I have been on the Institute team for a little over two months, and in that time I have already gotten to work alongside an inspiring and effective group of clinicians, as well as with a wonderfully hope-filled, indefatigable group of clients and their families! It is my joy and honor to journey with clients as they develop their inner strengths, explore their multifaceted identity, and learn to navigate their diverse environments with resilience, compassion, and wisdom.

My specialties include empowering girls and women to live a life that is more closely aligned with their values by not getting "hooked" by painful thoughts and feelings. I frequently utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a relatively new form of therapy which helps clients relate differently to their anxious feelings, depressed mood, worrying mind, and self-defeating behaviors. ACT is also particularly helpful for clients who may struggle with perfectionism, imposter syndrome, social anxiety, and the intersections of their individual, familial, and sociocultural identities and values. I also draw heavily from liberation psychology and have a strong interest in working with LGBTQ2IA youth, people of color, and other marginalized groups. If you wish to contact me directly, you can reach me at  [email protected] or  626-585-8075 ext. 105.

If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact Maryanne Mueller, our intake coordinator, 626-585-8075, ext. 108.  She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Dr. Goodman or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests.   Read Full Bio

Greetings!  I am so thrilled to tell you a little bit about myself. I am a Pasadena born and raised Marriage and Family Therapist. My practice is rooted in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, with a specialty in expressive art therapy. 

I love getting to know people! Each one of us is unique and complex. Getting to know my clients well is crucial, so that I can offer an approach that works for them.  This may include play, art, sensory motor techniques or the traditional talk therapy.  Often I use a blend of therapeutic styles depending on what the goal of the work is.  Most importantly I work in collaboration with clients and their families. We are part of a team and all bring valuable elements into the work.

Throughout my life I have participated in any creative endeavors I could find.  These experiences have taught me skills much needed for my life's journey.  Through creative expression, I've learned skills such as self-awareness, empathy, the ability to connect to others, introspection, managing stress, using my voice, and so much more.  Using multiple brain processes, the arts help these skills become more fully integrated into daily life.  This is why I have added expressive art Therapy training to my therapist tool kit.  I would love to tell you more about expressive art therapy.

The Institute for Girls' Development's focus on community education is something I greatly admire.   We are all part of the systems we live in.  Systems could mean families, schools, peer groups, neighborhoods, organizations and more.  Educating these systems is the only way to make sure we are creating an environment where girls feel appreciated and supported for the vital role they have in our world.  This is how we make a positive impact for generations to come.  I am looking forward to being a part of that work!  If you wish to contact me directly, you can reach me at [email protected] or 626-585-8075, ext. 123.

If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact Maryanne Mueller, our intake coordinator, 626-585-8075, ext. 108. She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Sushi Frausto, MA, LMFT or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests. Read Full Bio

 From the moment I stepped through the door at the Institute for Girls' Development I knew that I belonged here! I love the atmosphere of empowerment and compassion cultivated at the Institute, and it brings me joy to be able to extend that same feeling to all of my clients. I come from a very client centered approach and believe it's important to meet girls, women and families where they are at on their paths through life. In today's society, women and girls face a lot of pressure and challenges that affect their wellbeing and ability to reach their full potential. As a partner in the therapeutic process, I enjoy using art, play, humor and exploration to help my clients navigate life's challenges and discover and build upon their inner strengths.

I am passionate about assisting children and teens experiencing depression, anxiety and stress as well as those who have gone through traumatic events or the loss of a loved one. I specialize in the use of creative counseling techniques, which help my clients express themselves authentically, process emotions and events and helps facilitate positive change in their lives.  If you wish to contact me directly, you can reach me at 

If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact Maryanne Mueller, our intake coordinator, 626-585-8075, ext. 108. She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Tina Koeppel, MS or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests. Read Full Bio

I'm thrilled to be leading our community outreach efforts and workshop program. I'm passionate about the work we do helping girls, their families and their circles of community acquire the skills they need to build confidence, compassion and healthy relationships.  My background includes teaching, marketing, communications and writing - with an emphasis on parenting issues and child development.   At the Institute, I'm fortunate enough to work on projects ranging from writing curriculum and co-facilitating workshops to helping create our advertising and spreading the word about our offerings at conferences and local events.

In today's world, it's so important to help girls develop strong character, empathy, and conflict resolution skills -so they can approach life's challenges with confidence and joy. We can help. Our workshops offer a fantastic opportunity for groups to come to the Institute and learn together in an interactive, fun environment. Girls acquire practical tools to turn friendship challenges into growth opportunities, become media savvy, create positive body images, de-stress in a pressured world, and more.  I look forward to speaking with you about our community education programming - including our monthly group workshops, which are perfect for Girl Scout troops, our week-long summer workshops for girls in 3rd to 5th grades, and our training for teachers and mental health professionals.  If you wish to contact me directly, you can reach me at 

[email protected] or 

626.585.8075 ext. 121.

 

Read Full Bio

Tuesday, April 3 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday, May 1 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday, June 26 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday, July 24 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Cliques, Conflicts and Connections is a FREE workshop for parents.  Learn tips and tools for helping your daughter navigate her social world.

Get empowered with resources for your own positive connection with your daughter.  Register now through the store to reserve your space!