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.
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.
Tala Delvarani, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Tala Delvarani is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Pepperdine University. Prior to pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Tala earned her B.A in Mass Communications from San Fransisco State University. Taking her degree down to southern California, Tala became the Human Resources Development Manager at ITM, an import/export company that also specializes in Trucking and Real Estate.
Tala believes that a person is the expert of their own lives and that therapy should be a collaborative experience that provides dignity and comprehensive treatment to clients. Her hobbies include surfing, the outdoors, real estate and making people smile.
Therapist
Tala Delvarani is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Pepperdine University. Prior to pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Tala earned her B.A in Mass Communications from San Fransisco State University. Taking her degree down to southern California, Tala became the Human Resources Development Manager at ITM, an import/export company that also specializes in Trucking and Real Estate.
Tala believes that a person is the expert of their own lives and that therapy should be a collaborative experience that provides dignity and comprehensive treatment to clients. Her hobbies include surfing, the outdoors, real estate and making people smile.
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.
Rob Rutkowski, MFT Trainee, PCC Trainee
Therapist
Rob is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Pepperdine University. Before pursuing his master’s degree, Rob earned a B.A. in Communications from Michigan State University and held management positions in tech companies for 15 years before starting a management consulting company for international businesses. His work took him to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, UK, and Europe. At 55, Rob sold his consulting company and began pursuing clinical psychology.
Rob’s therapeutic approach is influenced by Narrative Theory and is research based, collaborative, curious, and supportive. He has a special interest in helping men identify and understand their feelings and experiences in order to become more useful, fulfilled members of our community.
Rob’s hobbies include biking, backpacking, and acquiring vintage cars he does not need nor has room for.
Therapist
Rob is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at Pepperdine University. Before pursuing his master’s degree, Rob earned a B.A. in Communications from Michigan State University and held management positions in tech companies for 15 years before starting a management consulting company for international businesses. His work took him to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, UK, and Europe. At 55, Rob sold his consulting company and began pursuing clinical psychology.
Rob’s therapeutic approach is influenced by Narrative Theory and is research based, collaborative, curious, and supportive. He has a special interest in helping men identify and understand their feelings and experiences in order to become more useful, fulfilled members of our community.
Rob’s hobbies include biking, backpacking, and acquiring vintage cars he does not need nor has room for.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.