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 from Northwestern University. Natalie uses a trauma-informed approach that is facilitated by empathetic understanding, tailoring the treatment 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 help guide clients through the healing process with a focus on resilience, safety, and long-term recovery.

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.

Anthony Nzeribe

Anthony Nzeribe received a B.A. in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands. Anthony earned his M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Before coming to West Valley Counseling Center, Anthony worked at a recreation therapy program that specialized in providing social and living skills programs for children and adults with special needs. Anthony uses an approach that is tailored to support each clients individual needs. Through open interchange, he enjoys utilizing creative techniques to promote positive self development. Being trained under the trauma informed approach model, Anthony aims to provide a supportive and safe space for personal, relational, and familial growth and empowerment. Anthony works with children, families, individuals, and couples.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 140022

Stephen Friedman

Steve is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who provides psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups within a private practice setting in Encino, California. As a graduate of Antioch University in Marina Del Rey and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Westwood, Steve has provided psychodynamic therapy for a diverse spectrum of clients, for the last 27 years. In addition to his expertise with adolescents, parent/relational issues and problems, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, and issues related to bereavement and loss, Steve has a particular interest in working with individuals who were raised to believe that they weren’t special and have difficulties establishing equality within their relationships. Steve maintains a private practice in the San Fernando Valley while also serving as clinical supervisor for trainees and interns at West Valley Counseling Center.

Dina Olivas

Dina Olivas, LCSW is a clinical supervisor at the Ventura County Counseling & Wellness Center and received her Master’s in Social Worker from California State Long Beach. As a bi-cultural mental health professional, she began her career 36 years ago in Los Angeles providing services to diverse children, youth, couples and families experiencing complex trauma. Her work settings range from public and private hospitals to schools, universities and clinics.  Ms. Olivas is a trained Early Childhood Mental Health Interventionist and community crisis specialist trained in Psychological First Aid, Critical Incident Debriefing, and Crisis Response Management for first responders.

With years of leading, supervising, and training of clinicians, she is grounded in promoting the neurobiology of healing through relationships while looking through the lens of culture and identity. Ensuring community access to quality counseling services has been paramount in her last 20 years of service in Ventura County. Ms. Olivas’s guiding belief in her teaching and clinical perspective is that healing occurs through a genuine respectful therapeutic relationship that honors one’s intrinsic strength as a whole person.

Arturo Arceo

Arturo Arceo earned B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. He is currently a candidate for a master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Arturo currently works as a registered behavior technician providing behavioral therapy for adults and children on the Autism Spectrum and with other learning or developmental delays. Arturo is committed to providing a safe, non-judgemental, and healthy environment for individuals to achieve personal growth.

Sara Benedetto

Sara Benedetto earned a B.A. in Education with a minor in Creative Writing from Hiram College and her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute.

Prior to pursuing her M.A., Sara taught pre-kindergarten, tutored all grades up through college level and studied comedy and writing at Second City Chicago. Later, she completed meditation trainings which led her to teaching mindfulness and meditation to kids and adults. Sara combines her variety of experiences in how she works with clients.

Sara loves working with adults, teens, and children of all ages, and has experience and interest in working with the LGBTQ population, grief and loss, and the launching phase for adolescents and college age students. She begins therapy with the goal of allowing clients to feel seen for who they are and supported in what they need. Sara is passionate about helping clients lead a balanced life, prioritize self-care, and tend to their inner child—exploring what needs didn’t get met when they were young, and how they can get those needs met now to live as full and peaceful a life as possible.

AMFT# 140914

April Blackwell

April received a B.S in Sociology with a minor in Child Development from Florida State University. She is currently earning her M.A in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. April has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years and 7 of those years in hotel management. She also worked as an executive in the music industry in Atlanta, GA, as well as an ABA therapist here in California. Through her past employer experiences, she has come to understand the importance of good work ethic, having a work balance, and most important of all, taking time out for yourself to have self-care.

