I wanted to work at CPLA because I like how the organization works at Catholic schools, as traditions and rituals are important aspects of our lives. I like being a school-based counselor because it is easier to see my clients and I hardly get "No shows." I also love connecting with my clients and appreciate the working hours. In 10 years, I see myself licensed and working full-time in my own non-profit Recovery Christian home for women. My hope is to bring healing to the hurting through listening, giving them my undivided attention, and holding space for them while they share their painful experiences and stories.

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Jessica Torres

        I am currently studying at Cal State University of Northridge. My program is a Master's of Science in College Counseling with a specialization in Professional Clinical Counseling. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, learning about other cultures, and love to binge-watch TV shows. I currently work at Pierce College in the Career & Transfer Center. 
          I wanted to work for CPLA because I wanted to work for an agency that aligned with my personal mission and values. "Committed to Healing Hearts, Nurturing Hope, and Fostering Bright Futures for Every Student Every Day". I appreciate that CPLA has a team that is dedicated and passionate about the work that they do. CPLA has prepared me to work in the counseling field and I have had the privilege to learn from colleagues and supervisors. In 10 years, I see myself working as a counselor at a college or a university. I also see myself working as a professional clinical counselor at a private practice. I hope to one day open my private practice and continue to impact the lives of others, specifically underserved populations. I hope to change the world by helping children develop a worldview that gives them a sense of hope, self-confidence, and tools that they can utilize for the rest of their lives.

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Collin Travassos

       I am currently a full-time student attending Pepperdine University for my MFT degree. In my free time, I love to cook/bake, watch tv/movies, and engage in photography. A fun fact about myself is that I have lived in 3 major cities! 
        I applied to work for CPLA because I wanted to gain experience with children and I liked that CPLA offered me the opportunity to work with kids in a large age range. I love being able to help provide a supportive environment for kids. In 10 years, I would like to work in private practice, possibly with populations who are dealing with divorce or parent separations. I hope to help those that need it most. Sometimes it only takes one person supporting you to make a difference.

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Lisa Griffin

 I am currently a student in Fuller Theological Seminary's MFT program. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, golfing, and spending time with family. A fun fact about myself is that I am a member of a weekly bowling league. (214 is my highest score...so far).  
          I wanted to work at CPLA for a variety of reasons. As a former teacher, I was thrilled at the prospect of getting back into the school setting after years away. CPLA's great reputation was the main reason as well. What I love about CPLA is the feeling of being fully supported. Everyone I have spoken to on the staff, in supervision, and among my fellow trainees has been supportive, warm, and welcoming. In 10 years, I hope to be working as an MFT and hopefully making a positive difference in people's lives. I believe that we can change the world for children by being present, being engaged, and staying curious about them and their lives.

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Tyanna Willis Vanarsdale

      I am a student at Pepperdine University in their Clinical Psychology program. Hobbies of mine include reading books, spending time with my dog and binge watching Harry Potter Movies once a month. My passions include writing plays in my spare time. A fun fact about myself, I was an ALL-STAR Cheerleader from the age of 5 till 17. At Pepperdine University, I hold the position of Diversity Chair, which means that I host events and send out information that helps celebrate all unique identities. I also hold the position as big sister to my three younger siblings who I absolutely adore!
​            I wanted to work at CPLA because I wanted to be able to work with children in a setting that allowed me to interact with not only their parents but the adults that interact with them on an almost daily basis. Working at CPLA has allowed me to go in and aid my clients in situations that may be happening "In the Moment". What I love about working at CPLA is that I am able to be creative in the mindset that I approach clients with. Not having a strict curriculum has allowed me to cater sessions and rapport building to the personality of the client. In 10 years, I see myself with a private practice seeing adult women for relationship issues/wedding planning anxiety. I see myself doing pro-bono work on the side for children in low socio-economic areas. I hope to change the world by giving a safe space, and listening ear to children who are comfortable enough to share. My hope is to open a private practice where I can see children in low-income areas pro-bono. It's hard knowing certain people don't have easy access to therapeutic services, I want to be able to provide therapy on wheels that way I can go to the client on THEIR time.

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Kenneth Pickens

      I am a currently a student at California Baptist University. Some fun facts about me: I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology and was fortunate to visit the country for my birthday in 2022. I also love going to live shows and try to attend one monthly! I'm also obsessed with alligators (I unfortunately don't own any). I work fulltime at a pediatric psych unit in Orange County. I have worked there for the past 3 1/2 years and love what I do! 
      I wanted to work at CPLA because the organization's mission to serve children and teens in underserved areas of Los Angeles aligns with my own personal mission and values to work with underserved populations. I love that CPLA makes a conscious effort to support every counselor's professional and personal development by providing a variety of support through FSPs, supervisors, and trainings. In 10 years, I see myself having my own private practice and working with LGBTQIA+ children and adolescents. I hope to change the world by providing a safe and supportive space for children who want to process a range of issues.

