»What is SPCS?

Dr. Andrew Kami holds the position as Director of both Health and Psychological Services.  He is a military veteran, Honorably Discharged from the United States Marine Corps.  He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of California and New Mexico, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Administrator for the State of California, maintaining 12 separate clinical certificates and 6 separate memberships in a variety of orientations and treatment modalities. He served for a decade as a Director for a facility working with Schizophrenia Spectrum Illnesses and is currently a Core Faculty/Professor of Psychology teaching on Trauma, Psychopharmacology and Clinical Practicum courses- having completed his requirements toward Prescription Rights as a Psychologist. He has conducted cognitive, psychological and personality assessments for the Departments of Mental Health and Children and Family Services in Los Angeles as well as trained multiple private community-based agencies and for-profit clinics, nationally. Andrew is bicultural (Mexican and Japanese) and takes pride in coming from East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights from a household that spoke Spanish and Japanese. Andrew enjoys watching baseball, practicing martial arts, looking at art, riding his motorcycle and eating way more than necessary.

Elizabeth was born and raised in Southern California. She completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Chapman University. For the past 20 years, Elizabeth has practiced in public mental health, non-profit and private settings with people of all ages. She is a nationally accredited Clinical Supervisor for the American Association of Marriage Family Therapists. Elizabeth’s personal therapy style is Collaborative and Experiential, utilizing Somatic and Cognitive-Behavioral interventions. Therapy focuses on supporting students in having a healthy sense of self as they move towards independence and meeting their life goals while here at Chapman. Elizabeth has a busy family life. She enjoys spending time with her dog, walking, reading, and being near the ocean waves.

Julie received her master's degree in Counseling from California State Fullerton and has worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the last 17 years. She has a depth of experience in working with individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, co-occurring disorders, mood disorders, and providing trauma informed care. Julie's experience enables her to assist individuals in their academic journey and achieving personal growth.  She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing and utilizes her skills to help individuals and families to negotiate the process of change. In her spare time, Julie enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing board games with her husband and daughters. She loves cooking and hosting dinner parties for her family and friends.

Corene is a graduate of Pepperdine University's Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program. She joined Student Psychological Counseling Services in 2014 and has been practicing psychotherapy for over 15 years.  Corene has specialized training and experience in working with phase of life transition individuals and student-athletes. As a prior NCAA student-athlete herself, Corene has a special interest in supporting individuals as they navigate through the added demands and pressures that can impact a student-athlete’s academic, social, and athletic success.  Corene enjoys spending time with her family, watching and attending sporting events, crocheting, camping, and spending time in her hometown of Huntington Beach.

Christine is a graduate of Chapman’s Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program and joined the staff at Student Psychological Counseling Services in 2016. She often works from a Mindfulness-based CBT orientation. Christine enjoys partnering with students as they navigate the beginning phase of “adulting” within an academic setting, exploring building confidence and autonomy. In her free time, Christine loves to travel, is a dog lover, and finds enjoyment and peace in her own mindfulness practice.

Ambar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Ambar earned her doctorate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in the Applied Clinical Psychology. She also received her master's in Forensic Psychology with a concentration in Homeland Security from Argosy University. Ambar has prior experience working in the UCC system, community mental health, private practice, and law enforcement. Ambar weaves together psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, narrative, and existential therapies, all through a lens that considers ethnic and cultural identity, to successfully support her clients in a short-term model. She is a first-generation Mexican American who on her free time enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with loved ones.

Andrea is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), supervised by a licensed clinician. She was born and raised in Oregon.  Andrea attended Chapman University as a non-traditional, first generation, transfer student of psychology completing both her BA and MA in Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Chapman.  Andrea’s passion toward helping Chapman students, families, and the transforming nature of the therapeutic process, inspired her transition to SPCS first as Coordinator and then to full-time clinical work with students. She has extensive experience and passion in assisting students in crisis.  Andrea looks forward to completing clinical hours toward licensure while supporting students seeking self-growth, first-generation challenges, improving student relationships, and pursuing a specialty in suicide assessment, treatment and prevention.  She is also the advisor for Chaman’s Active Minds chapter. Andrea enjoys anything involving the arts, thrift stores, road trips, returning her shopping carts and time with family.

Veronica Clanton-Higgins is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Equity Consultant, and dedicated advocate for mental health accessibility. A proud native of Compton, CA, she has devoted her career to addressing disparities in mental health care, particularly for Black and Brown communities. She is the Founder of the Compton Wellness Collective (CWC), a social impact initiative that provides access to culturally relevant mental health and wellness services. Veronica’s contributions to mental health equity have earned her numerous honors, including the BEYGood Black Parade award, Mental Health Maven award (Black Professionals Network), Compton Champion award (City of Compton), Women’s Leadership award (CA State Assembly, 64th District), Homegrown Hero Award (Color Compton), Peacemaker Award (Muhammad Mosque 54), and Humanitarian of the Year (Children Striving Together). Beyond her advocacy, Veronica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from CSU Dominguez Hills and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Sexology to expand her expertise in holistic and intersectional mental health care. With a passion for community empowerment, she continues to lead initiatives that foster emotional healing, equity, and well-being.

