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Board of Directors

President

Daniel Hermosillo, LMFT

sfvcamftpree@gmail.com

818.744.9551

Daniel is a first generation American and a San Fernando Valley native. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served in the army for 10 years. Daniel decided to continue to be of service by providing clinical counseling services to teenage boys at a school setting and veterans at multiple locations during his practicum. He then continued on to work with men experiencing anger, depression, trauma, and transitional stressors in a community mental health facility. Lastly, Daniel has been supporting individuals, couples and families in a private practice setting. Daniel received a bachelor's degree from SIU and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Daniel is certified in CBT by ACBT and utilizes mindful and Somatic interventions while conceptualizing clients through a family systems lens.

Daniel provides psychotherapy to teenagers, men and veterans experiencing male issues, relational problems, trauma and depression. Women are also supported by having reparative experiences with a male therapist to overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. The goal of therapy with me is to instill in you confidence, responsibility, autonomy, and empowerment to assist you in improving your quality of life and confronting the challenges life throws at you. Individual, couples and family therapy is provided through in-person or telehealth sessions in Encino, CA & Sherman Oaks CA.

Past President

Shawn LaRe' Brinkley, LMFT

sfvcamftpre@gmail.com

818.285.8037

Shawn LaRe' is the Executive Clinical Director of a private group practice in Encino, CA as well as the founder and Director of a non-profit organization also offering therapeutic and other wellness services. Shawn LaRĂ© is a multi-passionate therapist who enjoys teaching and mentoring new therapists. She employs and supervises Associate Marriage Family Therapists. Associate Professional Clinical Counselors, and Associate Clinical Social Workers as well as she is contracted with University of Massachusetts Global as a field training partner. In this role, Shawn LaRĂ© works with first and second-year students of clinical social work as their practicum site supervisor.

Shawn LaRe’ says her clinical experience and advanced training has allowed her to share, through speaking, training, and presentation, what she has learned with professional audiences throughout California as well as globally. She further indicates, “at “Living Loved” we pride ourselves in delivering client-centered therapeutic services and continuing to enhance our knowledge, keeping up with the latest developments in the psychological field. A non-traditional practice, Shawn LaRe’ and her team use art, music, mindfulness, energy healing, and live by a code of practicing cultural humility in the work. In 2022, Shawn LaRe’ was able to travel to Trinidad and Tobago to deliver her first TEDx Talk, entitled, “When the Fairytale Fades.” Her visual podcast, “B.O.S.S. TALK: Bold One-of-a-Kind Sensational Superstars airs on Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube, Wednesdays at 6:00 pm PST.

President Elect

Stay tuned!

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Niousha Solemani, AMFT

sfvcamftcfo@gmail.com

818.390.0123

Niousha earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute, driven by a profound passion for the realms of therapy and psychology. Within a group practice, she engages with a diverse clientele, offering support to teens, couples, individuals, and families. Niousha's foundational experiences include a traineeship at the California Family Center and the Family Services Agency of Burbank. She is currently working in private practice in Burbank, Glendale, and Santa Clarita as well as virtual.

In her clinical practice, Niousha demonstrates a keen interest in the complexities of romantic and family relationships, acculturation, cultural awareness, sexual health, anxiety, and depression. Her commitment to fostering healthy connections and aiding individuals in navigating various life challenges is evident in her approach to therapy. Beyond her professional pursuits, Niousha finds fulfillment and balance in hobbies such as solving puzzles, enjoying comedy, experimenting in the kitchen, and immersing herself in podcasts. This multifaceted engagement mirrors her holistic perspective on well-being, emphasizing the integration of personal interests with the profound impact of mental health practices.

VP of Programs

Jennifer Calderon, LMFT, LPCC

sfvcamftpro@gmail.com

818.639.2213

Jennifer joined SFV-CAMFT in 2022 and began volunteering to assist the chapter as the Vice President of Programs in 2023. She has a BS in Psychology from Cameron University (1999), an MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University (2001), a specialization certificate in Play Therapy from the University of California - San Diego (2010), and is a CAMFT Certified Supervisor (2013) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor in Training (2022). Jennifer has worked in nonprofit community mental health organizations for the past 23 years, is currently the Assistant Director for Transition Age Youth & Family Support Services at San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc., and maintains a private practice in Agoura Hills. Currently, Jennifer is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Nevada, and Oregon, and is also licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor in California.

In addition to serving on the SFV-CAMFT Board, Jennifer has supported the State-level CAMFT organization as a member of the Continuing Education Provider Approval Committee since 2017, and as a member of the CAMFT Certified Supervisor Program Committee since 2019. Since 2020, she has served on the board of Allied Cultures, a nonprofit organization that champions cross-cultural humanitarian initiatives centered around education, hygiene, & direct aid. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, and participating in self-care activities including horticulture, photography, traveling, and attending live music concerts.

VP of Membership

Akane Takijiri, LMFT

sfvcamftmember@gmail.com

818.447.9393

Akane joined SFV-CAMFT in 2022 and became involved in Diversity Committee. She officially became member at large in board in September 2023. She is excited to serve the chapter as a VP of Membership starting in 2024 and continue to be active in Diversity Committee. Akane enjoys connecting with other therapists and growing with them. Akane was licensed in January 2023 and she realized how important it was to lean into support network while she was studying for the clinical exam. She is eager to recruit more members to the chapter as a VP of Membership and create welcoming environment for the members.