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Sharna Pinsupakiat

    For my MFT degree, I am studying at University of the West. In my free time, I enjoy music and attending music events, movies, traveling, and trying out new things such as mediums of art, new experiences, foods, and restaurants. A fun fact about myself is that I grew up ballroom dancing with my mom! Bonus fun fact: I am a mother of 2 voids (black cats): Luna and Tiny! In addition to school and the this internship, I am an assistant general manager of a Taiwanese restaurant.
          I wanted to work at CPLA because I have a very specific niche I am interested in working in but I am also open to further growth and knowledge. My secondary interest is to work with teens. I figured as I am learning, why wouldn't I want to expose myself to as many diverse populations as possible? The clear-cut structure and organization were the second biggest driving force in swaying my decision to go with CPLA. What I love about CPLA is the well-thought-out structure and immense support. In regards to my future - who knows what life has in store for me! I have goals but I've learned to navigate life by "rolling with the punches". As long as I am happy, living comfortably, and satiating my desire to help others, I will have checked off all of my boxes. I believe that making change in the world requires us to heal our soul wounds so that we can do and treat others better. I aspire to inspire, empower, and/or motivate individuals to be the best and happiest version of themselves.

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​Gissella Altamirano

      I attend the University of Southern California for my MFT degree. I have a passion and hobby for dancing. I have danced professional salsa, hip hop, and so on. I grew up with parents who are travel agents which I am super fortunate to have traveled to many places and learned about different cultures! I have an interest in traveling as well as documentaries and reading! A fun fact about myself is that my parents are Peruvian and I am slowly but surely learning how to cook Peruvian cuisine! I also did competitive swimming for 5 years. I am currently also working part time as a behavioral therapist at McRory Pediatrics, in their intensive therapeutic services for children on the spectrum.
       I wanted to work with CPLA because of the supportive environment the institution has created for all their therapists! I truly appreciate the amount of effort thats put into training as well as supervisors who work non-stop to help us when we need navigating! Such a loving and caring community! Besides their supportive environment! I love that CPLA gives variety of resources not only for the clients but also for the family and teachers who are constantly within the child's environment and influence the child in so many aspects! I love being able to give those resources to them when they need it! In 10 years I definitely hope to be licensed by then! I see myself working in a hospital setting! Either working with pediatric clients and their families in navigating how illness can impact the family system. I also see myself holding group therapy for the Latinx population where they can be validated but also informed about the stigma within mental health, as well as creating a safe space about topics surrounding the Latinx community such as immigration, somatic issues, lack of resources, and so on! I hope to really just be that safe space for the children! I feel like working with children is such delicate work and most of them are either looked down upon or aren’t being heard when they ask for help! I hope to be that source of help and validation as well as give them the skills and resources they and their families need!

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Brianna Ramos

          I am currently studying at USC for my MFT degree. Some of my passions include music, guitar, exercising, video games, and skincare! When I have free time, I love to spend time with my niece and nephew, family time is always fun with those two! A fun fact about myself is that I bought my cat a bed that looks like bread because it looks like he's making biscuits with his paws! ... my cat is very spoiled. Currently I am focused full time on practicum and school, but prior to CPLA I was working in ABA as a behavioral therapist.
          As a first-generation Latina student in the U.S I know the struggles many children face in this position. I wanted to give students the opportunity to talk to someone who was once in their shoes and I wanted to be that guide that I wished I had during that time. CPLA serves a large number of first-generation and undeserved families, this aligns with the populations I want to work with. I thought CPLA would be a great opportunity for me to give back to the community and life I grew up in because I feel like I see me and my family in many of the students and families I work with currently. I think something that really makes CPLA different is the constant support I receive from CPLA. I feel supported by my FSP, supervisors, and other CPLA staff. I like the fact that there will always be someone available if I have any questions, need consultation, or have a crisis going on. I have always felt very welcomed and like I am not alone during my time at CPLA. In 10 years, apart from my career as a marriage and family therapist, I would like to become a professor and possibly teach the next generation of clinicians. I'm deeply passionate about finding ways to make a difference in the community and providing mental health care more accessible by removing barriers that place a disadvantage for many individuals. I believe that creating a space where a child feels heard and safe is always a good start for helping the child display the best version of themselves.

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Eva Teitelbaum

      I'm currently a student at UMASS Global in their Marriage and Family Therapy program. Some of my passions and hobbies include my dog, Bear, and yoga, running, skating, hiking, paddle boarding, reading, and meditating. A fun fact about myself is that I am a certified yoga instructor. My other positions include Transaction Coordinator and AMFT at Healing Solutions Family Therapy Center.
​        I wanted to work at CPLA because I was welcomed with such warmth, which gave me the confidence to begin my therapeutic journey assisting others knowing I had support. I love having the privilege of being welcomed into my client's journey, hearing their story and who they truly are. In 10 years, I'm honestly not sure where I'll be. However, I can confidently say that currently, I am very happy with where I am at in my life in every aspect and looking forward to the next chapters. My goal through it all is to shine so much light that even one child can see the light that has always been within and shine like the star that they are.

