Meet the Joyful Therapy Group Team
Dr. Moreen Rubin
Dr. Moreen Rubin is a highly esteemed therapist with a rich experience of over 15 years, dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate through life's complexities. Her credentials as a board-approved supervisor and the owner of the practice elevate her reputation, presenting her as a leader in her field.
Her clients, who affectionately refer to her as "Dr. Mo” unanimously speaks of her warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate approach. This inviting and nurturing attitude, coupled with her vast professional expertise, creates an environment of trust and open communication.
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.
Madeline Reams, AMFT
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 guiding them to rebuild their lives and relationships using new scaffolding.
Because she trusts that everyone has the answers within them, and it is her role to guide you to those answers. She attends every session with full presence and dedication to collaboratively working with you on your journey, whatever that may be for you.
Stephanie McAfee, LMFT
As a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Brandman College, I specialize in offering compassionate virtual therapy services across California. My expertise lies in supporting individuals grappling with domestic violence, depression, childhood trauma, and body image issues. My extensive experience includes years of dedicated service as a Social Service Practitioner at Adult Protective Services, where I worked with a diverse range of clients, including dependent and elderly adults.
My approach to therapy is grounded in non-judgmental, genuine, and empathetic listening, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for clients. I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to navigate and overcome their unique challenges, facilitating personal growth and resilience. Whether you are seeking support for mental health issues, coping with life transitions, or looking for a therapeutic partner to guide you through your healing journey, I am here to help you on your path towards well-being.
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.
Sherry Fleming, LMFT
In 2000, Sherry Fleming’s passion for helping people heal from eating disorders led her into the field of Psychology. She began her career at Monte Nido, a residential program for people with eating disorders. Sherry’s initial position was as a Support Staff and eventually worked her way up to Assistant Clinical Director.
Sherry served as the Clinical Director at The Eating Disorder Center of California (DTP/PHP & IOP) and Reconnect Trauma Treatment Center’s residential program, both of which were the first of their kind.
In 2012, Sherry began working with clients diagnosed with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). She received the majority of her training in DID while working for Dr. Karol Darsa. She is fully trained in EMDR, Brain Spotting, and CRM (Comprehensive Resource Model) and has received extensive training in IFS (Internal Family Systems).
Sherry provides supervision/consultation for licensed clinicians and has spoken at several events on eating disorders and their underlying traumas.
Currently, Sherry shares her time between her private practice in Woodland Hills and working as a meal coach in Seattle (services are provided both virtually and in-person).
Abby Rock, LFMT
Abby is a licenced clinical therapist with over a decade of experience. She is also a board approved supervisor for other therapists.
“The world often paints those with eating disorders with a wide brush. But I recognize different people come to their eating disorder by different roads, and living with an eating disorder means the road you travel is a lonely one. This disconnection can lead you to believe you can’t enjoy what others take for granted – friends, family, food, life. I am passionate about showing you that you are not alone and that each of us has the strength, courage, and wisdom to live a fully recovered life.
Hannah Cobb, LMFT
Hannah is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. She has most recently worked as the Director of Clinical Services for an eating disorder treatment center in Southern California where she oversaw clinical programming. She is a board approved supervisor for other therapists and gained her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University.
“I use a collaborative approach in regard to treatment because I believe that you are the expert of your own experiences. I will meet you where you are at and help you to approach your goals through compassion, empathy, and humor. I hope to help you have a better understanding of your life’s circumstances and how you cope with everyday stressors. I look forward to aiding you in establishing a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and body image.”
Hannah also loves to spend her time singing in a local gospel choir, boxing, swimming,shopping, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.
Noah Salinas, AMFT
Noah Salinas is an associate professional clinical counselor who is dedicated to fostering emotional well-being and personal growth. With a strong educational foundation and a passion for helping others, she’s embarked on a fulfilling journey in the world of mental health counseling.
Her approach is centered on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore all their thoughts and feelings. She is committed to working collaboratively, tailoring therapeutic strategies to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her aim is to empower clients to overcome challenges, develop resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Noah is dedicated to providing support that promotes positive change. She believes that every person has the capacity to heal and thrive, and it's her privilege to walk alongside them on that path. She is always striving to keep up with new developments in the mental health field and uses her open mindedness to understand each client.
Emily Rotenberg, RDN, CEDS
Director of Nutrition
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
Emily is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in Eating Disorders. She works with clients to stabilize their nutrition through consistent, adequate food intake with a wide variety. Her goal is to support individuals in overcoming life-interfering behaviors, restoring reliable hunger and fullness signals, and empowering them to confidently meet their body’s needs.
