Margaret Hartmann graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University. She then earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and families in residential, school, and outpatient settings. Margaret is skilled in treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, OCD, and substance abuse disorders.

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.

Irene Akther is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She obtained her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Irene has several years of experience working with children with ASD and has also spent some time working with individuals suffering from eating disorders in combination with other diagnoses in a residential setting. She has also worked as a therapist for a nonprofit community mental health agency, where she treated adults/seniors suffering from GAD, MDD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.

While gaining experience working with various different populations, Irene found that her passion lies with understanding and treating individuals with Eating Disorders. This is a niche she plans to specialize in is working toward obtaining a PSY-D in the future to help her do that. When she’s not busy providing care for her clients, Irene enjoys spending her spare time surrounded by her friends and family.

Originally from Miami, FL, Anjuli’s passion for education and healing was born from her own experiences within the world of personal development. Her love for mindfulness, meditation, and holistic health inspired her to transition from a career in music into psychology. She’s certified as an integrative nutrition health coach and currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology, with hopes to attain licensure as an MFT in the state of California.

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.