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Nicole DeFelice

       I am an MSW student at Arizona State University.  In my free time, I love travelling to experience new things!  A fun fact about me is that I was born in the Philippines and speak fluent Tagalog. :) I am currently a Crisis Intervention Specialist at Telecare Corporation. I have been with the organization for over 4 years. In the last 4.5 years, I've held titles such as Homeless Services Liaison, Outreach Coordinator, Kern County Certified 5150 Hold Writer, Regional Advanced CPI Trainer, and graduated Telecare's Emerging Leaders 2021-2022 cohort. 
         Practicum is a great opportunity to explore working in various settings with various populations. I thought that CPLA would be a great opportunity to experience working with children in a school based setting. My favorite part about working at CPLA is being able to build connections with the students while aiding them as they explore their psychosocial identities. I am unsure as to where I see myself in 10 years but I do love macro level social work. I aspire to go back and pursue a Juris Doctorate in the next 3-5 years to refine my skills and focus on policy. I always say that every interaction is an opportunity to plant a seed and inspire change in other's life but also mine, which is why I always do my best with what I can in the time that I can every single time. I make every interaction meaningful and I make it count.

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Evan Snyder

I am a student at Pepperdine University. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, going to the beach, playing board games, and getting tacos with friends. A fun fact about myself is that I am a certified archery instructor! 
         I wanted to work at CPLA because I wanted a site that was going to push and challenge me. CPLA’s heavy caseload made me realize I was going to learn case management as well. The diversity of the children that I work with has fostered more growth, learning, and fun than I ever could’ve expected working in a school system. Being a part of the the “behind the scenes” of a school makes it feel like I am making a significant impact. In 10 years, I hope to open and operate my own private, group practice that surrounds substance use issues. If I am able to help foster a child’s self-worth and teach them how to help themselves and others, then it will have a domino effect that helps everyone treat each other with kindness.

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David Morales

        I am currently attending Mount St. Mary's University. In my free time, I enjoy drumming, journaling, wrestling, and doing art. A fun fact about myself is that I play drums in a metal band! In the past, I have worked in community mental health and as a behavior therapist. I wanted to work at CPLA because of the support the staff and organization offers. 
       In 10 years,  I will be working in private practice with an eclectic therapeutic approach. I hope to change the world, even if it's  child's world, by serving as a connection/human bond with those who don't usually feel understood, which in turn, will help give them hope.

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Emma Seaman

       I am a student at Antioch University. I absolutely love to spend time in nature, whether I’m surfing, hiking, or walking down the block looking at flowers and trees. I am really interested in the impact of nature on mental health and how time in nature can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation. When I open up to the presence of all life, I know I’m never alone. A fun fact about me is that I’m an identical twin. It’s such a unique experience moving through the world with a best friend who shares the exact same DNA! I am so glad I went back to school to become a therapist. As I move through my program, I have a variety of jobs that all support different interests of mine. I help my friend from high school with her clothing company, packaging and mending vintage clothes. I love fashion and sustainability and am so happy I bumped into her getting off the bus last year! On top of that, I’ve found myself working with a lot of kids from babysitting, to tutoring, to school counseling. If you’d asked me 5 years ago, I would have said kids and I don’t get along, but today, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Working with kids is so energizing for me and reminds me how important play and presence are!
           I wanted to work with CPLA because I was eager to work with adolescents. High school was a really difficult time for me and I wish I had more support back then. My goal is to offer the encouragement I wish I had received. Growing up is difficult! I really align with CPLAs mission and commitment to supporting the wellbeing of students. I absolutely love working at CPLA! I could not be happier in my position as a high school counselor. It is such an honor to come to school and sit with the students. I get to witness them during such a transformative moment in their life and support them in whatever they need. My goal is to help them feel autonomous and develop emotional regulation skills that will help them get through any situation. Emotions can be heavy but there’s a lot of freedom in knowing that they come and go. I get to be an advocate, ally, counselor and peer. I couldn’t have asked for a better job!
               Planning 10 years ahead has always been hard for me, but my constant goal is to be of service and feel that I’m contributing to the world in a meaningful way. I hope to be a better surfer by then and have been barreled! Fingers crossed on that one because it will involve a lot of wipeouts! Regarding work, I will be a licensed clinician and hopefully helping people develop the tools and courage to be whoever they dream of being! While I look forward to working with people individually, my goal would be to work in community/group settings. I believe supportive community is vital to our social and emotional wellbeing— we’re wired for connection! I hope to change the world by helping people fall in love with themselves. I believe we live in such an intense society that shapes our priorities and governs how we feel about ourselves. My hope is that I can help people see how uniquely special they are and how important they are to the world. We’re here and we all belong just as we are.

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