Meet Our Therapists

Dania Martinez Heng, LMFT
Founder, Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, License #103041
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious or just overwhelmed with life? Are you ready for change? My goal as a therapist is to inspire motivation and purpose, and to support individuals and families in reaching their goals. when circumstances seem impossible, my aim is to help you find the tools you need to overcome life’s challenges.
I work diligently to empower individuals to look inward to find a sense of confidence and purpose. Watching people grow, while discovering their true selves and their life potential, is an extremely rewarding experience for me.
Some of my specialties include children and families treating victims of abuse and neglect post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, mood disorders, addiction, attachment-based therapy, adoptions, domestic violence, and custody evaluations.

Melissa McKenna, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Stuck at home with Coronavirus worries and tense family members, experiencing financial stress, or feeling isolated? I’m available for phone and online sessions to provide some relief, and I take Medi-Cal and private payments. People typically report feeling a lot better after a session or two! Whether you are seeking growth and healing of deeper issues or need immediate support for the moment at hand, I’m here to help. I’ve opened up my schedule and am now accepting new clients, scheduling as soon as the next day!
I tend to use a relaxed and authentic style. I enjoy working in all areas of therapy and helping you meet your personal goals. I find the most personal joy in working with people who are seeking to heal their deepest wounds to connect to their highest selves, and believe that I can best be of service by meeting you exactly where you are in this moment.
The most common statements from clients I hear are that I am “real”, that they feel very comfortable with me, that I am funny, and that my office is relaxing. I use a lot of metaphors and connect well by phone or in person. I’m a natural healer and am honored to be part of each client’s journey. Whatever you’re facing, I have the same wish for you: Be Well!

Michelle Sieber, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, License #121379
I am an interactive therapist that holds an existentialist orientation but practices with each client in a person-centered manner. I work collaboratively with clients to allow their specific concerns and goals to guide the work we do together. I address all clients with unconditional positive regard as we create a therapeutic relationship, and I foster a safe environment to process issues with relationships, grief & loss, and adjustment, through authenticity and congruency. I believe that clients can overcome adversity through understanding and utilizing their strengths and self-determination. My modality is a mixture of many psychological techniques as well as creative skills. This includes a blend of existentialism, mindfulness, humor and Cognitive-Behavioral skills by way of a direct and open approach.Your emotional health is a pivotal component of overall wellness. I would be honored to help you explore your past, present and future with a focus on deepening insights to create the best version of yourself.

Jessica Bowman, ACSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker, License #101680
Hi and welcome, my name is Jessica Bowman and I am an Associate Clinician Social Worker (ACSW). I am a dedicated clinician who values each of my clients. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental, sacred space for my clients to grow and heal. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of your journey. I understand how hard it is to ask for help. I am so glad you are here taking the necessary action to honor yourself. The light in me honors the light in you.
As a clinician I am passionate about empowering you to find your most authentic, honest, andtrue self. When we continue to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result it can lead to disappointment, or feeling like a failure. Let me help you explore and notice patterns and behaviors that may be hindering your desired growth. No matter if you have past trauma you need help to release, feel stuck in your current every day, or have a goal you are trying to accomplish; I am here to hold space for you. By exploring what is no longer working for you, you will start to develop a higher level of consciousness into noticing where your body and brain potentially are disconnected. Once you have this awareness you can start to question, explore, and challenge your thinking and feeling. This is where the magic happens and transformation starts to occur as you become your most authentic self.

Kyla Ramirez, ACSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Life can be incredibly difficult at times and can feel overwhelming. It is my goal to empower my clients to believe in themselves, inspire change, and to allow space for self-love. When feelings of depression and anxiety are barriers to achieving your goals, leaving you feeling unworthy of happiness, and affecting your relationships, I am here to assist you in cultivating a sense of purpose and confidence. I want to help my clients set goals for their future, find their happiness, and thrive. I am here to provide a space for you to be you- your authentic self without judgement.
My specialties include trauma-informed practice, working with survivors of abuse and neglect, working with LGBTQ+, post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, childhood trauma, teens/young adults, attachment-based therapy, burnout and secondary traumatic stress.
I have worked in the field of child-welfare for over 10 years, and have experience in working with juvenile justice, child welfare, adoption and the systems of care. I have experience with family reunification, emancipation, and survivors of human trafficking. I am here to empower, build strength, and heal.

