You’re in good hands

Dr. Martha B. Koo, M.D., completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and her medical training at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where she earned membership to the AOA and Sigma Xi Society for academic excellence. Dr. Koo obtained her psychiatry residency training at the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA and her subsequent psychoanalytic training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Board Certified in Addiction Medicine. For over twenty years Dr. Koo has enjoyed her private practice, providing outpatient psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and pharmacological treatment for individuals, couples and families. A pioneer in the development and application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Dr. Koo opened the South Bay TMS Therapy Center in 2009. She is certified in the application of Neurostar rTMS, Brainsway Deep TMS and MagVenture rTMS Therapy. South Bay TMS has evolved into the Neuro Wellness Spa, where Dr. Koo is Medical Director and offers iv ketamine, iv nutrition and photobiomodulation along with rTMS therapy. She is on the Board of Directors of the Clinical TMS Society. Additionally, Dr. Koo is the Medical Director and Clinical Supervisor at  Clear Recovery Center. She is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, the New Center for Psychoanalysis, the Clinical TMS Society, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, the California Psychiatric Society and the Southern California Psychiatric Society. She is also a guest lecturer at the New Center for Psychoanalysis and the Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.

Dr. Simon Faynboym was born in Ukraine and immigrated to California at a very young age. Growing up in California, he had a drive to serve the underprivileged and decided to become a physician. Dr. Faynboym currently practices Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Dr. Faynboym earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees, his first in Genetics and the second in Food Biochemistry. He graduated in the top of his class and continued thereafter to get his masters training in Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University for a year, before heading off to Medical School.

Dr. Faynboym attended Medical School at SGU School of Medicine with clinical rotations in New York and California. Dr. Faynboym then attended Indiana University School of Medicine-Purdue University Indianapolis Hospital System for his internship and residency in Psychiatry.

Dr. Faynboym has been politically involved in Indiana State Medical Association leading to his service as a Trustee for several years along with sitting in the House of Delegates for the American Medical Association. Currently he is involved with the Los Angeles County Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association and is a delegate to the California Medical Association.

Dr. Faynboym enjoys being active out doors, in his free time, he likes to go hiking, mountain biking, and doing water activities.

Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for almost two decades. He is dual board certified in both adult psychiatry and addiction medicine.

He is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. Although he primarily focuses on TMS and psychopharmacology, he is trained in various modalities of psychotherapy including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. He is a clinical instructor at UCLA, and has been selected to be on the list for Southern California Super Doctors for 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

While Dr. Todd Hill may be new to Southern California, he has been practicing psychiatry for nearly 20 years and is board certified in General Psychiatry by the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Hill received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Biology from the University of New Mexico. After meeting his wife Viola, and starting a family of two daughters, Dr. Hill came back to the Midwest where he received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine Kansas City. He then attended and completed his residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Throughout his medical career, Dr. Hill owned his own private practice for 10 years, was on staff as a consultation psychiatrist for multiple Kansas City hospitals, and served as the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at one of the largest hospitals in the Kansas City Metro area. Additionally, Dr. Hill served as Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Psychiatry at his alma mater, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

Dr. Hill believes in common sense psychiatry and cutting-edge treatment alternatives, which includes providing patients with as much information as possible about their illness. His own personal philosophy when approaching patient care is “with more education, there would be less medication.”

Dr. Hill is passionate about removing the stigma that surrounds mental health and has often had the opportunity to spread his message through local television appearances and a recent PBS documentary about mental health in the Midwest titled The Hidden Pandemic. In his free time, Dr. Hill can be found spending time with his family as well as playing and performing music.

Dr. Alexa Hall, M.D. was born and raised in New England. She obtained her B.S. in Biology from Providence College and her M.D. from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry residency at Harvard South Shore in Massachusetts with clinical training throughout many affiliated hospitals of Harvard Medical School and the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System.

During her residency training, Dr. Hall developed a strong interest in providing high quality, evidence-based care for her patients and spent significant time mentoring and teaching peers. She understands mental health care is not one-size-fits-all, and while collaborating with a patient and the rest of their care team, she helps create for them a personalized treatment plan in line with their values.

