September-November Counselor Spotlights

Natalie Karapetian

 I am currently a student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. To start off, a fun fact about me is that I had the opportunity to study abroad in London during my undergraduate at California State University - Northridge, which gave me the chance to travel and explore and become aware of other cultures and the diversity around the world. In addition to being a counselor at CPLA,  I'm a dog mom (and now "dog grandma" to 5 puppies!) and an aunt to my two amazing nephews. I am also an intake coordinator and office manager at my family's healthcare agency. In my free time,  I love playing with my dogs, cooking, traveling, and going to Disneyland!

In 10 years, I see myself as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with my own private practice, as well as working with other mental health organizations to provide additional mental health services to the community. I hope to change the way mental health is seen and understood and to remove the stigmas that may come along with mental health. I also hope to provide a safe space for individuals to allow themselves to become vulnerable, know that there are others that care for them and work toward becoming their best selves. During graduate school, I began to realize how beneficial and rewarding it can be for children to be provided that safe space and having someone that they can be vulnerable with and open up to. With CPLA, children and adolescents are provided with the opportunity to seek counseling at school, and I knew I wanted to be part of CPLA to help provide children and adolescents with that safe space. I love working with CPLA because there is an extensive amount of support that we receive as counselors from FSPs, supervisors, and other team members at CPLA. I also love the rewarding feeling of knowing we have made an impact on at least one child's life and provided them with the support they needed.

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​Katie Lin

 I am currently a student at Pepperdine University and am pursuing my LMFT.  A fun fact about me is that I love music and have a large collection of vinyl records! Everything from Vivaldi's Four Seasons to ABBA to The Rolling Stones.  In addition to being a CPLA counselor, I work as a consultant, consulting employers on the benefits they offer to their employees. Most of my job involves advocating on behalf of individuals with their health insurance claims and ensuring individuals have the coverage they need. I also have a certification in Inclusive Workplace Culture and consult employers on ways to make their companies more inclusive. I am very passionate about music and the outdoors. I enjoy going to concerts and the beach, or catching a movie screening at the Hollywood Forever. But really, most of my time outside of work is spent with family.

In 10 years, I hope to become an LMFT, making an impact in women's and families lives. Whether that is in private practice or working for a meaningful agency, we will see where the wind blows me. I wanted to work for CPLA because they embody the support and spirit I was looking for in a practicum site. CPLA makes me feel as though I can continue to grow and learn myself, while still making a difference in children's lives. I hope to change the world by helping children find and develop their inner resilience so they can go on to lead fulfilling lives.

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Linneen Warren

 I currently attend Pepperdine University and am a student in their MFT/LPCC program. To start off, a fun fact about me is that I am certified in scuba diving! In my free time, I love hiking, camping, cooking, doing yoga, and playing with my puppy, Obi. Before pursuing a degree in mental health, I worked in fundraising at my alma mater, Occidental College. In this role, I ran the student call center, managing up to 40 employees. Mentoring and guiding college students was a fulfilling and meaningful experience, and further cemented my passion for working with young adults.

In 10 years, I would like to work with adolescents and emerging adults with histories of trauma. Ideally, I see myself facilitating their personal evolution and growth journey. Though my current plan is to work in private practice, I am also open to other opportunities as they arise. I hope that, in 10 years, I am still learning, growing, and cultivating my clinical skills. I came to work at CPLA because I'm deeply passionate about helping young people set the stage for continued success and well-being throughout their life. I felt that being a CPLA counselor would be an excellent opportunity to provide the necessary support to students who may not have it elsewhere. I love working at CPLA because I really get to know my students  I'm also grateful for all the trainings, workshops, and support I receive as I develop my clinical identity here at CPLA. As a counselor, I hope to bring a depth of understanding and self-acceptance to my students and future clients. If I can improve another's lived experience, even if it's in the smallest of ways, I feel that I will be making a positive difference in the world.

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Dallas Sullivan

 I am a current student at California State University, Fullerton. A fun fact about me is that a lot of people ask about how my parents chose my name (if they are from Dallas, if they like the football team, etc.) but my mom just really liked the name when she heard it and she decided that her baby would be named Dallas, regardless of the sex of the baby.  In my free time, I like to watch Disney movies/shows, I like to read (especially horror books or psychology themed books) and I like to spend quality time with my cousins and friends.  Apart from being a grad student, I am also a graduate advisor for the Psychology Dept. at my school, so I advise undergrad students regarding PSYC classes to pick for their degree and I help them with career planning and grad school questions.

