Medical Team
Dr. Kansal is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago after attending medical school at the King George’s Medical College in India. Dr. Kansal has been practicing psychiatry since 2000. Over the years he has worked in various mental health settings, including outpatient clinics treating college students, inpatient hospitals, and crisis centers. He believes that taking care of our mental health requires that we address our overall health and well-being, including eating habits, exercise, cultivating healthy relationships, and finding meaning in our day to day life. Dr. Kansal also believes that adolescence and young adulthood is the critical time to lay a solid foundation for a healthy mind and body. In his free time, Dr. Kansal enjoys reading, playing with his 2 dogs, and going on long walks.
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Dr. James Luzano is a licensed clinical psychiatrist who specializes in working with adolescents struggling with mental health and chemical dependency issues. He is a graduate of Columbia University and completed his residency at the University of California, Los Angeles. He holds an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Additionally Dr. Luzano is an attending psychiatrist at UCLA Medical Center. While working at both Cedars-Sinai and UCLA he has gained invaluable experience in working with teen trauma, PTSD, teen anxiety, depression, and treatment resistant youth. Dr. Luzano provides medication management, psychiatric assessments and psychological treatment at Paradigm.
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Rebecca Acevedo is a Registered Nurse who graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Before joining the Paradigm team, she worked in a wide range of clinical settings where she provided treatment to adolescents and their families for a variety of health-related needs. Her passion, however, is in the provision of teen treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Rebecca has devoted much of her career to de-stigmatizing mental health treatment for teens. Her goal is to help young people become the best possible version of themselves.
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Lyndon Tomacruz graduated from Stanbridge University in Irvine, CA with an associate degree in nursing. Before joining Paradigm, Lyndon worked as an ABA therapist for children with autism and as a hospital patient transporter. Working with youth has always been Lyndon’s goal and passion. As someone who has also experienced struggles with mental health, Lyndon’s goal is to help, mentor and guide as many adolescents and young adults as he can, showing them that making it to the other side of mental health is a beautiful thing. His hobbies include MMA, teaching boxing, basketball and football.
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Felicia Tomasko earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology and Environmental Biology from University of Colorado at Boulder where she participated in the International and National Voluntary Service Program focused on social justice and activism. She took her Associate Degree in Nursing from Santa Barbara City College and is also a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Certified Yoga Therapist, meditation and yoga teacher. Felicia Has is passionate about assisting individuals and groups in cultivating holistic mind-body-spirit health using all of the tools of modern western biomedicine and evidence-based mind-body tools and interventions. She believes in empowerment, self-inquiry, and a team approach to health and healing. Her nursing experience includes caring for patients in a variety of life transitions such as serving as a birth and postpartum doula and end-of-life care. Felicia believes in the importance of accessing a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques to develop coping skills and resilience and to support self-acceptance and self-actualization. As a nurse who is also committed to an integrative and personalized approach to health and well-being, she believes in paying attention to what works for each individual. An avid yoga practitioner, Felicia enjoys dancing (preferably when no one is watching), playing with her rescue dog who is also a friendly and loving therapy dog, writing, and reading.
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Kaela is a new graduate who has a passion for mental health and believes that patients need extra love, patience and understanding. Kaela is a registered nurse who graduated from West Coast University in California. During her volunteer work at Turning Point Outpatient center, she used mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, gardening, collecting shells and camping with her family.
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Clarita Hunter is an experienced Licensed Vocational Nurse who has offered quality care in the medical field for over twenty years. She has worked with a broad range of clients with different health concerns, from chronic to acute, with extensive work in diabetes care. Clarita joined the Paradigm Malibu team to pursue her passion for making a difference in the lives of teens impacted by the mental health effects of physical illness, injury, and trauma. Clarita is motivated by the energy and promise of adolescents and enjoys sharing her interests in hiking, the beach, animals, jazz, and gardening.
