SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
At the heart of every strong community is a place where people feel supported, understood, and empowered. Our dedicated clinicians each bring unique training and expertise to their practices as they work alongside individuals and families across San Diego to help them grow, heal, and thrive.
And because relationships are at the center of everything we do, we invite you to get to know the friendly faces who make this work possible!
LEadership Team
Tara Hodgens, AAMFT
Clinical Director
M.S. Marriage, Child, and Family Counseling, AAMFT Certified Mentor and Clinical Supervisor.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I tend to view things through the lens of systems, whether that’s family systems, workplace dynamics...
Bianca Huicochea, LMFT
Clinical Program Manager, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Trained in Trauma Focused Therapy, Youth Mental Health & First Aid, Assessment & Safety Planning with Youth & Family, Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Children & Youth.
I am adaptable to needs and ready to hold space for whatever the day brings...
Katie Demmler, LCSW
Associate Executive Director of Mental & Behavioral Health at YMCA Youth & Family Services
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 27751, Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC)
I bring a down-to-earth, compassionate vibe to our work — no judgment, just real talk and deep listening. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that...
Kristina Halmai Gillan, LMFT
Director of Service Innovation, YMCA Community Support Services.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #46204 (LMFT)
We live in a dynamic, interconnected world where it’s easy to lose our footing. My role is to support others through the lens of my education in human geography and marriage and family therapy...
clinical supervisors
Nicole Reich, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor of Education and Training
LMFT, EMDRIA certified; Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health consultant; AAMFT Approved Supervisor; Disaster Mental Health, Red Cross
I believe that compassionate relationships are the foundation of our being human, and that means understanding that the patterns and interactions we have with others, including the various systems, can influence our overall wellness...
Amanda Walker, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor of Education and Training
LMFT and AAMFT Certified Clinical Supervisor
I am a heart-forward therapist and clinical supervisor who strives to build authentic relationships that allow for corrective emotional experiences...
Kari Taylor, LMFT
Licensed Mental Health Therapist & Clinical Supervisor, Youth & Family Services
LMFT #125382, Trauma & PTSD Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
I am inspired by the intimidation and misconceptions often associated with therapy as a challenge to create a therapeutic experience that builds trust and supportive acceptance within the community...
Naomi Ilona Suskind, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor and Trainer, YMCA Youth & Family Services, Our Safe Place program for LGBTQ+ youth
LCSW, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Planned Parenthood certified educator and facilitator.
I ground my work in a social justice lens- constantly working at the micro- mezzo- macros levels to create community healing and change. I describe myself as an advocate, a teacher and an activist, and change-maker...
Mental Health Therapists
Bentara Cabanayan
Marriage, Family & Art Therapist Trainee
Certified in Columbia Protocol (CSSR) and Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT)
My style and philosophy are connection, acts of care, creating moments of unity, and compassion, while understanding loss and all of its many impacts...
Thomas Spence, AMFT
Mental Health Therapist Advanced
Registered AMFT CA BBS. EMDR Trained Therapist
I believe that through equitable and quality client service, everyone is capable of change and growth. I take a compassionate, empathetic and direct approach with my clients to be able to target goals for change...
Romario Wilson
Doctor of Psychology Intern
Military-Informed Care & Trauma Training (NCTSN), Evidence-Based Military Family Care, VA Military Culture Competency, CPR/BLS Certified
What inspires me to do the work I do is seeing my clients succeed and becoming the best version of themselves. Creating treatment plans that collaborate with...
Garth Larson
Volunteer Trainee Therapist
Trained in integrative medicine across the lifespan though The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, along with Jungian and Archetypal Studies
My work is inspired by the timeless quest to help others remember the knowledge that already lives within them. I serve as a quiet companion who helps others glimpse their own light...
LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, we’re here for you. Call or email us and we’ll walk through your options together.
