Chris Hoff, Ph.D., LMFT
Executive Director/Clinical Director
Dr. Chris Hoff is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MFC #53081, and AAMFT approved supervisor. Chris' work is grounded in Narrative theory, an evolving collection of ideas and practices that inform a respectful, collaborative and non pathologising approach to working with people, families and communities. This approach is primarily collaborative and relationally based in response to a wide range of concerns including addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, spiritual issues, and relational health. Chris is multicultural and LGBTQ affirming. He is also an experienced meditation teacher who combines contemporary collaborative therapy with the rich practice of Zen Buddhism.
Chris has served on several nonprofit boards supporting both the arts and issues of justice and has presented across the country and internationally on the topics of Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship and Narrative Therapy.
Executive Director/Clinical Director
Dr. Chris Hoff is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MFC #53081, and AAMFT approved supervisor. Chris' work is grounded in Narrative theory, an evolving collection of ideas and practices that inform a respectful, collaborative and non pathologising approach to working with people, families and communities. This approach is primarily collaborative and relationally based in response to a wide range of concerns including addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, spiritual issues, and relational health. Chris is multicultural and LGBTQ affirming. He is also an experienced meditation teacher who combines contemporary collaborative therapy with the rich practice of Zen Buddhism.
Chris has served on several nonprofit boards supporting both the arts and issues of justice and has presented across the country and internationally on the topics of Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship and Narrative Therapy.
Amy R. Tuttle, Ph.D., LMFT
Advisory Board/Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Faculty
Dr. Tuttle is full-time faculty at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Dr. Tuttle is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Her clinical and research interests include multicultural and diversity issues, postmodern and contemporary family therapy theories, intergenerational experiences of race-related trauma, family and play therapy, and working with disadvantaged, multi-stressed populations. Dr. Tuttle maintains a clinical practice serving disadvantaged youth and their families (i.e., families involved in Child Protective Services, juvenile justice departments) and she is a consultant to a family-focused, delinquency prevention and intervention program in San Diego County. She co-authored Theory Based Treatment Planning for Marriage and Family Therapists (2003) and published research in Family Process on collaborative and relational therapies.
Advisory Board/Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Faculty
Dr. Tuttle is full-time faculty at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Dr. Tuttle is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Her clinical and research interests include multicultural and diversity issues, postmodern and contemporary family therapy theories, intergenerational experiences of race-related trauma, family and play therapy, and working with disadvantaged, multi-stressed populations. Dr. Tuttle maintains a clinical practice serving disadvantaged youth and their families (i.e., families involved in Child Protective Services, juvenile justice departments) and she is a consultant to a family-focused, delinquency prevention and intervention program in San Diego County. She co-authored Theory Based Treatment Planning for Marriage and Family Therapists (2003) and published research in Family Process on collaborative and relational therapies.
Elizabeth Armstrong, MA, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor
Elizabeth Armstrong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in full time private practice in Costa Mesa, California. Elizabeth earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2016. She is AAMFT certified in Substance Misuse and LGBTQIA affirmative therapy; she is also a certified Pet Grief Counselor. As a post-modern therapist practicing within an existential framework, Elizabeth works from a positive, collaborative, strengths-based approach.
Elizabeth is passionate about animals, travel, music, art, and the outdoors; she is also a certified Reiki healer.
Clinical Supervisor
Elizabeth Armstrong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in full time private practice in Costa Mesa, California. Elizabeth earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2016. She is AAMFT certified in Substance Misuse and LGBTQIA affirmative therapy; she is also a certified Pet Grief Counselor. As a post-modern therapist practicing within an existential framework, Elizabeth works from a positive, collaborative, strengths-based approach.
Elizabeth is passionate about animals, travel, music, art, and the outdoors; she is also a certified Reiki healer.
Xuanling AJ Wang, MFT Trainee
Therapist
AJ is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. AJ has earned a B.A. in Psychology from the California State University, Long Beach.
AJ is an international student from China, and he understands the role that culture plays in everyone’s lives. He is also open minded and accepting to all cultures and people. AJ wishes to be a part of the client’s journey to find their truth and write their own stories. AJ believes that everyone is the expert of their own lives, and he is there in the room to be curious and collaborative with the clients.
Therapist
AJ is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. AJ has earned a B.A. in Psychology from the California State University, Long Beach.
AJ is an international student from China, and he understands the role that culture plays in everyone’s lives. He is also open minded and accepting to all cultures and people. AJ wishes to be a part of the client’s journey to find their truth and write their own stories. AJ believes that everyone is the expert of their own lives, and he is there in the room to be curious and collaborative with the clients.
Mimi Le, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Mimi is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She has two B.A.s, one in Sociology and another in Education with an emphasis in Learning and Behavioral Studies from the University of California, Riverside. Prior to pursuing Psychology, she worked in marketing as a graphic designer.