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Dr. Andrea F. Polard first became a psychologist in Germany at the Freie University of Berlin in 1993. Besides working in research at her Alma Mater, she enjoyed working with multi-symptomatic children, adolescents and their families for various District offices of Berlin. When she immigrated to the U.S. in 1994, she had to get her second MA degree in Counseling Psychology and a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Ryokan College (1998). For two years, Dr. Polard worked in convalescent homes and halfway houses, where she was trained in various methods of psychological and neuroscience testing. She also worked at the Primal Institute for three years, where she conducted group and individual therapy with trauma survivors, many of whom were recovering from substance abuse. After this intense training, she yearned to work more holistically. Her subsequent, diverse training included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Therapy, Mindfulness and Mind/Body work. Finally, in 2012, she founded the Los Angeles Center for Zen Psychology, where she saw many adolescents and adults who recovered from substance abuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Andrea loves to write blog articles for Psychology Today. Her first published book —A Unified Theory of Happiness—received international attention. She loves to hike in nature and lives with her family and her dog in the quiet mountains of Topanga.
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Tracy Bangar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who graduated with honors from Azusa Pacific University with her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration of Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in Education and Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to joining Paradigm, Tracy worked in residential treatment with youth struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction-related issues. She is certified in different Evidence-Based Practices of Trauma-Focused CBT and Seeking Safety, as well as Trauma-Informed Care. Tracy integrates multiple therapeutic modalities into treatment and is passionate about finding what works best for each teen. She takes the approach that every child and adolescent possesses strengths and positive qualities that when incorporated into treatment better foster growth and the ability to overcome the challenges.
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Lauren Prina graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Art History. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Prior to joining Paradigm as a Clinical Assistant, Lauren applied her interest in youth and psychology by working as a camp counselor, then as a youth activities leader for a local church.
During her tenure with Paradigm, Lauren has committed her energies to direct service of youth and organizational support to the treatment team. She thrives on working with teens as she believes that adolescence is a pivotal stage in life and that youth have the capacity for immense change and power in creating futures for themselves. Witnessing the effectiveness of residential care, in helping youth learn to overcome the effects of teen depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other emotional health issues, inspired Lauren to enroll in graduate school and to undertake a new role with Paradigm. She has a passion for art, creativity, and helping others find connection and hope in their lives.
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Matthew Siegel is a graduate of Hampshire College with a Master of Fine Arts degree in English from the University of Iowa’s Nonfiction Writing Program. In addition to being a widely published writer, he has taught rhetoric at the University of Iowa, and English at Santa Rosa Junior College, Harvard-Westlake School, and New Roads School. Matt has volunteered extensively with high-risk teens and has a passion for rekindling educational interest, growth, and achievement in youth who are working through adolescent anxiety and depression. His comfort and interest in residential programs stem from his educational experiences at a college preparatory boarding school in Massachusetts. In his free time, Matt hikes with his dog and explores the many cultural offerings of Los Angeles.
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Marc Botezatu graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Humanity. Prior to joining the Paradigm team as Deputy Director, Marc helped manage residential care units at other treatment facilities. Marc’s approach is to make sure day-to-day operations are running smoothly, so that the environment is conducive to positive change. Marc enjoys working with a team that helps bring joy to young adults, youth, and families. Outside of work, Marc likes everything in the great outdoors.
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Siana specializes in experiential therapy, emotional intelligence, and personal development. She Is a trail blazer in the realm of youth development and focuses on assisting our youth with staying on track with their treatment goals. Siana has worked with the youth for over a decade leading and facilitating personal development groups and workshops. Some of the initiatives she’s developed are our “LifeSkills Group” to support our alumni in integrating what they’ve learned in our residential program post treatment, and “SHIFT” our diversity & inclusion program that encourages cultural competency in the field of mental health while providing resources for our staff, clients, and the community. Siana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from HBCU-Virginia State University and is a graduate of MITT-Mastery in Transformational Training. She dedicates her life to impacting as many lives as she can by being of service, encouraging transformation, and inspiring breakthroughs.