Her passion for outpatient psychiatry has led her to the West Coast and Neuro Wellness Spa.

Dr. Frances Javier graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychobiology, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Departmental Highest Honors. She then spent a decade at the Yale School of Medicine for her medical education and training and currently holds a Community Faculty position at the Yale Child Study Center.

After earning her MD with thesis degree, Dr. Javier joined the Yale Solnit Integrated Child/Adult Psychiatry Program for a combined adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She was the first Solnit Integrated fellow to complete an additional fellowship in interventional psychiatry with the Yale Interventional Psychiatry Service, receiving subspecialized training in TMS, IV ketamine, intranasal esketamine and ECT. On her final year of training, Dr. Javier was conferred the John E. Schowalter Chief Resident Award for outstanding service as a chief resident. It is her hope that being dual fellowship-trained in child/adolescent and interventional psychiatry would broaden her expertise in extending non-pharmacological, biological therapies to those in need across the lifespan.

Dr. Javier aims to decrease the stigma and barriers to care for some of the most effective and cutting-edge treatments available in psychiatry (i.e., TMS, ketamine, esketamine, etc.), which is a shared goal of Neuro Wellness Spa. Having grown up in Los Angeles, this is homecoming for Dr. Javier after a stint in the Northeast.

Dr. Haiyan Wang completed the first three years of her adult psychiatry residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C. She completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at New York University. NYU is one of the nation’s leading institutes in children’s mental health. She has also received psychoanalytical training from Washington Baltimore Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Wang also holds a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Physiology and Neurobiology. Prior to her residency and fellowship, she invested years in psychiatric and neuroscience research and published journal articles.

Dr. Haiyan Wang is particularly passionate about diagnosing and practicing evidence-based treatments in children, adolescents and young adults who have anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, mood disorder, PTSD, ADHD, disruptive behavior, and psychosis as well as providing parenting and behavioral strategies.

She has extensive experience working with OCD and anxiety patients and has been severed as an expert in such areas by providing care to patients throughout the U.S. due to their severe OCD and anxiety symptoms.  She provides routine complex medication management and guidance for behavioral interventions such as ERP and CBT. Dr. Haiyan Wang has been actively involved in mentoring the next generations of mental health providers and provides peer consults for OCD and anxiety treatment for children, adolescents and adults.

She has a thorough knowledge of the neuroscience related to psychiatric illnesses. She stays up to date with current research on those topics.

Jahanzeb Khan MD, was born in Karachi, Pakistan but grew up in the Chicagoland area. He attended Northern Illinois University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology, English, and Chemistry. Subsequently, he attended Windsor University School of Medicine and upon graduation he joined the General/Adult Psychiatry Residency Program at the University of Toledo Medical Center. He then went on to attend University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, where he did 2 fellowships in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Community and Public Mental Health Psychiatry. He later joined as faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

He has served in various leadership roles such as Chief Resident, Medical Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services, Medical Director of inpatient psychiatric pediatric unit, Medical Director of consultation and liaison service, Medical Director of pediatric outpatient services, Division Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Program Director of Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. He enjoys working in the clinical setting which fostered his experiences in scholarly, academic, and administrative domains.

He is passionate about teaching and working to provide the best interventions to those in need. He has diverse background working in collaborative settings on multidisciplinary teams consisting of but not limited to nurse practitioners, residents, fellows, medical students, and patient advocates. He appreciates the responsibilities of being involved in people’s care and is determined to help provide the best care possible as a Neuro Wellness Spa provider.

Dr. Francis Shih completed his adult, adolescent and child psychiatry training at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and has practiced integrative psychiatry for over 20 years.  He attended UCLA majoring in psychobiology and University of Vermont College of Medicine for his medical degree.  At  Neuro Wellness Spa, Dr. Shih brings quality compassionate care with a focus on enhancing resilience and potential.  

