Allison Welsh
Executive Clinical Director
Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands. She furthered her education and earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California.
Lisa Acosta
Medical Director
Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Joseph is passionate about data-driven decision making, and pattern recognition of human behavior within the framework of medical research.
Daniel Ahearn
Director of Culture & Training
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.
Nicole Auckerman
Director of Eco Psychology & Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs
Dr. Auckerman has created a broad range of programming for Ascend Healthcare including twice daily barn chore groups, animal assisted therapy, eco therapeutic hiking groups, horticulture therapy and even foraging and medicinal plant identification. These groups foster connections to individual animals and instill personal responsibility, community relationships, and real-world skills.
Dr. Auckerman and her team of highly skilled farm technicians work closely with the program directors, clinical team, and mentors to deliver an individualized psychotherapeutic experience to each client and their families.
Laura Hubbard
Director of Nursing
Prior to joining Ascend, Laura was the Director of Health and Wellness with Destinations for Teens and played an integral part in the growth and development of their nursing staff. She has worked in many different fields of nursing, such as pediatrics and emergency care, but found her true calling working in adolescent mental health.
Laura also oversees Ascend’s wonderful team of nurses who provide care to our clients 24 hours a day. She works closely with support staff to ensure that all of her clients’ medical and physical needs are being met ethically and professionally.
Margaret Hartmann
Director of Clinical Operations
As she approaches therapy through a relational lens, Margaret relies heavily on the power of human connection. She incorporates CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems interventions into her therapeutic approach to provide the leading evidence-based care for her clients. In guiding her clients with compassion and honesty, Margaret seeks to empower adolescents to overcome challenges, discover their true worth, and live boldly according to their values.
Melissa Domeyer
Therapist
Melissa has experience providing individual therapy in a private practice setting to adolescents and adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Melissa was also a Rape Crisis Advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and sex crimes in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
With an approach rooted in the mind-body connection, Melissa utilizes psychoeducation with individuals and families to inform and normalize their experiences. She utilizes evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused approaches to generate meaningful change and encourage clients to draw upon their resiliency and strengths to cultivate healthy coping strategies.
Charlotte Villa
Clinical Program Manager
Primary Mental Health Program at Magnolia
David Hurwitz
Clinical Director
For adolescents, he holds the philosophy that if you want to affect change, you have to recognize both the individual and the individual within their family system. If you can embrace and include the whole family, you can give the young person the best chance at long-term success. In his work with teens and families, David strives to impart tools for a healthy dependency, supporting parents in realistic healthy boundaries while working with the adolescent to strengthen their toolbox and ultimately improve their emotional wellbeing.
David comes to Ascend as a veteran clinician having worked extensively in prestigious treatment centers establishing clinical programming and overseeing all aspects of treatment from intake to discharge. David has a wealth of experience leading process, didactic and psychodynamic-oriented groups as well as individual and family therapy. He understands that the impact of trauma or severe life stressors can be profound. To that end, he brings to the table a nonjudgmental caring approach that is practical and solution oriented. Clients have described David as being direct, in the most gentle way. His greatest passion is to bring healing to people, helping them find a healthy perspective and strengthening their relationships with self and others. As a native Californian, David continues to support his local community. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and earned his master’s degree at Ryokan College.
Alec Schley
Primary Therapist
Alexandra Rodriguez
Primary Therapist
Damilola Adefeso
Nurse Practitioner
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.
Substance Use & Dual Diagnosis Program at Empress
Xena Blair
Primary Therapist
Her client-centered approach to treatment involves creating an environment of respect and collaboration that empowers clients to be active participants in their therapeutic journey. More recently, Xena has undergone formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an evidenced-based approach used to help individuals process and heal from trauma.
Xena currently serves as a primary therapist at Empress House, where she provides specialized support to teenagers struggling with substance use, behavioral challenges, and underlying mental health conditions. Her role involves working closely with adolescent clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma, recognizing that these conditions often contribute to their substance use. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where her clients can heal and learn healthier coping skills to manage their mental well-being more effectively.