Watch Siana’s YouTube video below:
Ani is a licensed LMFT with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as Art Therapy. Ani has experience as a psychological assistant working toward licensure and has specialized in family systems, CBT, DBT, art therapy, running groups, and individual and family sessions. Ani is a registered Art Therapist who is passionate about helping teens develop expressive self-care practices. In Ani’s free time, she enjoys painting and collaging, collecting vinyl records, and walking her dog. Ani’s supervisor is Andrea Polard, PST #17098
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Sean holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, where he was also a Teacher’s Assistant for Clinical Interventions with Children and Adolescents. Sean was a Lead Clinical Assistant at Paradigm for four years, which inspired him to become a therapist and return to support and empower youth and families with warmth and sensitivity. Sean’s clinical training focused on relational approaches to trauma in a community mental health setting. Sean helps individuals, couples, and families discover their authentic selves by encouraging nourishing connections with peers, families, and communities. Sean specializes in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy to support youth who are experiencing stressful events specific to their identities. Sean channels his personal life experiences, recovery work, and devotion to helping others into his support for youth experiencing substance misuse. Sean deeply believes that healing can and does happen when a youth is genuinely supported in finding their own voice and power––and using it. When not supporting and challenging clients, Sean is an avid tennis player and devoted cat dad. Sean’s supervisor is Lucy Nguyen, LMFT, #101033
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In addition to her mental health expertise, Diana is a former professional soccer player for the Israel National Team. Diana uses her sport experience to provide young adults with motivational and goal setting tools while also creating a safe space to explore their identity both in and out of sport. Diana believes in a well-rounded treatment that utilizes ACT, CBT, and sport psychology techniques to help teens understand they are more than just an athlete.
Diana is supervised by Dr. Andrea Polard.
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Cameron Reis is a licensed marriage and family therapist who received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University at Northridge and his Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. His clinical studies focused on trauma and the ways in which emotionally overwhelming events can disrupt the mind-body connection and potentially manifest as PTSD and trauma disorder.
Prior to joining Paradigm, Cameron worked in both school and outpatient treatment settings, where he gained experience and found his psychotherapeutic passion for individual and group therapy with youth. He has therapeutic expertise with teen PTSD, self-harm, adolescent major depression, family/relational issues, and is EMDR-trained.. Cameron believes that when teens develop a patient and kind relationship with themselves, then they can find their strengths and reclaim their interests and dreams.
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The theories that have resonated with Christian in his studies are family systems, psychodynamics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness theory. Christian has developed a strong repertoire of evidenced-based interventions such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, and other grounding techniques aimed at attuning the mind and body. He has a strong desire to do transformational work with adolescents and young adults and to help them overcome their struggles. Christian values taking an eclectic therapeutic approach when working with clients to address their individual needs.
Christian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California Lutheran University and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with specializations in Marriage and Family Therapy, and the assessment and intervention of trauma. He is currently pursing a certificate in Trauma Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation. Christian was a therapist at CLU Community Counseling Services in Westlake Village and a Resident Assistant at CLU Thousand Oaks, where he worked closely with young adults of various cultural backgrounds. His interests include hiking, running, playing music, kickboxing, table tennis, reading, and building with Legos. Christian enjoys how running can be competitive and meditational at the same time and has been a long-distance runner since high school.
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Jessica’s passion for working with underprivileged youth guided her in pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work from California State University Los Angeles and later, a Master of Social Work, from the University of Southern California. Jessica has experience working as residential counselor, crisis response team member, supervisor, and therapist in a short-term residential therapeutic program facility. Jessica also has prior experience working as a therapist in community mental health for children, adolescent, and adult populations in the south-central Los Angeles area. Jessica practices
traumainformed care and is currently in the process of receiving her trauma focused cognitive behavioral
therapy certification. In her free time, Jessica enjoys bike riding and music.
