Meet Our Team
Dr. Nicole Chavez
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Dr. Nicole Chavez is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified play therapist, and has specialized training in maternal mental health. She has been providing therapeutic and supportive services to children, adolescents, parents, and families since 2007. She has experience in providing therapy in a variety of settings to children ages 0-21, as well as working with pregnant and new mothers. She strongly believes in prevention and early intervention in order to maintain individual well-being, to promote healthy family relationships, and to facilitate positive bonding and attachment between the child and caregiver. While she enjoys providing individual therapy, she is a strong believe in the importance of working with the whole family. Dr. Chavez enjoys working with parents individually to help them improve their confidence in their parenting skills.
Dr. Chavez is dedicated to providing quality services and personalized care to each and every one of her clients. She prefers to work collaboratively with her clients in which they are an active participate in their change. |
Aside from providing therapy, Dr. Chavez enjoys psychological testing. She is able to provide psychological testing for a variety of struggles, including ADHD, learning disabilities, and helping an individual clarify emotional struggles and learn personal strengths and weaknesses. She is also skilled in early assessment and diagnosis of perinatal mood disorders and childhood mental health disorders. Dr. Chavez’s passion for psychological testing goes beyond the clinical setting, she also teaches psychological testing at the American School of Professional Psychology, and supervises unlicensed professionals and students in the area of psychological testing.
Dr. Chavez earned her doctorate degree from the American School of Professional Psychology, Orange County in 2010. Dr. Chavez holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Clemson University. She also is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and earned her certification from the University of California, San Diego Extension Program. She also has training in and uses evidence based practices, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Functional Family Therapy when working with families.
Dr. Chavez is licensed in the State of California as a clinical psychologist. PSY 24982
Dr. Chavez earned her doctorate degree from the American School of Professional Psychology, Orange County in 2010. Dr. Chavez holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Clemson University. She also is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and earned her certification from the University of California, San Diego Extension Program. She also has training in and uses evidence based practices, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Functional Family Therapy when working with families.
Dr. Chavez is licensed in the State of California as a clinical psychologist. PSY 24982
Dr. Parie Faridnia
I'm passionate about using humor, stories, and analogies to help my clients look at their challenges from a new perspective.
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If you feel stuck in old patterns it may seem impossible to free yourself. Today is the day. All you need to start the therapy process is the willingness to make that first contact. Dr. Faridnia believes in the innate ability of her clients to transform themselves, their relationships, and their lives. Everyone encounters challenges whether it's depression, anxiety, loss, failed relationships, compulsions, or past traumas. Dr. Faridnia works collaboratively with her clients to develop self-awareness and self esteem, a key foundation of meaningful relationships. She enjoys acting as an empowering, knowledgeable guide along each client’s unique therapeutic journey. Dr. Faridnia is a strong supporter of prevention and early intervention to bring about and maintain healthy familial attachments, reduce incidence and severity of risk factors, and increase individual strengths. Dr. Faridnia is committed to helping children, teens, and their families improve their communication and relationships.
Dr. Faridnia is a certified expert in parenting and family therapy. She is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence based treatment model, where she provides education and live coaching to parents to strengthen the parent-child bond, promote healthy parent-child attachment relationships, and decrease maladaptive child behavior. Dr. Faridnia is also certified in Functional Family Therapy, an evidenced based short-term family therapy model for tweens, teens, and young adults (aged 10-21) to decrease risky behavior, blame, and negativity, and increase responsibility, warmth, and functional communication. She helps to engage and motivate teens and their families by decreasing intense negativity, reducing and eliminating problem behaviors, and strengthening familial relationships and communication. |
Dr. Faridnia has specialized training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, play therapy, and suicide assessment and intervention.She is passionate about helping individuals who are suicidal find another way to cope with overwhelming despair, pain, and suffering. She utilizes a collaborative, short-term, evidence-based intervention program for those presenting with thoughts and plans of suicide. Dr. Faridnia believes that preventing suicide is a shared responsibility between her and her clients. Together, Dr. Faridnia works with her clients to develop their ability to label their emotions and create personalized strategies to calm themselves and keep themselves safe. She has developed a strong skillset in treating individuals in crisis and has specific training centered around the prevention and intervention of suicide. She acts as a community advocate for promoting best practices in the assessment and management of suicidal behavior.
She is a member and active supporter of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, a supporter of the Los Angeles County Perinatal Task Force, and a member of the American Association for Play Therapy. Dr. Faridnia has extensive experience working with adolescents, parents, and families since 2008.
