The MMCP Team
We are a community of trainees, associates and licensed practitioners dedicated to the study and practice of narrative therapy.
MMCP Staff
Carolyne is currently pursuing her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Carolyne brings a unique perspective shaped by her medical background that honors the remarkable resilience and capabilities of individuals. She views therapy as a collaborative journey, where the therapist acts as a guide, empowering clients to navigate their own paths toward growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Carolyne Amin, MFT Trainee
Michelle is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Michelle aims to work collaboratively with clients to meet them where they are at and to explore their concerns and hopes through their unique perspectives. Michelle’s empathetic and compassionate approach offers clients a safe space in which to share their stories, explore the meaning behind those stories, and process complex emotions. Drawing from her own experiences as a second-generation immigrant and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Michelle believes in fostering a safe, supportive, and affirming therapeutic atmosphere for individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities.
Michelle Berson, MFT Trainee
Assistant Clinical Director
Jennie received her MA in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She has experience meeting with adults, children, and families of diverse backgrounds in a variety of counseling settings and works in private practice in Tarzana, CA. She joined Miracle Mile Community Practice in 2015 and currently serves as Assistant Clinical Director and is a Clinical Supervisor on staff. Some of her interests include helping people with life transitions, overwhelm, and conflictual relationships. She is committed to collaborative counseling practices that work in support of helping others pursue their preferred ways of living when faced with life’s challenges.
Jennie deForest, LMFT
Lucy Pinkwater is a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Trainee currently pursuing her M.A. in Psychology at Pepperdine University. Before transitioning into therapy, Lucy taught middle and high school History and Government and worked in admissions at an independent school in Los Angeles. With a background in education, Lucy views therapy as a collaborative process and strives to empower clients to lead authentic and fulfilling lives. She is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where humor and empathy are central to helping clients navigate their challenges and foster personal growth.
Lucy Pinkwater, MFT Trainee
Taylor is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Prior to transitioning to the mental health field, she earned a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Southern California and worked in theatre and television. Due to her background in the entertainment world, Taylor believes that our stories are an essential part of our identities. She aims to create an open, affirming environment for collaborative exploration in the therapy process and uses humor, creativity and warmth to connect with her clients
Taylor Kass, MFT Trainee
Dominique is currently pursuing an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks College after graduating from UCLA in Civil Engineering and working as an engineer. Past experiences have provided her with an appreciation of the nuances of people’s lives and perspectives. Dominique’s focus is on helping teens, adults, and couples recognize their emotions, communicate more effectively and authentically, and develop strategies to foster emotional resilience. She believes in a friendly, non-judgmental, and encouraging approach to help clients navigate life’s challenges, understand their personal narratives, and explore possibilities to pen new stories. .
Dominique Medina, MFT Trainee
After a career in filmmaking and teaching, Linas was drawn to drama therapy at California Institute of Integral Studies with the hope of helping people express themselves creatively as part of the therapeutic process. Linas takes a client-centered approach. First and foremost, utilizing empathetic listening to understand where people are coming from, he also believes in exploring the exceptions to problem stories in hopes of creating new possibilities and meanings in one’s life. Linas is also influenced by Buddhist teachings and currently attends Jack Kornfield’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. His years as an artist and teacher inform the creative and authentic presence he hopes to share with people.
Linas Phillips, MFT Trainee
Jiwon approaches therapy believing that individuals possess an inherent desire to attain happiness. Drawing from the principles of narrative therapy, she cultivates a space where clients can recognize the innate magic within themselves, even amidst their perceived challenges. She views therapy as a collaborative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, guiding clients to embrace their strengths and create their desired lives. Jiwon holds a BA in Government from Harvard University and is currently finishing her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Jiwon Kim, MFT Trainee
Administrative Consultant, Clinical Supervisor
Debi joined Miracle Mile Community Practice (MMCP) in 2014 with a strong interest in narrative therapy. She has since pursued extensive training in narrative and poststructural ideas. She has served as the Director of Operations at MMCP, is an Administrative Consultant to the team of Directors and provides clinical supervision. Previously, Debi served as the Clinical Director and Senior therapist at Evo, an outpatient treatment center focused on addiction treatment. She is in private practice in Los Angeles and El Segundo where she works with teens, adults, families, and couples. Debi is committed to working toward social justice, equity, and dignity for all people.
Debi Kitay, LMFT
Ilissa (pronounced il-lis-ah) believes that people write their own stories and the way those stories are developed has a powerful influence over how life is experienced. She has dedicated herself to creating safe spaces to work collaboratively with individuals and couples in developing their preferred stories. Before embarking on a career in Mental Health, she worked in Hospitality for 15 years where she enjoyed developing lasting relationships with her guests. She is currently pursuing a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at the Chicago School and holds a BA in Psychology
Ilissa Paggett, MFT Trainee
Director
David became intrigued with narrative therapy in 1991 while training at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto. He developed one of the first Los Angeles based narrative therapy programs at Jewish Family Service in 1992 and went on, in 1999, to establish Miracle Mile Community Practice. He has taught at the graduate level for years, the last 15 of which in Pepperdine University’s Training Clinic. He has taught abroad for Dulwich Centre and is on the faculty of the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. He has co-authored several articles and book chapters and, along with David Epston and Laurie Markham, the book: Narrative Therapy in Wonderland.
