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 on the topics of Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship and Narrative Therapy and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Counseling and Guidance program at California State University San Bernardino.
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 on the topics of Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship and Narrative Therapy and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Counseling and Guidance program at California State University San Bernardino.
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.
Kellie Whittaker, MS, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor
Kellie Whittaker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an adjunct professor in the Counseling and Guidance Program at Cal State San Bernardino. Kellie earned her masters degree from San Diego State University. Kellie has a wide range of clinical experience, having provided counseling services as a private practice clinician, in non-profit community mental health clinics, and in public schools. Kellie's practice is informed by narrative theory, and she employs a postmodern, collaborative, strengths-based approach with clients.
Clinical Supervisor
Kellie Whittaker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an adjunct professor in the Counseling and Guidance Program at Cal State San Bernardino. Kellie earned her masters degree from San Diego State University. Kellie has a wide range of clinical experience, having provided counseling services as a private practice clinician, in non-profit community mental health clinics, and in public schools. Kellie's practice is informed by narrative theory, and she employs a postmodern, collaborative, strengths-based approach with clients.
Paula Keizler, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Paula is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Alliant International University. Before pursuing her master’s degree, Paula earned a B.S. in Marketing from Clemson University and held positions with various advertising and retail companies. After she and her husband started a family, she enjoyed teaching music and art part-time to children.
Paula’s therapeutic approach is influenced by Narrative Theory and is strengths-based, collaborative, curious, and creative. She believes clients are the experts of their unique lived experience. Paula is excited to work with individuals, couples, and families and is passionate about helping those struggling with addiction.
Therapist
Paula is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Alliant International University. Before pursuing her master’s degree, Paula earned a B.S. in Marketing from Clemson University and held positions with various advertising and retail companies. After she and her husband started a family, she enjoyed teaching music and art part-time to children.
Paula’s therapeutic approach is influenced by Narrative Theory and is strengths-based, collaborative, curious, and creative. She believes clients are the experts of their unique lived experience. Paula is excited to work with individuals, couples, and families and is passionate about helping those struggling with addiction.
Rey-Philip Genaldo, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Rey-Philip Genaldo is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Alliant International University, Los Angeles. He received a BA in English from California State University Fullerton, an MA in History from Universiteit van Amsterdam, and an MFA in Writing from University of San Francisco.
Rey-Philip is a novelist and an essayist. Prior to pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, he was a college instructor for ten years, teaching Writing, Composition, and English in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Taipei City, Taiwan.
Being a first-generation American and having lived in several different countries, Rey-Philip brings a compassionate, open, and worldly perspective into the therapy room. He works with individuals, couples, families, and teenagers.
Rey-Philip works from a Narrative and Gestalt therapy lens. He is by nature non-blaming, non-judgmental, and non-pathologizing, and strives, first and foremost, to build a tight and trusting relationship with his clients. Most importantly, Rey-Philip truly believes that everyone has a unique and worthy voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.
Therapist
Rey-Philip Genaldo is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Alliant International University, Los Angeles. He received a BA in English from California State University Fullerton, an MA in History from Universiteit van Amsterdam, and an MFA in Writing from University of San Francisco.
Rey-Philip is a novelist and an essayist. Prior to pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, he was a college instructor for ten years, teaching Writing, Composition, and English in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Taipei City, Taiwan.
Being a first-generation American and having lived in several different countries, Rey-Philip brings a compassionate, open, and worldly perspective into the therapy room. He works with individuals, couples, families, and teenagers.
Rey-Philip works from a Narrative and Gestalt therapy lens. He is by nature non-blaming, non-judgmental, and non-pathologizing, and strives, first and foremost, to build a tight and trusting relationship with his clients. Most importantly, Rey-Philip truly believes that everyone has a unique and worthy voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.