Emily Osborne Walker
Primary Therapist
While Emily’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices, she is particularly passionate about using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients struggling with persistent emotion dysregulation, substance use, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. She is dedicated to working with each client’s unique strengths, empowering them to achieve their life-worth-living goals. Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, Emily tailors interventions to address the specific needs and goals of each adolescent and their family, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, collaboration, and authenticity.
Emily has over eight years of experience providing mental health services at the residential level of care. Her passion developed while working at one of the leading comprehensive DBT programs in Los Angeles. Additionally, she participated in an intensive psychodynamic internship at an outpatient clinic in Los Angeles. Emily firmly believes in the resilience of adolescents and their capacity for growth. By creating a therapeutic environment that balances validation and change, she guides clients toward self-discovery and equips them with the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges.
Ann Holm
Addiction Counselor
Ann has a gentle yet direct approach. She realized that she likes working with adolescents while she was a health coach. She has done a significant amount of family work, especially in the realm of eating. Ann likes to work with adolescents as part of a family unit and teaching families how to empower themselves. Ann tries to work from a strength-based perspective, helping teens to find their voice based on their strengths, and empowering them to advocate for themselves. She meets clients where they are at and has a gentle, collaborative approach to empower teens to be able to help themselves.
One of her favorite things to see is when teens are finding a way to advocate for themselves within their family. She helps kids find their voice and become a full partner in family structures, ensuring families strive to take ownership of their own part in family dynamics.
Damilola Adefeso
Nurse Practitioner
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.
Michelle Stroh
Educator
Girls Program at Canyons
Kyle DiFulvio
Clinical Director
One of Kyle’s specialties when working with families is providing constructive advocacy for every member of the family system. Kyle strives to create a calm, empathic, non-judgmental space where people feel respected, heard, trustful, and free to be themselves. Kyle utilizes a variety of intervention styles, or tailored treatments to meet the specific needs of his patients. He is passionate about working with people who have extensive trauma histories and incorporates his appreciation for dynamic and analytic work in practice of unconventional healing treatments. This is the essence of his Doctoral Dissertation in which he has created a unique program that embraces his passion for alternative and nature-based approaches and their efficacy while including dynamic-theory. Kyle is excited about applying his experience to build a program that helps employees and their families support where needed and
proactive wellness exercises.
Brittlyn Burbank
Primary Therapist
Brittlyn’s therapeutic approach is based on empathy, understanding, and strengths. She also enjoys using motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and SFBT approaches and interventions as needed to meet client needs. She believes that each person has a story that makes them who they are today.
She is currently working toward becoming licensed as a clinical social worker in California.
Marisol Figueroa
Primary Therapist
Marisol’s therapeutic approach is a client-centered, strengths-based approach. She uses CBT, DBT, as well as TRM interventions with clients. Marisol believes in the power of healing in order for clients to reach their full potential.
Marisol earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Global Studies at the University of Vienna and the University of Leipzig in Germany. She went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Trauma Studies at Antioch University in Culver City. Marisol is currently working towards licensure in California as a Marriage & Family Therapist.
Janet Velazquez
Addiction Counselor
Stacie Dourthe
Nurse Practitioner
Stacie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she developed a strong foundation in the biological and social sciences. Building on her undergraduate education, she pursued a Masters of Science in Nursing at San Francisco State University and Advanced Practice Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She spent 18 years in Emergency Medicine and gained invaluable experience in Psychiatric Crisis Intervention while working as a mentor and leader in the field.
Driven by a desire to address mental health needs within her community, Stacie furthered her education with a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification from Western University of Health Sciences, and is a Board Certified PMHNP. This additional training equipped her with the specialized knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care for teens and adolescents with mental health concerns.
When she’s not at Ascend, Stacie enjoys spending time outdoors, mountain biking, and traveling with her family.
