Los Angeles/Malibu Team

Dr. Barshack is a graduate of Haverford College and the University of Maryland Medical School. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco. Dr. Barshack has been working with teens and their families for more than thirty years including both inpatient and outpatient psychopharmacology. He finds that many of the adolescents who come to Paradigm are over medicated rather than undereducated. He is devoted to responsible titration when appropriate and insuring that young people are treated as a whole, rather than simply treating their symptoms. He share’s Paradigm’s philosophy that medication should be a last resort rather than a quick and easy fix. In addition, Dr Barshack is an avid SF Giants and Forty Niners fan and enjoys cross country bicycle trips in his free time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Brittany graduated with distinction from her Master’s program in Social Work from California State University, Northridge. Brittany also earned her Pupil Personnel Services and Child Welfare Attendance Credential through UCLA’s Department of Social Welfare. She served as a psychiatric social worker in elementary and middle schools in the Santa Monica and Malibu Unified School District. She has experience working with and supporting clients with a variety of mental health diagnosis. Brittany has worked in community mental health providing services to clients receiving funding from the Westside Regional Center. She has supported clients in working towards their individual as well as family goals, completing daily independent living tasks and participating in community events. 

Prior to Brittany’s Master’s program she graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University Northridge with her Bachelor’s of the Arts Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Brittany has been working with at risk youth who struggle with mental health, substance use, self-harm and victims of domestic violence since 2011. Prior to joining the Paradigm Team, Brittany was a mentor at a residential transitional treatment center for at-risk teens who were transitioning out of the foster care system. She collaborated in developing a program curriculum for general health, hygiene, self-empowerment and preparing teens to enter the work force and or seek out their higher educational aspirations. The program supported the youth’s confidence development, to better prepare them for transitioning out of the system and develop into assertive members of society successfully. Brittany also interned as an advocate at the Domestic Abuse Self-Help (DASH) Center in the Van Nuys Court House. While interning at DASH she advocated for survivors throughout the court process, wrote their dictated declarations to be read in court, helped complete necessary paperwork and filed court orders to grant temporary restraining orders. 

Brittany’s therapeutic approach creates a roadmap that empowers youth to be the best version of themselves they can possibly be while creating a life of vitality and wellness. She supports clients develop positive self-esteem, confidence and realize their strengths, by highlighting the positive characteristics that already reside within them, so that they are able to attain their full potential and recognize their life force.  

Brittany’s other passion lies in fitness, health and wellness. She is a National Association of Sports and Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer. She is a Certified Lagree Fitness Trainer, has a Pilates certification and has been a fitness coach for circuit training and cycle since 2012. She believes the mind, body and spirt work in unity best with one another when an individual’s mental and physical health are a prioritized to achieve homeostasis. Brittany’s favorite things to do for self-care revolve around things on, in or near the ocean including scuba diving, hiking and paddle boarding. When Brittany is not on site, she is usually out in nature with her puppy Marlie and spending quality time with family.  

Amanda Stinson is an Associate Therapist who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of California Davis and her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. Prior to Paradigm, Amanda worked at California Lutheran Community Counseling Center. Her clinical studies focused on Evidence-Based Therapy and predominantly Insight-Oriented Therapy. Her epistemology gravitates towards Existential Therapy. However, she uses techniques from multiple theories which are chosen based on client needs, such as CBT and DBT interventions.

Diana Redman is completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. She previously completed a Master’s in Social Work from Tel-Aviv University. With a focus in crisis and trauma, she provided first line care to victims of trauma and war, immigrants, and their children. Diana also created in-school programs throughout southern Tel-Aviv that used sport psychology techniques to help support behavioral changes in children and teens. Diana is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Diana also has experience working in residential settings with young adults struggling with substance use, trauma, and a variety of other psychological issues.

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.

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.

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.

Diana is supervised by Dr. Andrea Polard.

With an extensive background working with youth in various settings, from schools to community mental health, Natasha has always been most passionate about working with this population. She is particularly fond of working with adolescents and encouraging them to discover their creativity, passions, and resilience as they begin their journey into adulthood. After majoring in English as an undergraduate at Loyola Marymount University, Natasha received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. In her work, she most often draws upon emotion-focused, solution-focused, and experiential modalities, especially art and animal-assisted therapy, and is certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association as a Mental Health Professional. In her spare time, she enjoys all forms of art (especially ceramics), road trips, and spending quality time with her pets.

Bio Coming Soon

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.

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.

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.

Born and raised in New York City, Jeremy attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for his undergraduate studies. Jeremy’s passion to give back to the community began in high school, during which time he volunteered at a local soup kitchen and worked as summer camp counselor for young children. Through his late teens and early twenties, Jeremy experienced severe bouts of anxiety and depression, and experienced first-hand the lack of quality mental health treatment options for young people. For the past twelve years, Jeremy has worked in mental health residential treatment in a variety of roles, with a focus on admissions and marketing.  In 2018, Jeremy founded Pacific Teen Treatment, a boutique residential treatment center for teens struggling with mental and emotional health issues. Jeremy oversaw the day to day operations and acted as Director of Admissions and Outreach until joining Altior Healthcare in 2024.   Throughout his career, Jeremy is proud to have guided and helped thousands of parents and families towards appropriate treatment for their teens and young adults. Jeremy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, two sons and two rescue dogs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bio coming soon!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bio Coming Soon

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.

Bio coming soon!

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.

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.