“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

Dr. Wendy Denham (she/her) is the founder of North Star Families and a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY20898), researcher, clinical supervisor, and trainer specializing in child, adolescent, family, and adult mental health. For more than 20 years, she has helped children, parents, families, and professionals strengthen relationships, attachment, emotional well-being, and the relational capacities that support lifelong mental health.

Dr. Denham earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California Graduate Institute, where she received the Doctoral Research Award, and holds a Master’s degree in Drama Therapy from the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K. and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Queensland in Australia. Following her doctoral training, she conducted research with Columbia University and UCLA while building a clinical and consulting practice focused on child, adolescent, and family mental health.

A nationally recognized expert in Reflective Parenting and parental mentalization, Dr. Denham has coded hundreds of research interviews assessing parental reflective capacity and has seen firsthand how reflective functioning can strengthen attachment, resilience, communication, and emotional well-being. For more than two decades, she has trained and supervised therapists and professionals in reflective practice, assessment, and evidence-based parenting interventions through the Center for Reflective Communities, including collaborations with organizations in Los Angeles and internationally. She has presented nationally, including at Zero to Three’s National Conference, and co-authored research on reflective and mindful parenting. She is also formally trained in the administration and scoring of the ADOS-2 autism assessment.

Dr. Denham currently provides psychological consulting to Disney talent, executives, and production staff, as well as Mobius Leadership and other organizations, helping individuals and teams improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create healthier workplace environments through research-based reflective practices.

Before founding North Star Families, Dr. Denham served as Coordinator of the Infant Mental Health Program at The Maple Counseling Center, where she trained and supervised clinicians working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and their families. She has also collaborated with Twigtale to develop children’s books supporting families through developmental transitions and important life experiences.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Denham enjoys spending time with her husband and teenagers and considers both Los Angeles and Australia home.

Monica Manibusan, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #119411 with over a decade of experience supporting children, adults, and families through meaningful growth and healing. She has a special passion for working with neurodivergent individuals and families, and brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face. Monica has worked extensively with children and families using a team-based approach to create change in the environments that matter most.

As the Clinical Director of North Star Families, Monica plays an active role in the training and supervision of the entire clinical team. Mentoring and supporting other therapists is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work and allows her to help cultivate a community of care that extends beyond her individual practice.

Monica’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, playfulness, and deep respect. She draws from a range of evidence-based practices—including Attachment-Focused EMDR, play therapy, and Reflective Parenting—to meet each client where they are. Her work integrates a bottom-up, body-based lens that begins with regulation and builds toward cognitive and emotional healing. By focusing on the body’s nervous system responses first, Monica helps clients establish a foundation of safety and connection, supporting deep, lasting healing from the inside out.

She has completed extensive training in a variety of modalities that inform her integrative approach, including:

• Advanced Certificate in DIR/Floortime (ICDL)

• Attachment-Focused EMDR (Parnell Institute)

• Perinatal Mental Health (Postpartum Support International)

• Play Therapy (UC San Diego)

• Animal-Assisted Therapy (Peacock Foundation)

• ITCT-A: Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma – Adolescents (USC)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Reflective Parenting Program (Center for Reflective Communities)

• Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP)

• Early Start Denver Model (UC Davis)

Monica holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University.

Outside of her clinical work, Monica enjoys swimming, baking, playing with her son, and spending time with her beloved dog Ollie and cat Meeko.

Ollie is a gentle and friendly miniature dachshund therapy dog who works alongside his mom, Monica, to help kids feel safe, calm, and cared for during sessions. With his floppy ears and warm presence, Ollie is always ready to offer quiet comfort, a cozy cuddle, or a little play when needed.

Whether sitting patiently by your side or making you smile with his big brown eyes and wagging tail, Ollie helps make therapy a more welcoming, soothing, and joyful space for everyone he meets.

Janet Medrano, LCSW (she/her) is North Star’s Clinical Intake Supervisor and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker #84170 with over ten years of experience in school and community mental health settings. As the first point of contact for new clients, Janet offers empathy, insight, and clarity to help individuals and families organize their needs and connect with the right therapist.

Janet began her career as a school-based therapist, consultant, trainer, workshop facilitator, and clinical supervisor. These roles and experiences shaped her integrative style—combining psychoeducation with practical strategies that empower clients and strengthen their emotional wellbeing.