On a personal note, Dr. Shih was named after the city he was born in, San Francisco.  He grew up in the Midwest and Orange County, but also lived in Los Angeles, New England and the Seattle area.  With his free time, Dr. Shih enjoys exploring the diversity of food and culture with his family and friends.  

Quy Pham was born and raised in Orange County, California. His parents immigrated from Vietnam in 1984 and they taught him the importance of service and working with underserved populations. Quy has been practicing in the mental health field for over seven years. He believes in the importance of dispelling the shame and stigma that has been attached to mental health through education and advocacy. Quy’s goal as a practitioner is to help patients reach their goals and achieve a higher quality of life. In his free time, Quy enjoys traveling and trying new food. He strives to visit as many countries as he can and take advantage of what life has to offer.

Samaneh Fanaeian is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who graduated from Walden University. Samaneh has been in the mental health field for over five years has experience working with both adolescents and adults. She completed her Bachelors of Science at Chamberlain University and received her Masters of Science in Psychiatry from Walden University.

Samaneh uses a collaborative and holistic approach to address biological, psychological, and social factors that impact a client’s health. She utilizes mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet the needs of every client in their own unique way. In addition, she is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

Samaneh believes that one of the most crucial factors in becoming an effective Advanced Practice Nurse is promoting hope to individuals and families with mental illnesses, to instill self-responsibility and empowerment, and in helping individuals living with mental illness seek a meaningful role in life. With this, she hopes to help clients meet their goals and live the life they value and desire. Samaneh offers services in English and Farsi.

Anthony Marcaida is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner with a Master’s degree from Walden University. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Anthony has a professional healthcare background spanning almost 15 years of adult and geriatric nursing between various settings from emergency to critical care, and in recent years focusing on mental health.

As a Los Angeles native, he witnessed first hand how the drastic lack of attention towards mental health within the community can lead to unnecessary physical and mental disability resulting in a poor quality of life. With a passion and dedication towards the field of mental health, Anthony’s goal is to greatly improve society with each patient encounter.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys exercising, seasonal outdoor activities and being one with nature.

Araceli Lozano is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Master and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. Before pursuing nursing, she served on active duty in the U.S. Army after which she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New Mexico State University.

As a combat veteran and first-generation Mexican American, Araceli has lived through unique experiences which have helped her develop a solid understanding of the diverse needs of people from various cultures and backgrounds. Her passion is working in mental health and helping people meet their goals through individualized pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Prior to earning her degree as a nurse practitioner, Araceli worked as a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and on medical-surgical units in Indiana. Her clinical experience as a nurse practitioner started with the geriatric population in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and has more recently been in the outpatient setting providing treatment for individuals with a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities.

AJ Kiefer is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing education from Western Governor University and post master’s degree from Maryville University St. Louis. AJ is also board certified in Ambulatory Care and has been taking care of patients with mental health issues in the inpatient and outpatient setting for over sixteen years. He has a strong critical care background and spent a great part of his nurse practitioner training in addiction medicine.

Born in Brazil and raised in South Florida, AJ is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and always strives for diversity and culturally competent care. He welcomes all clients and is certified to care for persons across the lifespan. He believes in providing a judgment free space for patients to seek help and end the stigma towards mental health. His focus is to help clients improve their quality-of-life and reach optimal well-being.

In his free time, AJ enjoys going to the movies, likes comic books and miniature railroading which is a family hobby tradition. He believes in staying mentally strong and physically healthy and likes to stay active by doing OrangeTheory Fitness, Pilates, and outdoor activities. He also likes traveling the world, seeing new cultures, and enjoying new experiences during his travels.

Dr. Izunna Ewudo is a doctoral-prepared, dually Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies a unique blend of expertise and genuine care in his patient interactions. Born and raised in Los Angeles and with a rich heritage as a Nigerian-American, Dr. Ewudo brings a unique perspective to his practice, embracing cultural diversity and valuing the experiences it offers. He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Brandman University, his Master of Science in Nursing and post-master certification in Family Nurse Practitioner from Charles Drew University, and his Bachelor of Science in Health Science from California State University, Los Angeles.