Natalie Virgen
Educator
As an educator, Natalie emphasizes intuitive and innovative therapeutic approaches to help teens overcome academic challenges. She believes in the power of resiliency and self-confidence, viewing each client as capable of growth and transformation. Natalie fosters a supportive environment where teens can discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills necessary for long-term success.
Her dedication to ensuring that each client receives the academic support essential for their healing journey reflects her commitment to empowering young individuals to reclaim their narratives and thrive.
Boys Program at Trails
Katy Castronovo
Clinical Director
Katy is an EMDR-trained, IATP Certified Clinical Trauma Professional who is also certified in the Seeking Safety and Trauma Resiliency Model – Level 2. Katy incorporates a strengths-based approach when using evidence-based modalities that are tailored to the individual client and family’s needs, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma Resiliency Model, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Family Systems, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Katy believes in meeting clients and families where they are at in a creative and empathetic manner to truly ignite change.
Katy is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University.
Daniel Bess
Primary Therapist
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.
Janet Velazquez
Addiction Counselor
Stacie Dourthe
Nurse Practitioner
Stacie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she developed a strong foundation in the biological and social sciences. Building on her undergraduate education, she pursued a Masters of Science in Nursing at San Francisco State University and Advanced Practice Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She spent 18 years in Emergency Medicine and gained invaluable experience in Psychiatric Crisis Intervention while working as a mentor and leader in the field.
Driven by a desire to address mental health needs within her community, Stacie furthered her education with a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification from Western University of Health Sciences, and is a Board Certified PMHNP. This additional training equipped her with the specialized knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care for teens and adolescents with mental health concerns.
When she’s not at Ascend, Stacie enjoys spending time outdoors, mountain biking, and traveling with her family.
Hernst Bellevue
Educator
Almost 30 years, over 15 million records, and a #1 chart-topping single later, Hernst was searching for more. As a result, he found his purpose in educating young songwriters, producers, and creatives by teaching mindfulness in creativity. His aim is to shift the artist mindset and perspective away from the negative stigmas of the music business by implementing mindfulness meditation. This training, along with other health and wellness practices, can help clear the mind and body so that people may channel creativity at will from within, as opposed to relying on outside stimuli.
Hernst is excited to join the Ascend team as an educator, putting his years of experience as a musician and teacher to good use and encouraging future generations to thrive.
Neurodiverse Program at Haven
Kristina Navarro
Clinical Director
A strong advocate of family systems theory, Kristina works collaboratively with clients and their families to rebuild bonds and foster lasting connections. Her commitment to guiding families through the treatment process includes providing dedicated support, parent coaching, and education, ensuring a positive and informed experience. Kristina’s empathetic, strength-based approach highlights each family’s potential to achieve their goals. She also incorporates an intersectional lens in treatment planning, tailoring care to respect each individual’s cultural background, race, identity, and life experiences.
Kristina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge.
Lisa Acosta
Psychiatrist
Mauri Sorensen
Primary Therapist
Mauri is passionate about bringing joy and relatability into therapy, using various techniques to teach skills such as improv, art, videos, and other interactive experiences to amplify the learning environment. Mauri views mental health needs as challenges for growth rather than disorders to be fixed and believes that uncovering and meeting needs for being seen, heard, safe, and loved are at the core of helping adolescents succeed. Mauri takes an attachment-based, trauma-informed lens in caring for clients, believing that each child has done their best with the tools they have been given, and if provided with better tools, will thrive in life.
At Ascend, Mauri uses attachment-based, psychodynamic, and person-centered therapies, along with specific interventions from CBT and DBT to support adolescents in individual therapy. Mauri works with adolescents and their families through the use of attachment theory and Structural Family Therapy to develop a sense of safety and security in the family system. Mauri also runs DBT skills groups and a “Communication and Compromise” group, for which she developed the curriculum for herself.
Emily Tran
Primary Therapist
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 Torrero
Educator
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.