Katrina Sevilla, Clinical Counselor Trainee
Therapist
Katrina is a Clinical Counselor Trainee and graduate student in Counseling and Guidance at California State University, San Bernardino. She received her B.A. in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from University of La Verne with interest in human communication, behavioral patterns, social discourse and its effect on self and others.
Katrina values social and emotional support and is an advocate for mental health. She has over five years of experience working in higher education serving a diverse population to help individuals overcome academic pressures and life stressors. Katrina’s experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, as well as those who struggle with autism, disabilities, anxiety and depression. Her interests include personal development, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
Katrina works from a Narrative therapy approach that externalizes the problem from the person. She is an empathetic listener with cultural sensitivity, providing warmth and understanding to promote open communication for self-discovery and
transformation.
Therapist
Katrina is a Clinical Counselor Trainee and graduate student in Counseling and Guidance at California State University, San Bernardino. She received her B.A. in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from University of La Verne with interest in human communication, behavioral patterns, social discourse and its effect on self and others.
Katrina values social and emotional support and is an advocate for mental health. She has over five years of experience working in higher education serving a diverse population to help individuals overcome academic pressures and life stressors. Katrina’s experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, as well as those who struggle with autism, disabilities, anxiety and depression. Her interests include personal development, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
Katrina works from a Narrative therapy approach that externalizes the problem from the person. She is an empathetic listener with cultural sensitivity, providing warmth and understanding to promote open communication for self-discovery and
transformation.
Kristen Pinedo, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Kristen is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student at Alliant International University. Kristen received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.
Kristen has over six years of experience working in the chemical dependency field and walking along side individuals who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse. It is her belief everyone is worthy of love, belonging, and compassion.
Working with individuals as a therapist is Kristen’s soul work. She is deeply passionate about mental health and cares deeply about the people she has the privilege to work with. She works with individuals, teens, couples, families, and children.
Kristen’s style is friendly, nonpathologizing, and nonjudgmental. Kristen works from a Narrative therapy lens. Narrative Therapy is first and foremost a respectful, non-blaming model which presupposes that clients, not their therapists, are the experts in their own lives. Narrative Therapy views problems as being entirely separate from people. Narrative Therapists assume that their clients possess beliefs, skills, values, competencies, and strengths that they can employ to reduce the impact that problems have on their lives.
Therapist
Kristen is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student at Alliant International University. Kristen received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.
Kristen has over six years of experience working in the chemical dependency field and walking along side individuals who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse. It is her belief everyone is worthy of love, belonging, and compassion.
Working with individuals as a therapist is Kristen’s soul work. She is deeply passionate about mental health and cares deeply about the people she has the privilege to work with. She works with individuals, teens, couples, families, and children.
Kristen’s style is friendly, nonpathologizing, and nonjudgmental. Kristen works from a Narrative therapy lens. Narrative Therapy is first and foremost a respectful, non-blaming model which presupposes that clients, not their therapists, are the experts in their own lives. Narrative Therapy views problems as being entirely separate from people. Narrative Therapists assume that their clients possess beliefs, skills, values, competencies, and strengths that they can employ to reduce the impact that problems have on their lives.
Jake Regan, M.S., AMFT, APCC
Therapist
Jake is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Jake completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. Jake has experience providing group, individual, and family therapy for children and adolescents facing a variety of concerns, focusing primarily on anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, trauma related to intimate partner violence, emotional regulation, and attention and impulse-control. Jake's empathic and playful approach is primarily influenced by narrative therapy, which maintains a non-pathologising view and sees people as separate from problems. He enjoys working collaboratively with his clients by promoting their personal agency and drawing on their knowledge and strengths to assist them in meeting their goals. Jake strives to maintain the highest standard of cultural competency and sensitivity in order to offer a sense of safety and understanding for clients of diverse and minority populations.
