Clinical Staff
Michael DeSena, LCSW
Mike spent his career being there for people, from his distinguished service in the US Navy to his time as the lead therapist for the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center Murrieta’s Partial Hospitilization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program. After six years working in hospital-based therapy, Mike saw a need for a dynamic private practice, blending mentorship for new and experienced therapists alike with the goal of providing the best care possible to patients – and Tip of the Spear Psychotherapy Group was born. Anyone who sees Mike as their therapist will find a combination of support and sense, where accountability meets empathy to turn struggles into opportunities for growth. With a passion for working with adolescents, those who have experienced trauma, and fellow veterans, Mike balances running his company with serving his patients.
Jon Ladner AMFT, APCC
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.
Nikky Eminzade AMFT, APCC
Hybrid Therapist
Through a person-centered approach, warmth, active listening, and genuine care and admiration for her patients, Nikky fosters a non-judgmental environment that encourages patients to explore those parts of themselves that they may have previously shied away from. Together, you will talk about your attachment style, your emotions, and your behaviors from a perspective you may not have considered before. Whether it is navigating questions around LGBTQIA+ identity, neurodivergence, or any other concerns, Nikky will give you the empathetic space needed to explore with confidence. Outside of work, she is an avid reader, crocheter, and a lover of museums. She also loves hiking trails in Southern California with her dog and playing RPGs with her friends.
Isabella Briaire AMFT
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.
Kaitlyn Driggers AMFT, APCC
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.
Lorraine Rodriguez, ASW
In-person Therapist
Lorraine is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Minor in Education from San Francisco State University, and a Master’s in Social Work from California Baptist University. She has experience working with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety at both the Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) levels of care. In these settings, she provided individual therapy, support sessions, and facilitated psychoeducational groups rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while incorporating a whole-person approach that addressed physical wellness, aligning with personal values, and increasing healthy communication. Lorraine brings a grounded, compassionate, and straightforward approach to her work. She is passionate about supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a particular interest in working with military families—a commitment inspired by her father’s military service. Lorraine is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that is supportive, direct, and empowering, where clients feel seen, heard, and equipped to move toward meaningful and lasting recovery.
Mckensie Wells AMFT
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.
Brian Garcia-Cardona, ASW
In-person Therapist
Brian graduated with his MSW from the University of Southern California, 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.
Kristin Sheppard, AMFT
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.