About Us

Dr. Linsey Kapoor, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC

Chief Executive Director

Linsey is a dedicated therapist inspired to help others who feel stuck and need hope in difficult life areas such as, but not limited to trauma, PTSD, depression, stress management, substance abuse, family conflict, self-injurious behavior, gender issues, emotional disturbance, behavioral issues, anxiety, grief and loss. Her style is strength-based and solution focused, helping to increase insight with learning new skills necessary for positive changes. Linsey works collaboratively with her patients and any multi-disciplinary professional team to ensure optimal outcome. Her expertise is in the youth population. Linsey enjoys working with kids and adolescents. She is trained in a variety of cognitive and behavioral modalities. Linsey is experienced with providing psychological evaluations and testing services to help navigate diagnostic clarification.

Linsey’s educational background is in counseling and psychology. She graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with her Bachelors in Psychology and a nationally recognized accredited CACREP program with her Master’s Degree in Counseling at California State University, Sacramento. Linsey is a doctor in psychology graduate from California Southern University and Registered Psychological Associate through the California Board of Psychology, under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. In addition, Linsey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

 Professional Activities and Memberships

Dr. Jennifer Crews Thom, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

Clinical Supervisor

In Jennifer’s practice, she sees each client as an expert in their own experience and she sees herself as a resource and a guide for change. Using her training in cognitive behavioral therapies and expert knowledge of applied behavioral analysis, she works closely with clients to identify goals, break down barriers, and make permanent changes that lead to more joyful, fulfilling lives and relationships. Clients who work with her benefit from her years of experience in the field and her knowledge of a wide variety of third wave behavioral modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based practices for stress reduction, Exposure and Response Prevention, Prolonged Exposure, and the Gottman Method.

Dr. Amy Scott Brown, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

Clinical Supervisor

Dr. Brown welcomes the opportunity to meet clients where they are at and propel them forward so that they flourish in all aspects of their life. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and uses behavioral techniques to help clients make changes in their lives. Dr. Brown has extensive training in providing school-based services, including assessment, and uses psychological evaluations to provide diagnostic clarity, help clients access services, and gain insight into their behaviors. She values psychoeducation as a means to helping clients understand diagnoses, assessment results, and treatment options. Dr. Brown provides clinical supervision to New Beginnings registered psychological associates and registered psychologists.

Dr. Theresa Lee, EdS, LEP

Licensed Educational Psychologist

Dr. Theresa Lee is a credentialed school psychologist and a registered psychological associate under the supervision of Dr. Amy Scott Brown, Licensed Psychologist. Dr. Lee graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology and from the University of Notre Dame with a M.A. in Theology. She earned her Education Specialist (EdS) degree in School Psychology and her Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology from the University of the Pacific.

She is trained in consultation, research and data-based decision making, psychological assessments and evaluations, group and individual counseling, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. She is mindful of cultural sensitivity to diversity as well as ethical professionalism in her practice.

She has taught Group Counseling and Individual Counseling in the Counseling and School Psychology program at the University the Pacific. She is also a licensed educational psychologist.

Dr. Amy L. Huang, DSW, LCSW

EMDR Clinical Supervisor

Dr. Amy L. Huang is a devoted therapist, supervisor and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) consultant-in training dedicated to inspire, motivate and help others in their personal growth. She received her Doctorate degree in social work at The University of Sydney and her master’s degree at California State University, Long Beach. Amy has been working as a licensed social worker for over 5 years and has been in the mental health field for 23 yrs as her first master’s degree was in counseling psychology at Temple University in 2001. Amy is also EMDR certified. Amy has also completed trainings in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), emotional focused therapy (EFT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI) and Gottman therapy with couples.

Amy’s experience has been working with people with severe mental illness, trauma, autism,
survivors of child abuse, and people who suffer from depression and anxiety in non-profit,
for-profit and school settings. She has also worked internationally in Australia supporting family
members that are caring for their relatives who are frail, elderly, or who have mental illness. Her
current clientele are from immigrant parents or first-generation citizens, minority groups,
cis-gender, and who are part of the LGBTQI community. She primarily works with adults and
adolescents.

Amy loves learning about new therapeutic modalities and sharing knowledge that would be
beneficial for her supervisees and consultees’s work with clients. She believes that
transparency, honesty and open communication are vital in her professional relationships.

Karina Castillo, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Karina is a graduate from California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Child Welfare. Karina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is passionate about assisting others reach their fullest potential as well as inspiring change and healing.

