Therapy for the Family

Our Therapists

Nancy Cruz-Biller, MA, LMFT, Clinical Director

Nancy Cruz-Biller has been a resident of the San Gabriel Valley for over 35 years. After completing high school she enrolled in the University of California at Irvine and graduated with degrees in Psychology and Spanish. Upon graduation, she decided to pursue upper education at prestigious Chapman University, where she earned a Masters Degree in Psychology.

Immediately out of college, she was recruited by a local foster family agency as a foster care social worker and spent the first 10 years of her career in the field. Over the years and in various positions, she has gained extensive experience in the fields of Children’s Play Therapy, Grief/trauma Counseling, Family/couples Therapy and Child Therapy, among others.

As a Hispanic growing up and residing in Southern California, she is acutely in tune with the Hispanic culture, and Latino-specific issues is one of her specialties.

Nancy has been working in a private practice setting since 2002.

Nancy provides services in English and Spanish.

Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, "Dr. B.", Assistant Clinical Director

Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, PsyD. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me! Most of my clients and co-workers refer to me as "Dr. B". I earned my doctorate degree in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of La Verne and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I chose to be a clinical psychologist in order to have the privilege of working with people on improving their mental health, thereby having a positive impact on their lives. My professional experience working in school, hospital, community mental health, and in-home settings has provided me the opportunity to work with young people, adults, families, and couples on a variety of issues, including: anxiety management, parenting, bullying, low self-esteem, phase of life events, grief and loss, infertility, and difficulties in relationships. My approach in treatment is that of a collaborator, guide, and a support system to clients. First, I work with clients to assess the issue from all angles, taking into consideration their family history, personal factors, life events, and societal influence. This is a collaborative process which I believe is important in establishing our working relationship as well as getting a comprehensive view of the challenges. I then work to provide interventions in treatment that build awareness, insight, and coping skills to effectively manage and overcome the problem. I act as a guide in facilitating the client’s work in treatment so that the client feels supported and empowered in the process. As a support system, I attempt to provide an environment that is comfortable, encouraging, and adaptable to the client’s needs and capabilities. Overall, my experiences and training have provided me with the knowledge and skills to be effective and practical, while also being sensitive and genuine. It would be my privilege to work with you!

Sara Jackson, PhD, LPCC, MA

I have been in the social service field for over 12 years and have been providing counseling, case management, and therapeutic services for over 8 years. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University with a specialization in Multicultural Counseling. I also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Professional Counseling from Amridge University and hold a License in Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC).

I have a special interest in working with individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, trauma, abuse, and/or neglect. I have training and certification in domestic violence counseling and was a domestic violence counselor for over 3 years. I specialize in relationship and support building, skill building, and assisting with access to resources.

In addition, I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and populations of all ages addressing issues such as anxiety, stress management, anger management, depression, relationship and family issues, coping skills, and goal setting. I am excited to continue helping people meet their goals.

Cristina Canzonieri, MA, LMFT

M y approach blends years of experience, education, and professional training with insight, mindfulness, and compassion. I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. With over a decade of experience, I work with a wide range of emotional regulation and behavioral issues that include helping adults, teens, children and families cope with and overcome depression, anxiety,

postpartum depression, trauma, relationship issues, substance abuse, self-harming behaviors, communication issues, family transitions, self-esteem, and grief and loss. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma resiliency model, mindfulness based stress reduction, and informed knowledge and application of 12-step recovery tools and spiritual principles.

At different times of our lives, we might struggle with various levels of distress and confusion. I believe that there is hope for each and every person that I work with, even through life's most difficult circumstances. With empathy and sensitivity, my goal is to create a space in which to build the therapeutic relationship while cultivating your interpersonal relationships and understanding of yourself. I provide a holistic approach to therapy and find that working with the

whole person allows for a richer therapeutic experience that is grounded in honoring the client where they are and supporting them in their process as they move towards positive healthy growth.

Moving through our complicated external world, in addition to our unique inner worlds, can be exhausting and overwhelming - especially if it feels like we're doing it alone. I hope to guide you on a deeply personal journey that empowers you to feel more in control of your internal narrative and improve your quality of life. Together, we will create a safe and judgement-free space that encourages vulnerability and facilitates the development of greater self-awareness and insight.