Disordered Eating Program at Kallos
DaNiesha Colvin
Clinical Director
Dr. Colvin’s greatest joy comes from witnessing her clients recognize their self-worth, values, and unique identities. She believes people can realize that their past does not necessarily define them and that they can change their future by striving to be a better version of themselves. She is committed to helping clients discover their strengths and build resilience. Whether clients are facing challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, or other concerns, Dr. Colvin is here to walk alongside them on their journey toward growth. Additionally, she holds a special place in her heart for working with foster and at-risk youth.
Brooke Chavez
Primary Therapist
Brooke’s educational background encompasses a diverse array of evidence-based treatments, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method. Her therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in a client-centered perspective that emphasizes attachment, creating a supportive environment for growth and healing.
Brooke has been actively involved in addressing various mental health issues within a clinical setting. She strives to help individuals navigate the complexities of mental health, drawing upon the knowledge and skills acquired through years of education and practice. Passionate about making a positive impact during the critical period of adolescence, Brooke recognizes the plasticity and opportunities for resilience during this stage of life. Committed to guiding clients toward meaningful change, her therapeutic approach is firmly grounded in a client-centered care model, acknowledging the significance of the past in shaping the present.
Overall, Brooke is driven by a sincere desire to contribute to the well-being of others and empower individuals and families to lead healthier, happier lives.
Emily Tortora
Primary Therapist
Emily’s practice is grounded in the belief that authentic connection and relational safety are fundamental components of each person’s healing journey. She prioritizes creating an open and inclusive therapeutic space where clients feel safe to explore their deeper needs. Emily is committed to collaborative care, working to meet every person where they are at and empower them to master new skills for achieving long-term growth and transformation.
Elika Imandel
Registered Dietician
At Ascend, Elika provides nutrition counseling to adolescents struggling with eating disorders and co-existing medical and psychiatric diagnoses. She customizes her approach to align with each client’s individual needs and circumstances, creating a safe space for them to explore their thoughts and emotions surrounding food and exercise.
Elika is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development and is currently in the process of earning her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDs) credential. She is committed to staying up to date with the latest research and best practices in nutrition counseling, as she aspires to continuously refine her skills and better support her clients.
Sadie Slade
Educator
Sadie worked as a mentor at Ascend’s Oaks house before transitioning into the educator position at Kallos. While there, she hopes to help students better understand themselves and their learning styles. Sadie ultimately aspires to foster an environment where struggle is honored as part of the learning process, rather than feared and avoided. She has plans to pursue an MSW degree in the future.
OCD Program at Oaks
Kyle DiFulvio
Clinical Director
One of Kyle’s specialties when working with families is providing constructive advocacy for every member of the family system. Kyle strives to create a calm, empathic, non-judgmental space where people feel respected, heard, trustful, and free to be themselves. Kyle utilizes a variety of intervention styles, or tailored treatments to meet the specific needs of his patients. He is passionate about working with people who have extensive trauma histories and incorporates his appreciation for dynamic and analytic work in practice of unconventional healing treatments. This is the essence of his Doctoral Dissertation in which he has created a unique program that embraces his passion for alternative and nature-based approaches and their efficacy while including dynamic-theory. Kyle is excited about applying his experience to build a program that helps employees and their families support where needed and
proactive wellness exercises.
Anthony Kozlowski
Primary Therapist
During his traineeship at the San Fernando Valley Counseling Center, he worked with a diverse clientele, including adults navigating life transitions, couples rekindling their relationships, families seeking harmony, and adolescents finding their place in the world. This broad exposure has honed his ability to work effectively with a wide range of mental health issues and interpersonal dynamics. At the core of Anthony’s practice is a client-centered approach. He believes in meeting people where they are, acknowledging their individual experiences and perspectives as the foundation for healing and growth. Building trust, he believes, is the first step to facilitating meaningful change. He is a fellow traveler on their path to healing, offering guidance, support, and a compassionate ear.
Ellie Franks
Primary Therapist
With extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, Ellie provides individual and group therapy options that address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Her background includes working in a psychiatric hospital, where she honed her skills in crisis intervention and therapeutic support.
