Meet Our Team

About Megan:

Megan specializes in helping couples, individuals, teens, and families with emotional regulation, ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-doubt, life transitions, finding meaning or passion in career, and creating healthy romantic, friendly, parenting, and work relationships. Megan also enjoys helping clients who feel resentment around past wounds and welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients.

Megan works within Somatic, Polyvagal, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approaches to teach clients awareness and management of the emotional/primal brain and nervous system. Megan also incorporates grounding and Mindfulness and enjoys introducing practical skills within her popular parenting and DBT skills therapeutic groups. Her approach is validating, empathetic, practical, and collaborative in order to empower clients toward greater confidence, happiness, connection, and healing.  

Before joining Caring Connected, Megan helped homeless youth, K-8 students, and parents in community mental health and school-based programs as well as in private practice. Prior to becoming a therapist, Megan worked in the entertainment industry for 26 years.

Specialties:

• Emotional Regulation (grounding, fight/flight & nervous system reset, learning how to be responsive instead of reactive, DBT)

• Relationships (boundaries, communication, intimacy, work/life)

• ADHD (organization, accountability, & time management skills, creating routine, & communication around / tips for loved ones)

• Trauma (PTSD, survivors of abuse, childhood and family trauma)

• Parenting (coping, challenging behavior, communication, teens)

• Career (transitions, work dynamics, work/life balance, meaning)

About Stefanie:

Stefanie specializes in helping couples (conflict, communication, intimacy, infidelity, indecision/divorce, boundaries, in-law issues, work, incompatibility, coparenting, lost connection, mismatched love languages, and reigniting romance), teens/parents (difficult behavior, academic performance, social concerns, self-harming, bullying, ADHD/attention, mood swings/impulsivity, and parenting), and adults (grief and loss, boundaries, self-esteem, anxiety, PTSD, depression, relationships, career path, and coping with traumas)

Stefanie enjoys helping clients heal from grief, reduce stress, balance different aspects of life (work, school, personal, etc.), increase confidence, learn to regulate thoughts and emotions, and set healthy boundaries. She is practical, objective, patient, and balances between uncovering root causes of distress and teaching tools for change.

Before joining Caring Connected, Stefanie worked for Tarzana Treatments Centers (a drug and alcohol rehabilitation), New Directions for Youth (an at-risk youth gang prevention program), and College of the Canyons (performing therapy at the Student Health Center). Stefanie has also facilitated countless support groups on a wide range of topics including healthy relationships, addiction, personal growth, and communication.

Specialties:

• Couples & Relationships (lovers, friends, coworkers, siblings)

• Teens (acting out, self-harm, bullying, social media concerns)

• Anxiety/Trauma (PTSD, panic, anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts)

• Depression (grief, self-doubt, feeling sad, guilty, stuck, moody)

About Grace:

Grace specializes in helping with boundaries, complex and single incident traumas, anxiety, depression, vulnerability, intimacy, life transitions, and grief/loss. She enjoys helping clients cultivate self-compassion, heal trauma and attachment wounds, and unravel the shame that stifles fulfilling relationships. Her approach is curious, warm, and accepting, using both relational & practical interventions.

Grace works from a Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Focused lens, empowering clients to create meaningful connection, deepen insight, and confidently express their authentic selves. Grace also draws from Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, & Family Systems approaches.

Before joining Caring Connected, Grace worked for Partnerships to Uplift Communities (school-based counseling organization) as well as San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc., and Special Service for Groups (community mental health agencies). Grace has also helped victims of neglect and childhood abuse as well as those experiencing homelessness. She has also led support groups on grief/loss and coping skills.

Specialties:

• Trauma (CPTSD / PTSD, survivors of emotional, physical, sexual, psychological, & narcissistic abuse, assault, hate crimes, etc.)

• Anxiety (stress, GAD, phobias, panic attacks, rumination, worry)

• Life stressors (grief/loss, career changes, life transitions)

• Relationships (boundaries, communication, intimacy)

• LGBTQIA+ (self-acceptance, support, navigating spirituality)

About Zack:

Zack specializes in helping clients heal from trauma, eating disorders, chronic pain and illness, grief, low self-esteem, and disempowerment. He also enjoys working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger management, and codependency. His approach is caring, attuned, straightforward, objective, and collaborative. He is nonjudgmental, approachable, and unafraid to challenge rigid or stuck patterns of thinking or feeling. Zack also employs both EMDR and somatic techniques in his practice.

Zack works from a Trauma-Informed, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral perspective, also drawing from Psychodynamic, Narrative, Strengths-Focused, and Mindfulness-based techniques. Zack is also trained in disaster psychology and community trauma.

Before joining Caring Connected, Zack worked for organizations including The Bella Vita, Enki Health & Resource Systems, and Evolve Treatment Centers, as well as his own private practice. Zack also has experience working with career-related issues, end-of-life transitions, and leads support groups on eating disorders & grief.