Prior to joining Paradigm, Melody worked as a preschool teacher at Beth Shir Shalom, later moving on to Antioch Community Counseling Center as a therapist. In her graduate studies and post graduate counseling experiences, she was drawn towards relational, insight-oriented, narrative, and behavioral therapies. Melody is most passionate about working with teenagers and she uses a strengths-based approach to help them embrace their most authentic selves during their transition into adulthood. Melody earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA. When not at work, she enjoys boxing and fitness activities.
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Kevork obtained his Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Argosy University and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology & Social Behavior from the University of California – Irvine. He has experience working with adolescents in school settings, providing them with a safe space in which to process trauma, emotional challenges and relational issues. As a therapist, Kevork utilizes a person-centered approach so as to fully engage with each individual client and honor their unique qualities and traits. He infuses his therapy with evidence-based practices such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and resonates with existential theory, which explores the importance of finding meaning in one’s life across multiple areas. Kevork loves playing tennis and enjoys spending time with his two dogs when he is not working. Kevork’s supervisor is Lucy Nguyen.
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Angela Du graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychobiology and a Minor in Global Health. During her college experience, she facilitated workshops for teens on pursuing their interests and she was a peer mentor to students experiencing emotional and academic difficulties. Angela joined Paradigm to continue working as a mentor and advocate for youth. She believes that teens thrive with individualized support and open communication, especially teens who have been socially isolated, bullied, or stigmatized. She encourages teens to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and to listen to and value different life experiences and perspectives. In addition to enjoying her work with the teens at Paradigm, she spends time with her friends and is studying to enter medical school.
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Kathleen Guntner has always appreciated the field of mental health and finds true joy in watching others grow as they heal from current and past struggles. Kathleen received an associate degree in psychology at California Lutheran University. Her long-term plan is to get a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy to work as a therapist for adolescents and young adults. Kathleen has pervious experience working in a residential facility for eating disorders as well as a residential mental health facility for teens. Kathleen is fun-loving, enjoying tennis, basketball and being in nature.
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Jane obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Arizona, and is currently working towards her Master of Arts degree in Psychology at Pepperdine University. She has extensive professional experience working in adolescent residential facilities, and in addition to working as a Behaviorist, Jane also spent several years working with adults, teens and children with special needs. As a clinician she prioritizes building rapport with clients, and values providing a safe environment in which clients can feel encouraged to develop the concrete skills they need to lead a fulfilling life. Jane enjoys boxing and introducing it to clients as a healthy way to process and release difficult emotions.
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Taher earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Woodbury University in addition to an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Pierce College. Prior to Paradigm, Taher worked as a Senior Rehab Specialist and a Clinic Assistant at the Centre for Neuro Skills. Taher has an educational approach with teens and adolescents and specializes in Physical Therapy and Speech Language Pathology. Outside of Paradigm, Taher enjoys playing volleyball, swimming, and hiking in nature.
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Dr. Vallerie E. Coleman is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst who has been in practice for over 20 years. She is the founder and Clinical Director of a successful equine therapy program and also maintains private practices in both Westlake Village and Santa Monica, CA. Dr. Coleman combines her expertise in psychology, group dynamics, and systems with her love and respect for horses maximizing the powerful capacity these magnificent animals have for facilitating human growth and development. Dr. Coleman’s approach is grounded in a combination of attachment theory, somatic psychology, and object relations theory. In addition to speaking at conferences and leading workshops, she has been on faculty at Loyola Marymount University, the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute, and Antioch University. She has also been a guest expert on the Dr. Phil show and is a contributor in the recently released book: Harnessing the Power of Equine Assisted Counseling.
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Lorraine Rose, PhD is a clinical psychologist and EAGALA certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. She is also the Clinical Training Director at an outpatient counseling center and maintains a private practices in Beverly Hills and Westlake Village. In her private practice, Dr. Rose specializes in working with couples and families struggling with a wide range of issues. At Paradigm Malibu, she uses equine therapy to explore family dynamics and for the provision of teen depression treatment, teen anxiety treatment and teen addiction treatment.
