Andrea Clark
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 14
Andrea Clark is a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee. She is currently earning her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. Andrea has previously worked with children with special needs, including as a Behavioral Therapist for children diagnosed with Autism. Through the years she has volunteered as a mentor and program coordinator with various non-profits working with youth from under served communities. Andrea’s focus is on trauma and its effects on individual development and the health of family systems.
Daniel Davis Consulting Supervisor
I create an environment where clients experience significance, empowerment, and acceptance. I collaborate with clients to identify solutions to their current crises. I enable clients to recognize their ability to consciously develop their unique potential.
Since 1994, I have used EMDR to assist clients in resolving interpersonal problems related to trauma. Since 1996, I have done play therapy, art therapy and sandtray therapy with children. I’ve studied Jungian dream analysis since 1986.
From 1995 to 2001, working with the publisher of the MBTI, I assisted psychiatrists, psychologists, and corporate trainers worldwide with career development and organizational development issues. I’ve facilitated team building and leadership development with religious organizations, educational institutions, and major corporations such as Wells Fargo Bank and Hewlett-Packard.
From 2007 to 2009, I served on the Board of Directors of the Guild for Psychological Studies. I have been serving on the Board of Directors for Four Springs Retreat Center since 2012. Since 2013, I have been a Consulting Supervisor with Peace It Together, a non-profit dedication to a peaceful community.
Stephanie M Jones
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 11
Stephanie is passionate about working with youth and their families. She has served as an elementary school mental health counselor and as an ABA therapist for children and young adults with Autism. She has also tutored youth with special needs and volunteered with a variety of educational programs for underprivileged children. Stephanie earned her B.S. in Sociology from Northern Michigan University and is in the final year of the The Master of Arts in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy program at Brandman University.
Deborah Hennessee
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), IMF 101455
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), IPC 14574
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 3
Deborah Hennessee is an Associate MFT and an Associate PCC who completed her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University. She has also finished an M.A. in Experimental and Research Psychology from San Jose State University. Her thesis topic concerned life stress, problem-focused coping, and positive affect. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Communication Studies, from San Jose State University. Deborah is a lifetime member of several academic organizations and honors societies, including Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key, and Psi Chi – the International Honor Society in Psychology.
Deborah’s clinical areas of focus include life stress, life transitions, traumatic stress, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, problem-focused coping, positive reappraisals, positive affect, empowerment, and resilience. She is an integrationist, and applies evidence-based treatments using a trauma-informed, positive psychology-framed, and strengths-based sensitivity. Deborah has over six years of experience serving as a crisis counselor in the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department. She is a member of both the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. Deborah is passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals, couples and families, so there may be a cumulative effect, proceeding to the community in which we live.
Maude Nazaire
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 8
Maude is a Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee. Maude’s earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on Mental Health from La Sierra University, where she also earned an MA in Counseling. She graduated with a B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Edinboro University. Maude currently works in the disability services field where she provides one-one educational counseling and support to students with disabilities. She assists students in identifying their abilities, interests, limitations, values, and goals to achieve short and long-term goals. She also has experience providing counseling services to foster youth. Maude is passionate about gaining more clinical experience with young adults and it is her desire to create an environment that encourages new and healthy patterns of behaviors as well as encourages growth.
Mary Prolo
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Mary brings to the table experience partnering with a broad range of clients presenting multiple issues. Working in various venues such as Santa Clara County (Substance Use Treatment Services), Bill Wilson Center (Residential), EMQ (currently Uplift) (Wrap Services) and Santa Clara Unified, Mary over the past 13 years has facilitated exploration with clients utilizing a variety of interventions appropriate to presenting issues to help client base define and obtain therapeutic goals.
Mary received her BA, cum laude, (emphasis on Psychology and Education) from Villanova University. In addition, Mary received her MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco.
Mary’s volunteer experience has included: Rape Crisis Center; Center for Living with Dying; Village House (working with homeless).
Gabrielle Mattson
PCC/MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 4
Gabrielle is a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee. She is currently earning her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology at Santa Clara University. Gabrielle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of San Francisco.
Gabrielle has worked as a coach for the last four years with teens and youth. She has been a school counselor at Cristo Rey High School. She was a volunteer at Pomeroy Rehabilitation and Recreation Center working with clients on the autism spectrum.
