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.
Melissa Domeyer
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 sfexual 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.
Girls Program at Canyons
Kristina Navarro
Primary Therapist
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.
Marissa Dearborn
Primary Therapist
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.
Jenna Stover
Educator
Jenna serves her community and her Ascend clients with empathy and compassion, focusing on communication to build trust and rapport with teens and their families. She hopes to continue her education and become a true expert in her field.
Boys Program at Trails
Lisa Acosta
Psychiatrist
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.
Janet Velazquez
Case Manager
