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. 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.

Elaina Joanne Najera, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Elaina graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Social Work with special concentration in Child Welfare as part of the Title IV-E Training Project. Elaina has worked as a social worker for 14 years with experience in Child Welfare, Community-Based Organizations, Residential Treatment Programs, and County Behavioral Health providing case management, direct psychotherapy, and supervision and leadership. Elaina uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play & Art Therapy, adapting skills as appropriate for the needs of each client. Elaina has expertise in telehealth, trauma, foster care and adoption issues, chronic illness, disability issues, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ issues, and other social justice issues and has experience treating children and adults at various life stages.

Elaina’s own experiences of growing up as a disenfranchised BIPOC Chicana in the California Central Valley shaped who she is today as a licensed clinical social worker. Elaina is passionate about creating a healthy, meaningful work environment for colleagues and supervisees, where therapists can serve the complex needs of clients, promoting self-determination, healing, and social justice. In her spare time, Elaina enjoys volunteering, spending time with her fiancé and sister, and listening to K-pop.

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.

Maria Montes, MSW, LCSW

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 1st generation Mexican American. As a bilingual and bicultural clinician, she is able to provide treatment in Spanish.

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 includingEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 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.

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.

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, LMFT, PPS

Holly is a Licensed 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.

Tandrea Thysell, MS, AMFT

Therapy is, at times, a taboo and it has been relegated to “crazy” people, but the truth is: it’s for
everyone. We all need someone safe to talk to. Someone objective, nonjudgmental and who will
listen attentively. That’s what I’m here for and that’s what therapy is about. It’s also about
empowering and helping you find the answers and tools for your situations. Believe it or not, you
already have the answers. I have an undergraduate degree in Journalism and was a reporter for
a while so I believe in getting the real story. I chose counseling because I believe in helping
people. I’m here to listen, question, encourage, assist and guide you.

I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child
Therapy. Additionally, I have several years of professional experience as a Substitute Teacher
(middle school mostly), CPS Social Worker (Contra Costa and San Joaquin), Adolescent
Clinician/Therapist as well as mentor in the community. My lived experiences include working
with children and families in diverse settings and from diverse cultural and socioeconomic
backgrounds.

Miriam Yessnia Castellon, MSW, LCSW

Miriam received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CSU Stanislaus and her Master’s in Social Work from San Francisco State, University.  Miriam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. During the past 20 years, Miriam has been privileged to work with children between the ages of 5-14 and teenagers aged 14-18. She started her career working with children with autism, then transitioned into working with children in the foster care system. Recently, Miriam worked with immigrant teenagers and adults from Latin America who were separated from their families at the US/Mexico border. Being a 1^st generation Mexican American has allowed Miriam to help guide her Latine clients with cultural sensitivity and humility, and is able to provide sessions in Spanish.

Miriam is an advocate for meeting her clients where they’re at and not where “they’re supposed to be.” Using a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Play Therapy, and with a healthy dose of humor, Miriam is honored to work side by side with you and help you echarle ganas (give it your all!).

Jessika Powell, MSW, ACSW

“Prioritizing your mental well-being is an act of self-care and love.

Jessika, an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW), stands as a guiding force, helping you navigate life’s obstacles and turning them into avenues for personal growth. At New Beginning, she offers tailored individual counseling services, extending her support to individuals of diverse backgrounds, including children. Armed with a Master of Social Work from the University of Massachusetts Global, Jessika’s expertise is further enriched by 2.5 years of immersive therapeutic practice during her internship. As she continues her journey towards full licensure, Jessika remains steadfast in her commitment to honing her skills and providing comprehensive assistance to her clients.

With 9 years of experience in the mental health realm, spanning both child and adult systems of care, Jessika brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to her practice. Originally graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Legal Studies, Jessika has always been driven by a passion for advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Her dedication extends to empowering individuals to learn and apply these essential skills in their own lives.

Eman Morad, MSW, ACSW

Cintia Zuniga Perez, MSW, ACSW

Cintia Zuniga Perez is a dedicated clinician with a passion for improving the lives of individuals and families through holistic and trauma-informed approaches. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, East Bay, where she focused on social services, developing a strong foundation in understanding the complex social dynamics that affect mental health and well-being.

Continuing her academic journey, Cintia pursued a Master’s degree in Social Work from Brandman University. Her education equipped her with essential skills and knowledge to support diverse populations. Cintia is bilingual and able to provide services in Spanish. Cintia believes that effective therapy addresses the whole person, and she incorporates techniques that promote emotional and physical well-being.

With extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, Cintia has provided compassionate care to adults and children facing various mental health challenges. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment, where clients can explore their experiences and develop coping strategies. Her trauma-informed approach ensures that clients feel understood and validated, fostering trust and facilitating healing.

Cintia is passionate about holistic modalities that include aromatherapy, breathwork, and mindfulness. Cintia is dedicated to lifelong learning and continues to expand her knowledge within holistic modalities. She is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and accessibility, striving to empower her clients to lead fulfilling and resilient lives. Through her work, Cintia Zuniga Perez remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

Roxanne Mitchell, MS, AMFT

Roxanne Mitchell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy.  She earned her degree from the University of Phoenix.  Her former career was spent supporting children and youth as an early childhood educator and paraprofessional for over 25 years.  Roxanne has served as a Foster Care Worker, Home Study Writer, and Foster Parent Instructor.  Roxanne has experience counseling transitional youth, supporting them as they navigate past trauma and work toward emotional healing.  Her passion for community advocacy drives her work in supporting individuals and families facing challenges such as financial hardship, mental health issues, and substance abuse.  She emphasizes holistic healing; addressing the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Roxanne is also a marriage assessor, offering guidance to couples who are considering marriage, currently engaged, or newly married.  She enjoys spending time with her family and believes family relationships are the cornerstone of shaping an individual’s wellbeing and success while contributing to the stability of society.  Roxanne believes families are a sanctuary of trust, love, and mutual support.

Kiana Diniz, MA, AMFT

Kiana received her B.A. in Psychology at San Francisco State University and soon after obtained her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of San Francisco and is currently collecting her hours towards licensure as a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

Kiana began her experience in supporting youth with Autism, then transitioned into community-based mental health by providing therapeutic behavioral services to youth in the child welfare system, and then built upon her experience with youth by providing school-based social and emotional learning support short-term intervention, and volunteered to provide counseling in a community clinic. Kiana’s most recent experience consisted of supporting youth and their families through providing school-based mental health services.

Kiana comes into the therapeutic space with a person-centered, humanistic, and eclectic approach allowing for her to tailor interventions, skills, and techniques to the needs of her clients. Kiana strives to serve her community by supporting children/youth, families, couples, and individuals navigate hardship through offering an empathetic and non-judgmental space that empowers them to see their potential and achieve their goals.

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.

Arlett Castillo, Administrative Assistant (Modesto)

Arlett, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University of Stanislaus, is characterized by her dedication, reliability, and friendly behavior. She possesses a deep understanding of the importance of mental health and is committed to offering valuable assistance in the mental health process. With her compassionate approach and knowledge in psychology, Arlett strives to be a supportive resource for individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being. During her free time, she likes to try new things such as dining out at different restaurants, enjoying outdoor activities, and going shopping. She also values spending time with her loved ones.

Yuliana Lupian, Administrative Assistant (Modesto)

I was born in México and grew up in the Bay Area. My family and I Moved to the Central Valley 2 years ago. Currently, I am finishing my certification on Medical billing and hoping to continue my education to pursue a degree focused on social work. I enjoy helping people and showing them that it always gets better and they are not alone. On my free time I love spending time with my family and friends. Love camping and walks on the beach.

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.