Dr. Ewudo has been in healthcare since 2015 and has a broad background in treating mild to severe psychiatric disorders in various settings, including inpatient psychiatry, intensive outpatient psychiatry, telemedicine, and primary care, serving patients from all walks of life.

Dr. Ewudo’s whole-person approach to patient care is marked by a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the client’s mental, physical, and social well-being. He is passionate about quality patient care and collaboratively develops tailored treatment plans for clients’ specific needs. He focuses on actively involving clients in their healthcare decisions to help them think, feel, and be at their best so they may continue to thrive in life.

Dr. Ewudo is active in the California and American Association of Nurse Practitioners and speaks Igbo. In his free time, you can find him either at the gym working towards his new physical goal, traveling,  spending time with his friends and family, dancing to music, or outdoors holding up a camera.

Ian Mojica is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Cal State University Long Beach and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from UC Irvine. Growing up in Orange County, Ian quickly learned about the existence of healthcare disparities within his community. He strongly believes that it is imperative to make mental health treatment more accessible to the greater population while reducing the stigma that accompanies psychiatric diagnoses. Ian has extensive experience in street medicine, working with the underprivileged population in Skid Row and Orange County. He utilizes a patient-centered, individualized, and collaborative practice where clients are fully involved in the formulation of a treatment plan.

Marissa Chantorn is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Master of Science degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science in General Biology from University of California, San Diego. She has inpatient psychiatric nursing experience in dual diagnosis, adult, and pediatric populations. Her clinical experience includes consult psychiatry for the medical floors of Yale New Haven Hospital and medication management for a pediatric outpatient FQHC in Hartford, CT.

As a first generation Asian American, Marissa recognizes the importance of understanding the roles a person’s ethnic, racial, sexual, and gender identity play in caring for their mental health. She believes in the necessity of fostering a generation of providers who are culturally sensitive and informed. She is honored to be a part of the complex journey towards mental wellness and clarity.

Marissa is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. In her free time she enjoys frequenting cafes, trying new restaurants, reading contemporary fiction, and spending time with her two cozy cats.

Esther Lee, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s of Science in Nursing from California State University, Dominguez Hills and post master’s degree from West Coast University. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology at University of California, San Diego and Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Mount St. Mary’s University. Esther has extensive experience in inpatient and outpatient care of all ages. She has worked in a variety of settings with a strong critical care background, working with cardiac and pre/post transplant patients. 

Growing up in Los Angeles as a first generation Asian American, Esther understands the significance of how a person’s racial, cultural, economic and sexual identity affects their mental health care. She advocates for cultivating a generation of culturally sensitive and knowledgeable providers. She is a strong advocate for making premium mental health care accessible and affordable. Esther embraces a comprehensive approach to patient care and is dedicated to patient-centered care. She is committed to providing holistic care through collaborative and integrative treatments. She hopes to empower patients by working closely with them to achieve their goals.

During her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her dog and spending quality time with family and friends.

Molly Hanna is a skilled Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of diverse nursing experience, from critical care to geropsychiatry. She utilizes evidence-based practice and collaborative care to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions. She is passionate about challenging systemic factors that contribute to mental health disparities through her involvement with various grassroots organizations such as NAMI. She prioritizes building kind and compassionate connections with patients, ensuring they feel safe and validated over the course of their care.

Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester, where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed a nurse residency program at Georgetown University Hospital, training in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Rochester, where she was selected as An HRSA grant recipient to participate in the development of a trauma-informed care curriculum on campus. She is passionate about trauma informed policies and programs and incorporates resilience-building approaches into practice, to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and improve clinical outcomes.

Molly is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. In her free time, she enjoys simple pleasures such as a good cup of coffee, walks, and cozy snuggles with her pups.

Paula Martin is a compassionate Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience spanning diverse settings and a have solid foundation in trauma-informed practices.