Specialties:

• Trauma/Stress (PTSD, victims of trauma/disaster, refugees, etc.)

• Men's Issues (work/productivity, performance anxiety, sexuality, masculinity, parenting, gender roles)

• Career & Life (work/start-up stress, end-of-life, chronic illness)

• Anxiety (burnout, OCD, panic attacks, social anxiety, COVID-19)

• Eating Disorders (body image, self-esteem, relationship w/ food)

About Stephanie:

Stephanie specializes in helping clients with life transitions, stress, eating disorders, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and issues surrounding the pregnancy/postpartum period (for which she has additional specialty training). Stephanie enjoys helping clients reach their optimal potential, increase self-esteem, set healthy boundaries, and improve communication. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and objective, fostering honesty, accountability, and trust with clients.

Stephanie works mostly from Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral perspectives, but also draws from Mindfulness-based and Art Therapy techniques. Stephanie offers career and college counseling to those looking for direction, passion, and purpose.

Before joining Caring Connected, Stephanie worked for Community Research Foundation (serving homeless clients in crisis), Alternative Options Counseling Center (serving clients with eating disorders within intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs), and Azusa Unified and William S. Hart Union High School Districts (serving special and general education students). Stephanie has also facilitated support groups on body image, parenting, communication skills, & dialectical / cognitive behavioral therapies.

Specialties:

• Pregnancy/Postpartum (depression, anxiety, family boundaries)

• Relationships & Communication (couples, friends, family, work)

• Anxiety (GAD, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, rumination/worry)

• Parenting (teens, behavior, discipline, consistency, technology)

About Brittany:

Brittany specializes in helping with anxiety, couples, codependency, boundaries, depression, grief/loss, ADHD, parenting difficulties, addiction, trauma (PTSD or CPTSD), conflict in relationships, learning/developmental issues, problematic behavior in children, difficult family dynamics, and issues surrounding the pregnancy and postpartum period. Brittany also enjoys helping clients with career, work-life balance, lack of self-care, and perfectionism. Brittany understands that some clients prefer a more structured approach involving tools, skills, homework assignments, and ways to measure their progress toward specific goals while others prefer a deeper, more intuitive approach. Regardless, Brittany provides a safe space to make positive changes, navigate through life difficulties, process painful feelings, feel understood, and heal.

Brittany uses Trauma-Informed, relational, and attachment-focused approaches including Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Exposure Therapy. She also draws from Mindfulness-based and Solution-Focused techniques depending on the client. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and honest.

Before joining Caring Connected, Brittany worked for San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (community mental health), Cliffside Malibu (a drug and alcohol rehabilitation), in her own private practice, and with Lyra (an EAP company).

Specialties:

• Anxiety/Trauma (PTSD, panic, anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts)

• Couples & Relationships (lovers, friends, coworkers, siblings)

• Teens (gender identity, social media, self harm, bullying, esteem)

• Pregnancy/Postpartum (medical trauma, parenting, boundaries)

About Thali:

Thali (they/them) specializes in helping clients improve communication, confidence, intimacy, boundaries, authenticity, and relationships. They also help clients heal from single, reoccurring, and/or systemic trauma and find healthier ways to solve internal struggles. Thali is passionate about providing a safe, affirming environment, striving to remain curious, flexible, and openminded.

Thali works from Compassion-Informed and Humanistic lenses, while utilizing techniques derived from CBT and Attachment Theories. Thali also draws from Narrative and Relational approaches to help clients increase their understanding of themselves.

Before joining Caring Connected, Thali worked for San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (helping those experiencing homelessness/chronic mental health issues) and Strength United (providing support to victims of crime and domestic and sexual violence). Thali has also led groups on anger management, cultural humility, and for survivors of sexual assault.

Specialties:

• Single/Complex Trauma (relationships, victims of crimes, immigration issues, systemic marginalization, oppression, etc.)

• Non-Binary (communication, boundaries, self-advocacy, self-exploration, acceptance, support, etc.)

• Relationships & Communication (family, mono and poly dynamics, family/chosen, colleagues, betrayal, trust, intimacy)

• LGBTQIA+ (Sex/Body Positive, Ethical Non-monogamy, Kink)

• Stress & Anxiety (rumination, disorientation, somatic symptoms)

About Joshua:

Joshua has extensive experience helping adults, teens, and couples with attachment, codependency, anxiety, ADHD, addiction, trauma, grief/loss, identity, boundaries, and developing a stronger sense of self. He also enjoys helping with attachment wounds, authenticity, existential issues, barriers to vulnerability, societal expectations surrounding gender roles/norms, and issues within artistic/creative, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent communities.