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As a believer in the healing power of sound to release deep-rooted stress and strains and to simultaneously awaken the individual to their higher power or true nature, Tulsi is passionate about sharing the ancient practices of yoga and meditation with the youth of today and helping people awaken to the untapped energy that flows within us all. She specializes in Soundbath meditation, Yoga Nidra, and yoga for healing and recovery. Tulsi is a second-generation meditation teacher who has been practicing yoga and meditation since the age of four and teaching professionally throughout the U.S. and India for the past 15 years. She earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vedic Science from Maharishi University in Iowa and completed six months in residence meditation teacher training. In addition, Tulsi has completed 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training from India and LMU in Los Angeles. She previously taught yoga and meditation for youth and adults in residential treatment and sober living centers. Tulsi’s interests outside of work include hiking, camping, dance, music, astrology, kirtan, yoga, and meditation.
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Summer Lall is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston and a Board Certified Music Therapist. She has devoted her career to working with youth who are struggling with drug abuse, addiction, emotional health and behavioral health issues. Summer uses a wide range of music modalities to assist teens in their healing process. This includes, but is not limited to the use of a diverse selection of instruments, songs, song writing, improvisational and relaxation techniques to establish non-musical goals.
Prior to joining the Paradigm Malibu team, Summer worked with young people in schools, hospitals, psychiatric programs, hospice care, camps, and teen treatment centers. In addition to her broad local outreach, Summer’s work with music has taken her to locations throughout the world ranging from Europe to Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa. She provides both group and individual Music Therapy Sessions to adolescents at Paradigm Malibu. Summer’s commitment to empowering young people though the use of Music makes her an invaluable member of our team.
Josh Ruiz is the lead Trail Guide for Paradigm Malibu. He shares his love of horses and nature with youth struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and chemical dependency issues. Josh comes from a long line of horsemen, going back to his great grandfather who raised prized palomino horses in the San Fernando Valley. Having grown up with horses, Josh learned first hand how individuals can improve their non-verbal communication skills, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills while interacting with horses.
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Jane obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Arizona, and is currently working towards her Master of Arts degree in Psychology at Pepperdine University. She has extensive professional experience working in adolescent residential facilities, and in addition to working as a Behaviorist, Jane also spent several years working with adults, teens and children with special needs. As a clinician she prioritizes building rapport with clients, and values providing a safe environment in which clients can feel encouraged to develop the concrete skills they need to lead a fulfilling life. Jane enjoys boxing and introducing it to clients as a healthy way to process and release difficult emotions.
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Susan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare and Social Justice and a minor in Clinical Studies. Susan is experienced in working with teens and adolescents as a behavioral therapist and is currently working toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker. In her free time, Susan enjoys music, poetry, yoga, cooking, and volunteering.
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Anna is currently studying sociology at California State University, Northridge, where she will obtain a bachelor of arts degree in the spring of 2022. Prior to working at Paradigm, Anna worked with youth at a residential treatment center and also volunteereed with hospice and shadowed nurses in five different hopsitals across the central coast. In her free time, Anna enjoys music, drawing, going to concerts and hanging out with her two cats.
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Robert has a degree in business management from Clemson University in South Carolina. He started his career in Atlanta, working for one of the city’s first companies, helping clients adapt their business to an online environment. Innovation and “What’s Next” interested Robert from the start. He relocated from Atlanta to California in 2007, continuing his career in the high tech industry. Robert later started his career in mental health in 2015 with a Los Angeles treatment center as Director of Admissions.
Robert is a natural empath and is passionate about helping others take the necessary steps to achieve a better life. In his time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and taking care of his rescue pup, Bowie.
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Alicia has limitless compassion and empathy for people going through life’s challenges and transitions and feels privileged to work with those who are seeking support. She grew up in Seattle, Washington and moved to Los Angeles in 2017. Alicia has worked in the behavioral health field for 5 years. As someone who has had family and close friends struggle with mental health, she understands the importance of our industry and the services we provide. Alicia is passionate about eliminating the negative stigmas in society associated with mental health care and normalizing public discussion surrounding this topic. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, pilates, and being outdoors.
