Behavioral Health Team

Van Ethan Levy

They|Elle

Director of Behavior Health

Van (they|elle) is a queer, non binary, trans, socialized as female, Latinx, Egyptian and Jewish, who is autistic and has dynamic disabilities amongst many more historically excluded identities. They are dually licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 118131) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 8269), Van is passionate about holding space for all intersections of one’s identity(ies). Van is dedicated to social justice & believes it is vital to cultivate an awareness of our own internal strengths, specifically our resilience as we continue to grow and discover ourselves. Van believes it is important to trust and validate our experience(s) & journey(s). Van aims to use a trauma informed lens and hopes to help you learn ways to help support yourself in the best way possible. Van also provides trainings on trans and non binary identities, is author of the interactive book Exploring My Identity(ies) (2020), produced a Documentary called Do Something: Trans & Non Binary Identities (2021), put on an international conference called Do Something: Identity(ies) (2022) (with the recordings available for purchase) and developed No More GateKeeping app that provides trauma-informed questions for the provider to use during the assessment with the clients and populates a letter, and the founder of No More GateKeeping national list of providers who all agree to provide assessments & write letters in one assessment.

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Marika Reznichek

She

Clinical Supervisor (LMFT 122808)

Marika (she) is a queer, Black, neurodiverse person with dynamic disabilities who has been supporting LGBTQPIA+ community members for most of her life. She engages from a client centered, inner strength based and anti-oppressive positionality. She is dedicated to social justice and believes that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance. Her goal is to create a safe trauma-informed space for us to explore self and learn healthy ways to cope. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/adoption.

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Douglas McDonald

Douglas (he) identifies as a queer, gay, cis male. He is finishing his Master of Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and hopes to be licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor. He is inspired by contemplative science and Buddhist philosophy and takes a humanistic, post-modern approach to therapy. Douglas is dedicated to creating a safer space where one’s life stories may be told, strengths and resiliencies/survival is explored, and one’s authentic self celebrated.

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Gloria Simpson

Gloria Simpson (she) is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Program at Pepperdine University. I am studying to complete licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family. I am passionate for wellness. This is a second career for me as I learned of my passion for mental health later in life. People often experience judgement or unfair treatment because of the stigma associated with mental wellness. It is important for me to make an impact and eliminate the stigma attached to mental health by being a model therapist which will make people rethink mental health in a positive way.

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Nicolette Alyssa Alvarado

Greetings! Nicolette Alyssa Alvarado (she) is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at the University of Redlands. She believes that establishing a genuine and supportive relationship is essential, and she strives to foster an affirming environment for her client(s) through validation, openness, encouragement, and cooperation. She is dedicated to social justice and advocacy, which are integral to her practice in and out of the therapeutic environment. The therapeutic models she aligns with are attachment-based, solution-focused, systemic, trauma-informed, and resilience-based; however, she acknowledges there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. We are all unique individuals with various backgrounds and intersecting identities. She aspires to collaborate with her client(s) to find the appropriate resources and support to aid their growth.

Outside of therapy, she enjoys furthering her studies, reading for pleasure, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

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Kassidy Baquiran

Hi! My name is Kassidy (she| they). I’m a graduate student at Pepperdine University and a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and I work towards engaging in a compassionate approach to foster hope, healing, and resilience. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my rescue pitbull, Tochtli, and trying new places to eat.

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Nick Brownlee

Hi, my name is Nick (he). I am a marriage and family therapist and focus on understanding the realities of your life while leaning into a strengths-based approach. I work with children, youth & adults as well as facilitated group. Alot of my client’s focus have been anxiety and panic, depression, childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, infidelity, complex traumas, as well as substance use, and many more types of addictive behaviors as well as ways in which veterans disabilities have impacted our mental wellness. I would like to provide support and experience that aligns with your core values and personal goals to create a life, as defined by you.

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Nik Castle

Nik castle (any pronouns) is a trainee who attends Antioch University of Los Angeles in the Clinical Psychology program. They are queer, non-binary, socialized as female, and neurodivergent, and have a deep love and respect for the totality of the human experience. nik is excited to hold space for people as they navigate challenges and joys that might arise in the process of being. They are drawn both to humanistic and relational schools of thought in psychology—they believe that while every person contains within themselves all that they require to grow, heal, and discover themselves, feeling deeply understood and connected to others in a true sense of belonging are also important parts of what it means to feel nourished and fulfilled.

