CALA Psychological Services is a multi-specialty and multi-lingual group of highly educated and highly skilled mental health professionals. Delivering services via telehealth.
Clara Aparicio, Psy.D., Co-Founder, Director of Clinical Training
Clara Aparicio, PsyD, is a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, licensed clinical psychologist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology from California State University, Northridge. She completed her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.
Dr. Aparicio worked in community mental health and school settings providing services for underserved populations throughout the San Fernando Valley. In 2006, she resumed her studies completing a Master of Arts degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership, and Doctorate of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. During her studies at Fuller Seminary, Dr. Aparicio completed rotations at The Center for Aging Resources, BHC Alhambra Hospital, was a Neuropsychological Extern at Casa Colina Hospital, and completed an APA-Accredited Internship at Child and Family Guidance Center.
Dr. Aparicio has a private practice based in Pasadena, CA where she provides individual, couples, and family therapy, while continuing to service residents in short and long-term care facilities. She utilizes a strength-based therapeutic approach, being mindful of cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Advocating for her clients’ needs is a passion of hers. She takes on the role of clinical provider, advocate, and life-coach as she helps clients navigate through life’s stressors and hardships.
Lilit Ayrapetyan, Psy.D., Co-Founder, Clinical Supervisor
Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD, is a bilingual Armenian-Speaking, licensed clinical psychologist. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She then completed a Master of Arts degree and a Doctorate of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Ayrapetyan completed internships at Lawndale Mental Health Center, Harborview House and Canyon Ridge Hospital. Her experience includes providing evidence-based interventions for the geriatric population, conducting psychological assessments to assist in diagnostic clarifications and treatment planning, supervision of pre-doctoral interns, didactic trainings to medical students and psychiatry residents and individual and group therapy in community mental health settings.
Dr. Ayrapetyan has a private practice based in Pasadena, CA where she provides individual, couples, and family therapy. She utilizes a unique blend of psychotherapy, coaching, and assessment to help empower clients as they navigate through stressors. Dr. Ayrapetyan believes that in order to experience happiness, peace, and overcome difficulties, one must first have the courage to face and overcome one’s fears. Through her work, Dr. Ayrapetyan assists clients remove obstacles blocking their paths, find purpose in life, and learn to love themselves.
Irene Akther, Registered AMFT, Practicum Doctoral Student
Ms. Irene Akther, AMFT is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Currently, Ms. Akther is pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, furthering both her Academic and Clinical experience. She completed her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University after obtaining a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Over the years, Ms. Akther has had the privilege of working with diverse communities, handling various challenges, and supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem barriers, and the pursuit of overall happiness. Her ongoing passion for this field has pushed her to pursue becoming a Psychologist in the hopes of acquiring further knowledge to assist individuals in need. Ms. Akther is a firm believer in spreading mental health awareness and challenging barriers that exist. Her ultimate mission is to challenge and support individuals in navigating life's obstacles and stressors while maintaining authenticity.
Tiffany Tran, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Tiffany Tran, is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist supervised by Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside and her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy at Azusa Pacific University. During her traineeship, Tiffany completed her practicum at the Orange County Pacific Islander Community Alliance, where she worked with adolescents and young adults of various backgrounds experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, life changes, and self-esteem issues.
After completing her degree at Azusa Pacific University, Tiffany had the privilege to work with adolescents and adults diagnosed with eating disorders in a partial hospitalization and a residential setting. Tiffany also has extensive experience in facilitating group therapy amongst this population.
As a first-generation Asian-American therapist, Tiffany understands navigating cultural identity, intergenerational experiences and family dynamics can affect one’s mental health and well-being. Tiffany has experience with and practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when working with clients to address cultural nuances and bridge the gaps between their heritage and personal goals. As a therapist, Tiffany also adopts an integrative approach from a range of evidence-based models and therapeutic modalities. Her goal is to make sure her clients are able to build resilience, foster self-compassion, and work towards a life that align with their values.
Outside of clinical work, Tiffany has various interests and passions that include: crocheting, spending time with her dog, exploring new restaurants, and going shopping
Marquita Stokes, Ph.D.
Marquita Stokes, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Pennsylvania State University. She completed her Master of Science & Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, IL. During her studies at Northwestern, Dr. Stokes completed clinical rotations at Lurie Children’s Hospital, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Stokes completed an APA-Accredited Internship at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship in Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles/University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine.
Dr. Stokes has experience in evidence-based psychotherapy, psychological assessment, consultation, education, leadership and training, supervision, and research. She provides individual, couples, and family therapy with specialties in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, identity development, multicultural issues, and pediatric psychology. Her passion is to provide comprehensive and culturally-competent care to help clients on their path to wholeness.