Adrienne Ramirez, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Do you struggle with a lack of purpose and meaning in life? Or that no matter what you achieve, there is still an emptiness? Perhaps a longing to connect to life, others, and yourself in a more meaningful way? Or repeating the same patterns that you know are not working for you?
I am extremely passionate about empowering individuals, couples and families to heal and live their best, most authentic lives. I strongly believe that each and every individual, regardless of background, ability, or beliefs, should have a safe space where they can feel comfortable being their true self. I know that sitting across from someone with similar experiences can help to build trust and promote connection, and am therefore deeply committed to holding space for those who need to be heard.
I serve individuals, intimate partnerships, adults, older adults, adolescents, and groups. My areas of interest include life transitions, depression, anxiety, challenges with identity and self-esteem, coping with trauma & adverse experiences, relationships, women’s empowerment, cultural challenges, grief & loss, and LGBTQIA+.

Nicole Cox, ASW
Associate Clinical Social Worker, License #87359
Have you experienced trauma in your life that is directly affecting your life satisfaction? Are you dealing with a situational life adjustment that is causing you distress? Are anxiety and depression prominent in your life? I would love to provide you with a safe place to process in the way that best fits your needs. I am here to hold space for you and sit alongside you while you achieve your life goals for personal growth and recovery.
My name is Nicole Cox, ASW #87359. I graduated from Chico State with my Masters degree in Social Work in 2018. I gained my Pupil Personnel Services Credential From Sacramento State in 2020. I also have a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. I work with young children, adolescents, teens, and women. I specialize in anxiety disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and childhood trauma. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and have training in Suicide prevention/postvention and Self-harm. My approach is client centered and trauma-focused. Additionally, I have twenty years of experience working in schools in multiple capacities, most recently as a school social worker and fire recovery therapist for students affected by the 2018 Camp Fire.

Mary Parker, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
My name is Mary Parker and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been practicing for over five years and I absolutely love what I do! I truly value all of my clients and the relationships that we create. I have an integrative approach to counseling that utilizes a combination of modalities including CBT, solution-focused, and person-centered approaches.
I have extensive training treating LGBTQIA+ related issues, as I worked for Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico for over two years and have actively continued seeking out treatment in these communities. I am passionate in treating individuals struggling with PTSD and am trained in EMDR and brainspotting. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where I can help my clients empower themselves to make desired changes, find acceptance, and live true to their authentic selves. My role as a therapist is to maintain a stance of nonjudgment, empathy, and unconditional positive regard at all times in order to help my clients feel safe navigating and expressing complex issues. I strive to bring a sense of genuineness, open-mindedness, and even a little humor into my work with my clients.

Joe Smith
Therapist
Life can be difficult. Therapy can help. I provide short or longer term therapy for individuals, couples and families. I work with those struggling with past traumas, relational issues and life transitions. I am safe, affirming and welcoming to those from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, in non-traditional relationships, gender-nonconforming and queer
My therapeutic approach is humanistic and solution focused, with exploration of meaning, loss, and transformation. I include approaches from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Together we can explore ways for you to gain influence over the problems in your life. The next step is to contact me and see if I might be the right person to help you at this time.

Samantha Laurie, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
I have been working as a family therapist for over 9 years. I have experience working with individuals from many walks of life, families, couples, and children, including individual therapy, family therapy, play therapy, parent child interaction therapy, and couples counseling.
I aim to assist kids, individuals and families manage anxiety, conflict resolution, improve communication skills, depressive symptoms, building coping strategies, trauma processing, attachment work, grief, and more. My goal is to help people build upon their own personal strengths towards increased happiness and hope!

Erika Miller, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Hello! I’m Erika.
I was born and raised in Chico. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking in Upper Park, walking in Lower Park, and getting outside as much as possible. I love football and have been a Forty-Niner fan since elementary school. I earned a Master’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Chico in 2017. I began my clinical work at a local organization providing individual and group therapy. There, I helped individuals who struggled with anger management, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence. I then transitioned to a county position where I provided individual, couple, family, and group therapy. At the county, I specialized in working with individuals who had co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. I also co-led the program Behavioral Health Court (BHC) which helped facilitate the reintegration of individuals with mental health, substance use, and legal issues back into the community. I value each person’s unique experience. In my practice, I utilize a strength based-person centered approach. For me, therapy is individualized to address the needs of each person I work with.

Sher Yang, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom. ” – Viktor E. Frankl

Mercedes Robinson, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
I have experience working with youth, adults, couples and families. I have provided support to individuals that have experienced trauma in many domains of their lives. I have 6 years experience working with youth, adults and individuals impacted by trauma, stressors and foster care.
Our environment has an influence on the success of therapeutic services. As we work together, we will not only focus on your mental health needs, with my support; we will also consider your physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. By addressing these, we focus on the whole you, not just your diagnosis.
Trauma, as well as life stressors, influences our behavior, relationships, and thinking in so many ways. When these events are experienced, our lives have a tendency to unravel before us. Let me help you heal and learn healthy ways to cope with the life challenges because life is definitely a roller coaster and it’s important to have support along the way. It is my experience that humans know themselves best. Therapy is a journey where my knowledge and yours are combined to explore solutions that best meet your needs. In order to gain positive outcomes, a good therapeutic relationship is needed and this requires trust, authenticity, and freedom to be yourself.

