Karina, a co-founder of Talk-a-While, is responsible for the direct clinical management and oversight of our services and programs provided to our families.  She received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.  She was born and raised in East Los Angeles in a large and loving Mexican family, and graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Psychology.  Her passion for working with young children, adolescents, and their families stems from her upbringing in an inner-city community and from her awareness as a young child of the positive impact early intervention services, strong mentorship, and mental health support can have for families.  Her treatment approach is rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and understanding her patient and family’s respective ethnic and family cultural background.  She strongly believes in the importance of establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, using evidence-based practices, and a strength-based approach in treatment.  She is often described as a natural with young children, is approachable, and easily connects with children of all ages who have been diagnosed with special needs.   

"Growing up with a sister with special needs and now working with many of these children has taught me that the simple pleasures and moments in life are experienced by slowing down, and seeing the world through a different lens.  I am grateful  every day for the opportunity to work with the special needs community because their unique perspectives, approaches, and outlooks make our schools, community, and world a better place." 

Ashley is a Licensed Psychologist who received her PsyD and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.  She attended the University of Minnesota where she received her Bachelor of Art's degree in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology.  She has extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy for families, children, teens, parents, and the elderly.   

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She has a wide-breadth of knowledge treating issues such as anxiety/depression, phase-of-life transitions, end-of-life, neurocognitive impairments and dementia, and substance abuse.  Her most recent work includes conducting psychological and psychoeducational assessments, and developing treatment plans to address various diagnosis including learning and behavioral issues, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood and personality disorders, anxiety, ODD, PTSD, gender dysphoria and psychotic disorders.  She enjoys co-leading group work with parents, social skills groups for young children, and support groups for families during life-transition stages.

"I value and thoroughly enjoy working with children and their families.  Each family deserves to have a safe place to go that offers support, education, advocacy and a wide array of therapeutic services.  I truly believe in helping children develop their voice as they reach successes and overcome challenges, and look forward to supporting families in their unique journeys."

Zoila received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Prior to her therapy education, she received her Master's degree in Education from U.C. Berkeley and worked as a teacher where she learned that many students were unable to be present and focus within classrooms because of environmental stressors, past trauma, undiagnosed socio-emotional issues or learning disorders.  She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families within a school-based setting, and worked with families who have children with special needs.  She enjoys couples and co-parenting work to create constructive and healthy communications, and develop realistic goals and expectations.  She works from a strength-based model, highlighting positive skills that each individual family member brings, while encouraging the development of new skills for individual and family growth.  She uses various therapy modalities with children, such as play and bibliotherapy, to foster connections and allow for expression and growth.

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"All family members should have a space that is safe and nonjudgmental to better understand hurts and recognize positive and negative family cycles.  With time and support, parents and children can develop positive communications for a healthy family system where there is appropriate boundaries with empathy and compassion for all."

Ann received her Master's degree in Social Work from San Jose State University, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Prior to her social work degree, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from U.C. Santa Barbara.  She has over 30 years of clinical experience providing therapy to various age groups including children, adolescents, and adults. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and the challenges of their stage such as anxiety and stress, mood management, eating disorders, depression, peer relationships when transitioning from middle school to high school, and high school to college.  She enjoys working with parents through individual therapy and providing support group work for parents to better understand the family dynamics and external stressors that affect their children and teenagers.

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"Having grown up a shy and anxious girl, I have learned to appreciate the value and importance of having a voice.  This is why I have a passion for empowering children, adolescents, parents (and adults) to effectively use their voice.  This voice is essential to developing healthy relationships and self-assuredness and, thus, a happy and fulfilling life."

Maritza, a co-founder of Talk-a-While, oversees the day to day operations of our Center to ensure the implementation of our vision, including employee/client relations, billing, payroll and general operational reporting.  She is also responsible for the hiring and management of administrative staff, policy/process implementation, and will assist with clinical recruitment.  In addition, she engages in promoting and developing partnerships and business relations with local organizations to better serve our families.

"Listening to our families and developing our services to ultimately strengthen each and every family that comes to our Center is important for me.  I am so fortunate to be part of this professional team who believes that healthy relationships make us stronger, and to be surrounded by inspiring families that make our community much brighter ."