A Professional, Skilled Staff
Best Me Psychotherapy was founded by Dr. Abby Penson in 2016. Dr. Penson wants to be able to offer therapy to more people than she is able to treat alone. She is committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment for patients. The quality of the Best Me staff is a top priority and she has taken great care in personally choosing each member of the staff.
“Our goal is to help patients gain a better understanding of who they are and why they are struggling with the issues that have brought them to seek therapy. Our treatment is guided by the individual needs of each patient and is aimed at empowering the patient to find the strength to make the necessary changes that will lead to an increase in self-esteem, self-acceptance, and an elimination of unhealthy behaviors.”
Dr. Abby Penson
ABBY PENSON, PH.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lic. PSY21602
Dr. Abby Penson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D.). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.
Dr. Penson provides Individual, Family, Couples, and Group Therapy. Her areas of specialization include Eating Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Relationship Issues (Pre-Marital, Marriage, Divorce, Co-Parenting, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual, Domestic Violence and Abuse), Trauma and Abuse, Substance Abuse, Learning and Behavioral issues, and Self-Injury. She has presented numerous lectures to the community, increasing awareness about Domestic Violence, Improving Self-Image and Self-Esteem, and Eating Disorders and Prevention.
Dr. Penson utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach to therapy. She views each patient as an individual and identifies what may be most therapeutic for them. She often draws from Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Gestalt approaches. Her goal is to help each individual make changes to improve their mood or stability, be more effective, achieve their goals, and ultimately live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
EUGENIA HOWLEY, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. MFC95069
Eugenia Howley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who received her Bachelor’s degree from University of California, San Diego and completed her graduate work at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Eugenia moved to the United States from Eastern Europe when she was a teenager and is fluent in Russian.
Eugenia provides Individual, Family, and Group psychotherapy, Behavior Modification strategies in clinic, school, and home settings with children and adults, and Parenting support groups and education. She has extensive experience working with children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as other developmental and behavioral difficulties. Eugenia’s other areas of focus include, but not limited to: depression and anxiety, anger management, trauma and grief counseling, childhood development and behavioral interventions, relationship issues (marriage, divorce, co-parenting, adoption, domestic violence, LGBTQ).
Eugenia believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative process respectful of each individual’s culture, needs, goals, and time. She works with her clients to help them shed light in places where the client might feel stuck and helps them find new perspectives and effective solutions that make sense for them.
ASHLEY PALUSKA, PSY.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lic. PSY29007
Dr. Ashley Paluska is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.). She received her Doctorate and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology – Chicago. She also holds a Masters of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology/Sport Management from Cleveland State University. She has trained and worked in a variety of settings from community mental health, medical and psychology private practices, college counseling, sports and exercise psychology, substance abuse, clinical and forensic diagnostics, youth detention, and sexual offender treatment.
Dr. Paluska provides Individual (i.e., children, adolescents, teenagers, young adult, and adults) and Couples Therapy. Her areas of specialization include Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Learning and Behavioral issues, Behavioral Modification, ADHD, Sports and Exercise Psychology, Parenting Issues, Oppositional Defiant, Conduct Disorders, Relationship Issues, Self-Injury, Eating Disorders, and Stress Related Issues (i.e. work, life, trauma).
In addition, to providing general therapy services, Dr. Paluska offers Clinical and Forensic Psychological Assessments. Her experience includes general psychological evaluations, psycho-neurological testing (i.e., concussions, memory loss), educational, psychosexual, probation, pre/post trial, pre-employment (i.e., law enforcement, adults working with children), ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and auditory and visual processing deficits.
Dr. Paluska utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach, often drawing from Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Good Lives, and strength based approaches. Her goal is to help patients achieve strength and self confidence in their own ability to communicate, solve problems, and make changes.
Life can be as frustrating and chaotic as putting together a puzzle of a million pieces. Psychological testing and/or therapy may provide the tools necessary to discovery the missing pieces to unanswered questions.
ANALIA BARROSO, PH.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lic. PSY24389
Dr. Analia Barroso is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D) who received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alhambra.
Dr. Barroso was raised by Spanish speaking parents and is therefore bilingual in Spanish and English, as well as bicultural.
Dr. Barroso has extensive experience providing Individual and Family Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Her areas of specialization include Childhood Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Childhood Abuse, Crisis Intervention and Familial Issues.
Dr. Barroso is a compassionate therapist who believes in a collaborative strength-based approach that incorporates the individual and family’s needs.
TIFFANY LEVINE, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. MFC50922
Tiffany Levine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Phillip’s Graduate Institute and undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Cal State University, Northridge.
