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.
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.
Carmen Santillan, Clinical Counselor Trainee
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.
Aja Chavez, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Aja Chavez is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at California State University, Fullerton. Aja received her B.S. in Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.
Aja has over seven years’ experience working in the mental health field with a specialization in chemical dependency. She has worked in settings ranging from residential care to private practice, providing individual, family, and group counseling for adolescents, adults and their families.
Aja approaches each encounter from a place of compassion, collaboration and empathy while remaining transparent and authentic. She is passionate about tapping into the innate part of each of us that is driven to connect. Aja believes that unconditional positive regard, gaining understanding from experiences and developing strengths can generate healing and empowerment.
Originally from upstate New York, Aja moved to southern California where she lives with her husband and children.
Therapist
Aja Chavez is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and Graduate student at California State University, Fullerton. Aja received her B.S. in Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.
Aja has over seven years’ experience working in the mental health field with a specialization in chemical dependency. She has worked in settings ranging from residential care to private practice, providing individual, family, and group counseling for adolescents, adults and their families.
Aja approaches each encounter from a place of compassion, collaboration and empathy while remaining transparent and authentic. She is passionate about tapping into the innate part of each of us that is driven to connect. Aja believes that unconditional positive regard, gaining understanding from experiences and developing strengths can generate healing and empowerment.
Originally from upstate New York, Aja moved to southern California where she lives with her husband and children.
Adrienne Dorsey, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Adrienne is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Pepperdine University in the Clinical Psychology program. She received her B.A. in Psychology for California State University Dominguez Hills, graduating with honors.
Adrienne is passionate about holding space for individuals to explore themselves and be the expert in their own lives. She believes that Narrative Therapy generously allows her to collaborate with people in a way that honors her personal style in relating to others. Adrienne is deeply passionate about mental health and is excited to get to work with clients of all backgrounds and needs.
Therapist
Adrienne is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Pepperdine University in the Clinical Psychology program. She received her B.A. in Psychology for California State University Dominguez Hills, graduating with honors.
Adrienne is passionate about holding space for individuals to explore themselves and be the expert in their own lives. She believes that Narrative Therapy generously allows her to collaborate with people in a way that honors her personal style in relating to others. Adrienne is deeply passionate about mental health and is excited to get to work with clients of all backgrounds and needs.
Mary Slater, MFT Trainee
Therapist
Mary is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and clinical psychology student at the Chicago School. Her career started in journalism before transitioning to Psychology. Receiving her B.S. in Human Services at CSU Fullerton.
Prior to joining the team at CFI, she 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 and certified in Ayurvedic wellness.
Her therapeutic influence is narrative, collaborative and strengths-based, with an existential lens. She is an avid traveler and finds inspiration through cultural experiences.
Therapist
Mary is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and clinical psychology student at the Chicago School. Her career started in journalism before transitioning to Psychology. Receiving her B.S. in Human Services at CSU Fullerton.
Prior to joining the team at CFI, she 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 and certified in Ayurvedic wellness.
Her therapeutic influence is narrative, collaborative and strengths-based, with an existential lens. 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.
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 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.
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.
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.