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
Her program includes a variety of eco-projects, like hiking, gardening, animal care, and even foraging and medicinal plant utilization.
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.
Melissa Domeyer
Clinical Program Coordinator
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.
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.
Kathy Wolgast
Primary Therapist
As she works with her clients on radical acceptance, she utilizes a number of modalities, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Family Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Family Therapy. Her goal is to help teens and their families explore transgenerational trauma and find healing from its negative effects. \=
Kathlyn began her career working with children and adolescents but has experience working with clients of all ages. She has helped clients through various forms of trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other related disorders. She has joined the Ascend team as a Primary Therapist to help our clients pursue their own healing in mind, body, and spirit.
Alec Schley
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.
Ameesh Shah
Educator
While the arts were a large influence in Ameesh’s life, he was also interested in mental health and mindfulness. He volunteered at LA’s Mental Health Awareness summer event in 2018, which sparked an interest in working with teens on their mental health. On his journey to learn more, he attended classes in meditation, sound baths, and yoga, and has a certificate as a Master in Reiki. Ameesh hopes to start on a degree in Psychology during his time at Ascend to gain even more skills that will help his clients thrive.
Ameesh is excited to be part of the Ascend team and is committed to using all of these skills to support the clients of Ascend. He wants to provide comprehensive guidance, support, and encouragement for anyone in residential treatment in order to facilitate their personal growth and healing.
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.
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.
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
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.
Daniella Gonzalez
Educator
Daniella is currently working to further her education by obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Boys Program at Trails
Katy Castronovo
Clinical Director
Katy is an IATP Certified Clinical Trauma Professional that is also certified in Seeking Safety and Trauma Resiliency Model – Level 1, is working towards level 2, and then eventually becoming a trainer. Katy incorporates a strengths-based approach when using evidence-based modalities that are tailored to the individual client and family’s needs, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Trauma Resiliency Model, 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 Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.
Lisa Acosta
Psychiatrist
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.
Sahar Khazani
Primary Therapist
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep commitment to supporting adolescents, she worked as a high school teacher before pursuing her career as a therapist. Sahar was the director of the LEV Foundation, where she organized programming to help foster healthy social lifestyles for teens, and was a mentor at LA Team Mentoring when working in the private sector.
In her recent role as a therapist at Counseling West in Sherman Oaks, Sahar provided individual counseling to a diverse clientele, addressing issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Her therapeutic approach is informed by psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing, allowing her to tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each client.
In her role as a primary therapist at Ascend Healthcare, Sahar is committed to empowering clients to ascend to their fullest potential, fostering growth, and promoting holistic well-being.
Miriam Brown
Therapist
Miriam marries empathy, curiosity, and humor with a clinical style rooted in mindfulness-based practices, attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, and depth psychology. She takes a holistic approach to her work, considering the mind, body, and spirit as she invites clients to explore blockages and challenges and create new paths and possibilities. Miriam utilizes depth and narrative therapy techniques, coupled with IFS, CBT, and DBT to assist clients in discovering and befriending their shadow side, learning to trust themselves and align with their values and purpose, breaking free of old wounding and thought patterns holding them back, establishing and nurturing healthy relationships, increasing self-esteem and self-worth, and creating the change they want to see in their lives.
At Ascend, Miriam works with individuals, families, and groups.
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
Kristina has an empathetic approach to therapy that is rooted in highlighting client and family strengths and their potential to reach their ultimate goals. She approaches all sessions from an intersectional lens, highlighting the importance of tailoring each treatment plan to the individual’s cultural background, race, identity, and life experience.
Kristina received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands, and went on to achieve a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge. Kristina is currently working towards licensure in the state of California.
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.
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
Margaret Hartmann
Clinical Director
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.
Dr. Gary Schneider, DO
Medical Doctor
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.
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.
Anjuli Gonzalez
Educator
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.
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.
Pauline L’Herbette
Lead Therapist
As the mother of a three-year-old boy, she hopes that her experience in child rearing will complement her traditional school learning and strengthen her passion for helping young people and family systems.
Mary Abzug
Primary Therapist
Mary’s education includes expertise in a variety of evidence-based treatments, including DBT, CBT, ACT, and FBT. Her therapeutic approach is based in psychodynamic work with a strong focus on how the past informs the present. Mary incorporates skills and techniques from a multitude of modalities in order to individualize treatment and highlight a client-centered approach.
Since entering the field, she has been passionate about working with adolescents and setting individuals up on a healthy and happy trajectory towards adulthood. Mary recognizes this period of life as one marked with plasticity and opportunity for resilience, and is driven to work with clients to enact meaningful change.
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.
Janet Velazquez
Addiction Counselor
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.
Emmanuel Garcia
Primary Therapist
During his career, Emmanuel has conducted intensive individual and group counseling work utilizing Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. In addition, Emmanuel has also provided Solution-Focused and Narrative Therapy to students and families of the San Bernardino City Unified School District to enhance their understanding of student social, emotional, and physical well-being, including awareness of depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and other mental health barriers.
As a psychotherapist, Emmanuel uses a neutral, strength-based, relational approach through DBT, ACT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and/or Narrative Therapy. His goal is to ensure clients feel empowered to create meaning in the life that they live, guiding adolescents, families, and adults to regulate their emotions, tolerate their distress, and process hardships. In his role as a Therapist at Ascend, he strives to maximize every client’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being through mindfulness, patience, accountability, hope, and connection.
During his leisure time, Emmanuel enjoys hiking in nature, traveling on road trips, backpacking in different countries, physical fitness, raising his Siberian husky, and embracing the present moment through laughter with loved ones.
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.
Taylor Owens
Educator
Taylor hopes to foster a safe place for each individual kid to express themselves and rediscover their talents. She believes that if young people can find their determination to learn no one can stop them. Taylor strives to maintain a positive environment for these kids to grow while also upholding the structure they need to learn discipline. She hopes to continue to support and help kids and teens for many years to come.