Andrew C. Kami, PhD, MSCP, MFT, MA, PSY 27304, MFT48835
Director, Psychological Counseling Services
Dr. Andrew Kami 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.
Julie Barbour, MS, LMFT, MFC41212
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist - Rinker
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.
Linda Karmelich, MA, LMFT, MFC42649
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Linda is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Chapman University in their Marriage and Family Therapy program. She has worked as a therapist in our Student Psychological Counseling Services since 1999. Linda has extensive experience and interest in issues associated with eating disorders and body image, as well as assisting students with relational concerns, phase of life, crisis, and mood related issues. Linda enjoys traveling, cooking, swimming, anything related to the ocean, and she thoroughly loves working with the college population.
Corene Tague, MA, LMFT, MFC42054
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
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 Zes, MA, LMFT, MFC110347
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
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.
Elizabeth A Santos, MA, LMFT, MFC42016
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Elizabeth was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature with a Creative Writing emphasis. Elizabeth attended Chapman University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and has worked in non-profit and private practice settings with all ages and relationships. She has had the honor of sharing her passion for therapy through teaching and training upcoming therapists in a university and private setting. Elizabeth’s treatment approach is Collaborative and Experiential, utilizing Solution-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. Therapy focuses on supporting students in having a healthy identity, acceptance of self, creating balance, and promoting advocacy. Elizabeth has a busy family life. She also enjoys walks with her 2 dogs, reading, writing, and spending time at the beach.
Andrea L. Killian, MA, AMFT 126941
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
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. After becoming staff of the Financial Aid department upon completing her undergraduate degree, Andrea started CU’s Master’s in Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program, receiving her MA degree. Andrea’s passion toward helping Chapman students, families, and the transforming nature of the therapeutic process, inspired her transition to SPCS & Disability Services as their first Coordinator and served SPCS in that role for 12 years. Andrea is thrilled to transition to full-time clinical work with students. She has extensive experience and passion in assisting students in crisis, and ensuring seeking help remains a comfortable, safe, and welcoming process. 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 the campus student org Active Minds. Andrea enjoys anything involving the arts, thrift stores, road trips, returning her shopping carts and being with family.
Veronica Clanton-Higgins, MSW, ASW 95431
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Veronica is a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, supervised by a licensed clinician. A native of Compton, CA, she is known for her community advocacy, including addressing the disparities in mental health care for black and brown communities. Veronica earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work. Trained in various modalities, Veronica uses an eclectic approach to treatment which includes mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma focused interventions. She specializes in intersectionality related issues, anxiety, depression, sexual issues, PTSD, and stress related disorders. An advocate of self-care, she is passionate about educating others on the importance of emotional wellness and setting appropriate boundaries. When she is not providing clinical care, Veronica enjoys binge watching her favorite shows, spending time with her family, and listening to music.
Mischandralyn "Darshae" Ware
Clinical Coordinator
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 Pooudomsak, MD (Lic# A179010)
Psychiatrist
Valerie is a 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.
SUPERVISED CLINICIANS
Anne Burnham
PsyD Clinical Psychology - Psychological Intern
Hebrew -- מדברת עברית באופן שוטף
Anne is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Anaheim. She holds a B.A. in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, and offers services in both English and Hebrew. Anne has experience working with individuals with severe mental illness and performing psychological assessments. She was born in Israel and moved to the U.S. seven years ago after serving two years in the Israeli Navy. Anne is passionate about integrating mindfulness and recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the therapeutic space. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, traveling and exploring new places, going to the beach, and eating tasty food.
Bette Amir-Brownstein
MA School Counseling - Psychological Intern
LPCC Candidate
Bette is a graduate student at Chapman University, pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on school and professional clinical counseling. She draws experience from her undergraduate degree in behavioral neuroscience, her work as a director for a non-profit youth organization, and her current training. She moved from Portland, Oregon, where she was born and raised, to Orange County. Bette is committed to empowering individuals and helping them foster meaningful relationships with others and their life experiences. Her goal is to become a licensed counselor, enabling her to facilitate lasting positive changes in people's lives.
Cara Borkovec
Psy.D Clinical Psychology - Psychological Intern
Cara is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She received her Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University, as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. Cara is also a Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (SUDRC). In addition to her work at Chapman, Cara works at a family resource center and has previously worked in outpatient residential treatment centers. Prior to working in the field, Cara coached collegiate men’s and women’s water polo at Princeton University. She has a great deal of coaching experience and takes pride in her athletic background. During her free time, Cara enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, working out (preferably with friends), playing with her dog, spending time at the beach, and camping in the mountains.
Tiansang Yan
Psy.D Clinical Psychology - Psychological Intern
Mandarin -- Cantonese -- 我说中文
Tiansang is working on her PsyD degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Prior to her doctorate education, she received her BA degree in Applied Psychology in China and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Kansas. Between her degrees, Tiansang worked with individuals from vastly different cultural backgrounds. Tiansang takes pride in her bicultural experience. Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, Tiansang speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese in addition to English; thus, she provides services in all three languages. Before Chapman, Tiansang worked in a residential facility serving individuals with schizophrenia spectrum illness for a year as an intern therapist. Tiansang believes in the power of self-actualization and enjoys joining in the joinery of self-discovery of her clients through therapies. In her spare time, Tiansang is a mother of a two-year-old. She enjoys cooking, eating authentic food from different cultures, and spending time with family.
Tal Aronoff
Psy.D Clinical Psychology - Psychological Intern
Hebrew -- מדברת עברית באופן שוטף
Tal is a fourth-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim. Prior to her graduate education, she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Cognitive Science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Anaheim. Before starting her training year at Chapman, she worked as an early intervention specialist with ages 0-5 in Long Beach, CA. Tal is particularly passionate about integrating a multicultural approach that promotes acceptance and equality for diverse identities and populations. She is fluent in English and Hebrew. Tal is an Orange County native who enjoys listening to music, working out, and spending time with friends and loved ones in her free time.
Taryn Hastie
MA School Counseling - Psychological Intern
LPCC Candidate
Taryn is a second-year school counseling student at Chapman University, where she is pursuing her M.A. in Counseling with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling. She earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Throughout this time and after graduating, she worked with youth within the foster care system as well as with middle and high school students with elevated emotional and behavioral needs. Here, she found her love for helping individuals work toward their own meaningful goals and improve their mental health. Currently, her empathetic and collaborative approach has led her to develop strong helping relationships with students during her fieldwork experience at a local high school. She is currently serving as a board member and mentor liaison for the Association of School Counselors at Chapman. She is a previous dance teacher, will go to the beach any chance she gets, and will get lost in a good book.
Gino Granzella, M.S.
PsyD Clinical Psychology - Psychological Intern
Gino is a doctoral student at Azusa Pacific University, where he recently received his master's degree in clinical psychology. Before attending APU, Gino studied research psychology and Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno. Gino's focus has included work with adolescents and young adults, and he is particularly interested in supporting athletes. Gino is passionate about sports and aspires to have a career in Sport Psychology, where he hopes to enhance athletes' mental well-being and performance. Outside his studies, Gino enjoys physical training, gaming, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Hannah Gassaway, M.S.
PsyD Clinical Psychology - Psychological Intern
Hannah is a doctoral student in Azusa Pacific University’s (APU) Clinical Psychology program, where she also earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She was born and raised in Long Beach, California and previously worked as a preschool teacher and personal trainer. Hannah enjoys trying new coffee shops, going for walks, watching murder-mystery documentaries and spending time at the beach. She is a strong advocate for women empowerment, and passionate about holistic health and wellness.