Ashwini Gupta
MFT (Lic #41690)
Phone: (408) 307-9024
Namaste, I have found myself naturally gravitate towards humanity and have felt the innate need as long as my memory goes back to want to be a part of a person’s self-empowerment process. This empowerment process takes various forms and sometimes looks like providing the ideal therapeutic support while helping my clients discover deep insights that are transformative
to their life as well as providing support and mentorship to trainees and associates who are gaining experiential as well as clinical hours towards their licensure. I have been a BBS clinical supervisor since 2007 and I have learned as well as taught to several as I walk this path that I feel very blessed to be on. I have provided trainings on supervision and group therapy as a part of the Santa Clara County LP training conglomerate. Using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions, I have worked with over 200 individuals and couples since 2006 in my private practice. I am a qualified clinical supervisor in the state of California and have supervised several students/trainees and interns with exam prep and successful completion of the examination.
My counseling philosophy encompasses ideologies and clinical concepts from several theorical schools of thought all founded on a very strong foundation in Vedanta Psychology and Systemic therapy. I continue to expand my theoretical knowledge to bring the best of client care to my clients as well as be a strong and informed resource to the trainees and associates that I work with.
Claudia Guzman
MFT Trainee
408-689-8104 Ext. 15
Claudia Guzman is pursuing a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Trauma at Pacific Oaks College, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Social Change. Claudia provides bilingual Spanish speaking counseling services.
Claudia believes that healthy human relationships have the power for healing. She is dedicated and committed to providing a respectful and compassionate environment where the individual feels safe to engage in open communication as they self-reflect and build on their strengths and capacities.
Claudia worked at the Bill Wilson Center (BWC) as an MFT Trainee, where she had the privilege and honor of walking alongside her clients in their healing journey.
Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors and exploring destinations with family and friends.
Alyssa Hoyt
MFT Trainee
408-689-8104 Ext. 17
Alyssa Hoyt is a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee. She is currently a third-year Master of Arts student in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Correctional Psychology at Santa Clara University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, and was a graduate of Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.
Alyssa has previously held two undergraduate internships at Southwest Behavioral Health & Services in Phoenix, Arizona. Those two internships consisted of working in the company’s homeless outreach program (LIGHT) and the company’s Crisis Recovery Unit (CRU). Currently, Alyssa is a volunteer research assistant in the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Lab at San Francisco State University. Her research interests include effective clinical interventions for those who are exposed to trauma, particularly for those who are incarcerated; the intersection between psychology and law; and how early adverse childhood experiences shape intrapsychic working models.
Alyssa is passionate about clinical practice and clinical research. She hopes to serve as a safe space for her clients to feel heard and understood. She believes that when there is a foundation of trust between client and therapist, profound work and healing can take place. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, hiking, reading non-fiction, and watching movies.”
Kat Active
MFT Trainee
408-689-8104 Ext. 10
Katherine Active is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee who is passionate about helping clients cope with anxiety, depression, grief, and other life stressors. Katherine originally received her B.S. in Zoology from Humboldt State University in 2013 because of her interest in epigenetics and evolution. Working as a Nature Instructor, she fell in love working with children/families and was further driven to pursue a career as a therapist to help empower youth and help them to thrive as they grow. Katherine is currently completing her M.A. in Counseling at Palo Alto University. She has previous trainee experience working with children/families at Santa Clara County Sunnyvale F&C Clinic and adults at Downtown Behavioral Health. Katherine enjoys working with the community and has developed self compassion focused groups at Zephyr Self-Help Community Center in San Jose. Katherine is also a research assistant with the County’s Suicide Prevention Program. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family/pets, playing her ukulele, and traveling to new destinations. She also enjoys studying yoga, shamanism, and botany.
Regina Moreno
MFT Trainee
408-689-8104 Ext. 2
Regina Moreno is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Psychology with a certificate in Trauma Studies. Regina is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and provides empathetic support and guidance to clients impacted by trauma and other challenges. Trauma affects many people in many different ways and when you endure pain and suffering things may seem unsteady and unclear. You may feel like you have lost connection to the foundation of who you are or perhaps needing to rebuild. With a safe and supportive environment, you can begin to uncover your hidden strength and ability to navigate through your pain and healing is possible. The therapeutic process provides a collaborative safe space to help you regain control over your life.
“I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation.”