Tiffany provides therapy for Individuals (Adults, Adolescents, and Children), Couples, Families, and Groups and maintains a collaborative approach with her clients. Utilizing Language Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Family Systems modalities as to honor one’s individuality, she joins with each of her clients to develop a road map for personal success. Believing that there are “no failures”, only opportunities to learn and grow.
Tiffany creates a warm and encouraging therapeutic environment where one is safe to explore, learn and grow. Her areas of focus are Depression, Anxiety, Dysfunctional beliefs, Interpersonal Pressures and Demands, External Stressors, and Life Changes. Additionally, Tiffany specializes in treatment of Domestic Violence, Trauma, PTSD, Communication Issues, Family Dynamics, Parenting, Empowerment and goal setting. Tiffany is passionate about a holistic approach to wellness. Tiffany has a deep respect for Yoga and has completed her Yoga teacher training so that she may help her clients better manage stressors through breathing and relaxation techniques.
If one is provided the right support and guidance, one can accomplish anything.
CARIE SCHWARTZ, PSY.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY31251
Dr. Carie Schwartz is a licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Arizona, her Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University and her Doctorate for the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Schwartz has presented numerous lectures on topics related to Childhood Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Childhood and Teen Sexuality, Attachment and Parenting.
Dr. Schwartz provides Individual, Child, Couple, Parent, and Family psychotherapy. Her areas of specialization include Anxiety, Childhood Development and Social/Emotional/Behavioral concerns, issues related to Attachment, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Family and Individual life transitions, and LGBTQ Identity and Sexuality. Additionally, she focuses on Mood Disorders, Relationships, and Stress Management.
Dr. Schwartz incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral, Attachment-Based, Resiliency and Affirmative psychotherapeutic approaches as well as Acceptance and Mindfulness, and family therapies into her practice. She demonstrates a highly approachable, non-judging presence, and engaging style. Her genuine interest, compassion, and openness help to build collaborative relationships. Dr. Schwartz’s goal is to help clients increase their awareness, build more flexible perspectives, and develop more effective ways to cope in order to live fuller and more meaningful lives.
PHYLLIS A. HOLLAND, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License # LMFT120218
Phyllis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Masters from the University of Southern California (USC).
Phyllis’ approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that human beings are relational, created to function best in relationship, with self and with others. She builds a collaborative, therapeutic alliance with her clients based on the understanding that while we’re often wounded in relationships, it’s also in relationships that we’re healed. As such, she provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to process issues of meaning and importance and seeks to help clients uncover their own answers to questions that bring anxiety, confusion or impede a sense of well-being. Her approaches are respectful and grounded in multiculturalism, including sensitivity to one’s spirituality as part of wellness.
Phyllis’ theoretical orientation is eclectic, leaning towards a strength based, Existential, Humanistic approach. Her areas of focus include, but are not limited to, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Wellness and Stress Management, Trauma and Resiliency, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Older Adult/Family Issues (Alzheimer’s) and Grief and Loss. She is also trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and enjoys working with couples who desire a greater connection with one another. She considers herself privileged to work with adult individuals and couples in order to support them in their efforts to relate better.
Phyllis’ goal is to provide support for the careful consideration of her client’s thoughts and emotions while bearing witness to each individual’s journey – their challenges and their joy.
CHRISTINE YANG-SANCHEZ, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Lic. LMFT112758
Christine Sanchez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alhambra.
Christine has extensive experience working in intensive outpatient and outpatient settings. She is currently focusing on her work with Young Adults, Adults, and Couples. She specializes in Depression, Childhood and Adult Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationship distress.
Christine often incorporates mindfulness with clients to help them become more in touch with their body and experience healing from a well rounded approach. She also utilizes evidence based interventions in therapy as she is certified in Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Christine views therapy as a collaboration with the client. She explores the client’s past, helps them understand the present symptoms and works towards a journey into a better future. Christine takes an empathic and gentle approach to help clients find a more fulfilling life.
Stephanie Locascio, LPCC, LCPC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Lic. 140723
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Lic. 180008606
Stephanie Locascio is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of CA and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of IL. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas and her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from National Louis University in Chicago. She has over 14 years providing psychotherapy in a community setting and a virtual setting. She currently provides in office and
Telehealth services to individuals residing in CA, and Telehealth services to individuals residing in IL.
Stephanie provides Individual and Couples Therapy. Her areas of specialization include Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Relationship Issues and Exploration (dating, premarital, marital, divorce, family, friendship, professional relationships) Life Transitions, Identity, Grief/Loss, Work/life balance, Spirituality, Personal Development.