She aims to create an empathetic and accepting environment for her clients while emphasizing agency through collaboration. She is passionate about learning her clients’ stories and helping clients with the knowledge provided from her various backgrounds and previous experiences. As an Asian American woman, she acknowledges how identity, culture, and intersectionality influence thoughts, behaviors, and communication
Mimi still enjoys graphic design as a hobby and creative outlet. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Ashi.
Therapist
Mimi is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She has two B.A.s, one in Sociology and another in Education with an emphasis in Learning and Behavioral Studies from the University of California, Riverside. Prior to pursuing Psychology, she worked in marketing as a graphic designer.
She aims to create an empathetic and accepting environment for her clients while emphasizing agency through collaboration. She is passionate about learning her clients’ stories and helping clients with the knowledge provided from her various backgrounds and previous experiences. As an Asian American woman, she acknowledges how identity, culture, and intersectionality influence thoughts, behaviors, and communication
Mimi still enjoys graphic design as a hobby and creative outlet. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Ashi.
Aria Dudley, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Aria is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and graduate student at Hope International University. Prior to pursuing psychology, she studied and worked in the field of neuroscience research. Through her journey of pursuing personal therapy to work through grief after an unexpected loss and her passion for working directly with people, she began her transition into the field of therapy. She hopes to work towards bridging the gaps between neuroscience and therapy.
Aria’s goal is to create a safe space where families, couples, and individuals of all ages can feel supported and encouraged to express vulnerability. Sharing a therapeutic space can feel intimidating and look different for each client, thus Aria works to support each client specific to their own story and experiences.
Aria loves spending time with family, teaching yoga, and taking workout classes
Therapist
Aria is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and graduate student at Hope International University. Prior to pursuing psychology, she studied and worked in the field of neuroscience research. Through her journey of pursuing personal therapy to work through grief after an unexpected loss and her passion for working directly with people, she began her transition into the field of therapy. She hopes to work towards bridging the gaps between neuroscience and therapy.
Aria’s goal is to create a safe space where families, couples, and individuals of all ages can feel supported and encouraged to express vulnerability. Sharing a therapeutic space can feel intimidating and look different for each client, thus Aria works to support each client specific to their own story and experiences.
Aria loves spending time with family, teaching yoga, and taking workout classes
Laili Beheshti, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Laili is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Prior to pursuing Psychology, she was immersed in the world of health and wellness- practicing Ayurveda and teaching yoga. She received her certification as an Ayurvedic practitioner from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2019.
She is passionate about holistic healing and views mental health as an integral component to overall wellness. She desires to create an environment that allows individuals, couples, and families to feel seen and heard. Compassion and support are the driving force behind her work.
Her hobbies include yoga, spin, singing, and opportunities to connect.
Therapist
Laili is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Prior to pursuing Psychology, she was immersed in the world of health and wellness- practicing Ayurveda and teaching yoga. She received her certification as an Ayurvedic practitioner from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2019.
She is passionate about holistic healing and views mental health as an integral component to overall wellness. She desires to create an environment that allows individuals, couples, and families to feel seen and heard. Compassion and support are the driving force behind her work.
Her hobbies include yoga, spin, singing, and opportunities to connect.
Jennifer Scheumann, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Jen Scheumann is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a Graduate student at Vanguard University. She believes each person has an inner voice, and wisdom, guiding one’s life towards greater health, healing and wholeness. Yet in today’s busy world, sometimes the noise from the outside distracts us from being able to listen.
With a warm approach and genuine interest, Jen creates a quiet space for clients to explore and gain insight on the areas they want to address to build the life they desire. An optimist at heart, she believes every client has the ability to make meaningful changes resulting in healthier relationships and a more fulfilled life.
Jen earned her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and spent the following decades working in event planning and marketing. After listening to her inner voice, she decided to go back to school to pursue a lifetime dream of working as a therapist.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and snuggling her dog Winston.
Therapist
Jen Scheumann is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a Graduate student at Vanguard University. She believes each person has an inner voice, and wisdom, guiding one’s life towards greater health, healing and wholeness. Yet in today’s busy world, sometimes the noise from the outside distracts us from being able to listen.
With a warm approach and genuine interest, Jen creates a quiet space for clients to explore and gain insight on the areas they want to address to build the life they desire. An optimist at heart, she believes every client has the ability to make meaningful changes resulting in healthier relationships and a more fulfilled life.
Jen earned her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and spent the following decades working in event planning and marketing. After listening to her inner voice, she decided to go back to school to pursue a lifetime dream of working as a therapist.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and snuggling her dog Winston.
Grace Fraser, MSW Trainee
Therapist
Grace is currently in pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree at University of Southern California. Grace has earned a B.A in Sociology with emphasis on Social Work at Chapman University, as well as had several years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
Grace is passionate about supporting others through their healing process and wants to remain curious about their lives. She views the problem as separate from the person and the therapeutic approach as a collaborative one. She strives to help others co-author the stories they live by to seek power and liberation.