Grounded in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens, Janet models curiosity and self-compassion to help children, adolescents, adults, and parents identify patterns, defenses, and risk factors while developing tools for growth. She draws upon her expertise in resilience-informed care to help clients increase their reflective capacity and explore the underlying stressors affecting their physical, emotional, and behavioral health.

In sessions, Janet is playful, reflective, flexible, direct, and attuned. Through a relational approach, she collaborates with clients to explore lived experiences, build on existing strengths, and foster meaningful change.

Janet earned her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from UCLA. Her clinical work integrates Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness within a person-centered, trauma-informed framework. She holds certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Reflective Parenting Program (RPP), Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), and Seeking Safety.

Fluent in Spanish and born in Mexico, Janet is passionate about addressing intergenerational trauma and chronic cultural stress. Outside of sessions, she enjoys marathon training, discovering new restaurants, visiting loved ones, and planning her next travel adventure.

Karena Lee (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #107334, former first-grade teacher, and mom to two boys (and one dog named Turtle!). She provides therapy in English and Spanish for children, parents, co-parents, couples, families, including ADHD and autistic individuals and families.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Karena currently serves as Senior Clinical Supervisor at North Star Families, offering training and guidance to other therapists while learning from each team member’s unique strengths.

Karena helps families navigate neurodivergence, BIG emotions, relationship challenges, and the daily ups and downs of family life. She works collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that build on strengths while offering practical strategies, live coaching, and supportive feedback. She incorporates art, play, games, slime, and sensory exploration and integration in sessions with children (and adults!), welcoming all parts of clients—from silly to sad to serious—and helping them build connections internally and with others.

She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller School of Psychology, as well as degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education from Northwestern University. Karena is trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Reflective Parenting Program (RPP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Perinatal Mental Health (PMH), and the Gottman Method (Level 2). Karena works with clients of all ages through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens and has completed Level 1 training through the IFS Institute.

Connect with Karena today and see if she’s the right fit for you and your family—because creating safe, loving, and connected relationships is not just her work, it’s her passion.

Dr. Nicole Vale is a licensed psychologist (PSY27080) with post-doctoral training in clinical neuropsychology. She specializes in comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults.

Dr. Vale has extensive experience conducting assessments across a variety of clinical settings, including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and forensic settings. Her broad training has provided her with the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of strengths, challenges, and life experiences. Through this work, she has developed a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of understanding the whole person—not simply a diagnosis or set of test scores.

Dr. Vale specializes in neuropsychological evaluations related to learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, giftedness, medical conditions, and concussions. Her approach is thorough, collaborative, and individualized, with the goal of helping families better understand why a child or young adult may be struggling and identifying meaningful ways to support their growth and development.

Dr. Vale believes that the assessment process should feel comfortable, supportive, and accessible. She prioritizes building connection with each client and family throughout the evaluation in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, strengths, needs, and goals. Her recommendations are evidence-based, practical, and tailored to the individual, with a focus on realistic interventions that can support the client across settings and throughout their development.

Dr. Vale earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also earned a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. She completed a Post-Licensure Certificate in Neuropsychology through Fielding Graduate University and holds a Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).

Kelly Broffman (she/her) is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #140255. She has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child Studies from Antioch University Los Angeles. Kelly completed her clinical training hours at Cheerful Helpers Child and Family Study Center where she worked as an in-class clinician for their therapeutic preschool-kindergarten program, supported parents as a family therapist, and facilitated a child-parent group therapy program. Her training was immersive and provided her with extensive experience in early intervention techniques for a range of neurodivergent children with diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, executive functioning disorder, global developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, and anxiety disorders. Though Kelly’s training was centered around early childhood development, she has greatly enjoyed expanding her practice to teens and finding creative ways to apply her knowledge to their unique, phase of life challenges. Kelly also has training and significant experience in supporting children and adolescents with school refusal

Combining attachment theory with the psychodynamic and family systems modalities, Kelly works with both parents and children to support them in building confidence in themselves and their parent-child relationship. She understands that this world presents challenges for a neurodivergent child and believes that early intervention, fortified by unconditional acceptance, is essential to the development of lifelong tools that will empower a child to bravely express their feelings, clearly advocate for their needs, safely self-regulate in times of activation, and successfully connect with others. Likewise, she holds a space of respect and empathy for parents who have found themselves in a child-parent relationship that at times can be challenging, alienating, and disheartening. Kelly believes that every parent is the expert on their child and that in working together a parent can expand their expertise and their capacity for understanding, supporting, and connecting with their child.

