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.

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.

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.

Julie Scudellari AMFT

Julie Scudellari is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor at Joyful Marriage Family Therapy, Inc., working under the direct supervision of Dr. Moreen Rubin. Julie completed her master’s degree in psychology at National University in San Diego, California. She has ample experience working with a diverse population, serving children, adolescents, and adults. Julie’s passion for psychology stems from the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Her integrated approach focuses on improving the client’s positive lifestyle. By utilizing Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strength-Based methods, Julie guides clients to increase mindfulness to help them explore solutions to the problems and challenges they are facing, which can be ADHD, anxiety, depression, gender identity, trauma or OCD, Julie will help the client to work on the road to success. Julie continues to educate herself by training to become certified in Positive Psychology and Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD.

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 body image issues. Her work is rooted in principles and ideals of social justice and strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all bodies.

Curiosity, openness, and non-judgment are cornerstones of Kristi’s practice. She focuses on increasing awareness of patterns and self-understanding while building empathy and compassion to increase self-worth, self-efficacy, and emotional wellbeing. Kristi is described by her clients as easy to talk to, genuine, and non-judgmental. Kristi is under the supervision of Dr. Moreen Rubin.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

Brandie Allen AMFT

Brandie has been helping clients create positive change since 2018. She has been certified as a Domestic Violence Professional since 2015, she is certified in Clinical Hypnosis, and she is trained in subconscious analysis. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University and has a Master of Arts Degree in Consciousness & Transformation from John F. Kennedy University. Brandie is the Author of The Power of Self-Mastery: Changing Your Life Through Discovery, Exploration, and Transformation.

With Brandie as your therapist, you can expect to feel supported, empowered, challenged, and motivated to create the changes in your life you desire. You’ll learn to integrate early life experiences into your current experiences, discover new insight into your relationships, learn to communicate more effectively, all while exploring new potential for your life and your relationships. Brandie will support you with holistic solutions that will help you find the freedom to be who you are and to get where you want to go in your life.

Stephanie McAfee AMFT

As a dedicated Associate 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.

Karyn Noel, LMFT, LPCC

Karyn is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma recovery, eating disorders, anxiety, and relationship counseling. She uses a combination of Compassion Focused Therapy, Feminist Therapy, and somatic practices in her work.

“I believe that we each have wisdom built into our bodies. Throughout our lives, the systems we are a part of relentlessly attempt to dismantle our trust in ourselves, but we can regain this trust and heal our relationships with our own minds and bodies and with each other. I truly love this work and I would very much like to share that with you.”

Karyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Art from UC Davis and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. She is also trained in Somatic Psychotherapy and EMDR. She is still very invested in the arts and when she’s not in session, you may find her directing or designing the set for a local play.