Therapist
Grace is currently in pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree at University of Southern California. Grace has earned a B.A in Sociology with emphasis on Social Work at Chapman University, as well as had several years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
Grace is passionate about supporting others through their healing process and wants to remain curious about their lives. She views the problem as separate from the person and the therapeutic approach as a collaborative one. She strives to help others co-author the stories they live by to seek power and liberation.
Nadine Abdellatif, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Nadine Abdellatif is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Nadine is Egyptian-American and recognizes the role that culture and identity play in how we understand and interact with the world. With a respectful and empathic approach, Nadine intentionally provides a comfortable environment for individuals to come to therapy.
Therapist
Nadine Abdellatif is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Nadine is Egyptian-American and recognizes the role that culture and identity play in how we understand and interact with the world. With a respectful and empathic approach, Nadine intentionally provides a comfortable environment for individuals to come to therapy.
Claire Gilchrist, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Claire is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Alliant International University. Rooted in Narrative theory, Claire strives to build a meaningful and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients may explore and gain insight from the stories of their lives.
Relational at heart, Claire aims to create an inclusive strengths-based space that invites genuine connection, self-discovery, and compassion through enriching conversations to help clients move forward feeling empowered and energized.
While completing her BSc in Psychology and Public Health at Portland State University, Claire developed and facilitated a nonprofit Wellness Program over four years in Portland, Oregon.
Over the last two decades, Claire held positions in wellness, business, and broadcast journalism in the United Kingdom, North Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, and Europe and has worked with refugee families in Oregon. Claire enjoys travel and spending time in nature and is passionate about the healing arts and creative practices that promote self-care and personal change.
Therapist
Claire is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Alliant International University. Rooted in Narrative theory, Claire strives to build a meaningful and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients may explore and gain insight from the stories of their lives.
Relational at heart, Claire aims to create an inclusive strengths-based space that invites genuine connection, self-discovery, and compassion through enriching conversations to help clients move forward feeling empowered and energized.
While completing her BSc in Psychology and Public Health at Portland State University, Claire developed and facilitated a nonprofit Wellness Program over four years in Portland, Oregon.
Over the last two decades, Claire held positions in wellness, business, and broadcast journalism in the United Kingdom, North Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, and Europe and has worked with refugee families in Oregon. Claire enjoys travel and spending time in nature and is passionate about the healing arts and creative practices that promote self-care and personal change.
Ida Farzaneh, MFT Trainee
Therapist
My Fascination with the human mind and interpersonal relationships was a major influence in my decision to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later my first Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I had the opportunity to work as a recruiter for various companies and learned invaluable skills about how individuals work within organizations and groups. After 3 years of working within the industry, I found myself yearning for further growth and knowledge about more micro level work with individuals and families.
My goal has always been to be a part of something greater than myself and to leverage my strengths to help people reach their goals, and doing so within the structure of the therapy room is the perfect implementation of that vision.
Therapist
My Fascination with the human mind and interpersonal relationships was a major influence in my decision to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later my first Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I had the opportunity to work as a recruiter for various companies and learned invaluable skills about how individuals work within organizations and groups. After 3 years of working within the industry, I found myself yearning for further growth and knowledge about more micro level work with individuals and families.
My goal has always been to be a part of something greater than myself and to leverage my strengths to help people reach their goals, and doing so within the structure of the therapy room is the perfect implementation of that vision.
Christine Cox, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Christine is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee Graduate student at Alliant International University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from California State University Long Beach and has worked in the Information Technology Sector for over 17 years. She left her career in Information Technology to pursue a lifelong vocation as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Christine thrives on helping people discover and grow in their sense of agency. She is passionate about collaborating with people to find the truest form of themselves. She sees therapy as a life calling where she can journey alongside clients to create space for them to fully explore all aspects of themselves.
Christine loves spending time with family, dancing, singing, and traveling
Therapist
Christine is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee Graduate student at Alliant International University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from California State University Long Beach and has worked in the Information Technology Sector for over 17 years. She left her career in Information Technology to pursue a lifelong vocation as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Christine thrives on helping people discover and grow in their sense of agency. She is passionate about collaborating with people to find the truest form of themselves. She sees therapy as a life calling where she can journey alongside clients to create space for them to fully explore all aspects of themselves.
Christine loves spending time with family, dancing, singing, and traveling
Julie Ideta, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Julie is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and graduate student at Alliant International University. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University San Bernardino.
She is passionate about supporting others and believes in the power of empathy and understanding. She also believes in the transformative power of the stories we tell about ourselves and others. She desires to create safe spaces in therapy that are nonjudgmental, collaborative, curious, and compassionate.