Emily works with clients who are healing from eating disorders, chaotic eating patterns, body image issues, and more. Whether someone is struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, picky eating, or disordered eating patterns, she provides personalized support to guide them toward recovery.
Emily's approach integrates dietary-informed therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. To promote sustainable healing and a healthier relationship with food, she also uses client-centered counseling techniques and incorporates principles like Intuitive Eating, Health at Every Size, and Body Image Neutrality.
Emily holds a Bachelor's in Foods and Nutrition Sciences from San Diego State University and completed her Dietetic Internship at the University of Northern Colorado. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist through the International Association of Eating Disorders and has additional training in digestive disorders and body image.
Emily is committed to offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can heal their relationship with food and their bodies.
Heidi Bierlein, Therapist
Heidi holds a Master’s in professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University. She is committed to providing individuals with an open-minded, compassionate environment in order for one to be able to heal and grow. She operates from a place of curiosity as a way to foster the growth of self-reflection for greater personal insight.
Heidi has experience working with adults with dual diagnosis, substance use, and eating disorders. She utilizes a combination of modalities such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Lao Tzu once said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Heidi will strive to help you seek the understanding that letting go of what you are now will give you the capacity necessary to grow into the person you could become.
Erin Berenson, Eating Disorder Recovery Coach
Erin Berenson, CCI-Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach
Erin Berenson is a Carolyn Costin Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, specializing in guiding individuals towards a life free from disordered eating patterns. Through customized support tailored to each client's unique needs and goals, Erin helps her clients develop sustainable habits and ensures her clients remain consistent in their recovery journey through collaboration and communication with their support team.
Driven by her own experiences overcoming an eating disorder, Erin understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the recovery process.
Outside of her coaching practice, Erin is an advocate for eating disorder awareness and mental health education, working to reduce stigma and promote understanding within her community. She is also a public speaker and workshop facilitator, sharing her expertise and insights to inspire hope and transformation in others.
Elizabeth Blake, AMFT
Callie Elizabeth Blake is a strengths-based associate marriage & family therapist trained in EMDR therapy. She offers a warm, empathic environment that prioritizes safety, acceptance, and compassionate care. She collaborates with each individual client to create a custom treatment plan to work on the issues they are wanting to address. Her integrative approach draws on a combination of evidence-based modalities that is adaptable to clients' changing needs and progress, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment through CBT/DBT, IFS, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Therapy techniques.
Lucy Lavine, RDN
Lucy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a diverse background in clinical nutrition and a growing focus on eating disorder-informed care. She brings a thoughtful, inclusive presence to individual and group settings, and is passionate about leading clients through the journey of rebuilding a trusting, compassionate, and sustainable relationship with food, body, and movement.
With a client-centered approach that considers the whole person and not just what’s on the plate—Lucy’s work is rooted in the principles of Intuitive Eating and the belief that all foods can have a place in a peaceful, nourishing relationship with the body. Lucy earned her Bachelor's degree from Miami University of Ohio and completed her supervised dietetic internship at Pepperdine University, passing her board exam in 2019.
Shervin Rad Karpel, AMFT
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. My professional experience is grounded in providing compassionate, client-centered care, focusing on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate emotional challenges and enhance their well-being. I am dedicated to continuing my professional growth.
Monica Nevarez, MSW, LCSW
Monica Nevarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings a heartwarming blend of experience and empathy into the therapy space. She earned her Master’s Degree Social Work from the University of Southern California, specializing in Children, Youth, and Families.
Monica has had the privilege of working with a diverse array of individuals, couples, and families struggling with eating disorders, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and other mood disorders. Her experience spans from Residential Treatment to Outpatient care.
Monica’s approach to therapy is wide-ranging as there is no one style which fits all and her technique is always rooted in kindness and compassion. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside her clients as they bravely choose to change their lives. Monica is committed to creating a nurturing environment where clients can explore their challenges, discover their strengths, and work towards their goals.
Lisa Strawn, AMFT
Lisa holds a Master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Lisa has completed the Gottman Method Couples Certification through Level 2. She has completed the Gottman Addiction and Recovery certification. Lisa gained invaluable experience working at a prominent addiction treatment and recovery center in Costa Mesa. Lisa completed Dr. Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry professional training. She is also certified in Somatic Breathwork. Lisa is in progress with a two-year Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher program.