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Erica is a seasoned clinician with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient, hospital, and residential settings. A graduate from Quinnipiac University with a Masters in Social Work, Erica began her career working in residential treatment programs with adolescents and adults struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Her professional training includes various evidence based practices, including CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Erica has spent the last few years developing partnerships with other mental health professionals and serving as a referral resource for their clients. She values the importance of interpersonal relationships and trust among professionals in the mental health treatment world. In her personal time, Erica enjoys traveling, Crossfit, and spending time with her Goldendoodle, Chloe.
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Krista MacKinnon has worked in the mental health field for 20+ years in various capacites. She is a firm believer in the power of recovery and has delivered mental health recovery trainings across Canada, USA, and Australia. Her work is rooted in both personal and professional experience. She is driven by the power of love and connection.
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Mindi has almost completed a Bachelor of Science in International Business. Before discovering her passion for supporting clients to navigate and access care, she was a small business owner and successfully managed high profile restaurants in the Denver Metro area. After going through a healing journey of her own, Mindi decided to pursue a career in a field that aligns with a desire to support others in an impactful and meaningful way. After serving as Admissions Manager for psychology clinics specializing in eating disorder recovery, Mindi found her way to Paradigm Treatment. Outside of work, Mindi enjoys spending time with her partner and dogs, and is passionate about collecting and restoring antiques.
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Having been in recovery from alcoholism for 10 years, and also having struggled with anxiety and an eating disorder, Megan is familiar with the fear of stigma, but also, the healing process. She believes in meeting each individual where they are, allowing them the autonomy to pursue whichever path of treatment is most beneficial for them. She loves to work with families, because she believes they experience just as much trauma, fear, and shame as the individual seeking treatment. She enjoys talking to families about what to expect, and helping them navigate the overwhelming process of admitting their loved one into a treatment program. It is her passion to help each person she encounters feel comfortable, safe, and understood. Megan believes every individual is different and has a different recovery and healing process. She enjoys working with CBT, DBT, ART, EMDR, and experiential therapeutic modalities. She was the director of admissions at Desert Cove Recovery, a business development representative at First Step Center, admissions representative at Denver Recovery Center and at The Raleigh. Megan has volunteered with hospitals and institutions bringing Narcotics Anonymous meetings and at Youth Detention Institute. Megan has earned CPR certification, first aid certification and level one fingerprint clearance. Megan enjoys yoga, not only for the physical benefits, but being able to expand her mindfulness, gratitude, and openness to the world.
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Alexandra Lincoln has had a passion for helping others since she started working in the treatment field over four years ago. Alex’s prior experience includes working as a case manager and an admissions coordinator for a treatment center in New Hampshire. Alex’s favorite part of working at Paradigm is helping families. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses, practicing yoga and spending time with her family.
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As Paradigm Treatment’s Admissions Manager, Sydney handles all incoming admissions requests including questions pertaining to insurance and related financial matters. Sydney also interfaces with clients, families, and our internal team to ensure that our admissions processes are running smoothly and that our programs are accurately messaged to both clients and affiliates.
Sydney has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Addiction & Recovery from the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Cal Lutheran University. Sydney is passionate about assisting individuals and their families navigate their unique challenges and circumstances so as to best achieve their goals. When she isn’t working, Sydney enjoys hiking, traveling, and international cuisine.
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Bio coming soon!