Julia Koh

Julia (she | they) is a trans woman who received her bachelor’s in Psychology and English Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She is currently a master’s student at Antioch University, Los Angeles working towards her Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor licenses. She hopes to build an anti-”isms” practice that contends with the ways that power and history manifest within and outside of the therapy space. Julia believes that fostering awareness, self compassion, and connection lays the foundation for effective social justice change. They are drawn to humanistic, existential, narrative, feminist, trauma informed, and solution focused therapies, while continuing to learn and grow.

In her free time, Julia enjoys dancing, making art, listening to podcasts, playing video games, and hanging out with her dog.

Sunny Yoon

Sunny Yoon (she) is a cis female professional who is passionate about helping others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling psychology at National University. She strives to unlearn transphobic behaviors and create strong therapeutic relationships with her clients. Sunny aspires to meet clients where they are, fostering a client-centered space focused on individual needs. Her goal is to create a supportive and understanding environment, tailoring sessions to address the unique requirements of each client. Through a compassionate approach, Sunny is excited about the opportunity to apply her knowledge and skills to contribute to the well-being of those she works with.

Ethan Pearson

Ethan (he) is a neurodivergent, Latine, cis male with a deep commitment to supporting people. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, specializing in LGBTQPIA+ Affirmative Care. He has advocated for affirmative mental health treatment at various levels of care and supported children, teens, and adults. Ethan also has experience addressing sexual violence and supporting folx who have experienced such violence. Recently, he supported people in creating a sustainable relationship between the body and food. Ethan is dedicated to supporting his clients on their therapeutic journeys, adopting a humanistic and trauma-informed approach. He aims to highlight and celebrate clients’ strengths and successes, and to provide unconditional support. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ethan enjoys spending quality time with his family and two cats, appreciating live theater, and exploring his culinary talents.

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Maryam Ekhtiar

She

Let’s work together to create a space for growth, understanding, and empowerment. My approach is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to inclusivity, honoring each person’s unique experience and story. As someone who deeply values creativity and connection, I see therapy as a collaborative process where we can explore and reframe the narratives that shape our lives and find the pathways that feel most healing.

With over 20 years in healthcare, I’m particularly passionate about working with LGBTQ+ communities and individuals navigating complex personal and relational dynamics. I practice cultural humility to create a safer, understanding space for healing. In therapy, I draw on narrative work, solution-focused techniques, and elements of mindfulness to foster self-discovery, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment.

Growing up abroad and in Texas, I’ve experienced the complexity of intersecting identities and understand what it’s like to feel marginalized. I am familiar with Southwest Asian cultures, namely Persian, Kurdish, and Jewish communities, and those affected by war and displacement. I offer therapy in Persian and Kurdish, which shapes my sensitivity to diverse cultural dynamics and my commitment to creating a space where all identities are welcomed and valued.

I’m also a painter, yoga enthusiast, and nature lover who believes in the power of creativity, movement, and time spent outdoors as grounding, healing forces. Whether through art, storytelling, or mindfulness, I work to bring openness and adaptability into our sessions, finding what resonates most for you.

I provide care virtually, focusing on a personalized approach to therapy where we can co-create goals that honor your whole self. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific challenge or looking to cultivate self-compassion and resilience, I hope we can build a therapeutic space that supports you, your journey, and your unique path forward.

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Kristen Gull

She

Kristen Gull (she pronouns) is a cis trainee therapist from Pepperdine University. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in 2011, she pursued an artistic career while working as an art teacher. In 2013, she began studying mindfulness meditation rooted in radical acceptance of the present moment and compassion for self and others. As an animal activist, she volunteered with several organizations rescuing cats and kittens from off the streets of Southern California, and has 3 cats of her own. As a former art teacher, she is passionate about helping others express themselves and imagine new ways of being. These experiences taught her the healing power of connection by being fully present with oneself and others. She is excited to be at the TH&WC.

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Anthony Canapi

Anthony is a gay, immunocompromised, Asian-American, cis male trainee, who obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University – Los Angeles, now pursuing his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University – Los Angeles, specializing in LGBT+ Affirmative Psychology. Anthony is dedicated to learning, and hopes to create a safer, modest, and “door’s open” atmosphere for all clients. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys weightlifting to Korean pop, and playing volleyball and tennis.