Dr. Faridnia earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2012. Dr. Faridnia earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2009. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from the University of California, Davis in 2007.
Dr. Faridnia is currently licensed as a clinical psychologist in the state of California. PSY 26838.
She is a member and active supporter of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, a supporter of the Los Angeles County Perinatal Task Force, and a member of the American Association for Play Therapy. Dr. Faridnia has extensive experience working with adolescents, parents, and families since 2008.
Dr. Faridnia earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2012. Dr. Faridnia earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2009. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from the University of California, Davis in 2007.
Dr. Faridnia is currently licensed as a clinical psychologist in the state of California. PSY 26838.
Anne Brunson
I actively participate while listening to my clients to let them know they are not alone. I walk alongside my clients and encourage them to open up when they are ready.
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Anne Brunson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, under the supervision of Dr. Parie Faridnia. Anne graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis of Marriage and Family Therapy, from Pepperdine University.
Anne is passionate about the work she does and works to ensure her clients feel safe, heard and understood in a compassionate and empathetic manner. She enjoys building strong relationships with her clients by providing a safe space to allow for healing and growth. “Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.” David Richo She adds in elements of her own personality along with humor to make the therapy experience more enjoyable and less daunting. Anne also incorporates spirituality and faith-based interventions into her work upon the client’s request. A collaborative approach is used in her work to ensure the clients get the best care and their needs are heard and met during their time in therapy. Anne has worked in different areas of the mental health field, including working with adults who have acquired brain injuries and at a Catholic non-profit organization. She has experience with all ages treating anxiety, depression, stress, communication issues, and those experiencing life transitions. |
Ariane Guirguis
I emphasize teamwork and foster trust and collaboration with my clients.. I actively engage with them as I support and empower them through their healing and growth journey.
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Ariane Guirguis is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under Dr. Nicole Chavez's supervision. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Chapman University and a master's degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Pepperdine University.
In therapy, Ariane creates a safe and supportive space, utilizing humor, playfulness, intentionality, and collaboration. She values psychoeducation, empowering clients with knowledge for informed decision-making. Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Ariane integrates faith-based interventions, aligning therapy with clients' values. With clinical experience spanning diverse backgrounds, Ariane addresses concerns like anxiety, stress, behavioral issues, relational struggles, and personality disorders. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach ensures clients of all ages and backgrounds feel heard and understood. "Be curious, not judgmental” Having played competitive team sports her whole life, Ariane fosters trust and collaboration with her clients by actively engaging with them as she supports and empowers them throughout their healing and growth journey. Emphasizing teamwork makes the dream work! |
Anika Ahsan
I believe change and growth will not happen overnight, but being hopeful, resilient, honest, and determined happens every day.
Every individual in this world deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves. I hope that in the work we do together I can guide you to become the version you desire. The truth is you will be doing 100% of the hard work, my role as your therapist is to be an advocate and resource as you go through this life-changing journey. You got this, and I am here to meet you where you are! |
Anika Ahsan (she and her) is a third year Psy.D. (Doctoral of Clinical Psychology) student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited to join the team and has the honor of working with clients under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez.
Anika values the work she conducts with every client. She is a believer that everyone knows themselves best. She is passionate about hearing her client’s stories and working with them as a team to best understand the client’s needs to figure out the most appropriate treatment plan. Anika has experience working with children and young adults on the autism spectrum disorder from ages 2-24 and their families. She started her career as a developmental therapist as a sophomore undergraduate which raised her interest in psychology and a passion for mental health. She also has experience working with acute mental health at an inpatient facility for adults. Anika’s ethnicity is Bengali American, and her long-term goal is to create a safe space for communities and individuals that are underrepresented in mental health. |
Angelica Smith
I am passionate about helping my clients feel empowered on their journey of healing and growth.
My commitment is to facilitate self-awareness, self-compassion, and tools for coping for each individual and family with whom I work with. |
Angelica Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing since 2016. She received her Bachelor's in psychology and her Master's degree in counseling from Cal State University, Fullerton.
Angelica has a diverse clinical background and has worked with a wide variety of different populations, including working as a school counselor for children grades K-6th, focusing on social skills, crisis intervention, mental health recovery, and stress management. She tailors her sessions with clients to meet their unique, individual needs, incorporating modalities such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques into her practice with adult, teen, and child clients, and believes that the mind and body are highly interconnected. Her approach to therapy is client-centered, and she also uses CBT, solution-focused, DBT, and other evidence-based interventions with her clients. Angelica is a new mom and enjoys spending her free time with her family, going to the beach, playing guitar, and exercising. Angelica Smith is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT# 140771. |
Delaney Munck
I pride myself on being compassionate, client-centered, non-judgmental, and determined.
