Kenisha Smith- CPC Intern

Kenisha is a Clinical Professional Counselor graduate student who considers it a joy and privilege to partner with individuals and families along their journey to improving their mental wellbeing. Kenisha is particularly interested in working with women and minorities to assist with issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, family/relationship issues, and issues related to navigating this “new” economy and the systemic challenges that many face on a daily basis.

Kenisha has spent a significant amount of her career (10 + years) working in the mental health field advocating for the mental health needs of children and families involved in various systems of care. Kenisha genuinely understands the stigma, shame, guilt, and challenges that come with trying to navigate the many systems in place to obtain appropriate and caring help for your child and for yourself, as a parent. These experiences have led Kenisha to being very passionate about working with individuals and families to improve their mental wellbeing and relationships with others, while assisting people with locating the resources available to them to not only make themselves healthier but also their family. Kenisha uses a systems approach to assist people with recognizing any unhealthy patterns and generational trauma that may be present within their family dynamics to assist people with not only understanding those patterns but providing a framework of how these dynamics are leading to increased anxiety and tension and how to improve these issues to have a more balanced emotional self and family unit.

Kenisha is also passionate about providing mental health services for military service men, women, and families/spouses. Being a part of a military family and a former marine combat veteran spouse, Kenisha understands the challenges that individuals from military families face when seeking help for their mental health or the mental health of a loved one who is serving or has served our country.

Kenisha believes that each person is capable of change and believes that individuals already possess what is needed to bring that change to light and sees herself as someone who walks alongside you and/or your family to assist you with creating the change that you want to see for your life.

Kenisha Smith- CPC Intern

Gabi Chun- MFT Student Therapist

Gabriella believes that true healing takes place when we are fully supported in expanding our capacity for self-compassion. She is dedicated to helping others reclaim their inner strength and reintegrate joy into their daily lives. Her approach is collaborative and person-centered, valuing people as experts of their lives and stories. Gabriella offers a validating, non-judgmental and safe space to help you explore strengths, challenges and feelings with greater self-acceptance and authenticity.

Her areas of focus include inner child healing, adverse childhood experiences, overcoming complex and sexual trauma, cultural/ identity issues, adoption trauma, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, self-esteem and navigating life transitions.

As a former middle/high school teacher and counselor, she has experience working with youth of all ages and backgrounds. She is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher who would love to help you with integrating somatic, breathwork and mindfulness practices into your wellness routine and therapy sessions.

Gabriella believes that holistic modalities such as yoga, meditation and sound healing can be extremely impactful in promoting overall well-being. Through providing psychoeducation about the mind-body connection, clients can learn to shift from states of survival and fear to natural states of love, joy and peace.  

Gabi Chun- MFT Student Therapist

Teri Raven- MFT-Intern

Teri works with individuals, couples, and families and has a heartfelt love for working with children.

With warmth, sincerity, and unconditional support, she holds a confidential, gentle space for her clients to be their most authentic selves.

Teri specializes in child therapy, relationship issues, divorce, infidelity, blended families, life and academic pressures, trauma, social anxiety, and depression.

Teri Raven- MFT Intern

Katrina Rizvanova- MFT Intern

Katrina Rizvanova- MFT Intern

Katrina is deeply passionate about understanding the complexities of human behavior and is committed to helping individuals, couples, and kids navigate through life’s challenges.

She fosters a supportive and empathetic environment where individuals can feel heard, validated, and empowered to enact positive changes in their lives.

With a profound interest in the dynamics of marriage and family therapy, Katrina has delved into the intricate interplay of emotions, communication, and vulnerability within personal connections. Her studies have led her to explore various theories and therapeutic approaches to help address anxiety, depression, trauma, and intimacy-related concerns.

Mimi Samayoa- MFT-Intern

Mimi Samayoa- MFT Intern

Meet Mimi, a proud first-generation Latina and aspiring Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for championing mental wellness within our community. Mimi is on a mission to not only provide support but also to educate and empower individuals to embrace the transformative potential of therapy. She firmly believes in the capacity of her clients to create beautiful, lasting change.

In her therapeutic journey, Mimi is an attentive observer of patterns, delving deep into each person's unique narrative. She listens with the intent to understand, employing a collaborative approach that encourages exploration, discussion, and the challenging of thoughts and feelings. Together with her clients, Mimi crafts goals aimed at fostering personal growth and resilience.

