The MMCP Team
We are a community of trainees, associates and licensed practitioners dedicated to the study and practice of narrative therapy.
MMCP Staff
Marianne has a multi-cultural background and has previously lived and worked in places where human freedoms were restricted by systems of oppression. After many years in the humanitarian sector, she now focuses on helping people uncover the beauty and goodness that are within them. People, she believes, are inherently resourceful and with help they can move their lives in the direction they choose for themselves. For her, hope can always be found even if we may have to look hard and deep to find it. Marianne holds graduate degrees in Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy, and Clinical Psychology, and is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#139542).
Marianne Albina, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Kristin is currently earning her MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Prior to pursuing a career in Psychology, Kristin worked as a Makeup Artist in the entertainment industry for ten years. Her experience developing close interpersonal relationships with her clients inspired her to reorient her career path toward helping others more directly. Kristin discovered Narrative therapy early on in her master's program and immediately connected with its comprehensive, strengths-based approach to navigating the human experience. She enjoys engaging with others in meaningful conversation about their unique perspective and developing tangible goals that are specific to each person's needs and experience.
Kristin Andersson, MFT Trainee
Deniz brings a hopeful and grounded approach to the practice of narrative therapy. Her experience in social justice and community building in the United States, as well as internationally, has revealed that people's resilience endures in the most unexpected places. With a professional background spanning advertising, communications, nonprofit, and technology, she offers a multidimensional perspective. As an immigrant to the United States, Deniz leverages her multicultural competencies to serve both her clients and her community. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Deniz also holds an M.A. in international policy and development, along with B.A. degrees in communications, advertising and journalism.
Deniz Firat, 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
Scott is committed to creative collaboration in life, art, and dialogue with clients. He is deeply interested in how the stories we create for ourselves and co-create in conversation with others help to shape the world we inhabit. Through active listening, positive reinforcement, and highlighting inner resourcefulness, Scott seeks to aid his clients in their process of constructing new narratives which align with their personal values and aspirations. He received his MFA in classical acting from the USD/Old Globe program in San Diego and is currently pursuing his MA in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Los Angeles.
Scott Ferrara, MFT Trainee
Claire harbors a deep belief in the poignance of storytelling. Having worked in the entertainment industry for a decade as a performer and songwriter, she is impassioned by the interweaving of curiosity, storytelling, and meaning-making within therapeutic conversations. Claire is pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. She is particularly interested in collaboratively mapping the effects of societal messages on individuals’ lives through examining the nature of culture in relation to difficulties. Through honoring each client’s life stories, Claire explores the values, unique knowledge, and resources of those she is in conversation with as a means of unearthing preferred narratives that support individuals in living out rich and preferred ways of journeying through life.
Claire Gordon-Harper, MFT Trainee
Melissa is currently pursuing an MS in Clinical Counseling at CSU, Fullerton, where she is part of the Animo: Latinx emphasis which focuses on the unique needs of Spanish-speaking individuals in the community. While completing her undergrad at San Jose State University, Melissa was introduced to Narrative Therapy and quickly became intrigued by its de-pathologizing approach to therapy. Growing up in a multigenerational Latinx household and listening to the stories within her community, Melissa is familiar with the systemic barriers, limitations, and dominant discourses that contribute to people’s worries and well-being. In her work, she is committed to honoring clients’ unique lived experiences and cultivating a space of collaboration, warmth, and advocacy.
Melissa Iraheta, MFT Trainee
CJ is pursuing an MA in Clinical Psychology with a focus on LGBT-Affirmative Psychology at Antioch University. For CJ, mental health should be approached holistically, with a position that the mind is not separate from the body. Additionally, they acknowledge that the therapeutic process is connected to broader social, cultural, and political contexts, and as such, individual well-being cannot be separated from the larger systems in which people live. CJ has personally benefited from LGBT community-focused support and has a passion for serving the community and giving back. As an author and musician, CJ brings a unique, creative perspective. With a strong spiritual core, CJ is interested in helping others to author the best stories for themselves.
CJ Jamonsta, 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
Sharon is pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work at the University of Southern California and holds an MSW from the University of New Hampshire. She uses a strengths-based approach to help clients better understand the power that lies within them. She values creating a safe and trusting environment to join clients on their journey toward self-discovery. Sharon is passionate about recognizing the thought patterns that keep us from growth while building and strengthening skills to navigate challenges experienced in life. Sharon’s goal is to help clients develop an attitude of self-exploration to embrace individuality and create a sense of agency for positive, long-lasting change.
Sharon Lemire, Registered Associate Social Worker, (She/her)
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
Casey is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She earned her BA in Media and Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations at UNC-Chapel Hill and minored in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Screenwriting. As someone with a background in entertainment writing and performance, Casey believes in the power of the creative and narrative process in making discoveries about oneself and the world around us. She has particular interest in young adulthood, emotional and physical trauma, and struggles with body image. Her goal is to foster a space of non-judgment, collaboration, and kindness to help people embrace strengths and their ability to lead whole, fulfilling lives.
Casey Moore, 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
Eloisa was born and raised in Italy where she received her BA and MA in Philosophy; she also studied, performed, and taught theater. Several years ago, she moved to Los Angeles, where she recently graduated from the MA in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Over the last year, she has provided individual and group therapy to persons affected by cancer. In her view, words create reality and allow us to re-author our narratives. She loves empowering persons, supporting them in reconnecting themselves to their inner strengths and gifts, through an empathic, collaborative and creative therapeutic alliance.
Eloisa Raho, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Anna is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Los Angeles. She received her BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tulane University. Through her work as an arts educator and performer, Anna is passionate about the power of storytelling as a vehicle for growth and empowerment. She is committed to collaborating with clients in understanding their own self-stories and tuning into their inner power.
Anna Rajo, 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
Chloe is a compassionate practitioner with a multicultural background and fluency in both English and Mandarin Chinese. As someone who has personally overcome cultural barriers and embraced differences, she is passionate about hearing the untold stories of each individual, especially immigrants and children of immigrants, and helping them find their own voice regardless of their background. In the therapy room, Chloe practices with unconditional love and non-judgement. She collaborates with her clients to listen, understand, accept, provide new perspectives, problem-solve, reflect, and move beyond. She is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology and holds a BA in Linguistics with a minor in Economics.
Meng (Chloe) Shen, 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
Clinical Supervisor
Chris is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice with offices in El Segundo/South Bay and the Fairfax/Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles. Chris has more than ten years of experience working with a diverse population of people covering a wide range of problems. In particular, Chris has a special interest in, and an affinity for, anyone struggling with anger, couples negotiating conflict and mistrust, and anyone captured by the idea that they are failures in life. Learn more about Chris and his work here.