I seek to create a safe place for clients to be themselves and feel comfortable sharing their experiences with me.. |
Delaney Munck is a doctoral trainee under the supervision of Dr. Parie Faridnia. and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos as well as Master's degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology..
She has 3 years of experience working as a Behavioral Therapist, where she practiced Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy with children and adolescents who vary on the autism spectrum disorder, including nonverbal clients and clients with OCD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. Delaney has experience controlling and limiting adverse behaviors and teaching effective communication skills. In addition, Delaney has experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Her primary interests are in helping children and adolescents overcome unfavorable behaviors and experiences to ultimately live a more fulfilling and confident life that progresses throughout adulthood. |
Isabel Avila
I strive to create a safe therapeutic environment as I aspire to validate my client’s authentic selves.
I utilize humor, curiosity, and active listening to connect and engage with clients. |
Isabel Avila is a 4th year doctoral trainee under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez, Psy.D.
Currently, she is working toward her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on child and adolescent therapy at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has two years of experience working with children with an autism spectrum disorder as an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapist. Isabel is an ambitious clinical psychologist with a history of working with children, adolescents, and young adults in various mental health settings. |
Jennifer Leaver
I love skiing, swimming, reading and going to the beach with my dogs.
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Jennifer Leaver received a Bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Washington and a Master's degree in Social Psychology with a specialty in intergroup relations from Claremont Graduate University.
She has taught psychology at the college level for over 20 years and enjoys working with both students and clients. Jennifer has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and play therapy. She has completed the coursework for her doctorate, is working on supervised clinical hours, and will begin her doctoral dissertation soon. I am excited for the next steps in my career and I enjoy providing excellent care for my clients. |
Kyuri Lee
My primary area of interest is working with individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
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Kyuri Lee is a doctoral trainee under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez, Psy.D. Kyuri received a master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University.
She is currently working towards her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Kyuri has worked with clients in different age groups and administered personality, intelligence, and neuropsychological tests. She also worked with children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an ABA therapist. She has trained in the psychotherapy skills involved in developing core therapeutic conditions and the process of emotional discovery. |
McKayla Kay
I am focused on building an empathetic and wholistic conceptualization of every client..
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McKayla Kay is a Registered Psychological Associate, working under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez. She is currently in her 4th year at The Chicago School, Anaheim Campus, working towards a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) with a concentration in child, adolescent, and family therapy. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School in 2022. She spent a year as a diagnostic practicum student at Vanguard University, working as a diagnostic clinician, administering psychological assessments in the academic resource and counseling center. She spent a year as a therapy practicum student here at Orange County Family Wellness Group, and is still with our practice today. She is currently fulfilling her clinical hours as an advanced therapy practicum student at Harbor-UCLA, working with infants, children, adolescents, and their families in the adoption and foster care systems.
In addition, McKayla has two years of experience as an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapist, working with children, teens, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and a range of other developmental disorders. She also has two years as a mental health technician at a residential mental health facility, working with adolescents and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and recovering from substance use. She believes in a wholistic, biopsychosocial model of treatment that considers all aspects of development and the human experience. |
Mayra Mehrguth
I help clients feel comfortable and safe by using empathy, understanding, and awareness. I enjoy creating a relationship where I can come along side, support, and work together toward the goals of the client. .
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Mayra Mehrguth is an associate marriage and family therapist, under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez. Mayra graduated with her bachelor’s in psychology from Azusa Pacific University and later graduated with her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lamar University.
She previously worked at an intensive outpatient program geared towards children with challenges including anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. Mayra also previous volunteered at A21, which is an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization Mayra is a mother to three and uses the skills learned in motherhood to be compassionate and understating of parents and children as they develop and grow into new life stages. |
Monica Stephens
I meet clients where they are and move at a pace that is comfortable and productive for the client.
