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.

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.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 127454

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.

Annalisa Barrett

Annalisa received a B.A in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is currently earning her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Prior to becoming a therapist, Annalisa worked closely with the perinatal community as a prenatal yoga instructor and a postpartum doula. She has experience working with school age children as a former elementary school teacher. Through her work with families and children, Annalisa incorporated mindfulness techniques, compassionate listening, and supported individuals through major life transitions. In therapy, Annalisa utilizes a person-centered, psychodynamic approach to help clients gain insight and adopt healthier coping mechanisms for their maladaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns that are no longer serving them. Annalisa works with individuals and children.

Sara Benedetto

Sara Benedetto earned a B.A. in Education with a minor in Creative Writing from Hiram College and is currently earning her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute, a community she is proud to be a part of.

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 approaches clients.

Sara loves working with adults and children of all ages with the goal of making them 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.

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.

Alison de Caussin

Alison de Caussin received a B.A. in Psychology from Ashford University. Alison is pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Alison has had invaluable experience working with children experiencing trauma and the homeless population. She has also completed domestic violence training. Alison believes that individuals experiencing trauma or cognitive, affective, or somatic disturbances may discover solace, strength, and liberation through cooperative therapeutic involvement. She is highly interested in collaborating with children, individuals, couples, and families to allow awareness of thoughts and feelings that are conducive to further growth, as well as awareness for patterns that present struggles and obstacles. Through an authentic, open, and empathetic interchange, Alison aims to provide a supportive and safe space for personal, relational, and familial growth and empowerment.

Jay Clerou

Jay Clerou earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from California Lutheran University. She is currently pursuing 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. She has prior experience in a rehabilitation setting serving clients struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Jay utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach that is tailored to each individual to assist every client wherever they may be within their life journey. Jay aims to faciliate a non-judgmental space for collaboration to support clients in creating more peace in their lives.

Diana Contreras

Diana Contreras earned her B.A in Psychology from San Francisco State University and is currently pursuing her M.A in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Before coming to West Valley Counseling Center, Diana worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, helping individuals with behavioral and developmental issues. Diana is devoted to establishing a secure, non-judgmental, and healthy environment where individuals can achieve personal growth and reach their full potential. She is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive therapy to clients from all walks of life. Moreover, Diana's personal and compassionate approach has equipped her with a unique viewpoint that enables her to establish a deeper connection with people, thereby empowering them to accomplish their therapeutic goals. She is fully bilingual in Spanish and English.

Melissa Foulks

Melissa received a B.A. in Arts Administration from Wagner College in New York City. She earned a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University. Previously, Melissa worked in the entertainment industry in New York City and then in Los Angeles. This experience allowed her to understand the importance of a work/life balance. She would encourage colleagues to prioritize themselves and their mental well-being as they navigated the challenges of a fast paced, competitive industry.

Melissa utilizes an empathic approach and tailors treatment to meet each client’s specific needs. She enjoys incorporating mindfulness and other creative techniques while ensuring client’s have a safe space during their therapeutic journey. She is passionate about working through self-confidence and body image issues with her clients. Melissa works with individuals, couples, children and families.

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.

Cesar Iraheta

Cesar Iraheta earned his B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. He is currently pursuing his M.A in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor from Pepperdine University. He is additionally completing a graduate certificate program from Pennsylvania State University to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Cesar’s prior experience includes fives years of working with children, adults, and families as both a direct care provider and mid-tier case supervisor within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Cesar has emphasized the importance of being genuine, demonstrating empathy, and providing compassion in his work with diverse populations. He believes that this helps develop a secure and supportive atmosphere for his clients to flourish and experience meaningful and lasting change. Cesar employs a number of therapeutic approaches as part of an integrated framework to assist clients in leading healthier, more satisfying lives by fostering a positive, genuine, and compassionate therapeutic relationship.

Erin Kennedy

Erin Kennedy received a B.A. in Psychology from Georgetown University and an M.Ed. in Human Development & Psychology from Harvard University. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University.

Erin believes that mental and emotional wellness is just as important to our long-term wellbeing as physical wellness. After all, life can be messy and overwhelming, and many of us were never taught the proper tools to navigate life’s ups & downs. Luckily, it’s never too late to build your toolbox, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Erin takes an authentic, supportive, and educational approach to help her clients deepen personal insight, grow self-love, and develop and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. An avid neuroscience enthusiast, Erin uses the latest research on the brain, mind, nervous system, and interpersonal relationships to inform her therapeutic work with clients.

APCC# 10368

Jane Kwon

Jane Kwon received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. Jane earned an 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, Jane was an IT corporate executive in multiple sectors, consulting in strategy and managing optimization technology programs. After more than 20 years, Jane decided to branch out and pursue her passion for mental and emotional wellness and the desire to help others by becoming a psychotherapist.

Jane supports the AAPI community and is an advocate and educator from a biopsychosocial and multicultural perspective. Jane is passionate about building a therapeutic relationship with clients to foster positive and authentic personal growth, helping clients gain insight and empowerment for an integrated life. Jane uses an integrative technique drawing from client-centered, narrative, solution-focused and existential approaches. Jane works with individuals, couples, families, and children.

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.