April has experience working with adults, children, adolescents, LGBTQ+, and elderly adults with special needs. She has also worked with children and adolescents specifically on the Autism Spectrum. She is very passionate about helping individuals of trauma, sexual abuse, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. The therapy she offers centers on fostering increased insight, resulting in improved emotional satisfaction, self-confidence, and relationships. April uses a multi-disciplinary approach that is based on the needs of each client, with the ultimate goal being to facilitate integration between the past and the present self. Understanding the generational relationships, where conflict exists, the diseases and abuse that exist can provide incredible insight into personal trauma and aid in the therapeutic healing process.

Eric Chambrasi

Eric received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Eric understands how hard it is to ask for help, and he acknowledges the importance of dealing with personal trauma and provides a space where people can address it. He has dedicated himself to understanding and assisting individuals, couples, and families in their journey toward growth.

Juliana Damiano

Juliana is currently pursuing her master's degree in couple and family therapy and holds a bachelor's degree in communication from CSUN. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, she understands the profound impact of words and embraces the power of effective communication. Juliana finds solace and inspiration in nature, immersing herself in hiking, camping, and nurturing her garden. Her deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all
living things informs her therapeutic approach, recognizing that every aspect of life is intricately woven together. As an MFT Trainee, Juliana challenges social norms and approaches therapy through a trauma-informed and systemic lens. She creates a safe, open-minded space where clients can explore their experiences and embark on transformative journeys. Juliana works with couples, families, individuals and children. She has experience with life transitions, women's issues, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. Juliana strives to guide individuals towards self-love, healthy boundaries, positive self-talk and inner strength to promote healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Paola Gancman

Paola received B.A in Psychology from the University of Judaism and earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Paola also has an associate degree in early childhood education and is a certified professional life coach. Prior to coming to West Valley Counseling, Paola’s experience in education includes being a preschool teacher as well as preschool director at Page Private School and director of middle school admissions at Milken Community High School. Currently Paola has a life coaching practice where she works with parents, teens and young adults guiding and providing them with real life tools to find balance, better communication and success in school, home, and life. Paola uses an emphatic and supportive approach in assisting clients through their therapeutic journey. Paola works with individuals, couples, families, and children.

Rania Haditirto Graetz

Rania is earning her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She has a B.A. in Literature with a minor in Modern Dance from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Rania has worked in journalism, publishing, television, and photography and has lived in New York, LA, Hawaii, Europe, and the Middle East.

Rania’s life experiences have cultivated her passion for connecting with people and listening to their stories. Trained in a trauma-informed approach, Rania aims to build a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard. Using intuition and empathy, she practices a client-tailored, integrative, and collaborative style of therapy where she helps empower the client to take an active role in their care. Rania enjoys counseling teens in a high school setting through West Valley Counseling Center’s school-based program. Rania is also dedicated to working with clients from all backgrounds and of all ages.

Rebecca Hernandez

Rebecca Hernandez received a B.A in Psychology from Cal State University, Northridge. She is currently earning her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Rebecca learned early on that her passion for people and social justice issues were the driving force in dedicating her life to providing mental health services. She is committed to creating a space where individuals feel safe to share their stories, heal, and feel empowered in their life. By recognizing that every person comes from a different background with unique individual experiences, Rebecca sees the importance of tailoring her support to meet each person's needs

Janine Himes

Janine holds a BA in Theater Arts and Is earning her MA in Marriage and Family therapy from Touro University. Drawing upon years of experience as a yoga instructor, dancer and actor, Janine works from a creative, holistic and integrative space, focusing on mindfulness, and attention to the body - mind connection. Janine believes in offering a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can voice and work through their problems. She is passionate about working alongside her clients, helping them navigate life’s unexpected obstacles as well as healing deeper trauma. She believes everyone deserves to learn healthy coping skills resulting in a life well lived. Janine works with individuals, couples, children and families.

Jazmin Martinez

Jazmin Martinez received a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Channel Islands. She is currently earning her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University, Graduate School of Psychology. Prior to pursuing her master’s degree, Jazmin was an elementary school teacher with experience in teaching grades first through fifth, and also served as a reading intervention teacher. Jazmin worked toward teaching the whole child and strongly emphasized social-emotional support for all her students.