She initiated her professional journey in the field of Behavioral and Mental Health in an acute inpatient setting where she gained experience in caring for adult individuals suffering from psychiatric and substance use disorders. She furthered her expertise and practical skills and subsequently joined a team at a children’s hospital in an inpatient mental health unit specializing in delivering trauma-informed care to children and adolescents grappling with psychiatric disorders and/or adverse childhood experiences. In addition, she gained some experience in a crisis stabilization unit working with adults and adolescents. The experience gained at these facilities served as her primary motivation to pursue graduate studies and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to better care and advocate for those with mental health disorders. Afterwards, she then proceeded to work as a PMHNP with adults in detox, residential, PHP/IOP, and outpatient settings helping those with mental health and substance use disorders. 

Paula believes that collaborative treatment with psychiatrists and other mental health care providers is critical to a holistic treatment strategy. She also believes that it is very vital to serve every client and their loved ones with the utmost respect and dignity. 

As a dual-licensed nurse practitioner in both family medicine and psychiatric-mental health, Shemiah focuses on treating people, not just symptoms, with a personalized and integrative approach. This commitment is reflected in her personalized treatment plans that integrate traditional psychiatric medications and psychotherapy, with alternative therapeutic modalities and considerations, such as mindfulness, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications to best address a patient’s presenting symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences.

Shemiah is a strong advocate for patient education and empowerment, believing that informed patients are better equipped to engage in their healing journey. Known for her empathetic listening and supportive demeanor, Shemiah creates a safe and nurturing environment where patients feel heard and valued. It is her sincere hope that patients leave every visit feeling well-informed and confident that their mental health is moving in the right direction.

Shemiah received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley. After working in public relations, marketing communications, and entertainment for 11 years, she decided to pursue her calling in nursing and medicine. Shemiah earned a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and post-masters’ certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner from Husson University and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University. She has over 10 years of experience in nursing management, palliative care/hospice, street medicine, and mental health, having worked for Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai, Ronald Reagan UCLA, and Los Angeles County’s Department of Health Services.

Brittany is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She was born and raised in a small town in Missouri before she came to California as a travel nurse. Brittany has an extensive critical care background as well as a background in psychiatry and addiction medicine, and she believes in staying up-to-date with all the newest technology and medications to find what truly works best for her patients. Having trained in large metropolitan areas as well as rural communities, it is her passion to provide affordable, quality mental health care to those in all areas. Brittany is active in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and  American Nurses Association of California as well the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In her free time, Brittany can be found traveling, enjoying the outdoors or with her dog at the dog park.

Rica Beck is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of diverse clinical experience, offering a unique blend of expertise across family medicine and behavioral health. A graduate of both Azusa Pacific University and Western University of Health Sciences, Rica has devoted her career to addressing the complex needs of individuals across the lifespan.

In her most recent role, Rica served at an outpatient community clinic, providing essential healthcare services to medically underserved and uninsured populations. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach bridges the gap between physical and mental well-being, ensuring holistic care for vulnerable communities.

Rica’s clinical expertise lies in the treatment of depression, trauma, stress-related conditions, psychotic and mood disorders. She is deeply committed to empowering patients through evidence-based care, fostering resilience, and transforming lives. With a passion for advocacy and an unwavering dedication to health equity, Rica Beck stands at the forefront of integrated care, driving meaningful change in healthcare delivery.

Danica Trinidad is a dual certified Acute Care Adult and Gerontology and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of diverse clinical experience. She is experienced in inpatient and outpatient care of all ages. She has worked in a variety of settings with and has a strong background in critical care as well as mental health, and education. Danica believes in holistic care, treating the whole person, and not just symptoms. Her approach to patient care includes integrating medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and patient education. In her free time, Danica likes to go hiking and exploring unique locations in different states.