Therapist
Jake is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Jake completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. Jake has experience providing group, individual, and family therapy for children and adolescents facing a variety of concerns, focusing primarily on anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, trauma related to intimate partner violence, emotional regulation, and attention and impulse-control. Jake's empathic and playful approach is primarily influenced by narrative therapy, which maintains a non-pathologising view and sees people as separate from problems. He enjoys working collaboratively with his clients by promoting their personal agency and drawing on their knowledge and strengths to assist them in meeting their goals. Jake strives to maintain the highest standard of cultural competency and sensitivity in order to offer a sense of safety and understanding for clients of diverse and minority populations.
Heather Black-Coyne, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Heather is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Clinical Counselor Trainee graduate student in Clinical Psychology with Vanguard University. She earned her BS in Human Services with a desire to work in addictions counseling. Prior to her traineeship, Heather has worked in various capacities treating substance abuse with the belief everyone is worthy of a meaningful life, and individuals need help along the way. After working in addiction treatment for 10 years, Heather grew increasingly eager to work with individuals beyond addiction. Heather believes the therapeutic relationship is foremost. She is passionate about creating a safe space where individuals can explore their growth experientially, and collaboratively.
Therapist
Heather is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Clinical Counselor Trainee graduate student in Clinical Psychology with Vanguard University. She earned her BS in Human Services with a desire to work in addictions counseling. Prior to her traineeship, Heather has worked in various capacities treating substance abuse with the belief everyone is worthy of a meaningful life, and individuals need help along the way. After working in addiction treatment for 10 years, Heather grew increasingly eager to work with individuals beyond addiction. Heather believes the therapeutic relationship is foremost. She is passionate about creating a safe space where individuals can explore their growth experientially, and collaboratively.
Amber Miller, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Amber is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student at National University working toward her M.A. in counseling. Amber received her B.A. in Psychology from National University.
Amber’s work is influenced by the Narrative Theory, a respectful and collaborative approach, which views individuals as the expert of their own lives.
After working as a hair stylist for seven years, Amber chose to pursue a career as a therapist. She is passionate about working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families. Having experience in working with individuals from various walks of life, Amber aspires to create a safer space for her clients, in order to promote growth, acceptance, and healing.
Therapist
Amber is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student at National University working toward her M.A. in counseling. Amber received her B.A. in Psychology from National University.
Amber’s work is influenced by the Narrative Theory, a respectful and collaborative approach, which views individuals as the expert of their own lives.
After working as a hair stylist for seven years, Amber chose to pursue a career as a therapist. She is passionate about working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families. Having experience in working with individuals from various walks of life, Amber aspires to create a safer space for her clients, in order to promote growth, acceptance, and healing.
Erin Steele, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Erin is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California Irvine, graduating magna cum laude.
Erin maintains a compassionate and collaborative space in her work with clients and believes that every individual holds their own story about life that is worthy of respect and care. She draws upon a narrative therapeutic focus to help her clients seek more meaning in their lives. Erin is passionate about serving individuals with chronic health conditions and their family members, adult children of divorced parents, creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with work-related concerns.
Before becoming a therapist, Erin worked for an automotive distributor for over 20 years, in various roles, with the majority of her career running the Consumer Affairs division creating unique programs to improve services to consumers and processes for her team. Erin is a top fundraiser for the MS Society’s annual Bike MS 100 mile bike ride from Irvine to San Diego and a three-time finisher of National Novel Writing Month.
Therapist
Erin is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California Irvine, graduating magna cum laude.
Erin maintains a compassionate and collaborative space in her work with clients and believes that every individual holds their own story about life that is worthy of respect and care. She draws upon a narrative therapeutic focus to help her clients seek more meaning in their lives. Erin is passionate about serving individuals with chronic health conditions and their family members, adult children of divorced parents, creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with work-related concerns.
Before becoming a therapist, Erin worked for an automotive distributor for over 20 years, in various roles, with the majority of her career running the Consumer Affairs division creating unique programs to improve services to consumers and processes for her team. Erin is a top fundraiser for the MS Society’s annual Bike MS 100 mile bike ride from Irvine to San Diego and a three-time finisher of National Novel Writing Month.
