West Valley Counseling Center

Sharon Burnett

Dr. Sharon Burnett is a psychotherapist, educator, and mentor who collaborates with clients, community organizations, and pre-licensed and student therapists to develop deeper insight, create greater resilience and enjoy a deeper connection with themselves and others.
She received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California State University, Chico, and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Southern California University, Irvine.
As the Founder and Executive Director of West Valley Counseling Center since 2006, Sharon remains dedicated to providing affirming, accessible and affordable mental health care using a trauma-informed philosophy, a model that she’s cultivated over the course of her distinguished career.
She expanded her education with her work with Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a pioneer in trauma, hospice work, grief, and loss, to develop comprehensive trauma-sensitive and experiential training programs designed to build adaptive skills both professionally and personally.
By developing an expanded mentor program for student therapists and associate licensed therapists that incorporates trauma-informed philosophy, Sharon cultivates deeper understanding, practical clinical skills, and vision to establish and expand upon the knowledge and experience of therapists-in-training.
Sharon maintains a private practice working with individuals and families incorporating her trauma-informed recovery model. She also resides on the Board of Directors for LA Region Community Recovery Organization (LACRO). In her free time, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren and outdoors hiking trails with her two dogs.
Connect with Sharon at Sharon@WestValleyCounseling.org

Atiya Malik

Atiya Malik is the Associate Director at West Valley Counseling Center. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillip’s Graduate University, and has been a part of the center since 2013. Atiya currently has her private practice at West Valley Counseling Center, where she focuses on individuals and couples.

Natalie Samuels

Natalie Samuels received a B.A. in Communications from the University of San Francisco. Natalie earned her M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in Children & Adolescents from Northwestern University. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate degree studies, she worked with several families and children as a caretaker in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. This experience influenced her specialization within the counseling profession, as she was exposed to a wide range of family issues. Natalie uses an approach that is facilitated by empathetic understanding, tailoring the treatment approach and orientation to each client’s unique and individual needs. She enjoys utilizing contemporary and creative approaches to promote positive self-development, create a sense of safety within the therapeutic space, process emotions to facilitate personal growth, and foster adaptive coping techniques. Through this approach, she hopes to promote long-term change and recovery for the clients. Natalie works with children, families, individuals, and couples.

Arianna Helfant

Arianna earned a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern California. As a type I Diabetic since the age of six, Arianna’s specific interests are in working with individuals and families struggling with chronic illnesses. Arianna also has experience working with domestic violence, gang intervention, high-risk children, and individuals with disabilities. Arianna has experience conducting individual, group, and family therapy.

Celeste Zarpas

Celeste received a B.A in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Celeste earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Before becoming a therapist, Celeste was a classically trained dancer, and she was represented by a talent agent and auditioned for jobs in the entertainment industry. This experience taught her discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of creativity. Celeste uses an empathic and intuitive, client-centered approach to assist clients in their journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment. Celeste works with individuals, couples, families, and children.