Monique Acosta is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree from Charles R. Drew University. Monique has over 15 years’ experience in oncology nursing which has cultivated a deep understanding of holistic, patient-centered care, particularly in managing complex and emotionally challenging health conditions. Monique is defined by her commitment to supporting patients and their families through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

As a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Monique is dedicated to advancing the field of mental health through evidence-based practice, education, and advocacy. She brings a compassionate approach and a wealth of clinical expertise to address a variety of mental health challenges. She is passionate about integrating her oncology background with psychiatric care, recognizing the intricate connection between physical and mental wellbeing. Her approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration that empowers individuals on their journey toward recovery and resilience.

In her free time, Monique enjoys reading, staying active by going to Orangetheory Fitness, and unwinding with thrilling dramas and suspenseful movies.

Shaina Goelman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Shaina was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She got her BA from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Shaina worked in the entertainment industry for eight years before going back to school to study Psychology. Shaina received her masters from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology.

Shaina has gained experience as a therapist in residential treatment centers, IOP and PHP programs. Most recently, she was seeing clients in a private practice setting. Shaina believes in a client centered approach and advocates for her clients to ensure they’re receiving the best care possible. Shaina is trained in EMDR and specializes in perinatal mental health.

In her free time, Shaina enjoys spending time with her baby and dog.

Jennifer joins Neuro Wellness Spa with a passion for helping others. With over 15 years of customer service experience, six of those in the medical field, she finds joy in helping others recover with a compassionate and personal understanding of their journey.

When she is not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, her friends and her pug, Peggy Sue. She loves to cook, and as a Southern California native, she loves the beach, live music and theme parks, especially Disneyland.

Jennifer is excited to bring her drive and understanding to the position and grow with the Neuro Wellness Spa team.

Nyla, a Los Angeles native, pursued dual majors in psychology and creative studies during college. With over a decade of administrative expertise, she began as an Admin at her current company and advanced to the role of Lead TMS tech. Outside of work, Nyla finds joy in watching superhero movies and crafting engaging social media content.

Tosh Garcia is a native of Redondo Beach and the South Bay, Tosh began his journey in Behavioral Health in 2007 when he joined the US Army. Initially trained as a Combat Medic, Tosh pivoted and became a Behavioral Health Specialist due to the increased need for behavioral health services.

Tosh then went on to serve as a Behavioral Health Specialist at various locations inside the continental United States including Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Tosh also served in multiple overseas tours including Germany, Hawaii, and Afghanistan.

Tosh has served as a Clinical Manager in various settings including Multi-Disciplinary Behavioral Health, Inpatient Psychiatry, Social Work Services, Combat Operational Stress Control, and the US Army Graduate Medical Education Psychiatry program.

The two things that drive him professionally are taking care of patients and wanting to help others. In his free time, Tosh enjoys nothing more than spending time at the Beach with his two daughters and rescue dog, Tommy, as well as trying new restaurants.

Daniel Shetterly is an experienced health care professional with a strong background in business operations and a deep passion for patient care. While working most of his young adult life in the health care industry, he has honed proficiency in both clinical and operational settings, focusing on improving patient outcomes while optimizing organizational efficiency.

He is dedicated to destigmatizing mental health by fostering open conversations and advocating for better mental health support in communities. He believes that true healing occurs when patients feel seen, heard, and supported.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Daniel draws parallels between teamwork, resilience, and leadership in both the athletic and health care arenas. Outside of work, he is a proud “Girl Dad” who believes in being the best father possible and setting an example of love, discipline, and purpose for the next generation.

His professional purpose is clear: to lead by example, continuously grow as both an individual and a professional, and serve the community with integrity and compassion. Whether leading teams, mentoring colleagues, or advocating for better patient care, Daniel is committed to making a positive impact on others’ lives and leading those around him toward success.

Hamilton ‘Hami’ Lichtman is the North Torrance center’s therapy dog and is just as passionate about mental health and wellness as the rest of our human staff. Hami is 3.5 years old and is an Australian Shepherd. When he is not in the office helping with patient care, he loves to go swimming and watch Netflix.