In 10 years, I see myself having my License in MFT and I am either working for a great agency or I am doing therapy in private. I also see myself as a part-time lecturer at my university (CSUF) and I hope to be a mom by then. I decided to work at CPLA because I heard some good recommendations from some other grad students, but after meeting Therese at an intro practicum meeting and looking at the website, I knew this agency was the place that I wanted to be at for my practicum. Their approach to doing therapy is what I am looking for in a practicum. I like working at CPLA because I love the sense of community and support from the entire agency.  I hope to change the world, even if it's 1 child's world, by being a person that others, or the child, can count on. I am big on upholding my word and doing something all the way when I make a commitment. If a child that I am working with needs someone to count on or listen to their concerns, I make it my responsibility to do everything in my power to be there for them.

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Ben Leddick

  I am a student at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. A fun fact about me is that I have been performing and teaching improv comedy for over 15 years. In my free time, I love to do wood-working, make music, and participate in improv comedy. When I'm not studying or counseling students,  I do odd jobs to keep my creative side working while in pursuit of an MFT degree. 
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In 10 years, I would like to be licensed as a therapist, making small art projects and hopefully maintaining a small garden. I am terrible with plants but there is a desire there! I wanted to work with CPLA because I worked in education for 8 years. That time showed me the need for helping parents and children in their communication to help strengthen the family bond. I also like playing which is far easier to do at a school than at a Department of Mental Health or private practice. I love working at CPLA because I enjoy the diversity of clients that I get to work with. There are so many unique stories that I get to work with each day. I am getting such a broad range of clients that I already feel like I am being well prepared for my career as a clinician. I hope to change the world by changing the way individuals see themselves. I'd like to instill hope and foster the individuals value and worth that we all poses as created beings.

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Jack McGeagh

I am a student at Pepperdine University. A fun fact about me is that I am a twin! My twin brother lives across the country in New York. I love the outdoors and spending time in nature. On days off, you will find me at the beach or on a hiking trail. I am a huge Dodger fan, love to exercise and spend time with friends. I currently work part-time at a psychological and educational services company called cross country education.

In 10 years, I want to have a private practice where I work with adolescents and young adults. I also would love to have an outdoor ranch where children and adolescents can practice mental health, responsibility, and mindfulness. I wanted to work at CPLA I grew up in Catholic schools, so the population is familiar and important to me. I have always loved working with children, and the children that I work with often don't have access to services that I provide. I love the community, the mission, and the support that I get. Starting off as a therapist is a whirlwind and very difficult at times. CPLA has always been amazing at supporting me through the difficulties that come up. I see positive change in many of the students that I work with, and it is extremely rewarding to see how much of a difference that I can make in this field. I hope to be an example for those I work with. I have found that the smallest things can make the biggest differences. Being a mentor and just being a person that someone can go to can change their life in a positive direction.

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Kiana Kabir

I currently attend Pepperdine University. A fun fact about me is that my first language was actually Farsi even though I was born in California! If I’m not working I’m most likely with family or friends. I love spending time with the people I love. I also love to travel, try new restaurants, go to concerts, and binge watch different shows on Netflix/Hulu! I am also an MFT Trainee at Exodus Recovery. Here I have the opportunity to provide services to another population and hopefully make an impact there as well.

In 10 years I hope to be an LMFT working in private practice to provide mental health services to different individuals and communities. My goal is to create a practice that holds space for these individuals to feel safe, heard, and understood, to know they are not alone, and to give them tools to create a life well-lived. I wanted to work for CPLA because working with these students is so important. Being able to provide the support they need and knowing I can make an impact on a child’s life grasped my attention right away. CPLA also provides me with immense support myself from all different areas. This gives me the ability to confidently grow and learn while seeing these students each day. I love working at CPLA because of the immense amount of support I have from all different areas. This support has given me the ability to confidently grow and learn while seeing students each day. Also, being able to go in each day and give the students an opportunity to release whatever they need makes me feel as though I am providing them with a safe and understanding place. Even if it’s 1 child, I hope to open their minds to mental health and its importance. Helping them learn the tools they may need to go through everyday life.

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Isabel Richards

 I am a student at Medaille University's LPCC program. A fun fact about me is that I grew up in London, England and am the third generation of counselors in my family! In my free time, I like to do yoga, cooking, hiking, and art- plus my dog! I also work part time at a private practice in New York, where I recently moved from. I also work to support NYMHCA with their webinars.

In 10 years, I see myself hopefully running my own private practice! I wanted to work at CPLA because of the dedication, passion and feelings of love which was so apparent in Therese and the rest of the team- they are so committed to supporting their interns and working to help the lives of children and families. I love working at CPLA because of the supportive atmosphere of the team. I hope to help children gain confidence and in their own abilities, and to feel comfortable and safe in their own skin so that they are able to move into the world as self-assured individuals.

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