Jon Ladner LMFT, APCC
LMFT # 158474
APCC# 15069
Hybrid Therapist
Whether it is his fellow first responders, couples, adolescents, or anyone else, Jon is ready to meet your willingness to work with his empathy and care. An experienced firefighter, safety inspector, and mental health peer supporter with Los Angeles County Fire, Jon received his master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling. His passion for working to help people overcome addiction and trauma has seen him pursue certification in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma treatment approach. Jon understands the courage to learn, grow, and press through challenging situations, and looks forward to helping you see these qualities in yourself.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Muriel “Georgette” Ayaz, AMFT
AFMT# 158602
Virtual Therapist
A compassionate and trauma-informed clinician dedicated to helping individuals heal and thrive through an integrative, holistic approach. With a Master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University, Georgette incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, art therapy, and trauma-focused interventions to support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her work emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Always empowering clients to explore self-expression, build resilience, and restore balance through evidence-based and creative healing practices.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Isabella Briaire AMFT
AMFT# 144986
Virtual Therapist
Isabella has always had a passion for helping others and prioritizing their well-being. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from Alliant International University, Isabella gained clinical experience working with adolescents at a high school in East Los Angeles. Her work with diverse groups, including the Latinx, LGBTQIA+ communities, and immigrant communities, focuses on encouraging people to explore their vulnerabilities as a pathway to self-discovery and growth. Isabella is able to provide care in both English and Spanish to provide care to our community’s needs. Isabella believes in fostering connection and understanding to promote healing. Isabella’s goal is to help patients navigate challenges and build resilience for the future.
Able to conduct therapy in English and Spanish.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Kaitlyn Driggers AMFT, APCC
AMFT# 150639
In-person Therapist
Kaitlyn has graduated from the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Kaitlyn has developed an interest in evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and EMDR. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents, while helping them navigate the challenges they face during critical developmental years. She has also had the opportunity to work with women experiencing trauma and eating disorders. Her purpose is to empower individuals and to support them while they build resilience and achieve lasting healing. Kaitlyn utilizes a client-centered approach, always prioritizing the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each individual.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Lorraine Rodriguez, ASW
AMFT# 153790
In-person Therapist
Lorraine achieved a Master's in Social Work from California Baptist University and a Bachelor's from San Francisco State University.
She has specialized experience supporting individuals with depression and anxiety in high-level care settings (IOP/PHP). Lorraine's therapeutic approach primarily uses DBT and CBT techniques within a whole-person framework that integrates physical wellness and communication skills.Bringing a grounded, compassionate, and straightforward style, Lorraine is dedicated to creating an empowering space where clients feel seen and equipped for lasting recovery. Inspired by her father's service, she also holds a strong commitment to the military community.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Lauren Mulhern, MA
Credentialed in Special Education
MSW Intern
In-person Therapist
Lauren brings a diverse and rich background in psychology, education, applied behavior analysis, and psychotherapy to their work.
With over six years dedicated to special education, they have significant experience helping children, adolescents, and families develop functional skills and enhance their quality of life. This includes providing intensive therapeutic care in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Loma Linda Behavioral Health.
As a Certified Hypnotherapist, Lauren integrates hypnotherapy a focused, guided process using relaxation and suggestion—with traditional psychotherapy. This combined approach is highly effective for clients managing anxiety, stress, unwanted habits, and emotional challenges, significantly enhancing self-regulation, reducing symptoms, and promoting overall well-being.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Mckensie Wells AMFT
AMFT#143059
Virtual Therapist
McKensie is committed to helping you bring about desired changes in your life and building resilience for lasting emotional well-being. Since earning her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, McKensie gained experience working with kids, teens, and adults facing their own unique challenges, including specialized work with older adults living with memory loss and their families navigating the grief this can bring. Utilizing Parts Work and a trauma-informed approach, McKensie aims to create a compassionate and supportive space to explore your past experiences and inner world, connect with your authentic self, and foster healing from within.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Brian Garcia-Cardona, ASW
ASW# 128697
Hybrid Therapist
Brian graduated with his MSW from the University of Southern California, currently in the process of obtaining Doctor of Psychology. Brian is committed to empowering patients through evidence-based modalities. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem Solving Therapy (PST), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to support individuals during their treatment. He has had the opportunity to work with with individuals throughout the life span from childhood to geriatrics, creating tailored treatment plans for each individual, utilizing a empathetic and culturally attuned approach to care. As a native Spanish speaker, he embraces diversity and offer inclusive, language-sensitive care. He believes in a collaborative and reflective approach that encourages clients to discover the patient’s inner resilience and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Michaela Patterson, APCC
APCC# 20175
In-person Therapist
Michaela is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who offers in-person therapy, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns.
She utilizes a compassionate, evidence-based, and person-centered approach, viewing therapy holistically to address the connection between mind, body, and emotions. Michaela creates a safe and empowering space, helping clients achieve emotional well-being and lasting change.
Michaela brings a unique perspective, having earned her Master’s in Professional Clinical Counseling from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor's in Military Resilience Psychology while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, photography, and crochet.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768
Kristin Sheppard, AMFT
AMFT#155427
In-person Therapist
Kristin is passionate about supporting individuals in shifting their mindsets toward positive change and meaningful transformation. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. Kristin has clinical experience helping patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges in both Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization settings. Using a warm, collaborative approach, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy to help clients explore and reframe their stories, develop emotional regulation skills, and navigate life transitions. Kristin works collaboratively with patients to set and adjust goals that foster personal growth, wellness, and resilience. She is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care to support each individual’s journey toward improved mental health and well-being.
Supervised By:
Michael DeSena, LCSW # 108768