December - March Counselor Spotlights

Viviana Jimenez

I am currently studying at Mount Saint Mary's University. A fun fact about me is that I recently took up pottery and now I can't stop making pots for my succulent! In ten years, I see myself working for a non-profit helping provide mental health services for underserved families headed by women. I wanted to work for CPLA because I like their mission in helping students and families gain access to mental health services via low-cost school based treatment options. I also really enjoyed the support that was shown throughout the interview and training process. There was a lot of support and genuine good vibes being shown to not only myself but my future co-counselors as well. I hope to change the world by genuinely supporting my clients throughout their therapeutic journey and being an authentic support system. When I was going through my own journey in therapy, I remember how calming and reassuring it felt when my therapist would genuinely care about me and my problems at the time. I want to offer the same support to my clients.

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Rita Guerrero

I am currently a student in the MFT program at California State University Fullerton. In my free time, I like to reading, walking daily, watch Marvel movies, and listen to Alternative Music, and Folk and Blues Music. A fun fact about me is that I grew up in Los Angeles and am a 6th generation Californian! I am also a medical biller who works for clinical psychologists and therapists. In 10 years, I will have a private practice here in Long Beach, CA. I wanted to work for CPLA because I was impressed with their approach to children, beginning with building rapport. CPLA makes me feel that they have my back. I would like to change the world by helping a child understand they deserve respect, understanding and the ability to be heard.

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Jasmin Marquez

I am currently a student at University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global). Some of my passions and hobbies include cooking, being outdoors, playing tennis and pickle ball. A fun story about myself occurred when I was 6 years old at Petco and my parents took me to Petco. I really wanted a fish but my parents weren't willing to buy one so before leaving the store, I reached into one of the tanks, grabbed a live fish with my bare hands, and put it in my pocket. Unfortunately, it didn't make it home. Before CPLA, I worked at a non-profit doing ABA therapy with children on the spectrum.
        In 10 years, I hope to have my own private practice, continuing to help children while positively connecting the whole family unit. I wanted to work for CPLA because it is committed to providing compassionate care to underserved students in Los Angeles. I wanted to work in an environment that helps children and families who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or have limited or no access to resources that are otherwise disenfranchised, live more happy and satisfying lives. Big life changes are inevitable, but that doesn't make them any easier for children to manage. Structure and stability feel safe for children, so new experiences like divorce or attending a new school can be scary. CPLA has provided me with the opportunity to help children navigate and grow from these experiences, helping them to strengthen their "resilience muscle". There is something so inspiring about seeing someone realize they are capable. If I can empower one child to feel confident and see themselves in a new light, I can accept that I am helping to create change in the world.

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Maya Garcia

I am currently a student at Mount Saint Mary's University. In my free time, I enjoy playing with my dog, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. A fun fact about myself is that I am a certified Pilates instructor! In 10 years I hope to be a LMFT at my own private practice. I want to work with kids and give them the support that many people did not experience growing up. Being provided counseling at a young age can make a big difference in their lives. What I love about CPLA is the support and family feel CPLA has provided me. I love getting to know each one of my students and hearing their life stories. I hope to change the world one child at a time. I hope to change the world by giving children and others the confidence to believe in themselves and never give up. Many children go through life feeling alone, I want to change that.

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Heidi Parel

I am currently a student at Saybrook University. Some of my passions and hobbies include Singing/playing piano, reading, running and playing with my 13 year old cat, Deanie. A fun fact about myself is that I am originally from a very small town in Northern Michigan and I recently got married there this past summer. I also work part-time as a home health aide at Mom's Home Care and I care for a lovely elderly couple twice a week. Working with older adults is one of my passions in life. I enjoy spending time with them and learning about their lives.
In 10 years, I hope to be working at a non-profit organization or practice that includes programs with older adults and I hope to be specializing in that population as well as focusing on grief and bereavement. I wanted to work at CPLA because most of my experience comes from working with older adults, so I was interested in expanding my horizons and working with other populations - such as children/adolescents - to gain more understanding and knowledge of working with other individuals that may have different needs. What I love about CPLA is the support. The support I received from both of my supervisors last semester was incredible. I felt like I was in good hands and was comfortable enough to be completely vulnerable at times, which included sharing the things I'm having trouble with and my fears/doubts about becoming a therapist. I want to make sure that the people I work with can learn to express their thoughts and feelings and are capable of growth and change. I want them to be able to give them a safe space to share whatever is on their mind and know that they are loved and cared for.

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Daniella Ceniceros

I am currently attaining my MFT degree at Pacific Oaks College. I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends watching a Dodger Baseball game! On my free mommy-time, I enjoy going on a Target spree while drinking an Iced Caramel Macchiato. A fun fact about myself is that I enjoy collecting Starbucks Tumblr's ! Before transitioning into Mental Health I was a Preschool Teacher for seven years. I really enjoyed teaching students their social and emotional skills all through play-based. I was able to provide a safe and fun learning space throughout the years for children; now it is time for me to create a therapeutic space for children.
          In 10 years I see myself being a LMFT while maintaining PsyD in Educational Psychology. I chose to work at CPLA because it has allowed me to be who I am- a helper, a teacher, and a counselor while being in a school setting. I have worked in a school setting for the past 12 years in my teaching career; therefore, I have gained experience working with staff members, principals, teachers, school psychologist & behavioral therapist, and families. Now, I will be able to bring all my tools that I have gained in the past twelve years to CPLA students and families. If I could change one child's world that would be by allowing them to express themselves freely, by letting them know they are cared for and loved for by their family and friends, but most importantly by including the child. Also, by engaging, connecting, and relating to a child can make all the difference but yet brings collectiveness between the two. I believe it is important to allow the child to voice themselves while praising them for their bravery.