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Monica Stephens is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Dr. Parie Faridnia. Monica received her Bachelor of Arts in Art from California State University, Long Beach. From there, she earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fullerton. Monica is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
As a compassionate therapist, she collaborates with clients to create an approach that aligns with each person’s experiences and problems. She integrates various treatment modalities to uniquely fit one's needs that include, but are not limited to, client-centered approaches, Multicultural Feminist, EMDR, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). She assists clients to develop an understanding of their presenting concerns, identify their strengths and resiliencies, and develop effective strategies to use as they explore how thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences influence them and their relationships with the people and things they love. Monica has had the privilege of working with individuals in community-based and hospital settings. She has worked with a wide variety of ages (7 to 63), cultural backgrounds, and genders. She has experience treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction. |
Raymeka Moss
I believe in creating a safe space for my clients to be themselves, explore interests and talk about the hard things we face in this life. I work in a creative way so that each client is treated according to their unique needs. My hope is that through the work I do with my clients, they can develop the skills needed to embrace their life and their experiences.
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.Raymeka Moss is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. under the supervision of Dr. Parie Faridnia. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in substance abuse as well as a Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Raymeka’s main focus has been serving children, teens and their families. She also has experiences working with individuals on the autism spectrum, adults/children who have faced homelessness, and foster children/families. Raymeka uses a person-centered approach along with evidence-based practices to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. Her approach to treatment involves understanding the whole person including cultural and environmental considerations. |
Sally Mansour
No one likes change, even if that change is for the better. The hardest part is starting, but you can do hard things! Wherever you are in your unique journey, whether it is thinking about therapy, scheduling an intake appointment, giving therapy another chance, or somewhere in between, I am proud of you. It is not easy, but you deserve to feel happiness and confidence in who you are. It is not about making big changes but being consistent with small changes. You got this!
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Sally Mansour is an Associate Clinical Social Worker, under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Chavez. Sally graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston with a BA in Social Psychology. Sally went on to receive a Master of Social Work degree, with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families, from the University of Southern California (USC).
Sally values building the therapeutic relationship because she understands that it takes time for people to trust and feel safe enough to be vulnerable with their therapist. Sally uses humor and sees the significance of showing up as her most authentic self so that others feel comfortable doing the same. Sally emphasizes the importance of working together as a team because she believes the clients always know themselves best. Serious topics do not need to be talked about so seriously. Sally enjoys bringing a lightness to taboo conversations and has found that normalizing the human experience creates a space for people to learn about themselves and process their emotions. Sally has experience working with clients ages 2-89. She has worked in different areas of the mental health field, including elementary/middle/high school settings, a hospital, a temporary housing site for people experiencing homelessness, a foster care and adoption agency, and group homes. Sally has experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and suicidal ideation. My belief as a therapist is, “See no difference between you and those that you serve.” From one human being to another, I understand that every person is struggling with something but does not want to be defined by their struggles. I aim to create a safe space for my clients to learn about mental health and develop the tools to feel empowered to cope with life challenges and heal from negative experiences. |
Sarah Trinh
I endeavor to provide my clients with a safe and empathetic space to ensure comfort and support with life's challenges.
I work to empower my clients to be confident and take a hold of their mental health journey. |
Sarah Trinh is a doctoral trainee under the supervision of Dr. Parie Faridnia. Sarah is currently working towards her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, San Marcos.
At her previous practicum site, Sarah was a diagnostic practicum student at the University of LaVerne, where she administered neuropsychological, achievement, personality, and behavioral measures to the university’s students. She was previously employed as a patient care technician (AKA behavioral health associate) at Montecatini’ Eating Disorder Treatment Center’s residential, partial hospitalization program (PHP), and intensive outpatient program (IOP), geared toward women ages 16 to 65 years old who have an eating disorder. At Montecatini Sarah worked with individuals who have struggled with anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and orthorexia. Many of these individuals also had co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and OCD. Sarah also previously volunteered at San Diego Youth Services for their I-CARE program, which helps children and women who have been sexually exploited and/or trafficked. Additionally, she has volunteered with Interfaith in their soup kitchen, providing individuals who were homeless with a warm meal and a listening ear. At Elizabeth Hospice she assisted individuals with their Camp Spero program, which is a weekend camp for children and teenagers who were grieving the loss of a loved one. |
Delfi Corpuz
I'm dedicated to providing friendly customer service with compassion and care.
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Delfi Corpuz is the office administrator and patient coordinator for OC Family Wellness Group.. She approaches all aspects of any job with a positive, hard-working mindset and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenge.
As the patient coordinator she will facilitate the process on your healing journey. Delfi is a new mother and knows how difficult it can be to prioritize "me time" but knows the value of self care. Please contact me via email or phone as I am here to help get you started. |
