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.
Stacy Marsh, MA, AMFT, APCC
Therapist
Stacy is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She works from a narrative theoretical approach, helping people reclaim their lives from problems and see themselves outside of problem dominant understandings of their identity. Clients are empowered to create new realities and become more of who they want to be in the world through therapeutic conversations that cultivate awareness, insight and new understandings as well as uncover and appreciate client’s strengths, values, wisdom, preferences and hopes for their lives.
Stacy’s therapeutic approach provides an open and safe space for clients and is non-judging, non-blaming, empathetic, respectful and compassionate. Stacy’s work takes into account the important influences of societal and multicultural contexts in client’s lives and she works with diverse populations with an affirming and culturally sensitive approach. Stacy has experience supporting clients facing a range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, trauma, relational distress, professional burnout, chronic stress, feelings of inadequacy and personal failure, grief and loss, life transitions, anger and emotional regulation, parenting challenges and in general, the difficulties that go along with being human. Stacy works with individuals, children, teens, couples and families.
Stacy earned a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a JD from the University of Minnesota. She began her career in psychology in 2015, after leaving a successful legal and corporate career to help people in a more personal and meaningful way. She has a deep love and passion for her work and is constantly inspired by her experiences walking alongside her clients in their journeys to heal, overcome problems and find more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Stacy strongly believes that it is never too late write new chapters and change your life story.
Therapist
Stacy is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She works from a narrative theoretical approach, helping people reclaim their lives from problems and see themselves outside of problem dominant understandings of their identity. Clients are empowered to create new realities and become more of who they want to be in the world through therapeutic conversations that cultivate awareness, insight and new understandings as well as uncover and appreciate client’s strengths, values, wisdom, preferences and hopes for their lives.
Stacy’s therapeutic approach provides an open and safe space for clients and is non-judging, non-blaming, empathetic, respectful and compassionate. Stacy’s work takes into account the important influences of societal and multicultural contexts in client’s lives and she works with diverse populations with an affirming and culturally sensitive approach. Stacy has experience supporting clients facing a range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, trauma, relational distress, professional burnout, chronic stress, feelings of inadequacy and personal failure, grief and loss, life transitions, anger and emotional regulation, parenting challenges and in general, the difficulties that go along with being human. Stacy works with individuals, children, teens, couples and families.
Stacy earned a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a JD from the University of Minnesota. She began her career in psychology in 2015, after leaving a successful legal and corporate career to help people in a more personal and meaningful way. She has a deep love and passion for her work and is constantly inspired by her experiences walking alongside her clients in their journeys to heal, overcome problems and find more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Stacy strongly believes that it is never too late write new chapters and change your life story.
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.
Stephanie Cubillo, Clinical Counselor Trainee
Therapist
Stephanie Cubillo is a Clinical Counselor Trainee and graduate student at California State University, San Bernardino. Stephanie received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos and her A.S. in Child Development from Palomar Community College.
Before pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Stephanie has worked in serving diverse populations with young children, teens, and families. She has experience translating between therapy sessions being bilingual in English and Spanish, and looks forward to helping Spanish speaking clients.
Stephanie works from a narrative therapy approach and believes a person is the author of one’s own story. Through the use of narrative therapy, the therapist works collaboratively with clients to separate themselves from the problem and help them rewrite their stories to their new narratives. Stephanie is passionate in helping individuals from all backgrounds and needs, and her hopes are to support you use your own beliefs, skills, competences and strengths to continue building the next chapters of your life story.
Therapist
Stephanie Cubillo is a Clinical Counselor Trainee and graduate student at California State University, San Bernardino. Stephanie received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos and her A.S. in Child Development from Palomar Community College.
Before pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Stephanie has worked in serving diverse populations with young children, teens, and families. She has experience translating between therapy sessions being bilingual in English and Spanish, and looks forward to helping Spanish speaking clients.
