Dr. Moreen Rubin
Dr. Moreen Rubin has over 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. She is a board approved supervisor and the owner of the practice. She is affectionately referred to as "Dr. Mo" by her clients and has been described as having a warm, non-judgemental and compassionate approach. Although she specializes in treating eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, depression, trauma and healthy relationships, she works with many other issues facing adults and couples today. Prior to expanding her solo practice to a group practice, Dr. Moreen Rubin served as the Senior Clinical Director of several mental health treatment centers in Southern California.
Amanda Avila LMFT
Amanda Avila is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. Prior to joining Joyful Marriage and Family Therapy, Amanda was an Assistant Clinical Director at a prominent treatment center in Southern California. Amanda's uses an approach that is integrative to treat each client's individual concern. She is described by her clients as humorous and empathic. She specializes in treating eating disorders, body image issues, life transitions, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as trauma and PTSD. Amanda is a board approved supervisor for pre-licensed therapists and works with individuals, couples and families.
Abby Rock LMFT
Abby Rock is a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in treating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as many other mental health issues. She works with individuals, couples and families. Prior to joining Joyful Marriage and Family Therapy, Abby served as the Clinical Director of a prominent eating disorder treatment center in Southern California. Abby knows that the road to recovery from an eating disorder can be long, being recovered herself she takes great pride in understanding the mental and physical energy needed to do the healing journey. Abby is a board approved supervisor for pre-licensed therapists and many have described her therapeutic approach as gentle, compassionate and nurturing. Please reach out to us today to see if Abby might be a good fit for you or your loved one.
Kellie Brown AMFT
My mission is to walk alongside individuals and families as they strive toward connection. I believe that connection comes from finding hope, from authentic communication, and from learning to trust one's self. Humans are wired for connection. Connection leads to lower anxiety and depression, higher trust and empathy, and consequently, higher intimacy. Lack of connection is the source of pain that can cause addiction, infidelity, depression, anxiety, and a host of mental disorders. Connection has even been proven to improve physical symptoms. I can't wait to explore with you and to see what connection can do for your life! Are you in a relationship? The answer is "yes, of course". Marriage and Family Therapists are clinicians who help others with their goals within the context of how those goals improve relationship. We all want to improve our relationships. What do you want from your relationships? individuals - parents - couples - blended, separated, divorced families I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds. It is my privilege to get to serve individuals from all walks of life, and every age bracket. Each person has their own story and I consider it a privilege when you choose to share yours with me. Kellie is being supervised by Dr. Moreen Rubin.
Office Administrative Assistant
Danielle is our administrative assistant. She helps with scheduling appointments and general inquiries. She has a deep interest in helping others and is thrilled to be a part of such a caring team.
Megan Poupard LMFT
Megan Poupard is a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, OCD, trauma, and various anxiety and mood disorders. She previously served as Clinical Director of a prominent eating disorder facility in Southern California, where she oversaw all clinical programming and provided training and supervision for pre-licensed therapists. Megan enjoys using a humanistic-existential approach with clients while also incorporating evidence-based practices, such as Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Megan strives to create an authentic and non-judgmental space for each client with whom she has the honor of working.
Madeline Reams AMFT
Madeline Reams is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working towards her licensure. Madeline holds a Master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Madeline is devoted to holding a safe space for individuals, couples, and families to break down their thoughts, emotions, and struggles and then […]
Amy Ryk LMFT
Amy received her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked in the mental health field as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety disorders, couple’s dynamics and trauma, since 2006. Her roles have included facilitating individual, group and family therapy and has supported clients through challenges around distress tolerance, emotion regulation, attachment-related trauma and disordered eating/eating disorders. Amy is a certified Complex Trauma practitioner, certified in the DARe therapeutic Model (Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience) as well as trained in DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, Intuitive eating, and somatic healing modalities. I work with Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Relationship issues, Career difficulties, Life changes, Attachment issues, Codependency, Communication Problems, Divorce and Separation, Family of Origin Issues, Guilt and Shame, HSP, Impulsivity, Isolation/Loneliness, Life Purpose Struggles, Post-traumatic Stress, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, and Young Adult Issues.
Kristen Ellis AMFT, CEDS
Kristi Ellis holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, a registered dietitian, as well as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Kristi has a passion for supporting individuals struggling with a myriad of concerns including: anxiety, depression, complex childhood trauma, relationships, eating concerns and […]
Dean Theodore ASW
Dean, a child of Greek immigrants, was born and raised in New York City. With a career spanning twenty-five years in the occupational therapy setting, he is also an inventor and a natural organizer who has created events to raise money for disabled children and to feed the homeless. As a husband of 28 years to an […]
Lisa Strawn AMFT
Lisa is a therapist who believes that the journey from the head to heart can be a profound one. She understands that learning to feel and connect with emotions can be overwhelming at times, but she sees life as a constant exploration where the destination is unknown, traversing through realms of love, pain, redemption, and healing. Lisa's greatest joy is often found in relation to others, and she walks alongside her clients as they identify and embody the values they wish to live by. Approaching therapy from a collaborative perspective, Lisa's heart and mind are open, living by the core tenets of mindfulness. She aims to help her clients strengthen their sense of self, foster productive relationships with others, and heal from past traumas that may be holding them back from their fullest expression of themselves. Lisa gravitates towards working with adolescents, couples in distress, and families through a family systems lens, understanding that the relationship with self and others are intricately linked. With adolescents, Lisa focuses on family transitions such as divorce, peer issues, and school challenges. She also has a particular interest in helping children with gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as learning challenges such as ADHD and Dyslexia. Counseling couples in distress is another area of Lisa's expertise, as she enjoys helping couples navigate conflict and develop a deeper understanding of each other. Family therapy is particularly rewarding for Lisa, as it provides the opportunity for a new level of connection and functioning within the family unit. Lisa understands that each person and situation is unique, requiring a therapist who can utilize different approaches. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in narrative therapy, mindfulness-based practices, trauma-informed care, and humanistic models. She holds an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist credential, with an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a B.S. in Health Science from California State Northridge. Lisa has also received Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy training and is a certified drug and alcohol counselor. She has experience working in an addiction treatment center, conducting group and individual therapy from a trauma-informed lens. In addition to her current qualifications, Lisa is also in the process of completing an accredited mindfulness/meditation teacher certification program and Dr. Gabor Mate's program for Compassionate Inquiry, furthering her expertise in providing compassionate and holistic care to her clients. She wholeheartedly welcomes the opportunity to meet and work with individuals, couples, and families on their therapeutic journey. Lisa is supervised by Dr. Moreen Rubin
Kristyn Halvorson AMFT
Kristyn is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist currently working towards her licensure. She graduated with distinction from California State University Northridge, earning her master’s degree in counseling. Kristyn has a background in working with individuals, families, and children as a school-based therapist and is passionate about helping clients of all ages navigate life's challenges. Taking a collaborative and client-centered approach to therapy, she seeks to create a safe and supportive environment where her clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, overcome challenges, and learn new skills that can help them lead more fulfilling lives. Kristyn is experienced in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, communication challenges, anger management, and more. She enjoys using cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, person-centered, family systems, and mindfulness-based approaches with her clients to holistically treat the body and the mind. Kristyn believes that therapy is a process of growth and transformation, and she is dedicated to helping her clients find a renewed sense of hope, healing, and self-acceptance. She understands that therapy can be a daunting experience and is committed to making the process as comfortable and empowering as possible. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply looking for support and guidance, Kristyn is here to help you on your journeyKristyn is supervised by Dr. Moreen Rubin