Wendy Raskey, Ph.D., Registered Psychological Assistant
Wendy Raskey, PhD is a Registered Psychological Assistant, supervised by Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan. Dr. Raskey received a Master of Arts Degree in Dance Movement Therapy from UC Los Angeles, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology, with a Concentration in Somatic Psychology from the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, with a Concentration in Somatic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Raskey’s experience working with adults embraces a holistic approach to treatment. Her method of treatment is deeply rooted in Somatic Therapy, utilizing a wide variety of healing modalities that center on the body and mind with interventions such as grounding, breath, muscle relaxation, and body centered mindfulness. In addition, her use of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is enriched from a somatic perspective with clients experiencing symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders as well as from traumatic experiences. Dr. Raskey has an extensive background working in the field of forensics, as well as with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, mood disorders, and with trauma survivors. She believes that an approach from her heart is crucial in a client’s healing process.
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Jann Monserrat. Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Jann Monserrat (she/her/hers) is a bilingual Tagalog-speaking Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a doctoral practicum student supervised by Amanda Kendrick, Psy.D. Jann received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development at University of California, Davis and completed her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology - Marriage and Family Therapy track with a specialization in Psychological Trauma counseling at Antioch University Los Angeles. At present, Jann is a 2nd year doctoral student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology majoring in Applied Clinical Psychology.
Jann has over four years of clinical experience working with adolescents and transitional aged youth with severe and comorbid disorders in Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient settings. She has a particular interest in working with adolescents with complex trauma and utilizes trauma-informed interventions, such as TF-CBT and Internal Family Systems to assist clients make sense of their experience. Jann is also a big believer in the power of collaboration, empowerment, and providing culturally sensitive care especially for BIPOC clients. Ultimately, Jann's goal is to help unlock the client's strength that already exists within and empower clients to learn, grow, and heal from their experiences.
Outside of her clinical work, Jann enjoys going to museums, learning about different cultures through traveling, and spending time with her two dogs, Boris and Mocha.
Rose Pak, M.S.W. Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Rose Pak is an Associate Clinical Social Worker supervised by Dr. Clara Aparicio, Psy.D. Rose earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Chapman University with a minor in Music, then obtained her Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. Rose has a passion for strengths-based mental health services and has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults experiencing crises and stressful life transitions. She has experience working with LGBTQ youth and also provides faith-based therapy for those looking to integrate Christianity into their healing process. As a therapist, Rose aims to understand and empower clients to meet their goals. Outside of the office, Rose enjoys spending time with her husband, baby girl, and puppy Truffles!
Cynthia Ferguson, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Cynthia Ferguson (she/her/hers), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, is supervised by Amanda Kendrick, Psy.D. She received her Bachelor of Science in Philosophy at California State, Los Angeles. She competed the Clinical Psychology program at Antioch University in 2021 and currently holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a focus on child studies.
While with Antioch, she worked with adolescents, young and older adults from various background and helped to co-facilitate an adolescent support group. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, stage of life, grief as well as relational issues within polyamorous, gay, lesbian, and heterosexual relationships.
Cynthia primarily works with a psychodynamic technique while utilizing person centered approach. She has experience with and prefers working through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) lens. She believes the key to success in therapy is to let the client lead and is passionate about involving the client in the therapy process every step of the way. In her free time, Cynthia enjoys traveling, listening to music, reading, meditation, hiking and practicing guitar.
Jessica Moya, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jessica Moya is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#64722). She received both a Bachelor’s in Social Work (2008) and Master’s in Social Work (2010) from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. While being licensed for 7 years, she has over 12 years of experience in the field of social work. She has had the privilege to work with a variety of populations from young children to adults from all walks of life whether it be LGBTQ+, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, nationality, multicultural, religious background, and/or differently abled. She has supported some of the most fragile in our society including children with developmental delays, adolescents in the foster care system, and adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges.
Jessica uses trauma-informed care to recognize early adversities in our lives and provide a safe and collaborative process to empower growth and healing. She is passionate in utilizing strengths-based approaches in working with others in coping with life’s many challenges including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, processing unresolved trauma, chronic substance issues, and self-identity. Additionally, she is trained in DIR/Floortime, a therapy to support social-emotional development. She truly believes that genuine relationships and authentic emotional connections with others is what leads to growth and development, and helps us achieve our full potential.
Cindy Amaya, bilingual Spanish-speaking doctoral student
Cindy Amaya is a bilingual Spanish-speaking doctoral student specializing in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her journey in exploring social sciences began with her earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University of Northridge and a Master’s degree in Education from Arizona State University.