Joshua integrates a Relational, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and human-centered approach, interested in using the therapeutic relationship as a place to experiment with connection and how unconscious processes manifest in the present. He has a curious, warm stance with a focus on shared experience and relatability. 

Before Caring Connected, Joshua worked for PsyCare in Philadelphia (a group private practice), San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center (as an outpatient therapist for those experiencing homelessness/mental health issues), and RiseLA (as lead therapist for inpatient drug/alcohol rehabilitation). Before becoming a therapist, Joshua was an exhibiting visual artist in New York City, video editor for film/TV, and professor of photography.

Specialties:

• ADHD & Learning Disabilities (time management skills, structure, accountability, routine, organization, and healthy communication)

• Couples (communication/attachment styles, conflict resolution, boundaries, trust, intimacy, infidelity, in-law issues, sex therapy, emotional safety, vulnerability, rebuilding connection)

• Trauma (childhood/attachment trauma, CPTSD, emotional safety)

• Somatic/Body-Based (nervous system regulation, grounding)

About Isla:

Isla specializes in helping couples and adults with communication, chronic pain/illness, ADHD, boundaries, people-pleasing, anxiety, self-acceptance, finding the middle ground, increasing joy, and developing their kind but firm voice. Isla also enjoys working with clients who come from multi-cultural, multi-racial, or multi-ethinic backgrounds  who are looking to explore the intersection of family traditions, identity, and personal values. 

Isla uses a Postmodern lens, integrating Imago and Narrative-Based interventions to help clients develop assertiveness and embody their authentic selves. She also employs mindfulness, TRM, and Gestalt-related approaches, enabling clients to stay in the present and feel contained. Her approach is curious and compassionate.

Before joining Caring Connected, Isla worked for California Family Counseling Center (a community mental health clinic) as well as in private practice. Before becoming a therapist, Isla worked for many years as an interpreter for a large Japanese company. Isla is passionate about helping people improve communication.

Specialties:

• Relationships (communication, infidelity, boundaries, balance, roles, expectations, compromise, closeness, in-law dynamics)

• Life stressors (work/family stress, chronic pain/illness, grief/loss)

• Anxiety (GAD, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, worry, fear, unease)

• Trauma (childhood/attachment trauma, CPTSD, emotional safety)

About Chelsea

Chelsea (she/her) has extensive experience helping adults, teens, and families with eating disorders, body image, self esteem, trauma, anxiety, OCD, depression, boundaries, addiction, control, & identity. She also enjoys helping clients develop coping skills and align their behavior to their chosen values for living. Chelsea also supports clients working through attachment wounds, societal or systemic barriers, racial identity, and issues within Asian (AAPI), LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities.

Chelsea integrates trauma-informed, body-based, and relational approaches such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure & Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Somatic Practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychodynamic, Narrative, & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). One of Chelsea's core values is Body Liberation--the belief that everyone deserves to live free from the oppressive standards that dictate how bodies should look, feel, and function. She is warm, honest, unafraid to challenge stuck patterns, and curious.

Before Caring Connected, Chelsea worked for Monte Nido (a PHP/IOP Eating Disorder program), Claremont Unified School District (as a school-based clinician), and San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services (as a crisis counselor).

Specialties:

• Eating Disorders (body image, self-esteem, relationship w/ food)

• Anxiety (GAD, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, rumination/worry)

• Trauma (childhood/attachment trauma, CPTSD, emotional safety)

• Somatic/Body-Based (nervous system regulation, grounding)

About Kevin:

Kevin (he/him) specializes in helping with trauma, anxiety, intimacy, spirituality, self-esteem, men's issues, career stress (with a particular expertise in entertainment-related careers), relationships, life transitions, boundaries, authenticity, attachment wounds, and family conflict. Kevin enjoys helping clients build resilience and reconnect with themselves emotionally, somatically, and spiritually.

With a focus on embodied approaches like EMDR, IFS, Meditation, Somatic Experiencing Therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy,  mindfulness, and yoga, Kevin works through a relational, trauma-informed, and attachment-based lens to help clients convert what they already know intellectually into meaningful pattern and behavior change. His approach is curious, collaborative, and calm.

Before joining Caring Connected, Kevin worked for Southern California Counseling Center (a community mental health clinic), Outreach Concern (K-8 school setting), and in his own private practice. Before becoming a therapist, Kevin worked for many years as a producer in the entertainment industry. He has also been practicing meditation and yoga for 14+ years.

Specialties:

• Trauma (Complex PTSD and PTSD, childhood and family trauma, survivors of emotional, physical, & sexual abuse, attachment)

• Men's Issues (work/productivity, performance anxiety, parenting, masculinity, gender roles, expectations, dating, sexuality, shame)

• Relationships (communication, intimacy, boundaries, parenting)

• Anxiety/Depression (GAD, ROCD, phobias, panic, sadness, grief)