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Emily Armour is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor who graduated from Walden University with her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Baylor University. Prior to joining Paradigm, Emily worked with adolescents and their families in a variety of settings that included schools, Juvenile Hall, and outpatient facilities. She has extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, high risk behaviors, parenting and co-parenting support, and addiction-related issues. She is a certified telemental health provider, certified clinical anxiety treatment provider, and possesses additional training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). Emily uses an integrative and eclectic approach to treatment based on the client’s needs and presenting issues. Her experience in the field has made her intimately familiar with the pressures, hardships, and life stressors that often can become debilitating for youth and their families. She works to fully understand the core issues that are causing maladaptive behaviors, how they impact the individual, and family and create more personal insight so that her clients are able to gain a sense of intrinsic motivation, develop a positive sense of self, feel better, and better interact with themselves and the world.
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Avonlea Ware holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, where she also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. She joined Paradigm as a Clinical Assistant and worked with young clients for a handful of years before moving into her current position. She is a high energy team player who has a broad range of interpersonal and administrative skills and who strives to meet the needs of clients and families. Having traveled and lived throughout Europe, India, and the Middle East, Avonlea developed a focus on conflict resolution and communication skills, which she believes are assets to teens struggling to find their place in the world. When Avonlea is not working she enjoys spending time at the beach, gardening, and connecting more with the world around her.
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Lindsay has a BA in Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University, and a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) in Utah, and is in the process of getting her LPCC license in California. After growing up in the Los Angeles area, Lindsay relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah in 2009, where she attended graduate school, and started her therapy career. She soon found her passion for helping facilities and clients with insurance authorizations and has worked with numerous adolescent and adult mental health and substance abuse facilities across the country. Her behind the scenes clinical work with insurance companies allows clients and their families to focus on receiving the lifesaving treatment they need without the added financial burdens and headaches of dealing with insurance. Lindsay is also a skilled clinician; she is EMDR trained, trauma focused, and specializes in substance dependence and addiction. After a decade in Salt Lake City, Lindsay moved back home to the Los Angeles area in 2021 to be closer to her family, and work with Paradigm.
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Debora’s experience includes being a business owner for 9 years and working for 20 years in customer service. She actively facilitates client communication to and from Paradigm’s clinical team and enjoy establishing caring relationships with patients. Maintaining constructive communication is one of my top priorities. I am also proficient in computer applications and maintain a high commitment to accuracy and efficiency. Debora enjoys spending time with family and likes to stay active with her husband and daughters. She also enjoys bike rides and hiking.
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Samantha’s experience includes administrative work and customer service in the veterinary medical field for the past 15+ years. Compassion comes second nature to her. She truly enjoys helping people (and animals). Having two children of her own, she recognizes the importance of mental health and is so happy to be part of Paradigm’s team that helps our community. Samantha loves being outdoors, going to the beach, hiking, cooking, doing DIY projects at home, and mostly spending time with her family.
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Yoanca Reyes graduated from UCLA in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Spanish. Her interest in the HR field led her to seek an HR certificate through Cal State Dominguez Hills. During this time, she also volunteered for Latina Republic as a tutor to elementary school students who needed extra assistance. Her enthusiasm for a positive work environment and stimulating work culture match her role at Paradigm Treatment, where Yoanca assists the HR team in assuring that employees are in accordance with company guidelines and that employees’ questions and concerns are answered.
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From the love that his family’s cooking brought his childhood, Patro Lopez knew at a young age that a career as a chef was the profession he wanted to pursue. This passion would lead Patro to train under the leadership of several renowned chefs specializing in a variety of culinary origins. Patro’s creations cross several cultural and geographic borders, consisting of recipes derived from Mexican, Italian, and Japanese cuisine, among others. Patro seeks out opportunities to assist youth in developing a refined sense of self and meaningful relationships through sharing nutritious, inspired meals.
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My passion for cooking started because of my curiosity informed by my Mexican roots. There are wonderful ways of preparing American food while also mixing my experience in the kitchen to help prepare delicious recipes and smiles of gratitude. A variety of flavors and aromas make my Mexican food special. But I am also inspired to prepare Chinese food with wonderful flavors and excellent results. My job allows me to create exquisite meals and to play with vegetables, meats, and spices. I get to put smiles on many young people’s faces and hearing so much gratitude is what boosts my passion for cooking.
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