Sophia was born in Los Angeles, raised in London and holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. Sophia began forming her private practice under supervision as an Associate Social Worker in 2016. She earned her LCSW in 2018 and now has a full therapy practice, catering to adults and teenagers throughout California. Additionally, Sophia has extensive experience working as a therapist in residential, inpatient, outpatient, medical and educational settings for both adolescents and adults. In conjunction with her role at Neurowellness Spa and running a private practice, Sophia is also a high school counselor.

In addition to her work as a therapist, Sophia is a certified Yoga instructor, Master Reiki Practitioner and volunteers for several non profit organizations. She is also a published author and will be publishing her first book about adolescent anxiety in 2025. Since achieving her LCSW, Sophia completed a Sex Therapy certification from California Institute of Integral Studies, an Animal Assisted Therapy certification from The Animal Behavior Institute and a Forensic Social Work Certification from The National Organization of Forensic Social Work.

License #LCSW87234

Michael is a licensed marriage family therapist, earning a master’s degree from Antioch University. Michael has over 9 years of experience working in the mental health and addiction fields- spending time working with clients in long-term residential addiction treatment, PHP/IOP, and detox settings. In addition to his work as an addiction therapist, Michael also started a private practice in March, 2022, as an associate therapist and under licensed supervision and has worked as a contracted therapist for addiction treatment centers. 

Michael practices therapy through the use of empathetic understanding, malleability, and by taking a “one size does NOT fit all” approach. Michael seeks to help each client strengthen intrapersonal insight and awareness by providing an alternative lens or perspective by which the client may conceptualize his or her past, present, and future. It is Michael’s philosophy that by exploring the past, we may understand the present, and better plan for the future. 

In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his two dogs, exercising, cooking, reading, and traveling.

License #LMFT146241

Jonathan was born and raised in Gardena, California. Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood provided him with a love, appreciation, and comfort in working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. After working for some time in the trades, he decided to return to school to pursue his lifelong interest in clinical psychology. Jonathan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy at Cal State Dominguez Hills, after which he was drawn to work with children and families managing challenges associated with autism and other neurodiversity.

After shifting to working with adults in both residential and outpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and many other psychiatric diagnoses, Jonathan developed his mindfulness-based approach to psychotherapy further. With extensive training and over 9 years of experience in using DBT, ACT, and CBT in combination with a humanistic and solution-focused approach, Jonathan applies an integrated and personalized style of therapy from a place of genuine connection and empathy. He believes in meeting his clients where they are while remaining flexible yet focused in his work to assist people in reaching their personal and mental health goals of wellness and fulfillment.

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family and partner exploring southern California’s natural beauty, attending cultural events, and seeing art and live music.

License #LMFT125131

Sydney Klatt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her areas of focus are the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression as well as psychedelic integration. Sydney approaches her work from a place of wholeheartedness and compassion, and she believes that the therapy space provides a valuable opportunity to process life’s challenges and integrate life’s lessons.

Sydney is trained in Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Focused CBT modalities, as well as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Her work centers the LGBTQIA+ community by providing gender-affirming and queer-positive care. Sydney graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from CSU Sacramento in 2020 with a previous Bachelor’s in Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Outside of the therapy room, she facilitated trauma-focused yoga for 6 years in mental health settings. Sydney brings the principals of yoga and mindfulness into the therapy space by inviting clients to connect with themselves through presence and awareness of physical body and breath. She values the expertise of each person’s lived experience and strives to center clients’ wisdom of their own unique needs.  She deeply respects the dignity and worthiness of every human and believes firmly in each person’s innate capacity for growth and healing.

When Sydney isn’t working, she loves to practice yoga, create textile art, and spend as much time around animals as possible.

License #LCSW117736

Christine earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Her experience working in the mental health and substance use field brings out her passion for Trauma Informed Care. Christine acknowledges the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and, using authenticity and unwavering compassion, she approaches recovery from a place of empowering her clients.

Christine’s goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing to unfold. She has a strong foundation in the science of psychology, the study of the brain and nervous system and its capacity to heal and change. Her approach to treatment is client centered and eclectic. Depending on the client’s goals she may integrate EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and Narrative therapy into her work.

