»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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Iliana (she/her) is a second-year school counseling student at Chapman University, pursuing her M.A. in Counseling with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling. She earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of La Verne. Iliana has experience as an after-school teacher, teacher’s assistant, and high school counseling intern. She is passionate about helping students overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and achieve their personal goals. Currently, her empathetic and collaborative approach is helping her build strong, supportive relationships with students during her fieldwork at a local high school. She is currently serving as the Engagement Coordinator for the Association of School Counselors at Chapman University. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, hiking, and traveling. Her goal is to become a licensed professional clinical counselor and facilitate lasting positive changes in people's lives.

Parneet (she/hers) is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim. She earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and is originally from the Bay Area. Parneet is deeply committed to exploring the connection between mind and body. She is dedicated to promoting multicultural diversity in her work and is passionate about working with college students, striving to create an inclusive environment that fosters growth and well-being. She is committed to breaking the stigma for those facing mental health challenges. In her free time, Parneet enjoys taking mindfulness walks, vibing to EDM music, and going on road trips to explore new places.

Zela (she/her) is a doctoral student at Azusa Pacific University (APU), where she recently received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Prior to this, Zela received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Chapman University where she was also a student athlete. Prior to her training at Chapman, Zela’s focus has included work with children, adolescents, and adults. Zela is particularly passionate about sports psychology and faith integration. She believes in providing an empathetic and collaborative approach to foster inclusivity and empowerment in the therapeutic space. Zela is an Orange County native and enjoys working out, trying new coffee shops, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Diana is currently completing her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus in Trauma Studies at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. She graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and has consistently had a passion for assisting people from diverse backgrounds. After graduation, she worked as a case worker in Chicago, guiding families through early intervention programs. Having also worked in healthcare and aviation, she has a deep passion for unique populations and multiculturalism. As a result of her professional and personal endeavors, she understands the importance of representation and inclusivity. Her goal is to improve mental health accessibility for all, while creating a safe and non-judgmental space for those in need. Among her many passions, she finds creative joy in photography, music, is an avid explorer, and loves yoga and her three cats.

Reva is a second-year school psychology student at Chapman University, pursuing her Ed.S. in School psychologgy with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling.  She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York.  Reva was born and raised in Chino Hills, California, where she previously worked as a substitute teacher and volleyball coach.  Reva is passional about working with individuals from various backgrounds to achieve their mental health goals.  When she is not on campus, Reva enjoys exercising, reading, trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Lanshen was born and raised in Shanghai, China, and in 2018, she started her undergraduate study in University of California, Irvine (UCI). She earned her Bachelor of Arts with double major of Psychological Science and Criminology, Law, and Society, as well as a minor in Statistics. In her senior year, Lanshen did her internship as an assistant of Behavior Interventionists (BI) at a private practice for children with autism and related developmental disorders. After graduating from UCI, she stayed at the practice and worked as an official BI with the credential of Registered Behavior Therapist. The next year, Lanshen became a master student and study Marriage and Family Therapy at the Alliant International University, Irvine campus. Lanshen enjoys the process of preparing herself a better therapist for clients. Lanshen is bilingual and proficient in Mandarin and English. During her free time, she takes care of her four adorable guinea pigs, and she loves spending time with friends. Lanshen is an enthusiastic animal lover and wishes to have a dog one day.

Kimya (she/her) is a doctoral student pursuing her PsyD at The Chicago School of Psychology in Anaheim. She also holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. Kimya earned her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, where she actively served as a Psychology Department Student Association (PDSA) board member. In this role, she supported psychology students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Kimya is passionate about increasing mental health accessibility for marginalized communities and is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space where individuals feel heard and empowered. Outside of her professional life, Kimya loves to travel, walk her dogs, and experiment with new recipes in the kitchen.

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.