Mimi's specialization lies in working with teenagers, individuals, and couples facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life's complexities. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she ensures that language is never a barrier in the pursuit of mental well-being. Join Mimi on a transformative journey, where understanding, collaboration, and the creation of meaningful goals pave the way to a brighter, more resilient future.

Shelby Armstrong- MFT-Intern

Shelby Armstrong- MFT Intern

As a dedicated and compassionate graduate-level student in Marriage and Family Therapy, Shelby is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of life and modern relationships.  She focuses on the unique dynamics of blended families, relationship struggles, alternative lifestyles, life transitions and neuro-divergency.   She empowers individuals with the tools to create change and build a strong foundation for success, resulting in positive relationships and harmonious environments.  

Shelby collaborates with clients and provides a safe, non-judgmental space for adults, children and families to feel understood and accepted.  She is passionate about promoting cultural awareness and diversity in the field of mental health.  She believes that a person’s cultural background and their experiences plays a significant role in shaping relationships and people’s overall well-being. 

Shelby has experience working with autism and individuals with addictions.  As a native to Las Vegas, she embraces and appreciates the diversity that “sin city” brings uses different therapeutic approaches with clients, including those rooted in different cultural or familial contexts. She is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals, couples and families, from all backgrounds, can explore their unique challenges, strengths and identities. Shelby believes that every individual’s story is unique and deserves to be honored. 

Lauren Pulido-CPC-Intern

Lauren Pulido- CPC Intern

Therapy was not always something I believed in and often wondered “how can therapy help?”. I now know the benefits of therapy and how it can positively impact a person’s life.  Therefore, I invite all clients to explore counseling through their own lens where I will support and guide them through their therapy process. 

I am dedicated to providing a safe space full of support and empathy that allows my clients to explore their thoughts, emotions and relationships. I work collaboratively with my clients, honoring their unique experiences to create goals, discover and reinforce their own strengths and develop effective coping strategies tailored to each client.

I strive to help clients improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster deeper connections within themselves and those in their life. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey and am appreciative to walk alongside my clients as they navigate their unique paths of growth and self-discovery. Together we can explore, strengthen, and empower you to feel certain of yourself and your life. 

I believe in creating a space that is free of judgment to build a healthy therapeutic alliance and in providing tools and support mechanisms as needed. Let’s take the time to prioritize you and your needs because YOU matter!

Valerie Taylor- CPC Intern

Valerie Taylor- CPC Intern

Valerie (pronouns she/her/hers) is a Clinical Professional Counselor student therapist attending Wake Forest University who has previously earned a doctorate degree in education and master’s degree in public administration.  She believes that collaboration between a therapist and client is the key to creating a healthy path for the positive emotional and life changes that we all seek. Through the use of an integrative, narrative centered approach and culturally meaningful lens, Valerie’s clients are supported in finding solutions to address the difficult challenges that brought them to seek help.

She draws from her years of experience as a professor, trauma informed yoga instructor, teacher trainer and health educator and advocate. Her areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, self-esteem, stress and trauma.  She works with diverse clients and specializes in working with people of color and LGBTQIA+ communities.

The quote that guides her is  "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept." by Dr. Angela Davis. Valerie’s counseling philosophy is that change is a process, but she will be here to help you sustain a vibrant, healthy and genuine presence in life. Valerie enjoys laughing at her Boston terriers and reading books on a plane, beach or at a vegan café. 

Jennifer Tripp-Herring - MFT Intern

Jenn Tripp-Herring- MFT Intern

Jenn is passionate about creating a transparent, accepting, and healing space. This space is created by forming a sound rapport that is empathetic and founded on an unrelenting positive regard. In a collaborate effort, she works with clients to find strategies that are both expressive and progressive! Jenn strives to support those experiencing relational issues, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges by focusing on effective communication, connection, self acceptance, and fulfillment.

We all experience life's struggles and your unique experiences deserve to be heard, validated, and appreciated! It is her passion to offer a space unlike any other in the world: a place of peace, openness, respect, and an unrelenting positive regard.

She has years of experience with mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, she specialize in relational issues, such as communication difficulty or infidelity. Whether an individual, couple, or family unit, each person’s expression and experiences will be valued, explored, and attended to!