Kelly’s work with her clients is mostly play-based and emphasizes incorporating fun into the therapeutic space. This might look like dancing around to music, building an elaborate fort, creating a custom slime concoction, or just sitting on the floor and chatting. She prioritizes creating a genuine connection with each of her clients and believes that this is the foundation for the safety and comfort necessary to approach the more sensitive parts of her clients’ emotional worlds.

In her spare time, Kelly likes to cuddle her dog Fern, read and enjoy a good meal with friends.

Emily Glickman (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #151635. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Southern California and completed her master’s degree in Marriage and Family
Therapy at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Emily completed her post graduate training at Cheerful Helpers Child and Family Study Center in Los Angeles, CA using a psychodynamic and attachment theory orientation.

Emily strives to create a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes trust and emotional connection. She believes that approaching each child
and family with authenticity and respect is the best way to build reparative relationships in therapy. She feels that a collaborative approach, in which parents and children work together is essential in bringing about meaningful
change.

Emily’s clinical experience as a family therapist spans a wide range of social, emotional and developmental challenges, including autism, neurodivergence, ADHD, behavioral problems as well as anxiety and depression. She has also facilitated Parent and Me counseling groups to help children better understand and regulate their emotional experiences and has conducted parent support groups to help parents achieve deeper insight into their children’s behavior. Passionate about her work, Emily finds deep satisfaction in witnessing the positive changes that occur and cherishes the meaningful connections she forms with each family.

Remy is a sweet and affectionate six-year-old Goldendoodle with a gentle, easygoing nature who adores kids and her Mom, Emily Glickman, LMFT. She enjoys being around people and brings a warm, calming presence wherever she is. She’s equally happy relaxing quietly nearby, enjoying a cuddle, or joining in for a little playtime when invited.

With her friendly personality and soft, fluffy demeanor, Remy naturally makes those around her feel comfortable. She’s perfectly content simply being nearby, allowing each person to engage with her or enjoy her company, in whatever way feels most supportive.

Roxane Cohanim, LMFT #144024, is a compassionate and thoughtful therapist who works with children of all ages, teens, adults, and couples. She creates a warm, collaborative space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported as they navigate life’s complexities.

Roxane supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, body image concerns, eating disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), life transitions, perfectionism, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, identity development, and relational challenges. She also provides couples therapy, helping partners strengthen communication and connection. Roxane tailors her approach to each client’s unique needs, fostering greater self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful growth.

Roxane holds an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College, with a Certificate in Child and Family Mental Health and Wellness, and a B.A. in Art History with a minor in Psychology from USC. Her training includes psychoanalysis, psychodynamic and play therapy, reflective parenting, college mental health, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She previously worked as a college counselor and continues to support young adults navigating college and life transitions. She also works with autistic and neurodivergent clients under ongoing supervision at Vista’s Autism Center.

As a mother of two young children, Roxane brings warmth, empathy, and a relatable perspective to her work. Outside of therapy, she enjoys museums, concerts, traveling, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.

Childhood is a period of discovery and growth, a time for children to get to know themselves and to see how they fit into their world. How each child approaches this can vary based on their circumstances, temperament, and unique traits. For some children, this can seem like a seamless transition into adolescence and adulthood, while for others it can be daunting and filled with fits and starts. In today’s world of growing demands and expectations, it’s easy for parents and children to become overwhelmed during this time. If you or your child are struggling, therapy can help you get back on track and to enjoying your time together.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist #149692, Michael (he/him) approaches each individual he counsels with the belief they have within them the innate potential to grow and thrive, and he works from a place of curiosity and warmth to foster this. What therapy looks like and how it progresses depends on the client and their specific needs, but Michael believes a playful and trusting partnership is key to facilitating growth and change. At the core of his work, Michael aims to provide his clients a safe space to test out who they are and how they want to be, which can increase confidence and self-worth and reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and other psychological difficulties.

Michael holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Science from Boston University. He received training at the Family Service Agency of Burbank, where he served families, teens, and adults. He’s counseled clients through a range of difficulties including grief and loss, familial discord, life transitions, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. He also worked at Burbank High School’s Care Center, where he provided crisis management services and group therapy to teens experiencing bullying, identity and family issues, peer-to-peer challenges, LGBTQ+ concerns, and trauma. In addition to his work with Dr. Denham, Michael serves as a teletherapist to individuals throughout California. He has completed the Reflective Parenting Program’s Level 1 training and is enrolled in ongoing training for the Violet Oaklander Gestalt Play Therapy model.

