»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 seven states, 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 over a decade as a Director for a facility working with Schizophrenia Spectrum Illnesses and is currently a Professor of Psychology teaching on Trauma, Clinical Practicum and Psychopharmacology 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.

Mimi (she/her) is a second-year doctoral student in the Applied Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in general psychology and master’s degree in college counseling and student development from Azusa Pacific University. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Mimi worked across higher education in residence life, disability services, crisis and emergency response, and resilience education. Through these roles, she gained extensive experience supporting diverse college students navigating personal, academic, and mental health challenges. Her passion for crisis response, holistic development, and supporting emerging adults inspired her to pursue advanced clinical training and continue serving college and university communities. Outside of her professional work, Mimi is a former kickboxing instructor who enjoys staying active, food, puzzles, binge-watching shows, and spending time with friends and family.

Kristiana (she/her) is a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Anaheim. She holds bachelor’s degrees in forensic psychology and criminology/criminal justice from Arizona State University. Helping others and giving back to her community have always been important to her and her experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds have reinforced her belief that having someone listen, understand, and support you can make a meaningful difference.

Kristiana has a particular interest in neuropsychology and the connection between the brain, behavior, and emotional well-being. She strives to create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where students feel comfortable being themselves and discussing what matters to them.

“I’m so happy to be part of the Chapman community and look forward to supporting students as they care for their mental wellness, build resilience, and make the most of their college experience.”

Isabella (she/her) is a fourth-year doctoral student at the Anaheim    campus of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Isabella was born and raised in Long Beach, California. Isabella earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of California, Merced. She has prior experience working in in-patient psychiatric hospitals with both adolescents and adults, primarily supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use. As a first-generation graduate student, Isabella is passionate about supporting college students as they navigate the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. On her free time, Isabella loves reading, listening to music, doing puzzles, going on walks, and spending time with family and friends.

Donglei (she/her) is a third-year international doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Anaheim. She earned her HBSc in Psychology and Cognitive Science from the University of Toronto and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Originally from China, Donglei has spent over 14 years studying and working across Canada and the United States. She can speak both Mandarin and English. Donglei has experience working with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental needs in Toronto, and individuals from diverse backgrounds in California.  She is passionate about understanding each client within their unique cultural and life context and believes in the importance of a collaborative and empathetic approach to therapy. Outside of work, Donglei loves video games, science fiction books and movies, traveling, and sports.

Linqian (Lin) is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Azusa Pacific University (APU). She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and her master’s degree in human development from the University of Pennsylvania. She has experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults and conducting neuropsychological assessments with older adults. Linqian primarily works from a psychodynamic perspective while integrating other therapeutic approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. She values creating a collaborative and supportive space where clients can deepen their understanding of themselves and work toward meaningful change. Originally from China, Linqian brings a multicultural perspective to her work and provides therapy in both English and Mandarin. Outside of clinical work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and being near the ocean.

Basha Brulee' (she/her) is a graduate student at Chapman University pursuing her M.A. and Ed.S. in School Psychology with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling and is currently completing her clinical training. A Southern California native raised in Long Beach, she is a proud alumna of Pitzer College, where she earned her B.A. in Human Biology with a minor in Africana Studies, an interdisciplinary background that shaped her interests in wellness, culture, identity, and culturally responsive mental health care. As a first-generation African American student, Basha values creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds feel seen, supported, and understood. Her professional experience includes working in education as a Math and ELA interventionist, an elementary school teacher, a private tutor, and a behavioral interventionist. At Chapman, she has also served as a Graduate Research Assistant, contributing to research focused on restorative justice in education and equitable practices. Basha is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults while continuing to grow at the intersection of education, mental health, and culturally responsive care. Outside of school and work, she enjoys fitness training, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, spending time outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Olivia (she/her) is a graduate student at Chapman University studying School Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Counseling. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), with a degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences (B.S.) and a minor in Applied Psychology. During her time at UCSB, she devoted her time to serving diverse populations in Santa Barbara County, including youth impacted by incarceration, people facing food insecurity, and students with disabilities. Olivia has also acted as a community organizer in response to hate incidents in her hometown, leading high school students to advocate for Black Lives Matter and address antisemitism in Orange County. Recently, she has worked for Ocean View School District as a substitute teacher and instructional assistant for K-8 students. In the therapeutic setting, she is committed to creating a safe and compassionate space for clients of all backgrounds to navigate life challenges and their mental health. She is especially interested in empowering students from marginalized identities to thrive in the university setting. In her free time, Olivia enjoys playing soccer, making artwork, and playing video games.

Nadeshiko is a doctoral student at The Chicago School Anaheim Campus, where she also received her Master of Arts in Applied Psychology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in Law, Social Concepts, and Criminal Justice at Chapman University. She has experience working with adolescents as a private tutor and older adults as a social worker. She enjoys learning different modalities through the learning she will gain from my clients. To her, she has always gravitated towards helping others in any way, she can. She was born in Kaiping, China, and raised in Los Angeles, California, from the age of 6.  She is mostly Chinese, but is also Japanese and Korean, so she can bring a multicultural perspective to her work through the various cultural mixes she is, and is able to speak Cantonese, Taishanese, and Mandarin fluently. She can also speak Japanese, Korean, and Spanish semi-conversationally. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys her quality time through Pilates, sports, working out, traveling, planning events, and hiking in nature.