Ellie utilizes a client-centered approach, integrating narrative therapy into her practice. She believes in the power of storytelling and personal history to foster self-understanding and growth. Ellie is enthusiastic about empowering adolescents to discover their purpose and passions, helping them to thrive as they navigate their unique journeys. Through her compassionate guidance, she aims to inspire resilience and foster a sense of belonging in those she serves. She is currently working toward becoming licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor.
Stacie Dourthe
Nurse Practitioner
Stacie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she developed a strong foundation in the biological and social sciences. Building on her undergraduate education, she pursued a Masters of Science in Nursing at San Francisco State University and Advanced Practice Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She spent 18 years in Emergency Medicine and gained invaluable experience in Psychiatric Crisis Intervention while working as a mentor and leader in the field.
Driven by a desire to address mental health needs within her community, Stacie furthered her education with a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification from Western University of Health Sciences, and is a Board Certified PMHNP. This additional training equipped her with the specialized knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care for teens and adolescents with mental health concerns.
When she’s not at Ascend, Stacie enjoys spending time outdoors, mountain biking, and traveling with her family.
Wendi Seller
Nurse Practitioner
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.
Megan Kirkbride-Wharfield
Educator
She started working in mental health services as an ABA therapist and eventually became a mentor at Ascend. Megan’s ultimate goal is to empower children through education and self-expression. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all individuals at the Oaks House. Megan is looking forward to pursuing a Master’s degree in clinical psychology in the near future.
Specialized Attachment & Trauma at Willows
Larissa Perez
Primary Therapist
Alaina Strollo
Primary Therapist
Culver PHP & Intensive Outpatient Program
Amy Brenner
Clinical Director
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.
Maya Fujiwara
Primary Therapist
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.
Britanni Anderson
Therapist
Britanni started her career working with transitional-aged foster youth in a residential setting. It was here that Britanni learned the importance of trauma-informed care and meeting the clients where they’re at. Britanni approaches her clients and their families with compassion and empathy as they work towards healing.
Britanni earned her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Hope International University.
Janet Velazquez
Addiction Counselor
Damilola Adefeso
Nurse Practitioner
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.
Laurynn Martinez
Educator
Agoura PHP & Intensive Outpatient Program
Marissa Dearborn
Clinical Director
Marissa is skilled in treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. She approaches therapy through a client-centered and strength-based approach. She believes that connecting to clients and providing them a safe space is one of the most essential parts of treatment. Marissa incorporates CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and family systems into her therapeutic approach, providing evidence based care for her Clients while building authentic connections.
Stephanie Williamson
Primary Therapist
Stephanie is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with experience in supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. She has a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients and families to feel valued and understood.
Stephanie recognizes that each client’s journey is unique and tailors her approach to meet individual needs and preferences. She remains committed to promoting mental wellness and empowering clients and families to overcome their challenges with her support.
Anjuli Gonzalez
Primary Therapist
Anjuli currently holds a bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music and hopes to incorporate music into her therapeutic work with the youth. Anjuli is deeply committed to utilizing every skill she’s acquired to better support Ascend’s clients, providing inspiration and encouragement as they navigate their treatment process.
Janet Velazquez
Addiction Counselor
Stacie Dourthe
Nurse Practitioner
Stacie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she developed a strong foundation in the biological and social sciences. Building on her undergraduate education, she pursued a Masters of Science in Nursing at San Francisco State University and Advanced Practice Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She spent 18 years in Emergency Medicine and gained invaluable experience in Psychiatric Crisis Intervention while working as a mentor and leader in the field.
Driven by a desire to address mental health needs within her community, Stacie furthered her education with a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification from Western University of Health Sciences, and is a Board Certified PMHNP. This additional training equipped her with the specialized knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care for teens and adolescents with mental health concerns.
When she’s not at Ascend, Stacie enjoys spending time outdoors, mountain biking, and traveling with her family.
Imelda Hernandez
Educator
Working with teens in residential treatment has inspired Imelda to pursue additional education and become a therapist. She feels that her work can help the clients explore their future and potential, helping them map out their goals.