David Marsten, LCSW
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jared had the pleasure of serving his hometown for 6 years as an English Teacher. His work as an educator drove his decision to pursue the Marriage & Family Therapy (M.S.) program at the University of Southern California, as a different way of supporting the mental health and well-being of young people and their families. Jared approaches the process of therapy with curiosity, humor, a strong sense of justice, and a commitment to working with his clients toward positive and creative self-expression.
Jared Nicol, MFT Trainee
David has had a lifelong passion for storytelling and earned a BFA in Screen Acting from Chapman University, where he learned to create his own films. In recent years, the global pandemic and increasing ecological instability have motivated him towards helping others tell their stories, especially those historically silenced, and employ the healing power of creative expression. He is currently pursuing an MS in Clinical Counseling at CSU Fullerton, while also working at the Suicide Prevention Center in LA, helping people share their most difficult truths and shift their narrative towards meaning and growth. David is particularly passionate about connecting people with nature and community.
David Patty, MFT Trainee
Currently pursuing an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University, Yinchen believes in the power of stories that can shape and reclaim agency for individuals on their life journeys. Before her current trajectory, Yinchen worked as a designer in the film and media industry, the government, and the public sector. With a background in art, design, taichi, and martial arts, Yinchen values approaching clients with a holistic and nonjudgmental lens. She aspires to create a socioculturally attuned practice based on awareness of systemic issues, contributing to the destigmatization of mental health in society.
Yinchen Niu, MFT Trainee
Renée is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, following a successful career in the entertainment and finance industries. Motivated by a deep passion for understanding and supporting others, she transitioned into therapy to make a meaningful impact. Renée is committed to meeting people where they are, honoring their individual journeys with empathy and openness. She is guided by Narrative Therapy practices to work with couples in premarital counseling with the hope of honoring their strengths, knowledges, and preferred futures.
Renée Thurau, MFT Trainee
Director of Operations
Angelyn received her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She holds a BA from UCLA, where she majored in English Literature and minored in Disability Studies. Through her work with children and families as a sensory-motor and certified IBCCES coach, she became interested in practices that shift the conversation from 'limitations' to possibilities. These theoretical underpinnings led her to Narrative therapy, which has been the guiding principle throughout her work as an Associate therapist under the supervision of Deborah L. Kitay, LMFT. Angelyn is passionate about joining individuals on their journey through a collaborative process that draws on preferred identity and invaluable lived-in experiences. Learn more about Angelyn and her work here.
Angelyn Rose, AMFT, APCC
I have a deep appreciation for individuals who defy societal norms and embrace their unique creativity. My focus lies in working with underserved/underrepresented communities, particularly those navigating grief and loss, caregiving, overcoming addiction, and tackling body image issues. I strongly believe in accepting/meeting individuals where they are, and recognizing the value they bring. With a warm and empathetic approach, I encourage individuals to embrace their true selves and remove any masks or pretense. Personal development, manifestation, and gratitude are integral to my life. I firmly believe in dreaming big and daring to ask for what we truly desire.
Olivia Smith, MFT Trainee
Albert begins with the assumption that we are all good and trying our best to attain happiness. He aids his clients cultivate the feeling that there is something magical within them, no matter how fraught they may feel they are. Informed by Buddhism, Albert believes it is his good fortune to help alleviate people’s suffering by letting go of harmful narratives that all too often paint themselves as “bad” and “unworthy.” Albert holds graduate degrees in Philosophy, Media Studies, and is currently finishing his MA in Clinical Psychology. He has been teaching at the college level since 2014 and thoroughly loves it.
Albert Rodriguez, MFT Trainee
Shira is pursuing her MS in Clinical Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy that embraces mind-body connections and honors the personal, political, and spiritual aspects of growth and wellbeing. Shira is committed to the value of unconditional positive regard for others and the importance of strength-based exploration in counseling. She believes enthusiastically in the transformative potential of therapy, and is here to offer whole-hearted, empathetic support as this journey unfolds. Along with her focus on mental health, Shira is also a professor of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and has published several books about sex and gender.
Shira Tarrant, MFT Trainee
Jonathan is currently pursuing a MS in Clinical Counseling at CSU, Fullerton, where he is part of the Ánimo: Latinx Emphasis which focuses on the unique needs of Spanish-speaking individuals in the community. He earned his BS in Human Development and Aging from the University of Southern California (USC). Jonathan is committed to centering relevant cultural factors in the lives of clients, recognizing the effects of systemic barriers, and helping clients re-author narratives in their lives. He strives to create a collaborative, empathic, social justice oriented, and warm environment.
Jonathan Yoo, MFT Trainee
Sigmund brings an eclectic background to his therapeutic practice, having worked in academia, hospitality, manual labor, and education. He’s currently earning his MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks College, which he will add to his existing MA in Philosophy. He believes strongly in therapy as an affirming, supportive space where clients feel safe to confront the whole array of the human condition. He explores with clients both the changes they desire in their lives as well as the strengths and joys they already have, and strives to help bring words to the stories that underlay them all.