Mikhail Mazmanyan

Mike Mazmanyan received his B.S. in Neuroscience from University of California Santa Barbara. He is currently earning his M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.
Mike's personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping his desire to connect with others and attentively listen to their narratives. He recognizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their personal growth and development. His dedication to fostering a healthy environment for therapeutic growth and self-discovery is evident in his passion for the field of psychotherapy. Furthermore, his personal and educational background have provided him with a unique perspective that allows him to connect with individuals on a deeper level, ultimately enabling them to achieve their therapeutic goals.

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.

Julie Morgavi

Julie holds a BA degree in Theatre and is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She currently works as a therapist trainee at West Valley Counseling Center as well as a group facilitator for Veritas Detox Treatment Center. This is a second career for Julie and is the culmination of her life experience which included a 12-year, two Emmy award-winning career as a voice director for animation. Julie considers her instincts for understanding motivation and empathy to be precursors to her ultimate vocation as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Julie has experience with a variety of therapeutic modalities that address issues such as grief/loss, trauma, addiction, high conflict divorce, suicide, parental alienation, children with special needs (specifically navigating the school system in regards to academically and emotionally challenged children) as well as the depression, anxiety and existential angst which often accompanies this journey called life.
Julie works from an integrated, person-centered approach allowing for and encouraging a spiritual component. Her overarching philosophy is founded in Attachment Theory and the idea that much of our conflict and distress stems from unmet needs and how unlocking old wounds provides a path towards healing and fulfillment. Areas of interest include relational issues, unleashing the creative spirit, the importance of living life “on purpose”, the plight of the pre-teen, unlocking trauma, and addiction recovery specifically from a Buddhist Psychology perspective. Julie places high value on the delicacy of the therapeutic process and the paramount importance of the client/therapist relationship. She strongly believes we are not meant to walk this earth alone and considers it an honor to be entrusted with the privilege of walking the path of existence together.

Robyn Olsen

Robyn earned a B.A. in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling at Touro University. Prior to becoming a therapist, Robyn worked as a life coach with individuals who struggle with anxiety by implementing mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral tools, and somatic exercises. She also worked closely with families, children, and elderly individuals as an emotional & cognitive support caregiver for over 10 years. As a practitioner, Robyn utilizes an integrative approach that is trauma-informed and IFS-informed to facilitate a safe space for every client that is free of judgment. By acknowledging each individual’s unique background and experiences, Robyn helps clients gain insight, transform behavioral patterns, and become self-empowered to take charge of their life.

Shontá Price

Shontá Price received both of her MA degrees from Pepperdine University one in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and the other in general psyche. Prior to coming to West Valley Counseling Center, Shontá worked with first generation and transfer college students at CSUN, she provided social and emotional support with senior adults at the Veterans’ Home, and has volunteered at a community center for people who were experiencing homelessness. Shontá mentored families with children through play therapy, coached geriatric veteran’s during the COVID-19 pandemic, and assisted individuals battling substance addiction. Trained in a trauma informed model, Shontá assist clients with rediscovering themselves by exploring communication styles and techniques, their goals, past and present concerns to cultivate personal values and empowered sense of self. Shontá works with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children. Connect with Shonta at Shonta@WestValleyCounseling.org

Mary Robinson

Mary earned her B.S. from Syracuse University, where she double majored in Psychology and Film Studies, and is currently earning 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. Mary specializes in grief work, life transitions, creatives, anxiety, and depression.

Diana Turin

Diana is a Registered Associate, MFT. She graduated with honors with a B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge. She also holds a Masters of Science in Special Education with a Level II teaching credential. Her professional experience includes teaching special education students for the past 22 years. It is Diana’s mission to help people resolve their conflicts and struggles by building a strong foundation, centered on trust, respect, and support. She values her role in allowing clients to feel safe and secure to explore, express and develop different ways to find their journey to healing and find their inner strength.

Heather Williams

Sarah Jane Wiggins

Sarah Jane earned her B.A. in Psychology, minoring in law, justice, and social control at Chapman University. While attending undergraduate school, she worked as a Child Advocate on the Child Abuse Services Team. As a child advocate, she aided in easing the trauma for these children and their family members as they went through the CAST process of being interviewed and examined. A child's positive relationship and attachment with a trusting caregiver are critical to emotional sincerity and social development. Her one-on-one experiences with child abuse victims helped cultivate her passion for helping others. In addition, they sharpened Sarah's faculties for interpersonal dynamics and communication skills, which are essential for becoming a clinician. These experiences have reinforced her desire to pursue her professional ambitions of a Master's Clinical Psychology degree. Sarah Jane is earning a graduate degree in social justice advocacy at Pepperdine University. Her Graduate Program has allowed Sarah to combine her education, training, and natural abilities to deepen her knowledge of working with victims in a field she is genuinely devoted to aiding.

Arpi Zargarian

Arpi Zargarian earned her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. She is currently pursuing her M.A in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Her prior experience includes working with children, adults, and families, where she honed her therapeutic and counseling abilities. Arpi stressed the implementation of empathy and compassion in her work with diverse populations in order to establish a secure and supportive atmosphere for her clients to flourish. She employs a number of therapeutic approaches as part of an integrated framework to assist clients in leading healthier, more satisfying lives by fostering positive, long-lasting relationships.