Meet our Clinical and Assessment Team!
Mika Handelman, Ph.D.
Director/Founder, Supervisor, Clinical Psychologist
At heart, I am an integrative psychologist - I find therapy most effective and rewarding when I can thoughtfully and flexibly draw from a range of evidence-based practices.
Most of all, I use a collaborative and exploratory approach, responding moment by moment to
the person in front of me, letting each person's struggles, stuck points, strengths, needs, and goals
lead the way. As clinical psychology is still primarily rooted in a white, western, patriarchal
framework, I strive to be critically conscious of this in myself and my work. I enjoy supporting
clients in challenging and navigating western/north American cultural norms and stigmas that
may be impacting their wellbeing and mental health. I strive to help my clients move from
alleviating suffering to having a meaningful and enriching life.
I identify as a cis, queer, multiracial, neurodivergent, Asian woman/person. I feel most engaged and fulfilled when working with individuals across a range of ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and disabilities. I was raised in a home with parents of different socioeconomic, racial and religious backgrounds. Acknowledging and embracing our differences while remaining connected to our shared humanity is very important to me and our work together. As a second generation American, I particularly enjoy helping people navigate the complexity of multiple cultures to find their authentic self, decisions, and ways of being in the world.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Family of origin issues, attachment issues, trauma/PTSD, intergenerational trauma, narcissistic abuse, racial identity development, graduate school stress, OCD, perfectionism, high levels of self-criticism and shame, folks with cancer.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Multicultural Therapies; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic and Interpersonal Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, Motivational Interviewing, Feminist Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based, Trauma-Informed.
Receiving training in Internal Family Systems, Liberation Psychology, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: mikahandelman@sabipsychology.com
Aki Kawamoto, Ph.D.
Assessment Director, Clinical Psychologist
I believe in our innate ability that we continuously grow throughout our life. Challenges that we face can offer opportunities to gain self-awareness, heal/regain strengths, find creative solutions, achieve a balanced lifestyle, and find greater fulfillment. I feel privileged and delighted if I can be a part of this process in your life through psychotherapy and psychological assessment.
Honoring one's unique abilities and intersecting identities is a key element for me in my therapeutic work. I am committed to offering neurodiversity-affirming, culturally informed care by creating a safe, empowering space and engaging in ongoing learning. I I draw from the integrative theoretical model and use a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the needs of each client.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Neurodiversity (e.g. ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities).
THERAPY APPROACHES: Multicultural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, Strengths-Based.
Ana Marisa Hill, Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist, Training Director, Supervisor
Hi, I'm Dr. Ana Hill. As as counseling psychologist, my priority is to listen deeply to my clients and become attuned to their unique stories and experiences. I consider myself to be a nonjudgmental and creative therapist who helps people explore and process dynamics in their lives that may be causing them to feel stuck, in emotional pain, or uncertain of how to heal. Our work together would be informed by a trauma-informed, multicultural, and self-compassionate framework that provides a safe, warm, and confidential space to foster greater awareness of yourself and your surroundings.
I know that it can be hard to find a therapist that is a good fit. As a first step, I like to connect by phone or video to get to know what you're looking for and answer any questions you may have. I look forward to getting to know you!
AREAS OF INTEREST: I have a passion for working with neurodiverse, LTBTQ+ and BIPOC clients. Other areas of speciality include depression, stress and anxiety, relationship/intimacy issues, life transitions, family challenges, self-esteem, identity development, and trauma.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy,Emotion Focused Therapy
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: anahill@sabipsychology.com
Jacki Christie, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor
You have to start believing you deserve more than just the bare minimum. As a psychotherapist, I believe that every person has the innate right and capacity to feel safe and cultivate a beautiful life for themselves. However, sometimes we need a little help along the way. I firmly believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
I have specialty training in working with young neurodivergent adults, specifically those wondering if they have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD. I am a practical and compassionate therapist who specializes in using a blend of evidence-based approaches to help my clients achieve personal growth and meaningful change.
I am committed to providing individualized, multicultural-informed, and evidence-based care to each of my clients. I am part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and am in support of Black Lives Matter and other anti-racism movements. I strive to incorporate anti-racism into all elements of my personal and professional life.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Autism (ASDCS certification), ADHD, gender identity, eating disorders, personality disorders.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic and Interpersonal Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: Jacki@sabipsychology.com
Alex Lawall, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
Many of use experience struggle and hardship in our lives and finding the courage and strength to reach out for help can be difficult, but you have taken the first step! The challenges we experience every day can be overwhelming. I believe that psychotherapy can be a safe environment to foster growth, healing, and support. I strive to provide a safe therapeutic space where we can work collaboratively to allow you to freely explore, question, and process to help you achieve the quality of life that you desire and deserve.