Karina has experience in working in a variety of settings and has been a social worker for over 25 years. For the first 13 years of her career she worked for Child Protective Services in their Family Reunification Unit. During that time, she also provided counseling services to victims and offenders of sexual abuse through Parents United. In the last 12 years she has focused her efforts in providing mental health services to children, youth, adults, couples and families in both the Outpatient and School-based settings. She has also worked as a Medical Social Worker in the Hospice field and specializes in grief and loss counseling.

Karina is trained in a variety of cognitive and therapeutic modalities but prefers to call her approach “eclectic”, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Play & Art Therapy. She tailors her services and treatment modalities to meet the individual needs of her clients. Karina is committed to providing her clients with a nurturing environment to promote wellbeing, empowerment and guidance in their journey. Karina is a first generation Mexican American, fully bilingual in Spanish and enjoys providing services to others in their primary language. During her free time Karina enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling and shopping.

Scott Charlton, MS, LMFT

Clinical Supervisor

Scott Charlton is committed to helping his clients resolve conflicts and move closer to fulfilling their dreams. Scott has experience working with children, youth, adults and their families in a variety of settings and situations. Some of these include health and mental wellness, relationships, and struggles related to school. Scott previously worked with San Joaquin County’s Functional Family Therapy team and for Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice. Scott is skilled in several types of therapy and works in a highly collaborative style. At the core, therapy includes helping clients identify values and gain skills that will encourage, strengthen the client and their relationships.

Trenise Rahman. MA, APCC

My name is Trenise Rahman and I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). I have experience working with children adolescents and adults regarding anxiety, depression, managing and navigating stress, relationships and phases of life transitions. I find change is fostered best when we work from a whole person perspective. I specialize in person-centered, humanistic, as well as cognitive behavioral theories and interventions to foster change and growth. I am passionate about the healing process and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your journey.

My formal training includes me graduating from Patten University in Oakland Ca where I received my BA in Clinical Psychology. I received my MA in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization from Saybrook University in Pasadena Ca.

“When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another.”
― Carl R. Rogers

Mayra Ramos, MA, LMFT, ATR

Leanne Louis, PCLC, PP

Leanne is a Professional Certified Life Coach (PCLC) through the International Coach Federation and uses mindset techniques that can help motivate clients to get on track, stay focused and achieve their dreams. As a life coach, Leanne’s desire is to listen, empower and motivate others to help them reach their goals. Leanne will serve as a source of motivation and inspiration that push clients to their true potential.

Leanne has been working in the mental health field for many years but as Parent Partner (PP) in a Children’s Mental Health Clinic for the last four years. Leanne’s experience before her role as a Parent Partner was working in schools with children identified with mild to moderate adjustment difficulties as a child aide with the Primary Intervention Program, Second Step social skills program and developed her own classroom social skills curriculum for students ages 5-12. Through that program, Leanne incorporated social skills, etiquette, manners, cooperation, inclusion, resolving conflicts, problem-solving, put ups\not put-downs, mutual respect and how to value diversity.

Leanne implemented the Parent Partner program with training from San Joaquin County Mental Health and is still employed with Valley Community Counseling. Leanne as Parent Partner meets with parents, caregivers, guardians, foster parents and grandparents who are struggling with their child who has a mental health diagnosis. As a Parent Partner, she has learned how to engage and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and is willing to use her own lived experience to provide hope and support. As Parent Partner Leanne is friendly, helpful, flexible and family-focused as her services are family-driven in order to directly engage and support our families at New Beginnings.

Tyeisha Travis, MSW, LCSW

Tyeisha Travis, also known as Tye (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. She graduated from University of Southern California with her Master’s in Social Work with a focus in adult mental health and wellness. She has worked in a variety of settings including residential dual diagnosis facilities, outpatient facilities, hospice, and private practice. As a Black, openly bisexual cisgender identifying woman herself she understands the need for LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapists. Tye embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ+ clients. She has experience treating individuals, children, and families struggling with prolonged grief disorder. The bulk of her experience resides in working with complex grief and loss including pet loss, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, and insomnia . She also has experience working with:

• Bereavement & Caregiver Burnout
• Bipolar & Depressive & Other Mood Disturbances
• Adjustment Issues, Trauma & Stress Related Concerns
• Substance Use Disorders
• Low Self-Esteem
• Problems related to family/interpersonal relationships
• Immigration/acculturation issues

She views therapy as a collaborative and egalitarian venture and strives to create what she calls a “brave space” where people can express their vulnerabilities in a deep and meaningful way.