Akane is in private practice is in Valley Village and Beverly Hills. She offers in-person therapy and telehealth. She was supervised by a psychoanalyst for five years prior to becoming licensed and she is a psychodynamic therapist today. Akane is bilingual in Japanese and she is passionate about serving immigrants and BIPOC communities. She is also passionate about providing neurodiversity affirming care. Akane is neurodivergent herself and she is a proud parent of a neurodivergent child. She is active and involved in neurodivergent community. On her days off, Akane loves to take her son and his buddies to community outings and have some alone time in warm bubble bath.

VP of Marketing & Communication

Gina Balit, LMFT, ATR

sfvcamftppre@gmail.com

818.533.1897

Gina joined SFV-CAMFT in 2015 and immediately became involved in board meetings as a guest, as well as a volunteer for many marketing and advertising duties. She created the chapter's brochures as a mental health resource, translated them into Armenian, and began assisting in email blasts to the community. In 2016, she officially joined the Board and continued her mission to brand and give the chapter a voice — she created the annual, printed member directories and gave the chapter a new logo. She served in the VP of Marketing role for 6 years, was honored to complete her presidency in 2023, now back again in familiar shoes. She's always eager to give the chapter and members a voice and to give back to the community that has helped her grow as a person, professional, and leader through the years. She also serves on the outreach committee, has served on the sponsorship committee, created the expressive arts special interest group, has been the current advertising chair for many years, and enjoys being active in our hiking group.

Gina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist. She works in a private practice setting in Woodland Hills, CA. Gina has a deep and life-long love and passion for children and art. She specializes in working with young children of divorce and abuse/domestic violence helping them heal from fear of abandonment in particular, but also trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger. She is bilingual in Armenian (western and eastern dialects) and is passionate about helping her community. She has extensive experience in school-based settings, as well as agencies, shelters, transitional homes, and group practice settings, running individual sessions as well as group sessions such as support, educational, parenting, emotional management, life skills, and art therapy groups. She has also worked with autistic children and has provided home-based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). She has Domestic Violence and Grief and Loss certifications as well as trained in the Trauma Resiliency Model.

Gina is also a graphic designer and a "techie" who is passionate about providing freelance marketing/advertising and bookkeeping services. She values being in leadership positions as well as supporting other CAMFT chapters: LA-CAMFT, SGV-CAMFT, SC-CAMFT, Desert-CAMFT, SVC-CAMFT. She is also a Clinical Supervisor for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. She holds a Bachelors degree from Cal State Northridge in Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Graphic Design and a Masters degree in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy/Art Therapy. She is a forever coffee, blue, and Disney lover.

Secretary

Stephanie Gonzalez, AMFT

sfv.camft@gmail.com

626.373.0871 

Stephanie is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and has a Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Pepperdine University, has been a valued member of our chapter since 2021. Beginning as the pre-licensed representative, Stephanie now serves as the Secretary, showcasing leadership and dedication within the organization.

Specializing in working with interracial couples, Stephanie brings a nuanced and sensitive approach to help navigate challenges related to blending families and cultures. Simultaneously, they focus on working with individuals seeking vitality in their life, employing therapeutic techniques ranging from behavioral models to attachment-based approaches such as ACT, EFT, IFS, and Gottman Method.

In addition to their clinical practice, Stephanie serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Pepperdine University, GSEP, and the University of La Verne in their Clinical Psychology programs. This dual role underscores Stephanie’s commitment to providing impactful therapy to clients and contributing to the education and development of future mental health professionals. With a comprehensive background in psychology and a mission to empower the next generation of therapists, Stephanie continues to make meaningful strides in the field.

Pre-Licensed Rep

Stay tuned!

Member at Large

Walker Reade, LMFT, LPCC

sfvcamftmar@gmail.com

818.815.7951

Walker joined SFV-CAMFT chapter in 2023 and immediately began asking around to volunteer more for the chapter. She has a BA in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands, and received her MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Walker did her practicum with Counseling Partners of Los Angeles until 2019. Walker Began working at San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center as an Associate in 2019 and got DHM-LPS Certified in 2020. Walker worked their until getting licensed in 2022. Walker began working for Northridge Hospital Medical Center in 2022 for the Partial Hospitalization/ Intensive Outpatient program, and inpatient Behavioral Health, where she will begin supervising students and associates in 2024. Walker enjoys working with Depression, suicidality, Bipolar, and personality disorders.

Member at Large

Stay tuned!

Member at Large (Sponsorship Chair)

Shari Manculich, LMFT

sfvcamftspo@gmail.com

818.694.3936

Shari holds a B.S. in Business, Marketing, from California State University, Northridge, and an M.S. in Counseling, Marriage and Family Child Therapy, from the University of Phoenix. Shari has a business background in Consumer Packaged Goods where she previously worked for a large Fortune 500 Corporation. Shari is  a School Based Therapist previously with the William S. Hart Union High School District working with K — 6 Special Education and General Education students.

Additionally, Shari has a private practice with Association of Behavioral Health Specialists where she works with Kaiser mental health referrals. Shari also works as a Staff Clinician and Supervisor at Early Life Child Psychology and Education Center. Shari's modalities are primarily Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. In her spare time, Shari enjoys running, hiking, Zumba dance fitness, and has recently started practicing Yoga and fascia rolling. Shari has also joined Educational Staffing Services (ESS) as a substitute teacher. Shari resides with her husband Mark, their Golden Doodle Zuko and their domestic, short-haired tabby cat, Shiloh.

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