― Peter A. Levine
Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela
MFT Trainee
Phone: 408-689-8104 ext 6
Hey there! My name is Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela. I was born and raised in Merced, Ca. Graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2009 with a BA in Social Science: Women’s Studies. I started a career in Law Enforcement in 2012 as a Deputy Probation Officer in Madera County working in the Adult Field Services Unit. While I was there I supervised Prop 36, PC 1000, Day Reporting Center, Felony Drug Court, Domestic Violence, Jail Program and Veterans Court.
In 2014, I enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve and received an Honor Graduate accolade. I continue to serve in Air Force and have recently re-enlisted.
I am enrolled in Marriage and Family Therapy Masters program at Pacific Oaks, took a break due to being activated in the military and now am back full time. Currently, I am employed at the City of Fairfield Police Department as a Social Services Coordinator. As part of of my work on the Homeless Intervention Team, we offer the unhoused services and resources. I am married, and have two dogs and live in Walnut Creek. I enjoy traveling, cooking, gardening and woodworking. I am excited to help clients reach their potential and look forward to working with you via Telehealth and in-person once SIP is over.
Molly Simpson
Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 16
Molly Simpson is a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee. She is currently earning her Master of Arts degree in Counseling with a Marriage, Family, and Child Emphasis at Palo Alto University. Molly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with minors in Psychology and Public Relations at Chapman University.
Over the past few years, Molly has worked as a program coordinator supporting teachers. She also has volunteer experience working with children at the Blind Children’s Learning Center and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Molly has a passion for cultivating safe spaces for underserved communities and ending the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues. She is excited to support others in their growth and journey to healing and understanding. Molly is from the Bay Area in California and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Anna Varnayeva
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 18
Anna Varnayeva is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee who is finishing up her MA in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University. She received her BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California Santa Cruz. She is passionate about counseling and interested in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. Anna was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, moving to California (Bay Area) when she was nine years old. This experience shaped her understanding of the role culture plays, the process of adjusting to another culture, and bicultural families. Previously she worked as an assistant to the school psychologist, working one-on-one with children at a Santa Cruz Elementary School. She also has experience volunteering at a crisis hotline. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time in nature, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends and family. “ The greatest discovery of my generation is that human being can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” –William James
Nicole Miramontes
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 7
Hello, my name is Nicole Miramontes. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee. I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University. I am very excited to begin my career as a therapist. I enjoy helping clients who are struggling with the daily stressors of life, depression, and everything in between. Previously, I have had the opportunity in working with homeless youth, adults struggling with mental health issues as well as drug/alcohol problems, and people of all ages in crisis situations.
Sean Nakamura
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 13
Sean Nakamura was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in San Jose, California. Sean is Japanese and Mexican American. He was raised in a single-parent household and is a first-generation college graduate. Sean Nakamura earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Jose State University. Sean is currently a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee earning his Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Correctional Psychology at Santa Clara University. He currently volunteers as a Telephone Counselor for the crisis line at the Bill Wilson Center. Sean has prior experience working with at-risk youth with
the San Jose Mayor’s Gang Prevention Taskforce. He plans on working with incarcerated juveniles as a licensed therapist. In his free time, Sean enjoys cooking, barbecuing, and, most importantly, spending time with his friends and family.
“Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else ever cared.” -Tupac Shakur
Derek Cox
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104 ext. 12
Derek Cox is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee. He is currently attending John F. Kennedy University and is in his last academic year of the program toward earning his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. He has served as a Summer Camp Counselor for the YMCA and has volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Association and Sacred Heart Community Service organization. He was also able to tutor English for a couple of months at an after-school program. Derek’s passion to work with couples has driven his motivation to share the importance of communication with any members of our community who feel they need a safe space for themselves to speak. Hoping to gain more clinical experience with those in need, Derek welcomes anyone who has ever been affected by the difficulties of trauma, relationship issues, abuse, and depression.
Kristina Young
MFT Trainee
Phone: (408) 689 8104
Kristina Young is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee, who is currently earning her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. When she is not training to become a therapist, Kristina works as a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist who specializes in working with children and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has extensive experience in working with families and children. Kristina earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Vanderbilt University and her bachelor’s degrees in English and Marketing from the University of Denver. Kristina is supervised by Deborah Licurse, LMFT, License # 42830.