Mercy De Vault, M.A., AMFT, APCC
Therapist
Mercy is aam Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a graduate of Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in MFT. Mercy received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California Irvine. Along with pursuing her MA in Psychology, Mercy will be obtaining her Board Certified Behavioral Analysis (BCBA) certification where she will also continue her work with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Mercy’s work is guided by Narrative theory that is respectful and non-blaming. Each person holds many skills, beliefs, and values. By working collaboratively in a safe space, we can begin a journey towards acceptance, growth, healing and discovery.
Mercy’s work includes working with children, individuals, families, those struggling with homelessness, LGBTQ+, domestic violence, autism, down syndrome, substance misuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Therapist
Mercy is aam Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a graduate of Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in MFT. Mercy received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California Irvine. Along with pursuing her MA in Psychology, Mercy will be obtaining her Board Certified Behavioral Analysis (BCBA) certification where she will also continue her work with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Mercy’s work is guided by Narrative theory that is respectful and non-blaming. Each person holds many skills, beliefs, and values. By working collaboratively in a safe space, we can begin a journey towards acceptance, growth, healing and discovery.
Mercy’s work includes working with children, individuals, families, those struggling with homelessness, LGBTQ+, domestic violence, autism, down syndrome, substance misuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
TaNesha Dodson-Hargrove, M.A., AMFT, APCC
Therapist
TaNesha is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is in a cohort graduate program at National University for her MA in Counseling Psychology. Before pursuing her master’s degree, TaNesha explored various fields prior to discovering her passion for psychology. She graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising, then pursued various job opportunities in the marketing, hospitality, and education fields including working with special needs children.
TaNesha is a certified 500 RYT yoga instructor. Though she has worked with communities across various backgrounds, from clients at rehabilitation facilities to athletes on professional level teams, she teaches with mindfulness and a dedication utilizing yoga as a healing modality particularly in cases involving trauma. She hopes that her holistic education combined with her diverse background will establish a comfortable and safe environment that individuals can appreciate while making their own unique progress safely and comfortably.
Therapist
TaNesha is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is in a cohort graduate program at National University for her MA in Counseling Psychology. Before pursuing her master’s degree, TaNesha explored various fields prior to discovering her passion for psychology. She graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising, then pursued various job opportunities in the marketing, hospitality, and education fields including working with special needs children.
TaNesha is a certified 500 RYT yoga instructor. Though she has worked with communities across various backgrounds, from clients at rehabilitation facilities to athletes on professional level teams, she teaches with mindfulness and a dedication utilizing yoga as a healing modality particularly in cases involving trauma. She hopes that her holistic education combined with her diverse background will establish a comfortable and safe environment that individuals can appreciate while making their own unique progress safely and comfortably.
Victoria Brown
Research Lab Coordinator
Victoria received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a student in the PhD Global Leadership and Change program at Pepperdine University.
She has worked with the CFI team as an MFT Trainee, and she is excited to be transitioning into her new role as the Research Lab Coordinator. Her interest in working with diverse communities across the lifespan through the complexity of hardships faced, has motivated her to study abroad all around the world in places as far as Italy and London, in the United States down south to Alabama, and across the waters to Jamaica and the Bahamas. Victoria’s project pertains to researching the cultural and contextual components that perpetuate poverty and homelessness throughout our communities regionally and internationally.
Research Lab Coordinator
Victoria received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a student in the PhD Global Leadership and Change program at Pepperdine University.
She has worked with the CFI team as an MFT Trainee, and she is excited to be transitioning into her new role as the Research Lab Coordinator. Her interest in working with diverse communities across the lifespan through the complexity of hardships faced, has motivated her to study abroad all around the world in places as far as Italy and London, in the United States down south to Alabama, and across the waters to Jamaica and the Bahamas. Victoria’s project pertains to researching the cultural and contextual components that perpetuate poverty and homelessness throughout our communities regionally and internationally.