Julie loves playing her guitar, painting, and writing poetry. She enjoys comedy and finding time to laugh.
Therapist
Julie is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and graduate student at Alliant International University. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University San Bernardino.
She is passionate about supporting others and believes in the power of empathy and understanding. She also believes in the transformative power of the stories we tell about ourselves and others. She desires to create safe spaces in therapy that are nonjudgmental, collaborative, curious, and compassionate.
Julie loves playing her guitar, painting, and writing poetry. She enjoys comedy and finding time to laugh.
Delle Machain, MSW, MA, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Delle recently completed her studies as a Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree at Alliant International University. Delle has earned a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University and has nearly two decades of experience working with clients from different cultural, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Delle works closely with clients who experience interpersonal relationship distresses, attachment concerns, communication disputes, depression, trauma, adjustment concerns and transitional life choice apprehensions.
Her additional areas of knowledge are working with clients who have experienced human trafficking, sexual trauma and working closely with sociocultural diversity factors affecting adolescents, military families, LGBTQ+ population and those with other Intersecting identities. She is insight-oriented and integrates a reflective, collaborative, and strength-based approach to offer a uniquely personalized therapeutic environment. She believes that empathy, compassion, and understanding can help clients build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are seeking to accomplish.
Therapist
Delle recently completed her studies as a Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree at Alliant International University. Delle has earned a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University and has nearly two decades of experience working with clients from different cultural, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Delle works closely with clients who experience interpersonal relationship distresses, attachment concerns, communication disputes, depression, trauma, adjustment concerns and transitional life choice apprehensions.
Her additional areas of knowledge are working with clients who have experienced human trafficking, sexual trauma and working closely with sociocultural diversity factors affecting adolescents, military families, LGBTQ+ population and those with other Intersecting identities. She is insight-oriented and integrates a reflective, collaborative, and strength-based approach to offer a uniquely personalized therapeutic environment. She believes that empathy, compassion, and understanding can help clients build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are seeking to accomplish.
Nicole Reiter, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Nicole Cadreau is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Nicole has facilitated sessions as an interpersonal skills trainer during her graduate program. She received a BS/BA in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from the University of San Diego. Nicole has ten years of utility experience as an electrical engineer and engineering manager.
Nicole is a mentor that works to empower the youth of today to develop leadership skills. She is passionate about creating an empathetic and collaborative environment to support individuals, couples, and families explore their unique experiences and restore personal agency. Nicole is compassionate, curious, and utilizes a strengths-based Narrative approach to therapy.
Nicole is a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and has worked with various Native American tribes to solve challenges, both on and off the reservations.
Therapist
Nicole Cadreau is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Nicole has facilitated sessions as an interpersonal skills trainer during her graduate program. She received a BS/BA in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from the University of San Diego. Nicole has ten years of utility experience as an electrical engineer and engineering manager.
Nicole is a mentor that works to empower the youth of today to develop leadership skills. She is passionate about creating an empathetic and collaborative environment to support individuals, couples, and families explore their unique experiences and restore personal agency. Nicole is compassionate, curious, and utilizes a strengths-based Narrative approach to therapy.
Nicole is a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and has worked with various Native American tribes to solve challenges, both on and off the reservations.
Gabriela Lynch, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Gabriela Lynch is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Alliant International University. She earned her B.A. in psychology at the University of Phoenix. Gabriela loves working with individuals, families, and couples. Through a narrative approach, Gabriela tries to help bring families and couples closer together through therapeutic work to help them have more fulfilling relationships. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and feels passionate about helping clients increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience.
Gabriela approaches therapy with respectful curiosity as to what clients want to change, what are their strengths, as well as what is going well in their lives. She believes that each person has their own story that has shaped who they are and what they are currently experiencing. Through her work, she strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, and gain insight into how that has impacted them. She also believes an important part of therapy is addressing the social, economic, and cultural influences on a person and that the process of therapy should be a collaborative one, with the client seen as the “expert” on their life. Gabriela enjoys her work and deeply respects the therapeutic relationship.
Therapist
Gabriela Lynch is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Alliant International University. She earned her B.A. in psychology at the University of Phoenix. Gabriela loves working with individuals, families, and couples. Through a narrative approach, Gabriela tries to help bring families and couples closer together through therapeutic work to help them have more fulfilling relationships. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and feels passionate about helping clients increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience.
Gabriela approaches therapy with respectful curiosity as to what clients want to change, what are their strengths, as well as what is going well in their lives. She believes that each person has their own story that has shaped who they are and what they are currently experiencing. Through her work, she strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, and gain insight into how that has impacted them. She also believes an important part of therapy is addressing the social, economic, and cultural influences on a person and that the process of therapy should be a collaborative one, with the client seen as the “expert” on their life. Gabriela enjoys her work and deeply respects the therapeutic relationship.