Stephanie leads with empathy, curiosity, hope, and belief in every individual. She is eclectic in her theoretical approach, tailoring to each individual’s needs and desired outcomes in a collaborative way. She utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy (Hope/Strengths based) Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches. She also holds a certification in Solution Focused Therapy and Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy. She is a certified group fitness instructor and is passionate about the relationship between mental wellness and physical wellness.
Stephanie’s best hopes for each individual’s therapeutic journey always include increased self awareness and greater agency over one’s life. She considers it a privilege to work with individuals who are motivated to achieve their full potenNal in the here and now.
ANDREA COWEN, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. LMFT147917
Andrea Cowen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who received her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles.
Andrea is a culturally sensitive, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. Growing up between Los Angeles and Peru she has immersed herself in the Latino culture and experienced the intricacies of her family’s dynamics and culture.
Andrea has gained clinical experience working in a variety of settings such as community health and outpatient treatment. She works with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and groups in treating Depression, Postpartum Issues, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias, PTSD, Social Anxiety, Trauma, Family Issues, OCD, ADHD, Behavioral Issues, Relationship Issues, Stress, Grief, Life Transitions, Personal Growth, and Self Esteem, in addition to other issues and diagnoses.
She has an eclectic approach and uses modalities such as Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered to work collaboratively with her clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance while tailoring their treatment according to their personality and specific focus of treatment.
ARIELA KAPLAN, AMFT, APCC
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Lic. 149388
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Lic. 17641
Supervised by Abby Penson, Ph.D., Lic. PSY21602
Ariela Kaplan is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Ariela offers Individual, Family, and Group therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. She specializes in trauma-informed care and has extensive experience helping clients dealing with domestic violence, complex PTSD, generational trauma, and assimilation trauma.
Her approach is informed by her understanding of how trauma weaves through cultural, family, and systemic dynamics, especially in traditional and immigrant communities. Having grown up as the child of immigrants herself, she knows firsthand that healing looks different everywhere. What gets silenced in one culture might be openly discussed in another, influenced by the narratives passed down through generations and the opportunities individuals have to express them. She brings this awareness into every session, tailoring her approach to honor each client’s reality.
Ariela also specializes in Mood and Anxiety disorders, Depression, Self-harm, Substance Abuse, OCD, and identity fragmentation. She has worked with many Neurodiverse clients and has a strong comprehension of the emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Learning Disabilities.
She approaches therapy with the belief that growth doesn’t come from insight alone. Stability is just the starting point, not the goal. Real change happens when clients and families are given the structure and space to build something different. Her work goes beyond symptom management. She focuses on identifying the deeper patterns that reinforce distress, helping clients interrupt cycles of dysfunction and develop new ways of relating to themselves and with others.
Her interventions are never one-size-fits-all. She emphasizes personalized care, centering her work on collaboration, trust, and safety as the foundation for effective therapy. Ariela applies a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Crisis Interventions, Identity Affirming Work, Family Systems Work, Psychodynamic Work, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Developmental and Attachment Frameworks, and Strengths Based approaches helping clients make sense of the ingrained patterns that form their self-perception and interpersonal dynamics. She guides them in recognizing what they’ve internalized, what roles they’ve taken on, and how those patterns have shaped their relationships, coping methods, and sense of self. Her approach offers both structure and emotional depth, allowing clients to develop practical tools while working through the impact of what they’ve carried.
PAIGE R. ANDERSON, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic.130158
Supervised by Abby Penson, Ph.D., Lic. PSY21602
Paige Anderson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who received both her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a Holistic emphasis and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.
Paige brings a gentle, attuned presence to her work with clients. She meets people where they are, whether they are navigating grief, relationship challenges, or a sense of disconnection from themselves, and offers a grounded, compassionate space to explore what is present beneath the surface. She supports clients in developing new ways of coping and understanding themselves, gently guiding them toward greater clarity and more intentional patterns of living.
Paige provides Individual and Couples therapy and works with Adolescents and Adults. She has experience working with Depressive and Anxiety/Panic Disorders, Trauma and Stress, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Relationship/Marital Conflict, Life Transitions, Grief, and Self Esteem.
She supports LGBTQIA+ clients with care and understanding, including those navigating transition-related relationship changes.
Her approach is integrative and client-centered, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and somatic awareness. Paige believes healing happens through deep presence, safe connection, and a return to the wisdom of the body.
She is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered in their process of growth and self-discovery.