When she is not serving clients you will find her on a Pickleball court, hiking with friends and family or planning her next travel adventure.

License #AMFT144799
Supervised by Sophia Galano, LCSW #LCSW87234

Mava is a compassionate and dedicated psychotherapist committed to guiding clients through their transformative journeys with empathy and understanding. With four years of specialized training in psychoanalysis, she brings knowledge and firsthand experience to every therapeutic interaction.

Mava has had roles as a sexual assault and domestic violence counselor. She aims to provide a safe and supportive space for her clients, enabling them to reconnect with their inner selves. Utilizing psychodynamic therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and DBT, Mava tailors each session to meet the unique needs of her clients. She is a skilled hypnotherapist and has also received specialized training at the Dr. Sue Johnson Institute for Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).

Mava serves both English and Farsi-speaking clients and in addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, she incorporates somatic interventions to address the mind-body connection and promote holistic healing.  Believing in the innate resilience of individuals, she strives to empower clients to tap into their inner strength and find healing from within.

License #AMFT146156
Supervised by Sophia Galano, LCSW #LCSW87234

Joseph is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist . He attained his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and his Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University Long Beach. He has been working in the field since 2019 and has a unique approach to treatment using Attachment Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques tailored to each client’s individual needs. He prides himself on using a client centered approach to create a relaxed and safe space for his clients to feel heard, understood, and expressed.

He has a genuine caring nature for people and puts an emphasis on building a strong relational foundation with his clients. Joseph has a passion for helping facilitate emotional awareness, insight, and growth with his clients. One of his favorite quotes is “we do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”

Outside of the office, Joseph enjoys everything active from hiking to hockey, beach volleyball, and traveling. Joseph also loves his down time with his cat and enjoys watching docuseries, movies, and a variety of podcasts.

License #AMFT137694
Supervised by Sophia Galano, LCSW #LCSW87234

Brenda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to supporting her client’s well-being. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from New York University.

Brenda’s journey includes working in community-based crisis teams at South Central and performing roles in partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and residential programs.  Her experience has allowed her to create a space where individuals can feel heard, valued, and empowered to make meaningful life changes. She utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Self-compassion interventions, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to support individuals seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

When she is not in the therapy room, Brenda enjoys working out, dancing, and cooking for some personal self-care.

License #LCSW123122

Allison earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Her experience working in community mental health and substance use allowed her to cultivate a passion for trauma informed care. Allison understands that wellness is an intricate balancing act and uses an integrative approach to help her clients navigate anxieties, avoid burnout, manage relationships, and heal after trauma. 

Allison’s goal in therapy is to create a nurturing, secure environment where the client can work through the various stressors of daily life and tap into inner resources for presence, resilience, and happiness. Her approach to treatment is client centered and integrates Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. This approach ensures that concerns are addressed holistically and goals are worked towards in a balanced and supportive manner. She works together with her clients using their strengths in changing unhelpful patterns and behaviors to rewrite a more authentic story.

When she is not with clients, she likes to cultivate a balanced life by spending quality time with friends and family, cuddling her puppy Maple, and seeking new adventures through travel.

License #LMFT144366

Jak Vargas (they/them) is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in treating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, heartbreak, phase-of-life stressors, and LGBTQIA+-related trauma. They are trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR, Individual CBT and Family Systems Therapy. 

With 13 years of clinical experience, Jak has worked extensively with communities of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. They utilize culture, equity, empowerment, and self-exploration to help clients identify their strengths and promote meaningful change. They believe that being open to learning and self-examination can be a vulnerable yet rewarding journey. Jak also incorporates humor into their sessions, recognizing the healing power of laughter. 

They hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Latino Mental Health from Antioch University, Santa Barbara.  

Jak’s professional interests and expertise include ethnic identity, intersectionality, the first-generation experience, media influence, and the psychology of LGBTQIA+ identity. 

When Jak isn’t in the therapy room, they enjoy live music and spending quality time with their wife and cat.