Payge Cassady-Christensen, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
My name is Payge Casady-Christensen and I am a licensed clinical social worker and I would be honored to support you in your journey of self-excavation. I earned both my Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Utah. In 2003, my husband and I moved to California, and I worked for over 15 years as a full-time, stay-at-home parent of two wonderful human beings.
I have many years of experience working with all age groups, people with disabilities, neurodivergent minds, people with autism, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, grief and loss, aging, dissociation and loneliness. I support people in understanding the internal and external barriers that keep them from moving forward. I use an eclectic approach to therapy incorporating strength-based, trauma informed, positive psychology to empower individuals to make changes in their lives. CBT, DBT, parts work, EMDR, mindfulness, psychoeducation, journaling, and other modalities are used depending upon the needs of each client.
I believe in “meeting the client where they are” which includes incorporating my client’s interests, hobbies, favorite stories, movies, games, and books to engage the client in their process of self-excavation. I am fascinated by human behavior and grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with each person I support.

Tamie Cox
Therapist, Health Coach
As a therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can’t change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling & meaningful life. If you’re looking for extra support/guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you.
I specialize in working with those with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ issues, Life coaching, coping skills, self esteem, weight management related to mental health, and stress reduction. By using your strengths and teaching you techniques and coping strategies I can help you to meet your goals.
As people we go through a lot in our lives and sometimes that takes you off the path you initially envisioned and sometimes that can wound you deeply. I can help you find your way back to that person you want to be by listening, caring, and guiding your through your journey, so that you can enjoy your life to the fullest and you can achieve your life goals.

Sara Herbert, ACSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker

Tabria Broadway, AMFT
Associate Marraige & Family Therapist
When life becomes overwhelming we oftentimes feel defeated, stressed, anxious, and depressed. We continue to prioritize work duties and family obligations over our mental health. Together, we will begin to do the work to identify the underlying causes and collaborate on strategies that you can begin to implement in your daily life that can stem from past or current trauma. I’m passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space by establishing a solid therapeutic rapport for those who are struggling with managing their emotional well-being. My role as your therapist is to support you in navigating through your journey while offering compassion, understanding, and guidance to self-discovery. I utilize a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, and Solution Focused Therapy. Over the past 4 years, I have worked with community-based organizations which have allowed me to serve children, families, transitional-age youth, individuals struggling with homelessness, LGBTIQA+, and couples. I am committed to creating a partnership that empowers individuals to employ their inner strengths and skills to make changes within their lives and evoke everlasting growth.

Santy Gray, ACSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker
My name is Santy Gray, and I am an Associate Clinician Social Worker (ACSW) committed to helping individual youth and adults as well as couples, heal and build healthy relationships. My work focuses on targeting thoughts, behaviors and understanding of self.
I work from a place of deep compassion, care, liberation, and empowerment. I strive to be a guide on your journey to self-actualization. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can learn and grow. I believe that we all possess the answers we need, we sometimes get lost and need a facilitator to show us the way. That’s where I come in.
I look forward to helping you identify patterns and behaviors that have hindered your growth and desired goals. I believe in a collaborative approach to mental health and wellness and would be honored to walk alongside you.
I am trained in adverse childhood experiences, restorative practices, and brief interventions.

Ivette Hinojosa, ACSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Hi, my name is Ivette and I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Oftentimes, life throws situations at us that can be difficult to cope with. I like to provide a safe and calm environment where people can discuss all their thoughts and feelings freely, while learning tools to help manage through challenging life situations. And adding a few laughs in between.
I have been in the mental health field for ten years, working in a group home, county mental health office, crisis services, and medical field. I have worked primarily with youth (childhood through young adulthood), adults, and families. I am experienced in working with individuals struggling through grief, suicidal ideation, intimate partner violence, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I hope to work alongside you in achieving your treatment goals.

Alona Harris, APCC
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Hey there! I’m Alona Harris, and I’m so glad you found your way to my corner of the internet. Let me tell you a little bit about myself and how I can support you on your journey towards healing and personal growth.
I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and I specialize in clinical mental health and career counseling. I am deeply passionate about helping individuals like you navigate life’s challenges and have had the privilege of working with diverse groups of people across the adolescent, young adult, and adult phases of life.
I believe in taking an integrated approach to therapy, drawing from different therapeutic modalities to meet your unique needs. My foundations lie in existential therapy and person-centered therapy, allowing for a holistic and individualized approach to our work together. I am experienced in working with various clinical issues and have a particular passion for working with folks experiencing mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
LOCATIONS:
19 Williamsburg Lane
Chico CA 95926