CHARLOTTE DAWES, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. 153290
Supervised by: Abby Penson, Ph.D., Lic. PSY21602
Charlotte Dawes is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from New York University and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Charlotte assists clients in moving beyond surface-level coping and into deeper healing by addressing core wounds, not just the unhealthy behaviors and patterns that stem from them. Her work focuses on the underlying patterns of disconnection, guiding clients toward lasting self-awareness, integration, and meaningful change.
Charlotte specializes in working with Adolescents, Adults, and Couples treating PTSD, Attachment issues, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Relationship issues, and creatively minded individuals. Her trauma-informed approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, mindfulness, and Gestalt.
At the core of Charlotte’s work is the belief that the way we relate to ourselves is the foundation of how we relate to others. By building upon a client’s innate strengths and highlighting the core Self, she uses breath, body-based awareness, and evidence-based techniques, to guide clients toward greater authenticity and self-acceptance, and deep personal growth and healing.
SHANNON BRADSHAW, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. 142936
Supervised by Abby Penson, Ph.D., Lic. PSY21602
Shannon Bradshaw is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. She has trained and worked in a variety of settings including Private Practice, Outpatient, University Counseling Center, PHP/IOP, and Residential Treatment.
Shannon exhibits a strong and diverse background in the field that informs her clinical insight and passion for this work. Her areas of focus include, but are not limited to, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Relationship issues, Codependency, Women’s Issues, Behavioral Issues, and Addiction. She provides Individual, Couples, Family, and Group therapy to Children, Adolescents, and Adults.
Shannon is dedicated to helping others improve the quality of their lives. She provides a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings and the circumstances that bring you to therapy. Her approach is humanistic and eclectic drawing on several theoretical approaches as they are indicated to benefit each individual client. Shannon believes that the therapeutic relationship is a central ingredient to bringing about growth and healing. Her hope is for you to feel seen and heard with the goal of helping you gain insight, develop healthy ways to navigate life and find meaning.
MELISSA CORDOVA, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. 139660
Supervised by: Abby Penson, Ph.D., Lic. PSY21602
Melissa Cordova is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care to Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups. She received a Bachelor’s degree from UC Merced and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
Melissa has specialized training in Trauma and Crisis intervention and works with Adolescents and Adults navigating Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Grief, ADHD, Neurodivergence, and Identity exploration. She is passionate about supporting people through Life transitions, Relationship challenges, Family conflict, and Stress related to academic or Work-life imbalance. She brings experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of domestic violence, and clients from immigrant and historically marginalized communities.
Her approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. Melissa draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based practices. Her work is guided by trauma-informed principles and a deep commitment to cultural humility, honoring each client’s lived experience.
As a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish), Melissa strives to create an inclusive, affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. She is especially attuned to the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse clients and LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating systems that often lack understanding or validation.
Melissa believes therapy is a powerful space for healing, resilience, and growth. Whether you’re processing trauma, seeking support with identity, or working through relational or emotional challenges, Melissa is honored to walk alongside you in your journey.
JANICE CAO, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lic. LCSW127104
Janice Cao, LCSW, is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who provides individual therapy to adults navigating life’s challenges. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. As an immigrant who came to the United States as a teenager, Janice brings a deeply personal understanding of cultural transitions and identity, and she is fluent in Vietnamese.
Janice specializes in working with individuals experiencing Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, and Life Transitions. Her approach is rooted in a strength-based, person-centered framework that honors each client’s autonomy and capacity for growth. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported.
With warmth, cultural sensitivity, and an open-minded perspective, Janice partners with clients to explore their experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths. She believes that meaningful change comes from within and works collaboratively with clients to help them navigate challenges and move toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.
Dedicated to ongoing professional development, Janice continually expands her clinical knowledge and skills to provide thoughtful, evidence-informed care in a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment.
TIANA MORA, LMFT, APCC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. 157885
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Reg. 13108
Tiana Mora is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Pacific Oaks College. She provides individual, child, and family therapy, supporting clients through Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief, OCD, ADHD, Career Transitions, Sexuality, LGBTQ+, and family stressors.
Tiana works with children, adolescents, adults, and families, with experience in addressing behavioral challenges, trauma, generational trauma, and maternal mental health. She offers support during pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood. As a bilingual therapist, she provides services in both English and Spanish.
Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and strengths-based. Tiana integrates evidence-based, attachment-focused approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Humanistic therapy, and is also trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). She focuses on strengthening relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and helping clients create meaningful, lasting change.
Tiana is committed to creating a supportive and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. She partners with individuals and families to build insight, develop practical coping skills, and foster growth and resilience at every stage of life.