Tye employs a consolidative approach using several evidence-based practices, including Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Although those have been found to be most effective in her experience of counseling she believes there is no one size fits all approach to therapy. Rather than fixating on one side of an individual Tye addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect a person’s health. She views therapy as a collaborative and egalitarian venture and strives to create what she calls a “brave space” where people can express their vulnerabilities in a deep and meaningful way. When she is not working Tye enjoys multiple forms of self-care including junk journaling, calligraphy, yoga, playing the xylophone, and upcycling.

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
-Dr. Mae Jemison

Maria Montes, MSW, ASW

Maria is a graduate from California State University Fresno with her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Social Work with a specialty in serving Hispanic children and families from Our Lady of the Lake University.  Maria is a 1^st generation Mexican American. As a bilingual and bicultural clinician, she is able to provide treatment in Spanish, under the supervision and consultation of Linsey Kapoor, LMFT and LPCC. 

Maria believes in the importance of collaboration, connection, and attunement through a trauma-informed lens.  She specializes in working with underserved populations, undocumented/immigrant individuals, and young adults.  Having extensive experience working with severely mentally ill individuals, she is sensitive to how mental health can impact not only the individual but also the family/support system.  Maria incorporates several evidence-based modalities into her practice including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy.  

Claudia De La Rosa, AMFT

Josephina Rodriguez, MS, LMFT

Josephina has had the privilege of working as a Mental Health Practitioner for over 20 years with adults, families, children, and adolescents and have been a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for 13 years.  Her experience has included working in county contracted outpatient mental health clinics, family resource centers, non-profit agencies, juvenile justice diversion programs, residential facilities, emotionally disturbed school-based programs, and sexual assault/domestic violence centers.  She have received additional training in crisis response/de-escalation strategies, trauma informed care, mindfulness, and best practices for treatment.   

Her therapeutic approach borrows from a variety of theories but is built on a foundation of cognitive behavioral and solution focused techniques, existential and family systems, and strength based models. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, women’s issues, eating disorders, gender identity issues, and family difficulties, to name a few.  Josephina is bi-cultural, speaks Spanish fluently, and seeks to incorporate cultural practices into treatment that facilitate an individual’s growth.  She looks forward to providing a warm, non-judgmental, safe place to work through the issues that individuals are ready to face.

Catherine Linville, MS, LMFT

Lani Westervelt, MS, LMFT

Lani’s background is in counseling and psychology. She graduated from California State
Stanislaus with her bachelor’s in psychology with her master’s degree in Counseling at California State University Hayward. She holds a California state license as a Marriage and Family Therapist through the Board of Behavioral Sciences, State of California. License number 38654. Lani has been licensed since March 2020 and has worked in various agencies and is now associated with New Beginnings. After college she began providing therapy in 1996 giving her 24 years of experience. She has is a dedicated experienced therapist inspired to help others who feel overwhelmed and need hope in difficult life transitions such as, but not limited to trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, family conflict, self-injurious behavior, gender issues, emotional disturbance, behavioral issues, anxiety, grief and loss. She works with children and adolescents in conjunction with their families, families, individual adults, and couples. She enjoys working with foster and adoptive youth. Her style is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There is a focus on what we think, how we feel and how we behave as we face day-tolife experience and relationship problems. In addition, Experiential Humanistic Therapy, which looks at families as systems with its rules and roles, feelings related to others, self-esteem, communication, and growth. In addition, balancing increasing insight with learning new skills necessary for positive changes.

Yessenia Barajas, MSW, ASW

Yessenia is a graduate of California State University of Sacramento and Stanislaus with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Masters of Social Work. She is currently an Associate Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of Linsey Kapoor (LMFT, LPCC).

Yessenia has experience working with children, youth, and adults in various settings including schools, foster care, and child welfare agencies. Yessenia has worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief. Yessenia incorporates evidence-based treatment modalities, including the Strength-Based Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Yessenia is committed to providing a safe space for all individuals. 

Naquiela Buckner-Smith, AMFT, APCC

Certified Life Coach

Naquiela is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and Certified Life Coach. As an Associate Clinician at New Beginnings, Naquiela offers adolescent and family counseling. She has a Master of Science Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counselor from John F Kennedy University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and an Associates of Arts Medical Assistant from Heald College.

