Chynna is Caribbean American and a Womanist in every way. Her mother’s Trinidadian roots and her father’s Puerto Rican heritage are integral to who she is, how she loves herself and how she loves others. In different counseling iterations over the years, first as a substance abuse counselor and later as a case manager, she watched patients wrestle with their pain while knowing there was a better way but lacking the skills and knowledge. For her it is not about solving issues for her patients, but rather introducing more light for them, so that they are able to see their own path to liberation from pain. Over time, Chynna learned the deep power of curiosity and the roaring strength of silence. She learned to love the non-linear healing and wholeness that inevitably reveals itself to patients. She believes in each patient, and that the goals for change they set out for themselves are attainable. It is imperative to her that it is the patient’s goals, not her own, that are primary. The value she adds to the lives of her patients is that she approaches her work from a strengths-based perspective. In assessment, she spends time identifying her patient’s strengths, because these can often be overlooked. Drawing upon these strengths, Chynna helps patients see their own resources for change and growth. Unlearning long held patterns is important work that requires patience. Having patience as a guide to help patients learn to replace unhelpful patterns is key to developing healthier ways of seeing themselves, others and the world. Chynna knows wellness is achievable so she continues to offer hope and possibility as patients grow towards their goals. Her practice is unique in the way she infuses humor throughout her work. Chynna hopes that patients graduate from working with her feeling confident in their abilities to recognize and meet their needs with deeper knowledge and commitment to their own healing journey.
Jordon’s understanding of mental disabilities started very early. His father was a Psychiatrist and he was fortunate to accompany him to work at various hospitals, clinics, etc. Upon enrolling at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Jordon made his future intentions clear from day one with the clinical training coordinator at Pepperdine. He said he came to increase his knowledge in chronic and severe mental health so he could return to the field more prepared to help. He used his education to continue working at mental health facilities treating chronic mental disorders including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.
Jordon was fortunate to have made his mind up that he wanted to be an instrument of recovery for individuals needing mental health services. He used this experience to obtain a license in Marriage and Family Therapy and continue working with adults diagnosed with chronic and persistent mental illness in addition to substance use disorders at D’Amore Healthcare. Upon moving to the Bay Area, he used his experience to assist individuals in community based mental health programs including Fremont Hospital and Crossover Health/Facebook (Menlo Park). He brings over 10 years of experience and counting in the field of chronic and persistent mental illness. Jordon has experience utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, CBTi, mindfulneess, and trauma focused therapy [for children (only accepting trauma cases) and adults]. Jordon continues to advocate for his caseload and assist them in improving their insight, judgment, and symptom awareness to help improve overall daily functioning at home, work/school, and the community.
