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.
Grief/Loss/Bereavement
Maria Thompson
Maria is a first-generation Mexican-American woman who has worked in the mental health field and with the geriatric population for over 10 years. She has provided grief counseling, transitional support through life changes with couples, families and groups of unrelated persons. We are all individuals who require different interventions for navigating our personal goals and challenges/changes in life. The process of creating individual plans based on a patient’s strengths and resources is a creative process that helps Maria find joy and excitement in the work that she does. She loves that her work allows patients to build their tool box for managing phases in their lives. In addition to being a psychotherapist, Maria is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Counselor (SUDRC) and Zumba Instructor.
Giselle Facemire
Giselle is an Afro-Latina, Army Veteran, survivor, and overcomer. She is also fluent in Spanish. She has always known her calling was to become a therapist in order to help others overcome. After serving in the military, Giselle felt she needed to get into the field to better support and serve those who are struggling and need guidance toward the light out of darkness. She enjoys working with patients who are brave enough to reach out for help and willing to work towards reaching their goals. She walks alongside her patients, helps them process, and teaches them tools and skills to their goals. Giselle adds value to her patients’ lives by giving them her full attention, showing them she is invested in their wellbeing, and by being there for them every step of the way. Giselle most enjoys the therapeutic relationship and seeing progress in the work she does. She uses her own life experiences and curiosity to empathize and validate her patients. She wishes for her patients to graduate from therapy feeling like they no longer need it because they’ve learned the tools and skills they need to make it and to also feel secure knowing that if they ever need help they can reach out anytime.
Anum Rathor
Anum is a first-generation South Asian American. As a first-generation American, she sees the value in breaking down the stigma surrounding seeking help and the importance of eliminating the negative connotations or assumptions that are attached to therapy. She wishes to be a voice for those that have not found theirs yet. She speaks Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi fluently and is currently learning Arabic. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples. Anum believes therapy is about creating a safe space for the patient to open up about what they want to address with no judgment. She is driven to make sure her patients feel comfortable, respected, and validated. Through the use of various evidence-based practices, Anum enjoys working with patients to cater to their emotional needs through the use of. She has experience working with people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and depression as well as with people who engage in substance use and risk behaviors. She feels lucky to have worked with individuals from various sexual orientations, religious, and cultural backgrounds. She wishes for her patients to graduate from therapy feeling liberated and empowered to take on the world and to be able to process their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a healthy way.
Geovana Marquez
Geovana is a child of immigrants (First-generation Chicana) and understands the experience of adjusting to both the family’s culture and American culture. She is a feminist who advocates for mental health, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ issues that need to be heard. Her therapeutic work experience includes working with young adults with various mental health concerns. Geovana hopes that sessions are a safe space for her patients to share and grow. She hopes to add value into the lives of her patients by instilling confidence in knowing they have grown within their time together.
Dani Salzer
The journey into and through motherhood invites us to experience intense love and joy, but it also touches our most raw and vulnerable parts. We may experience worries of not being good enough or fears of losing our identity. The practical challenges of becoming a parent (such as breastfeeding and balancing work and home) can be particularly difficult and overwhelming when sleep deprived. Even the strongest/most capable among us sometimes experience stressors that challenge our ability to cope.
The poet John O’Donohue once wrote that our greatest longing is to be seen. I have a warm, accepting style that encourages you to process painful feelings and experiences and move toward healing and growth. My approach is creative and collaborative— based on your unique experience, strengths, and challenges. Drawing from humanistic and experiential theory, I incorporate positive psychology, mindfulness, and expressive arts to help clients accept themselves, challenge maladaptive thoughts, authentically connect with those they care about, and slow down and experience the moment.
As a therapist and mother, I understand how difficult it can be to take time for yourself when you may feel like you are barely keeping up with the demands of life and motherhood. But I also know that taking the time now, to increase self-awareness can move you beyond mere survival and transform your experience of motherhood. I invite you to discover meaning in your new role as a mother, connect with inner strengths and wisdom and recreate harmony and meaning in your life.
Jennifer Quan
Rooted in trauma-informed social justice and holistic perspectives, I’m passionate about facilitating transformative healing processes and empowering skill-building with people of all ages. Together, we can attend to what is happening and needed on the levels of mind, heart, body, and spirit for healing trauma and nurturing resilience.