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Emily Welch

I am currently a student at Alliant International University. Some of my interests include interior design, using power tools, Pilates, and being with my husband and kids. A fun fact about me is that I am renovating my house and DIYing most of it! I am a part time speech therapy assistant which I really enjoy. In 10 years, I see myself in a private practice working with couples and families. I wanted to work at CPLA because I value its mission and I am deeply grateful for the intentional supportive environment offered and maintained here. I love the mission of CPLA and how passionate the leaders are about making an impact, it is inspiring because it is so genuine and heartfelt. I hope to change the world by helping people feel less alone, to feel connection and hope.

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Rachel Nebel

I am currently a student in USC's MFT program. If I'm not working I'm most likely spending time with my family, friends, and dog. You can also catch me going to concerts, watching sunsets or driving along the coast. I also enjoy traveling, going to different restaurants, and binging shows on Netflix. A fun fact about me is that I've gone cliff jumping! It was so fun and I want to do it again! Before starting grad school, I worked for a clinic where I supported the patient intake process and responded to patient inquiries, scheduling requests, and clinical provider requests. I also contributed to bi-monthly clinical consultation meetings and group supervision meetings. I hope to have my own center to provide holistic treatment for children with anxiety and depression. It would have different types of therapy (play, art, different types of talk, etc.), nutrition, meditation/yoga, reiki, and so much more!
           I have always wanted to work with children and am aligned with CPLA's mission statement and vision. After talking to previous counselors who worked here, I could see how much they loved this organization, and I wanted to be a part of that. You can also see the dedication and passion that Therese and the rest of the team have toward this community. The support I received from both of my supervisors, the CPLA team, and my school site has been invaluable. CPLA has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of so many children and be a support system for them. This has been an amazing way to start off my career as a therapist, and I am extremely grateful to this community. It has allowed me to start changing the world: I want to help children be confident to use their voices and be proud of who they are. I want them to feel loved.

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Monica Garcia

I am currently a student at Touro University Worldwide. I love spending time with my family, staying connected to nature and writing poetry. A fun fact about me is that I am learning to paint Alebrijes. In addition to my counselor role, I am also the Executive Director of a nonprofit in South Los Angeles and a Trauma informed Art Facilitator. In 10 years, I see myself always growing and learning and being able to hold loving and intentional space for people through therapy and ancestral healing . I want to have my own practice where I can offer preventive well being workshops to the BIPOC communities.
          I wanted to work at CPLA because they see the WHOLE child and this matters. In addition CPLA's commitment to nurture hope was so important for me. There is also a strong community within the team and the love does not go unnoticed. I really have grown as a Therapist in CPLA and that is thanks to the support and valuable trainings I have received from CPLA. In addition, the staff at my site has made me feel so welcomed and have been so helpful, so I can provide the best possible care to the children and teens. I truly feel blessed here. It is my goal to change the world, even if it is just one child's. It is beautiful to be a witness of the free spirit of a child and be see their innate abundance, while knowing they have everything they need within to bloom and thrive. To be fully present and guide them to see this for themselves is my heart's wish.

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Dani Raushi

I attended Pepperdine University and attained my MFT in December 2022. Some of my hobbies and interests include singing and playing piano or guitar, songwriting, dj'ing, designing and sewing clothes, running, dancing, and I love building things. A fun fact about me is that I released two albums and toured the world for 10 years singing in a rock band I created. I always thought music was an abstract way of helping people and thought I would try a non-abstract avenue...hence my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
         In 10 years I would like to work with a group practice working with families and also music professionals. Also, I would like to have my own shelter to help at risk youth. I wanted to work for CPLA because of the opportunity to work with teens and their families utilizing a multitude of modalities including the incorporation of music. I love CPLA because of the excellent support, communication, and how the team functions as a team/family. I aspire to help children replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk, empowering them to be their "best self" and know that they can do anything they put their minds to if they are willing to do the work.

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Frances Zumbro

I am currently a student at Pepperdine University's MFT program. Some of my passions include being with friends and family, making music, and teaching. A fun fact about me is that I have been in multiple bands since the age of 13. I have been a preschool teacher for the past 3 years and I love it! Working in early intervention has been a passion of mine since I was a kid myself! 
In 10 years I hope to be happy and healthy surrounded by friends and family, well traveled and working in early intervention with families in a school/private practice setting. I wanted to work for CPLA because I have had a passion for working with children and working in a school setting and CPLA was a combination of the two. After meeting the team, it was a done deal! I love the support and community that CPLA has built. I always have someone to turn to and they are willing and very experienced. All of the other counselors are so supportive and we have created a community, even through the computer! I hope to show children that they should never be afraid to be themselves. I want to provide confidence and safety for them and for them to do that things that fill them with joy.

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