Cristina provides services in English and Italian.

Sarah Cable, MSW, LCSW

W ith an extensive background working internationally and in community mental-health, I have a passion working with underserved communities, including LGBTQIA, homeless, gang-affiliated, and survivors of abuse. Through the years while working with various populations, I’ve learned to create a safe and non-judgmental space to allow clients the freedom to express their thoughts and emotions in order to support them in meeting their goals.

My goal as a therapist is to empower clients in reaching their full potential, which oftentimes starts with the journey of self-awareness and self-love. I have experience addressing depression, anxiety, trauma & PTSD, interpersonal and relational conflicts, and low self-esteem, with specific specialties in substance abuse, anger management, grief and loss, and childhood trauma. As an Asian American growing up overseas, I bring cultural considerations and my multicultural experiences into the therapy process.

Sarah provides services in English and Thai.

Elizabeth Serrano, MSW, LCSW

I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, emotional abuse, neglect, and personal and family trauma. My therapy style is warm, interactive, and nonjudgemental. I believe in treating others with respect, dignity, and compassion. I aim to create a safe space for those I work with. My approach combines Strengths-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral, Attachment-Based Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy.

I am so glad you are investing in yourself through therapy. I am here to listen, support, and empower you to keep going and keep moving forward. You are worth the time.

Tamar Olmedo, MA, AMFT

Tamar Olmedo (Registration Number AMFT114260 ) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Cristina Canzonieri, License Number LMFT96138). She earned a Master’s of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University.

Amanda Tafoya, MA, AMFT

I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (Registration Number AMFT118470) (supervised by Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, License Number PSY21732). I earned my Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University in 2019. I have 4 years experience working with a variety of diagnoses such as Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Drug and Alcohol Dependency. My background has been working with Couples, Families, Children, Teens and Adults. In my sessions I use validation, open communication, psycho-education and mindfulness practices to assist my clients in being active participants in their healing journey. Change starts with one choice, followed by one action with no limitations of time. It would be an honor to walk beside you on your journey towards healing.

Isabella Alamillo, MA, AMFT

I sabella Alamillo (Registration Number AFMT135075) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Nancy Cruz-Biller, License Number MFT40178). She earned her Masters of Science from Loma Linda University. Her passion is to empower people and help build up communities. She has excellent communication and people skills and her experience in working with children and adults has helped her become a more compassionate, understanding, and engaging individual.

Morgan Luce, MA, AMFT

Hello, my name is Morgan! I am a therapist who desires to walk alongside clients and help them find the hope and healing that they are searching for. My experience includes working with kids, teens and adults and addressing various issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss. Developing clients’ strengths can be a powerful tool in their journey to recovery. I help point out the clients’ potential when they do not often see it at first. The goal is to seek to work collaboratively with clients in helping them discover more of who they are in regard to the relationships and issues surrounding them. Because therapy is a process, I look forward to working with clients and helping them grow into all that they can be! Morgan is supervised by Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, License Number PSY21732.

Dianna Perez, MA, AMFT

Dianna Perez ((Registration Number AMFT134914) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Sarah Cable, License Number LCSW95644.

Laura Gonzalez, MS, AMFT

L aura Gonzalez (Registration Number AMFT135580) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, License Number PSY21732). She earned her Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University. She provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to feel supported and empowered. Laura provides services in English and Spanish..

Matthew Pham, MS, AMFT

M atthew Pham (Registration Number AMFT136463) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, License Number PSY21732). Hello, thank you for taking the time to get to know me! My name is Matthew Pham and I graduated from the University of La Verne. I have experience in working with a variety of issues involving individuals, families, and couples. I am also bilingual and open to providing services for Vietnamese speaking clients. My goal as a therapist is to create a connection with my clients through authenticity, helping the process of engaging my clients during sessions with a safe non judgemental environment, empathy, and understanding. Some skills I use in sessions include active listening, validation, psycho-education, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Together, we can create achievable goals and plans for treatment with open communication and through empowerment. I look forward to getting to know you more throughout your journey to healing. Thank you!