You can expect me to be warm and curious, honest and engaged, open-minded and deeply affirming. I hold deep appreciation for multicultural experience and identity, and it’s especially meaningful for me to work with people who are marginalized by institutions of power and privilege.
I move through the world as a second generation Asian American woman, empath, life long learner, auntie, evolving spirit, and lover of nature, creative expression, and embodied movement. I believe in the power of joy, vulnerability, and authentic expression in forging a path towards personal and collective liberation.
Stephanie McWoods
As a therapist I aim to provide a space that is beautiful, safe, and healing for folks who have few said spaces in the world. I aim to challenge the status quo, -isms, and White Supremacy. I have spent many of my years living and surviving in these oppressive systems that were not created for me or my people. In learning to adapt and “succeed” in these systems that do not appreciate nor nourish my spirit I have transitioned to unapologetically making space for myself and thriving. I found that in being unapologetically me I have no limits to my abilities, dreams, or connections. In my work with clients, I invite them to take the leap of letting go of socially constructed views of how they should be or exist and rather settle into what they desire and what works for them. I believe life can be easy and liberating when we step outside of these oppressive and limiting systems.
​I encourage clients to live their best lives unapologetically and ruthlessly. I support clients with addressing trauma, emotional hang-ups, anxiety, depression, as well as celebrating the journey to self-discovery and re-centering.
​Since 2017, I have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those who identify as BIPOC, Queer, Gender Non Conforming, or Trans dealing with challenging life experiences. My client’s well-being is a priority, and I go above and beyond to support them through their obstacles.Â
​I work with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. I help to restore relational balance and authenticity. I provide a healing space that is welcoming to those who hold marginalized identities. My style is direct, collaborative, conversational and affirming. I use a decolonized, social justice oriented lens and focus on race-based trauma and historical trauma. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.
Sharon Humphrey
Individuals come to therapy because they want something different in their lives. I believe that therapy is about transformation and enjoy working with individuals who are looking to evolve and grow, to understand themselves and their motivations so that they can make lasting changes. Whether you feel motivated to do so now right now or are hoping to find that motivation, therapy can help.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, pregnancy loss, fertility issues, and insomnia. My training has been rigorous and I am well-versed in several modalities. You are a unique individual. Therefore, my approach with you is personalized. What you can always expect is warmth, genuine empathy, and a non-judgmental stance.
It is an honor and a privilege to walk beside you as we work together to form lasting, positive change. The most important thing is that we have a strong therapeutic relationship as this will form the basis for healing.
Teen Empowerment Group
For teens who are survivors of violence, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, school or community violence, parental substance abuse, who have witnessed violence in their home, or have experienced any other child maltreatment.
This group focuses on self-esteem building, healthy relationships, gaining a sense of community and skills for growth, and helping teens access their own strength and courage to claim a healthy and positive future.
Parents, the reality of teen trauma is painful and overwhelming. Figuring out how to begin the healing process can be confusing. You want to protect your teen and ensure their safety and happiness. When you see your child suffering, it hurts.
We understand, and we are here to help.
Any of this sound familiar in regards to your teen:
– Anxiety or worry
– Falling grades
– Persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
– Changes in self-care, such as paying less attention to hygiene, appearance, or fashion than they usually do
Our Teen Empowerment Group is hands down the best way to help your teen:
–  Understanding of the symptoms of trauma to support self-regulation
– Develop greater understanding of themselves and their needs in a safe and supportive community so that they can set self-directed boundariesÂ
– Experience mindfulness-based practices to induce and deepen relaxationÂ
– Increase self-compassion in order to reduce self-criticism and self-blame
We are here to help your teen engage in the body and mind through arts based expression in order to heal and re-connect with joy and purpose.
NEXT Step? Email our office to schedule a brief phone chat with leaders Melissa or Megan. We would be delighted to answer any questions you have about the group. We look forward to hearing from you!
Expressive arts is an evidence based practice that provides practical tools for healing and emotional growth. Some art modalities we will use include; drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and digital art or photography. No experience or skill with art making is necessary to benefit from art therapy.