Camila (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist #137865 child specialist and relational psychotherapist offering individual therapy for young children, teens, and adults (ages 2+), as well as couples therapy and parenting support. Known for her warmth, humor, and deep listening, Camila creates a safe, supportive foundation where clients and families can explore their challenges, emotions and needs without judgment. What we see on the surface in behaviors is often a clue for unseen challenges and support needs that Camila helps to uncover alongside you.

Camila specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals, including ADHD, autistic, and twice-exceptional (2e) children and adults, and is LGBTQ+ affirming. Camila supports children and adolescents with social difficulties, overwhelming feelings, challenging behaviors, sensory differences, family conflict, anxiety, OCD, grief and depression. Camila is passionate about partnering with parents and creating an environment for parents that feels supportive, safe and encouraging. A former creative professional raised in Los Angeles, Camila has unique insight into the needs of creative families and the experiences of children growing up in LA.

In her work with young adults, Camila has a specialty in supporting individuals who feel disconnected from who they truly are, who may struggle with patterns of anxious attachment, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, and who want to feel more authentic and empowered in relationships. With clients of all ages, Camila believes change happens through a healing relationship and a genuine connection between therapist and client. She integrates her training and background in various modalities including psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, play therapy, attachment-based family therapy, and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). With couples, Camila is specially trained in emotionally-focused couples therapy (EFT), a focused, attachment-informed approach that helps couples to address painful cycles and build stronger connection at the root.

Camila holds an M.S. in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (CSUN) and a B.A. in Psychology (UC Berkeley). She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#163184).

Krista Anderson (she/her) is a Registered Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #162671. She specializes in child development, autism spectrum disorder, attachment issues, ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders. She offers individual child, teen, and adult psychotherapy as well as parent coaching both in person and online. With an empathic, attachment-informed approach, Krista believes that finely attuned relationships are the foundation for healthy development and psychological well being.

Krista received her bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia Vancouver, and completed her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. She has worked in the Los Angeles area as a DIR/Floortime therapist and case manager, and has several years of experience working in homes, schools, and clinical settings with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Krista is certified in DIR/Floortime by the International Council on Development and Learning. Additionally, Krista is experienced in early intervention for autism (ages 12-48 months) using the Early Start Denver Model (UC Davis MIND Institute). During her clinical traineeship, Krista worked as a counselor for adults and seniors at The Center for Professional Counseling in North Hollywood. There, she provided adult psychotherapy via telehealth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic focusing on issues of grief, aging, life transitions, and relationships.

Krista is EMDR trained by the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Her therapeutic approach is influenced by her background in music and art. She works sensitively and creatively with people across the lifespan, and integrates a collaborative, often play based approach with clients. Informed by developmental capacities and an understanding of individual sensory differences, Krista uses the therapeutic relationship to facilitate her clients in their personal growth, resilience, and curiosity.

Luis Rodriguez (he/him) is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 160436 who specializes in working with neurodivergent children (ages 3 and up), parents and couples under the supervision of Monica Manibusan, LMFT and Dr. Wendy Denham. Through his clinical experience at Cheerful Helpers, a therapeutic school and early intervention program, he developed a passion for working with children with behavioral, social, emotional, and developmental challenges, providing therapeutic support through play-based, developmentally informed therapy. He also has experience in family-centered treatment, parent coaching, and multidisciplinary collaboration with educators, speech, and occupational therapists.  In addition to his clinical work, Luis has over 10 years of experience in higher education as an academic counselor. Working in higher education has provided him with extensive experience in working with and supporting diverse and underserved populations.

Luis earned his MS in Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education from Long Beach State University and his MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

Luis approaches his practice with compassion, respect, and warmth. He believes that every person, from children to adults, should feel welcomed, safe, and supported. He describes himself as a child at heart by maintaining a joyful and curious spirit. His spirit inspires his mindset, and he believes that healing does not always have to be heavy and could also be achieved through creativity and play.

Outside his clinical work, Luis likes to experiment in the kitchen with new recipes or refining his latte-making skills. His best practices for self-care and mental health include fitness, reading, and quality time with friends, family, and pets.

Teddy is a friendly Golden Retriever who lives for belly rubs, cuddles, and meeting new people. Playful and gentle by nature, he greets everyone with a wagging tail and a calm, welcoming presence.

Teddy works alongside his human, Luis Rodriguez, AMFT, to help make the therapy space feel warmer, safer, and more relaxed. Whether he’s offering a comforting nudge, a quiet place to rest your hand, or a good reason to smile, Teddy is here to support you in his own way.

