Daniel applies the latest developments in neuroscience and psychology with traditional Buddhist practices to help clients improve their lives immediately. Scientifically based, his strategies are stabilizing and expansive.

Daniel brings a strong educational background in attachment repair substance abuse, applied community psychology, and over 20 years of Buddhist practices to his work. As Director of Culture and Development, he connects our team by defining our shared language, establishing weekly intentions, facilitating daily staff meditation groups, holding space for staff process through support groups, identifying training opportunities, and acting as a clinical brand ambassador.

Daniel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch university.

Daniel trained in IFS through IFSCA with two years of ongoing mentorship by Robert Falconer. He completed his undergrad work at SUNY Purchase and earned his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. He is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. AMFT #130172.

In addition to working with adolescents at Ascend, Daniel has also founded over a dozen non-profit Mens Meditation Recovery groups in Los Angeles, where he hopes to transform how men view mental health and self-care.

Emily’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. She believes everyone has a story worth telling and that our narratives shape how we see ourselves and the world. Through Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), she helps clients uncover their strengths, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and create new perspectives that empower them to move forward.

A lifelong lover of books and personal reflection, Emily enjoys exploring how mental health intertwines with everyday life. She finds joy in helping others reframe challenges into opportunities for growth and believes that even the smallest shifts in perspective can create lasting change. When she’s not in session, you’ll likely find her curled up with a novel, discovering a new favorite café, or deep in conversation about life’s “what-ifs” and possibilities.

She is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #151911).

Desteny currently holds an Associate Degree in Elementary Teacher Education and has been working with neurodiverse children for five years in both classroom and non-traditional class settings. She aspires to provide a safe space for all the teens at Ascend and use her experience to help them find the support they need to continue growing and thriving. 

With extensive experience working with a wide range of age groups, Wendi is particularly passionate about treating children and adolescents, believing that early intervention can make a lasting impact on a child’s future. She has worked with children as young as 5 years old, helping them navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. At the same time, she also has significant experience treating older adults, including seniors in their late 90s, addressing issues such as dementia, depression, and age-related mental health concerns. Her broad experience allows her to provide personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, regardless of their age.

Wendi utilizes a holistic approach to mental health treatment, with medication being just one tool in the broader toolkit. While she recognizes the importance of pharmacological interventions, especially in managing certain psychiatric conditions, she emphasizes that medication alone is not the answer. Instead, she strives to integrate therapy, family support, and coping strategies alongside medication to help her patients find true peace and freedom. Above all, Wendi is dedicated to empowering her patients — especially children — to overcome their challenges and thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Amy holds a Master’s of Social Work degree from Columbia University, and she also participated in a two-year post master’s extension program at a psychoanalytic institute in Los Angeles. Amy is a skilled psychotherapist who also works in private practice, specializing in anxiety and depressive disorders, family systems, trauma, and chronic and progressive illnesses.

To collaborate with clients, Maya utilizes evidence-based practice interventions, while also focusing on the traditional principles. She also brings to the room her rich personal experience of
meditation and mindfulness from a Buddhist background.

Maya holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington, Seattle. She received her
M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Maya completed an
intensive psychodynamic internship at Airport Marina Counseling Service where she gained
experience working with young children, teens, adults, groups and families, experiencing a range of mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, Complex-PTSD, parenting issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, intergenerational trauma, and issues from a spectrum of abuse. She has also worked in the field of behavioral and mental health for children and their families in various schools across Los Angeles. Maya is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 129588) registered to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Damilola has a Master of Science in Nursing from Charles Drew University, as well as a certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
from National University, San Diego. He spent several years as a medical assistant, behavioral therapist, and clinical nurse at various facilities and hospitals throughout Los Angeles, building up his experience with patients of all ages and medical concerns.

While at Ascend, Damilola hopes to utilize his experience to ensure appropriate social and emotional support for all our clients during their time in our residential treatment facilities.