With evidence-based and humanistic approach, Naquiela offers tailored individual therapy and behavioral interventions to adults, adolescents, couples, and families. She performs mental health assessments, offers crisis intervention and safety planning, creates annual treatment plans for her clients, and guides them in finding jobs and housing to increase their social functioning.

Previously, Naquiela worked with the U.S. Armed Forces for 12 years as a Human Resources Specialist and has 13 extensive years of experience as a medical instructor in various organizations throughout California. She has a vast experience in personal and professional development, case management, and community resource development. Her diverse professional undertakings have enabled her to develop a deep understanding of human nature and a knack for interpersonal communication.

Naquile is dedicated to fostering genuine human connections with her clients and believes in client advocacy. She is a highly self-motivated professional with a deep-seated passion for understanding human behavior and its ties to mental and emotional well-being. Naquiela enjoys her profession as it allows her to help people find the truth in their existence and live life abundantly.

As a certified life coach, Naquiela aspires to become a motivational speaker and private practice therapist in the next decade. She hopes to continue assessing her client’s distinct needs and creating long-lasting client-therapist relationships rooted in positive interactions and collaborative client-care efforts.

During her free time, Naquiela likes to volunteer at Empowered Women of Excellence, where she has been helping out for the past 13 years in Stockton, CA.

Holly Gilton, MS, AMFT, PPS

Holly is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She has spent 26 years in the mental health field, and has vast experience working with trauma, family systems, at risk youth, children with disabilities, and victims of domestic violence.

Holly graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a B.S. in Communicative Disorders/ Speech and Language Pathology in 1996, and an M.S. in Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy in 1999. She also holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential and she is a certified Diplomat Child Forensic Interviewer with the National Association of Certified Child Forensic Interviewers.

Holly provides an empathic and non-judgmental environment in which exploration and insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are fostered. Through this supportive working relationship, you will be able to identify behavioral patterns, coping styles, and their effects on your daily life. Through the utilization of a Dialectical Behavioral framework you will learn tools that will enable you to adopt new strategies that can lead you to an improved life and stronger sense of self.

Natalie Rahe, MS, APCC

Meet Natalie, a compassionate and dedicated Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with a passion for empowering individuals to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their goals. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University and two years of internship experience, Natalie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each client interaction.

Throughout her career, Natalie has worked in various therapeutic settings, including Turning Point Community Programs, WestCare- Correction to Community Reentry program, and GEO Group, where she has honed her skills in providing holistic and individualized care. She has experience treating a wide range of issues, such as depression, PTSO, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, trauma, and more. Natalie’s approach is person-centered and non­ judgmental, creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences.

An advocate for mental health and well-being, Natalie is committed to providing evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual’s unique needs. She is well-versed in various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, mindfulness practices, play therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy. Her curious and client-focused approach ensures that she continually seeks to learn and adapt her methods to best serve those she works with.

Beyond her professional journey, Natalie leads by example, valuing personal growth and self-care. She believes in the importance of tending to one’s own well-being to provide effective support to others. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys embracing her fun and outgoing nature, engaging in activities that promote self-expression and creativity.

If you are seeking a caring and empathetic mental health professional to guide you on your journey to self-discovery and healing, Natalie is here to walk beside you every step of the way. With a warm and understanding demeanor, she is dedicated to helping clients uncover their inner strength and find a path towards greater fulfillment and resilience. Take the first step towards positive change and reach out to Natalie today.

Rocio Castillo

Executive Administrative Assistant (Modesto)

Rocio is a graduate from California State University of Stanislaus with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a concentration in Human Services. She is a person who is committed, outgoing and polite. She is very caring and passionate about helping others in our community.

Rocio knows the importance of Mental Health. She understands that seeking mental health services can be a huge step for individuals. Rocio wants to make sure your process for initiating therapy goes as smoothly as possible. She would be more than happy to answer any questions you may encounter on the way. In her spare time, she likes to go shopping, exercise and explore new places. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

Lupe Penaloza, Administrative Assistant (Patterson)

Hello, my name is Lupe Penaloza and I was born and raised in the Bay Area but I’ve spent majority of my life Patterson. I went to Chabot College as a education major, although I didn’t complete it I do enjoy helping the next generations and I eventually want to go back to college and finish my degree. I spent about 6+ years in customer service, retail and leadership. One of my favorite parts of working in that field is making people happy. To me that was the most rewarding part of working customer service.