Nina Antonijević (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #158762 who specializes in working with children and families, particularly preschool-aged, elementary-age, and early adolescent children. She specializes in supporting neurodivergent children, including children with autism and ADHD, as well as children navigating anxiety, emotional regulation, social connection, flexibility, transitions, and self-advocacy. Nina practices under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Denham and Monica Manibusan, LMFT.

Nina’s approach is warm, playful, relational, and collaborative. She creates a space where children feel safe, accepted, and understood while helping them build emotional awareness, confidence, flexibility, communication, and stronger relationships. She also works closely with parents, helping them better understand their child’s emotional world and find practical ways to support connection and growth at home.

Nina is a certified DIR/Floortime clinician and incorporates play therapy, developmental, attachment-informed, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches into her work. Before becoming a therapist, she spent more than 11 years working in special education within the Los Angeles Unified School District, giving her extensive experience supporting children with diverse developmental and learning needs. She completed her clinical internship at Cheerful Helpers Child and Family Study Center, where she provided individual, group, and family therapy and supported children and caregivers with social-emotional development, relationships, and transitions.

Nina earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Her work is rooted in curiosity rather than correction. She believes that behavior often communicates something a child may not yet have the words to express. By looking beneath behavior with curiosity and compassion, Nina uses connection, play, and trust to help children feel seen and understood while developing the emotional and relational skills they need to grow.

Aften Lee (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)/Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who believes that behind every behavior is a child trying to tell us something. Rather than simply trying to change behaviors, she seeks to understand what lies beneath them. Her job isn’t to “fix” children; it is to help them feel deeply seen, accepted, and safe so they can develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional skills needed to grow. Her goal is to help children build the emotional foundation they need to thrive long after therapy ends, while helping families experience more connection, trust, and joy together.

As both a therapist and a parent of two kids, Aften understands that raising a child who is struggling can feel overwhelming, isolating, and full of uncertainty. She believes parents are the experts on their own children and that therapy works best when families and their therapist partner together. Rather than telling parents what they “should” do, she works alongside them to better understand what their child’s behavior is communicating, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and respond to difficult moments with greater curiosity, confidence, and connection. 

All of Aften’s work is relationship-driven and begins with creating a space where children and teens feel safe to show up exactly as they are. She believes meaningful change happens through connection and works to build a strong therapeutic relationship rooted in acceptance, curiosity, and trust. With younger children, she primarily uses Play Therapy because play gives children a safe, natural way to explore their inner world, make sense of difficult experiences, and express feelings that may be hard to put into words. With teens, she takes a relational, psychodynamic approach while thoughtfully drawing from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Gestalt therapy to support each client’s unique needs. Her work is also informed by nervous system regulation and sensory processing differences, recognizing that emotions, behavior, and the body are deeply connected.

Aften earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles and completed her clinical training at Counseling Partners Los Angeles and Children’s Institute, a nonprofit partner of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She is currently completing advanced training in Child-Centered Play Therapy with a neurorelational emphasis and has a passion for working with gender-diverse children, teens, and their families.

Aften considers it a privilege to walk alongside children and families during some of life’s hardest seasons. She is honored to support the courage, growth, and deeper connection that emerge when children feel truly seen, safe, and understood. When not at work, you can find Aften hanging out with her family (including her two dogs), leading a local Girl Scout troop, cooking, reading, swimming, and creating pottery.

Vanessa Clarke, AMFT (she/her) is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #149039 supervised by Monica Manibusan, LMFT and Dr. Wendy Denham. She specializes in infant and early childhood mental health, attachment, and trauma.

Vanessa earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco and her master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She is also a graduate of the UC Davis Napa Infant-Parent & Early Childhood Mental Health Fellowship. Her experience includes working in preschools, domestic violence shelters, and adolescent residential treatment centers.

In her clinical work, Vanessa has provided trauma-informed, play-based therapy for children ages 2.5–5 with significant emotional and behavioral needs at a therapeutic preschool and served as a Wraparound Therapist for children ages 4-15 in the foster care system.

Known for her warmth, curiosity, and playfulness, Vanessa follows a child’s lead in therapy, using a “bottom-up” approach to help regulate the nervous system, establishing a foundational sense of safety and trust. She is deeply committed to systemic collaboration, valuing active partnership with a child’s entire support network, including parents, caregivers, educators, and outside providers to foster holistic healing.