Lisa draws on many different therapeutic approaches to facilitate growth with her clients. The underpinning of her therapeutic approaches are grounded in narrative therapy, mindfulness-based practices, trauma informed and humanistic models. Lisa comes to the therapeutic relationship through the lens of collaboration. Her heart and mind are open and she lives by the core tenets of mindfulness. She aims to help clients strengthen their sense of self, have productive relationships with others and heal past traumas that hold them back from their fullest expression of themselves. The journey from the head to heart can be a profound one. Lisa understands that learning to feel and connect with emotions can be overwhelming at times, and she seeslife as a constant exploration where the destination is unknown, traversing through realms of love, pain, redemption, and healing.
Lucia Damian, LMFT
Lucia Damian is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been working with the eating disorder population since 2021. Lucia received her Bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Applied Psychology. She received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego in 2022. During her time at USD, Lucia completed her practicum at UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center (UCSD EDC) and continued working there after graduating. There she gained clinical experience working with the pediatric eating disorder population and their families navigating partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) levels of care. Lucia believes that lasting recovery is supplemented by the support of the family system. Her approach pulls from evidence-based treatment modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family-Based Treatment (FBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Lucia approaches all clients with compassion and curiosity, creating a space that is free of judgement for empowerment and healing.
Maggie Taylor, MS, RD
Maggie is a Registered Dietitian and earned both her Master's and Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from Loma Linda University, and quickly developed a passion for working with patients struggling from eating disorders. Maggie joins us with a background in intensive and partial outpatient programs, clinical outpatient and industry nutrition levels of care. She has experience working in community health, eating disorders, enteral nutrition support, research, and previously nonprofit environmental campaign work. Through her work as a Dietitian, Maggie adopts a professional, empathetic, and compassionate approach while leveraging clinical evidence to guide you toward achieving food freedom and healing from eating disorders.
Shelayne Werfel, RDN
Shelayne is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and Certified Personal Trainer with a decade of experience helping clients rebuild their relationships to food and movement. She graduated summa cum laude from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and completed her dietetic internship at UC San Diego Medical Center. Shelayne's work is informed by her own recovery from an eating disorder, and by her deep belief in the power of human connection. She strives to help her clients feel seen, heard, and understood, and empowered to care for their bodies.
Molly Goldring RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Molly is an empathetic and passionate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, devoted to supporting clients with healing their relationship with food and their body. Molly received her Bachelor’s of Science in nutrition from San Diego State University and then went on to complete 1200+ hours of supervised dietetic hours from Pepperdine University. Molly has worked at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program level of care for eating disorders and in the outpatient setting to support those interested in recovering from eating disorders or disordered eating and receiving medical nutrition therapy for comorbidities. Molly takes a holistic approach to health and works alongside clients to understand their nutrition goals. Molly utilizes the Intuitive Eating, All Foods Fit, and Health at Every Size philosophies while also individualizing care to support the needs of the client.
Mehgan Lambert, APCC
Program Director, Intake Coordinator
As a graduate of Grand Canyon University, Mehgan completed her Masters degree in Professional counseling in 2021. She has been working in mental health for over 7 years and has experience in a variety of health care settings that include: Sub acute locked facilities for both adolescents and adults, Crisis stabilization including detox/withdraw and severe mental illness units, and psychiatric mental health treatment for residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. She is knowledgeable in utilization review, and takes pride in being able to advocate for clients to receive the care and support they deserve.
"One of the first places I worked was an MHRC- Mental Health Rehabilitation Center. A locked facility for clients primarily diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Most of our clients were under a conservatorship or court ordered to be there. Oftentimes conversations were not linear or even sensable, and "progress" was not measured by a numeric value. This is where I had some of the best conversations ever because I learned the importance of connection; learned to be patient, empathetic, intentional and mindful. I think this milieu taught me some of the most valuable qualities you can have as a human being, and I just wana spread that to others"
Tessa Wooden
Tessa Wooden is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with authenticity and resilience. Before joining Joyful Therapy Group she served as a Clinical Director at a leading treatment center in Southern California, specializing in eating disorder recovery. She’s known for being collaborative, humorous, and genuine—creating a safe space where clients feel supported and empowered.
Tessa has advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She specializes in eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and mood disorders. She is passionate about helping clients feel seen and supported as they explore patterns, deepen self-understanding, and build more joyful connections. Tessa holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University.
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