Prior to her doctoral studies, Cindy worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinical Supervisor for children and adolescents within the Autism Spectrum community. Her hands-on experience in implementing evidence-based strategies to promote behavioral changes reinforced her dedication to translating theory into practical applications. The intersection of clinical psychology and ABA in her work enables her to offer a unique, well-rounded approach to client care. Cindy is driven by her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges through empathetic and collaborative practices.
When she is not dedicating time to her doctoral studies and practices, Cindy enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle, spending time at the beach, getting lost in a fiction book, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Mark Schiff, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Mark Schiff (he/him/his) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist supervised by Dr. Lilt Ayrapetyan, Psy.D. He completed his Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, then went on to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. His training included working with clients experiencing depression and anxiety, but also with more specialized populations like those experiencing serious mental illness, domestic violence offenders and at-risk adolescents. He also has experience working with the LGBTQ+ population and a special expertise helping those struggling with reproductive health issues. He practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an empirically based therapy that focuses on acceptance and mindfulness strategies as a means to help people identify their core values and take concrete steps toward accomplishing their goals. Mark was born and raised in Los Angeles by a Japanese mother and a Jewish father, where he currently resides with his partner.
Olivia Ceja, MSN, RN, CNL, DNP (she/her/hers)
Olivia Ceja Clark, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, RN, CNL graduated from the Doctoral Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of San Francisco in 2022. She also completed her Masters as a Clinical Nurse Leader from the University of San Francisco in 2018 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Language from the University of Southern California in 2016. She is a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with UCLA health and her prior experience as a clinician with a therapeutic emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy includes working with individuals across the lifespan, treating life transitions, mood disorders, family systems and interpersonal matters. She also has experience in community health, school nursing and maternal health as a Registered Nurse. Her passion is to provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive care to help individuals on their path to wholeness.
Lara Chakrian, M.A. Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Ms. Lara Chakrian is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist supervised by Dr. Amanda Kendrick, Psy.D. Ms. Chakrian received her Bachelor's degree from Azusa Pacific University in 2019 where she double majored in Psychology and Philosophy and minored in Business Management.
After graduating from APU, Ms. Chakrian began pursuing her dream of becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist. In December 2021, she graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Masters degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. During her studies at CSUN, Ms. Chakrian interned at PUC Schools in Sylmar, spending hundreds of hours conducting therapy and treatment sessions with children, adolescents, adults, and families of various backgrounds.
Additionally, she spent three years as a Developmental Interventionist with Professional Child Development Associates in Pasadena, where she specialized in treating children with developmental delays and their families. It takes internal bravery and external support to examine the parts of ourselves that are much easier to ignore. Ms. Chakrian uses a Narrative and Collaborative lens to provide that external support and work alongside her clients at their own pace. While seeking therapy may come with the fear of stigma and judgment, Ms. Chakrian is ready to lend a listening ear and create a safe space to explore those desired areas of growth in an uplifting way. Therapy is the hardest challenge that reaps the greatest reward, and Ms. Chakrian is excited to embark on that courageous journey with her clients.
Tatiana Ingles, Bilingual spanish-Speaking Doctoral Student
Tatiana, is currently a Pre-Doctoral Intern who is actively working towards her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She, holds Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. She further pursued her education at the same University, completing a Master's Degree in Counseling-Marriage and Family Therapy. As the first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador, Tatiana holds the distinction of being the first in her family to attend college and pursue higher education. Her experience includes working with children in the foster care system. As a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist, she is deeply committed to supporting the Latino community and other minority groups, aiming to raise awareness about mental health and address intergenerational traumas.
Leanna Ayrapetyan, Lead Administrator
As CALA’s Client Coordinator, I work with clients to provide quality service and to ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free as possible. Your journey into therapy is a very important step into bettering yourself and I will be there every step of the way to guarantee that you have the support you need. My passion in helping people has proven that I am empathetic, caring, and patient. I am knowledgeable in the different benefits’ policies, can effectively communicate verbally, and in writing to ensure that you have the information you need to make the best decision for your situation. During my spare time I love to read, cook, and take long walks with my two dogs.
Emily McAtee, B.S.
Emily McAtee, B.S. graduated from UCLA in June of 2023 with her Psychobiology degree. Emily's love for both psychology and helping others can be seen in her work and hobbies. Emily is currently training with the East Los Angeles Women's Center to become a certified domestic violence and sexual assault advocate. Upon completion of this training she will be certified and begin her volunteer work. On top of this, she is taking an Abnormal Psychology course at ELAC to better prepare her for her future studies. She plans on pursuing her Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) and one day become a licensed psychologist. Outside of her work and volunteering she loves to spend time with her cats, her family, catching up on reading novels and playing video games.