Her work is informed by Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in Early Childhood and Dr. Brazelton’s Touchpoints Approach, both of which serve as foundations for understanding child development and nurturing the vital attachment between child and caregiver.

Certifications & Specialized Training:

Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in Early Childhood Training Certification — Phase 1*

Brazelton Touchpoints Approach

Parent and Child Interaction Feeding Scale (0–12 months)

Parent and Child Teaching Scale (0–36 months)

Newborn Behavioral Observations (0–12 weeks)

California 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor

*The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Vanessa Clarke has completed NMT-EC Training Certification through the Phase I level.

Outside of her work, Vanessa enjoys spending time in the mountains, doing arts and crafts, and being with her two cats, Pretzel and Taffy.

Greg Goldman (he/him) is an Associate Marriage and Family #153622 therapist who specializes in working with elementary through high school students facing challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, eating disorders, and grief. With a warm, empathetic presence, Greg helps young people build confidence, resilience, and emotional insight and works under the supervision of Karena Lee, LMFT and Dr. Wendy Denham. He also works with adult men, supporting them through life transitions, parenting, stress, and emotional wellbeing.

Greg began his mental health journey in 1992 while studying Psychology and English Literature at the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked under Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of Positive Psychology. He earned his MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and trained at Family Services Agency of Burbank. His experience includes school-based therapy at Dolores Huerta Middle School and crisis work at John Burroughs High School.

As a father of a 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, Greg understands firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise—and be—a kid in today’s world. His approach is collaborative and strengths-based, integrating Attachment-Based Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and Positive Psychology with developmentally attuned strategies—including play-based interventions for younger clients. Treatment is always individualized, with practical tools offered from the very first session.

Greg has a particular interest in the relationship between technology and mental health, having conducted research on cell phone use and adolescent anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. He regularly speaks at schools and parent education events, offering insights on digital life and emotional wellbeing.

Outside of therapy, Greg enjoys hiking, traveling, cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams, and hanging out with his French bulldog, Penny.

Greg is currently accepting new clients and looks forward to supporting your family—or you.

Cynthia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT #77750) and Washington (LMFT #LF61677785), with more than 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples, teens, children, and families. She has a particular passion for helping clients navigate relationship challenges, life transitions, and co-parenting, particularly during times of change or when communication feels more challenging. She helps clients slow down difficult conversations, understand the patterns shaping their relationships, and find practical ways to move forward.

Cynthia provides individual, couples, co-parenting, and family therapy through telehealth, offering the flexibility and comfort of meeting from a familiar environment. Her work with teens and families focuses on creating space for open communication and helping each person better understand the perspectives and dynamics within the family.

Fluent in English and Spanish and conversant in Hebrew and Portuguese, Cynthia works with clients from a wide range of cultural and personal backgrounds. She earned her M.A. in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Her training includes Reflective Parenting, Gestalt Therapy through the Violet Oaklander Foundation, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy.

Cynthia has worked alongside Dr. Wendy Denham and Monica Manibusan, LMFT since the early days of North Star Families, bringing years of shared clinical experience and collaboration to her work with clients.

Zelma Studebaker (she/they) graduated from The California Institute for Integral Studies in the Sound, Voice, and Therapeutic Studies program. Zelma has 13+ years of experience working alongside children ages 18 months to 15 years old. They also have an extensive background working with children who have special needs. Zelma is also an Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist working one on one with autistic and neurodivergent children and has been an Assistant Special Needs Teacher for Sensory Social Playgrounds with a floortime approach in San Francisco.

Zelma leads with patience and empathy having been a nanny for years prior and au pair in Switzerland. They are available to work one on one in the home or assist at school to empower your child to learn, laugh, and grow.

Zelma is also a musician who incorporates the love of song into their work with kids.

Kyle is here to make sure you and your family feel supported from the very first step. Whether you have questions about billing, insurance, scheduling, or getting set up on the Simple Practice portal, Kyle is your go-to guide for all things administrative—always with a kind heart and a listening ear.

She has been a part of the North Star Families team since 2021, working closely with Dr. Wendy Denham and the entire staff to help families feel welcomed, cared for, and understood. Kyle knows that beginning therapy—especially for children and families—can feel vulnerable, and she brings genuine compassion and patience to every interaction.

As someone who has personally experienced the positive impact of therapy, Kyle understands how much time, effort, and love it takes to begin and stay committed to the journey. She is always happy to chat by email or phone, and will do her best to make sure you feel seen, heard, and held—because you and your family deserve just that.