Stephanie works from a narrative therapy approach and believes a person is the author of one’s own story. Through the use of narrative therapy, the therapist works collaboratively with clients to separate themselves from the problem and help them rewrite their stories to their new narratives. Stephanie is passionate in helping individuals from all backgrounds and needs, and her hopes are to support you use your own beliefs, skills, competences and strengths to continue building the next chapters of your life story.
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.
Carmen Santillan, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Therapist
Carmen Santillan is a Clinical Counselor Trainee and Graduate student at California State University, San Bernardino. Carmen received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor concentration in Dance Studies from the University of California, Riverside.
Before pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Carmen earned her A.A. in business administration and was working as a purchaser and in the accounts payable department for a manufacturing company. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and understands the complexities that may arise with navigating two languages.
Carmen takes on a Narrative approach to therapy. She believes in reflecting on meaning and experiences. Carmen is empathetic, compassionate and an active listener. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families through their unique experiences.
Therapist
Carmen Santillan is a Clinical Counselor Trainee and Graduate student at California State University, San Bernardino. Carmen received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor concentration in Dance Studies from the University of California, Riverside.
Before pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Carmen earned her A.A. in business administration and was working as a purchaser and in the accounts payable department for a manufacturing company. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and understands the complexities that may arise with navigating two languages.
Carmen takes on a Narrative approach to therapy. She believes in reflecting on meaning and experiences. Carmen is empathetic, compassionate and an active listener. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families through their unique experiences.
Mary Slater, MA, AMFT
Therapist
She/her/hers
Mary is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at the California Family Institute. She started in journalism before transitioning to Psychology, receiving her B.S. in Human Services at CSU Fullerton and M.A. in Clinical Psychology with MFT at the Chicago School.
She has worked as a psychiatric technician in a mental health clinic to provide support for individuals, couples and families. Her experience includes meditation and mindfulness-based approaches to health, and she is a registered 200-hour yoga teacher.
Her therapeutic influence is narrative, collaborative and strengths-based, with an existential lens. Mary takes a path of walking with clients, seeing the therapeutic process as a journey led by the client’s wisdoms and resiliencies. She is an avid traveler and finds inspiration through cultural experiences.
Therapist
She/her/hers
Mary is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at the California Family Institute. She started in journalism before transitioning to Psychology, receiving her B.S. in Human Services at CSU Fullerton and M.A. in Clinical Psychology with MFT at the Chicago School.
She has worked as a psychiatric technician in a mental health clinic to provide support for individuals, couples and families. Her experience includes meditation and mindfulness-based approaches to health, and she is a registered 200-hour yoga teacher.
Her therapeutic influence is narrative, collaborative and strengths-based, with an existential lens. Mary takes a path of walking with clients, seeing the therapeutic process as a journey led by the client’s wisdoms and resiliencies. She is an avid traveler and finds inspiration through cultural experiences.
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.
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 minoritized 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 minoritized populations.
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.
Victoria Brown
Research Lab Coordinator
Ms. Brown received her MA in Clinical Psychology emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is currently a PhD candidate in the Global Leadership and Change program at Pepperdine University. Before transitioning to Research Lab Coordinator, she worked with the CFI team as an MFT Trainee. Her research explores the usage of Machine Learning for Talent Management decisions during the recruitment and selection functions of HR, and the impact Automated Decision Systems have on Generation Z individuals’ outlook of future employment opportunities. Through her leadership, scholarship, and service Ms. Brown aims to continue to collaborate with community residents, executive leaders, and public policymakers for systems change.
Research Lab Coordinator
Ms. Brown received her MA in Clinical Psychology emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is currently a PhD candidate in the Global Leadership and Change program at Pepperdine University. Before transitioning to Research Lab Coordinator, she worked with the CFI team as an MFT Trainee. Her research explores the usage of Machine Learning for Talent Management decisions during the recruitment and selection functions of HR, and the impact Automated Decision Systems have on Generation Z individuals’ outlook of future employment opportunities. Through her leadership, scholarship, and service Ms. Brown aims to continue to collaborate with community residents, executive leaders, and public policymakers for systems change.