Carly Blalack, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Carly finds joy in helping others to see their own strengths and using those strengths to find a better sense of self. She believes that working in conjunction with the client to create and understand their own life goals is the purpose of the therapeutic process. “When you walk into my office, I want you to feel like you can be yourself without judgment. This is where your true work can begin.” She believes in providing a comfortable space where clients of all ages can feel valued, respected, and acknowledged. Carly has experience working in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, and community agencies. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Carly has experience treating a variety of issues including: life transitions, Depression, Grief/Loss, Bipolar, Addiction, Trauma, Anxiety, Issues in School or Work environments, ADHD, Parenting, Behavioral Challenges. Carly utilizes tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Psychodynamic Therapy, Play Therapy, and Family Therapy. Carly Blalack, LCSW graduated from the University of California Irvine receiving her BA degree in Psychology and minor in Education in 2005. In 2007, she graduated with honors from the University of Southern California with her Masters of Social Work, School Social Work Credential, and Pupil Services and Attendance Credential. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Alison Filipski, APCC

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor Supervised by Lauren Manlove, LCSW

Alison is a self esteem guru and helps pre teens, tweens and teens develop a core sense of self, identity and confidence! She also has expertise in navigating negative social media experiences. These times are so confusing and yet adolescents having positive influences is extremely critical, this year even more so! She has worked with clients experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, conduct/adjustment issues, suicidal ideation, familial disputes, questions regarding sexual/gender identity, and youth with special needs. She is empathetic, compassionate, multiculturally competent, and trauma informed in her practice. Alison implements a strengths-based Client-Centered approach while utilizing a variety of evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Play Therapy, and adapts treatment to each client based on their specific needs. Alison has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & School Counseling from the University of San Diego. In the past five years, she has provided mental health services to diverse populations, including individual and group therapy to children, teens, and families in an assortment of locations including in-home and school-based settings.

Amanda Hanna, AMFT, APCC

Associate Marriage and Family Therapy and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor Supervised by Lauren Manlove, LCSW

Amanda provides an empathetic, understanding, and compassionate therapeutic environment for her clients. She has experience working with children, teens, and adult individuals experiencing a range of issues including: anxiety, depression, life transitions, codependency, emotional reactivity, ADHD, trauma, substance abuse, and more. Her approach is both collaborative and integrative, drawing upon strengths-based, solution-focused, postmodern methods and mindfulness. Amanda works with adults and mothers to help them gain insight and develop coping skills to restore their personal agency, facilitate interpersonal growth and enhance individual life experiences and relationships. While working with children and youth, she often utilizes play therapy techniques and interactive interventions to engage them in learning self-regulation techniques and improve their identification and communication of emotions in tangible ways appropriate to their developmental levels. Amanda empowers her clients’ personal strengths and resiliency by tailoring treatment uniquely to each individual client in order to best service their specific wants and needs. She received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

Jennifer Siddons, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Supervised by Lauren Manlove, LCSW

Jennifer is an associate marriage and family therapist registered in the state of California with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. She has worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. Jennifer has gained extensive experience working with children, teens, transitional aged youth and families in a variety of locations including, in-home, residential and school based settings. Jennifer utilizes a wide variety of evidence based practices including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems and Psychodynamic modalities. She understands that each person is unique and provides individualized treatment in order to best suit her client’s needs and unique experiences. Jennifer is nurturing, empathetic and trauma informed. She provides a nonjudgmental safe space to explore thoughts and feelings and is passionate about helping her clients recognize their own individual strengths and feel confident in themselves and their ability to overcome challenges.

Kirsten Wimmer, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor

Kirsten brings her passion for working with youth and helping families thrive.  She is experienced at treating depression, anxiety and self-harm behaviors through CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) tools and other interventions. Kirsten enjoys working with families as part of the treatment process. Kirsten's experience  includes working with youth in both Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization(PHP) levels of care with the mood treatment programs.  Kirsten has a passion for helping young adults with identity development and setting career goals. She also helps families with adult children living at home. In 2021, Kirsten joined our clinical supervisor team to support the growth of associate therapists.

Ava Kharrazian, LPCC

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor 

Ava loves to support new mother's who have children ages 18 months and younger. She appreciate the adjustment in motherhood and the challenges of having young children and balancing identify and self care.  Ava is truly person-centered by recognizing how difficulties experienced cause disruption in emotion management. Subsequently, she values a holistic approach to treatment planning, recognizing the importance of every individual’s unique journey, and considering multiple aspects of life and self in providing support. Her experiences include facilitating a New Mom's support groups. Additionally, she addresses issues related to self-esteem and self-worth, academic and social pressure, anxiety and depression, career and college guidance, and varying behavioral and emotional challenges. She believes in providing a safe space for children and Mom's to work through life’s challenges. She is here to help you and your child build new skills, and empower your family to regain control and live a more fulfilling life! Ava is bilingual and offers services in both English and Farsi.