Jazmin is dedicated to providing an environment that is led with compassion, feels safe, and is non-judgmental. Jazmin tailors her therapeutic approach to each client's individual needs and appreciates that each individual comes from a different background with unique life experiences. Through empathy and a relationship built on trust, Jazmin aims to collaboratively work with clients to help them meet their goals, build healthy relationships, and achieve self-growth. Jazmin works with children, individuals, couples, and families.

Lluvia Mayorquin

Lluvia Mayorquin earned her B.A in Psychology from California Lutheran University. She is currently pursuing her M.A in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Lluvia has experience in working with Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum who use Alternative and Augmentative communication to communicate in their day to day lives. Lluvia enjoys assisting these individuals in their educational endeavors. She utilizes a person-centered approach when collaborating with clients to help them meet their goals. Additionally, she is passionate about helping clients self- advocate and helping them find the resources they need to thrive. Lluvia is dedicated to serving individuals, couples, children, and families.

Ben Medina

Ben earned his B.A. in Psychology from National University. Ben also earned a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC-IV) Credential from the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE), earning his CATC credential in 2003. Ben earned his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and co-occurring disorders. Ben considers culture as an integral part of who we are and takes pride in being mindful, compassionate, and respectful in considering one’s cultural background. He understands that it is difficult asking for help when struggling with life’s issues. Ben provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where he can work alongside his clients, helping to discard feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness so that individuals can live their lives as they were meant to be.

Rebecca Meshkani

Rebecca Meshkani received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Los Angeles, California. They are currently earning a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Before working at West Valley Counseling Center, Rebecca worked at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services as a Crisis Line Counselor. Rebecca supported individuals through high stress situations from all ages and backgrounds. Rebecca utilizes a psychodynamic and existential approach that is tailored to each individual client.

Romena Nazaryan

Possessing a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare and currently working towards a master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University, Romena Nazaryan brings a diverse skill set to West Valley Counsling Center . Her professional journey began after her undergraduate , where she worked in various hospital settings, including healthcare research. Prior to her work in healthcare, Romena was a reading and writing interventionist at LAUSD.

Fluent in both Armenian and English, Romena values cultural diversity. Outside her professional life, she enjoys hiking with her two Huskies and participating in hot yoga classes. Committed to creating a safe and empowering space, Romena recognizes the uniqueness of each person's background and individual experiences. Tailoring her support to meet individual needs, she aims to foster healing and empowerment in the lives of those she serves.

Mary Robinson

Mary earned her B.S. from Syracuse University, where she double majored in Psychology and Film Studies, and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Mary spent over a decade working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles and pulls from her creative past in working with clients.

Mary creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their goals and identify their strengths. Through empathy, authenticity, and humor, she collaborates with clients to navigate difficult circumstances by exploring their past experiences and current motivations. Utilizing a person-centered approach, she addresses each client as an individual and partner in the therapeutic process and deeply believes in the capacity for growth and positive change.

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams is a seasoned mental health professional with over 15 years of experience working with children, women, and families. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, she began her career as a health educator, gaining valuable insights into preventative care and community wellness. Her subsequent pursuit of a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, allowed her to delve deeper into the intricacies of individual and family dynamics. With a strong foundation in both health education and therapy, Cindy brings a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues affecting individuals and families today.

Known for her compassionate and caring approach, Cindy creates a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their challenges. Utilizing a trauma-informed and integrative therapy model, she empowers clients to discover their strengths,build positive self-esteem, and cultivate healthy relationships. By focusing on individual values, concerns, and goals, she tailors treatment plans to meet specific needs.

With additional training in neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism) and LGBTQ+ care, she provides an affirming and supportive atmosphere. She is committed to ongoing professional growth ensuring she stays up to date on the most recent evidence-based practices.

Outside of her professional life, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, and engaging in activities like hiking, biking, and beach days.