Marycruz Moran, MS, AMFT

M arycruz Moran (Registration Number AMFT109642) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Michelle Phillips, MA, LMFT, License Number LMFT106798). About myself: Hello, my name is Marycruz Moran, my pronouns are she, her, and Ella. I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who also utilizes Art therapy in the therapeutic process. I received a Master of Arts in Psychology degree in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. I am fluent in English and Spanish and I have experience in working with a diversity of cultures. I believe clients are the expert in their own life which I enjoy to learn about through your own perspective. How I practice: My goal as a therapist is to be a facilitator in supporting you with your journey in gaining awareness of your strengths, the tools that you have to help cope, and to further empower you in teaching new strategies to help you face the issues that may be overpowering at the moment. Techniques I use in my practice include cognitive theories, mindfulness, art therapy, trauma informed care, play therapy, and a family systems approach. I use art therapy with all age groups and I like to reassure that one does not need to be good in making art to experience the process of art therapy. Art therapy utilizes the art making process and applied psychological theory within a therapeutic relationship to facilitate further exploration of self, challenges faced, and emotions when words may not be able to describe what we want to express. However, if you find art therapy is not for you, we do not have to use this modality. Experience and Areas of Clinical Focus: I have worked in a few different settings such as school-based programs, shelter for refugees, and community mental health. My clinical focus includes working with children, teens and adults who may be experiencing challenges with life transitions, depression, anxiety, grief and trauma.

Melissa Mendoza, MS, AMFT

Melissa Mendoza (Registration Number AMFT138168) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, License Number PSY21732)

Hello and Welcome to Together Family Counseling! Let me introduce myself, my name is Melissa Mendoza and I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 138168). I am a therapist who truly loves the work I do and I am honored to work collaboratively with my clients on their journey. How I Practice My passion is founded on principles of restoration all while helping my clients navigate through life’s everyday circumstances that may become too much to manage at times. I pride myself on working collaboratively with my clients, that incorporates a strength-based and solution focused approach. Goals may include finding a balance, improving communication skills, externalizing emotions, reducing maladaptive behaviors or restoring interpersonal relationships, all while moving at a pace that is clinically appropriate for my clients needs. I take the time to get to know my clients to build rapport that lays the foundation for a safe non-judgmental environment so my clients feel comfortable to process freely. I like to utilize my client’s strengths, and yes, YOU have many strengths! These strengths are used throughout the therapeutic process to build the confidence to progress toward treatment goals. I use a variation of modalities such as CBT, DBT, person centered and solution focused. I like to challenge my clients - change does not come easy, it may be uncomfortable in the beginning, but I will support you along the way and you will realize the strength to make changes comes from within YOU! Experiences and Areas of Clinical Focus I have a clinical background in community based mental health. I have treated many different diagnoses, which include, depression, anxiety, trauma focused, bi-polar, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, phase of life, instability in relationships, and grief. I also have clinical experience working with individuals with special needs and/or developmental delays; other disorders that have contributed to treatment have been substance use or eating disorder related. About Me I was born and raised in Southern CA. I earned my bachelors degree in Social Work from Cal State Los Angeles and M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Cal Baptist University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, watching baseball and living life to its fullest! - I am happy you are here -

Karen Siegel, MSW, ACSW

K aren Siegel (Registration Number ASW95039) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Dr. Rosalinda Barajas-Calkins, License Number PSY21732). Welcome! My name is Karen, and I'm an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University. I'm passionate about helping individuals and families work through difficult challenges and find greater fulfillment in their lives. In my work, I utilize a range of evidence-based therapies, including play therapy interventions, art therapy interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and strengths-based therapy. These approaches allow me to tailor my therapeutic approach to each client's unique needs and goals. I have experience working with clients struggling with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, life transitions, work and life stress, and trauma. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, struggling to cope with a major life change, or experiencing the lingering effects of past trauma, I'm here to support you. At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for my clients, where they feel safe to explore their experiences and work towards their goals. If you're looking for a compassionate therapist to help you navigate life's challenges, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation. I look forward to working with you.

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