Darshae comes to SPCS with a strong history of diverse experiences within the administrative and social services field.  With over a decade of service in non-profit social programs, mental health clinics and education, Darshae is well equipped to manage and coordinate the operations of SPCS.  As a Licensed and Bonded E&O Insured Notary Public and a background in billing, compliance and Human Resources, Darshae brings a wealth of needed experience.  During her down time she enjoys a going out to eat, new restaurants, family time and keeping up with the latest shows, movies and games.

Valerie is a Board Certified Licensed Physician specializing in Psychiatry. She was born and raised in the Inland Empire and moved to Orange County to complete residency training at UC Irvine.  She double majored in music and psychology at UC Berkeley and received her medical degree from Loma Linda University. She enjoys musical things, reading, tending to her plants, Harry Potter, and creating new adventures.

Dani (she/her/hers) is a doctoral student pursuing her PsyD at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim. She also holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. Dani earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange and is originally from San Diego, CA. Dani is passionate about helping individuals strengthen their sense of identity and navigate life transitions with confidence. She values creating a culturally aware and emotionally attuned space where clients feel genuinely understood. Dani especially enjoys working with college students and aims to support their evolving sense of self as they build self-trust, resilience, and meaningful connections. In her free time, Dani enjoys going to farmers' markets, listening to island music, and exploring new restaurants.

Rae (she/her) is a second-year school psychology student at Chapman University, pursuing her Ed.S. in School Psychology with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling. She earned her Associate’s degree from Orange Coast College and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. At both OCC and GCU, Rae competed as a collegiate diver on the swimming and diving teams. After graduating, Rae returned to her hometown to work as a substitute teacher for the Fountain Valley School District. Most recently, she worked as a Counseling Assistant at a high school, where she supported school counselors and psychologists in meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Rae is passionate about creating an inviting and safe space for clients. She is committed to working collaboratively with clients and drawing on their strengths and support systems to help them reach their mental health goals. Outside of school, Rae enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, exercising, cooking new meals, and traveling.

Quindon (he/him) is a second-year school psychology student at Chapman University, pursuing his Ed.S. in School Psychology with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling. He also earned his B.A. in Psychology from Chapman University and is a military veteran, honorably discharged from the United States Army. Recently, Quindon has worked as a Registered Behavior Technician serving K-12 students with a variety of unique needs in clinical and school settings. Quindon is passionate about collaborating with individuals to overcome barriers and experience sustaining positive changes in their lives. In his free time, Quindon enjoys spending time with his family, training at the gym, listening to R&B music, reading, and trying new restaurants and cuisines. 

Julia (she/her) is a third-year doctoral student at the Anaheim campus of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before finding her passion in psychology, Julia earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Riverside. With a lifelong aspiration to help others through difficult times, she has a particular passion in supporting college students through the often strenuous transition into and through young adulthood. She strongly believes in the power of human connection and in providing an empathetic and collaborative approach to the therapeutic setting. During any free time that she may find, Julia enjoys playing video games, reading, playing fetch with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.  

Natalya (she/her) is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim. Natalya holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University. She is passionate about helping others to explore the connection between their mind and body and gain internal control over these experiences. Natalya’s focus has included work with children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, and she spent three years working as a Registered Behavioral Therapist in San Diego. Outside of her clinical interests, Natalya enjoys artistic expression, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with family and friends.

Grace O'Malley, a Bay Area native, is a graduate student at Chapman University, pursuing her Ed.S. in School Psychology with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Mental Wellbeing and Lifespan Development from the University of Victoria in British Columbia. Grace has extensive experience supporting individuals both within and outside of the education system, helping to meet their academic, socio-emotional, and behavioral needs. She is especially passionate about improving post-secondary outcomes for young adults and empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive. In her free time, Grace enjoys creative endeavors such as pottery, knitting, and making jams. She also loves spending time outdoors, being on the water, and exploring new places through travel!

Cherry (she/her) is a doctoral student at Azusa Pacific University (APU), where she recently received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Cherry has received clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults.She enjoys drawing from different therapeutic modalities to best meet each client’s unique needs and believes in helping individuals feel understood while fostering lasting change. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, Cherry brings a multicultural perspective to her work and speaks both English and Arabic. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending quality time with her community, traveling, being in nature, and playing sports.