I am an integrative therapist that tailors treatment to meet your unique needs using approaches supported by research. I believe that collaboration, feedback, and open communication is the best way to create a strong therapeutic relationship.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, couples, parenting, ADHD, stress management, life transitions, college and graduate school stress, time management, depression, interpersonal/relationship problems, PTSD/trauma.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: Alexlawall@sabipsychology.com
Jovany Avendano, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
As a first-generation Colombian and college student, male presenting and gay identified individual, I bring a unique understanding of diverse communities to my work. My personal experiences navigating marginalized identities have fostered a deep commitment to advocating for underrepresented groups and ensuring that their needs are met in a culturally sensitive manner.
With a strong educational, clinical, and intervention background, I have experience addressing a variety of difficulties using various
therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations. I am fluent in English and Spanish.
AREAS OF INTEREST: College students, emerging adults, LGBTQIA+, sexual, and identity concerns, first-generation, Latino/Hispanic backgrounds, students considering, in the process of, or post transition (including letters of support), anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma-informed.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness- and acceptance-based, Person Centered, experiential based-approaches. Training in Hypnosis and EMDR.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: DrJAvendanoPsyD@sabipsychology.com
Tabitha Mpamira, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a clinician who centers her work around being trauma informed, culturally sensitive, and client centered. I provide individual psychotherapy to adults that have a range of concerns such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, identity, and much more. I work with clients using an intersectional and social justice lens that has been developed over years of working with marginalized communities and survivors of trauma. The strength-based approach I use helps clients look within themselves and/or their community to find the light.
I practice from a multicultural perspective, while meeting all clients where they are. I approach my work as a therapist with the view that my clients are experts of their life, and I can bring my expertise as well as years of experience to help them achieve their goals of living a full and values-aligned life.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Complex trauma/PSTD, intergenerational trauma, race and/or gender-related stress/trauma, graduate school stress, anxiety, racial and ethnic identity development, international students, impostor syndrome, multicultural concerns, issues of self-esteem, relationship concerns, boundaries, adjustment/transition issues.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based, Trauma-Informed, Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: tabithampamira@sabipsychology.com
Felice Chen, Psy.D.
Counseling Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
Hi, I'm Felice! I strive to provide a warm, affirming, and collaborative therapeutic experience for my clients. I’m so glad you’re here and taking these brave first steps to seek support. As an integrative therapist who blends insight with action, l work with my clients to explore and make sense of their experiences, find empowerment, and learn actionable ways to continue striving toward their best sense of self.
I’m also passionate about working with multicultural identity development, including Asian and Asian American mental health. I’m bilingual and can provide services in Cantonese Chinese.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Relationships, intergenerational and/or complex trauma, multicultural/racial identity development, family of origin, eating and body image, academic and career, immigrant experiences, depression, anxiety, as well as neurodivergence, ADHD assessments and treatment.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Adlerian Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Interpersonal and Relational Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: felicechen@sabipsychology.com
Amir Maghsoodi, Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
It is painful to suffer alone, to feel unseen or unheard in difficult circumstances, or to feel that we don't belong. Despite our innate strengths, it can be challenging to get through tough times in isolation. I am glad that you are seeking support through therapy. You deserve to sit with someone who offers you hope, who cares about understanding you as a whole person, and who works collaboratively with you to identify and address the root causes of your suffering. As your therapist, I strive to be a supportive and caring presence on your healing journey.
My practice is rooted in multicultural and liberatory frameworks. I honor the complexity of my clients' identities and attend to issues of power and oppression that impact daily life.
My goals are that you feel affirmed in your humanity, learn how to apply your strengths to address your concerns, and leave therapy with a greater sense of hope and thriving.
Let's get you the care you deserve! I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me to see if we'd be a good fit. It is my honor to work with individuals from many different backgrounds. I especially encourage BIPOC and Global Majority individuals —including immigrants and children of immigrants—to contact me. I look forward to talking with you.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Depression, stress, anxiety, life adjustments, college/university and career, sense of belonging (e.g. racial-ethnic-cultural belonging, college belonging), healing from racism and racial traumas, MENA (Middle Eastern & North African) identity and mental health.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Multicultural Therapy, person-centered and Liberation Psychologies
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: amir@sabipsychology.com
Julia Brim Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
Every person is made up of their own unique experiences and backgrounds, and I believe the therapy process should reflect that. Together, we’ll create a space where “you” are central. We all possess the wisdom needed to make meaningful changes in our lives. However, anxiety, stress, depression, and other struggles can interfere with this ability.
As a psychologist, I strive to create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable making sense of their emotions, experiences, internal signals, and body’s cues, so they are better able to make decisions and changes that feel right.
I specialize in supporting adults navigate the complexities of life transitions and identity development. This often includes exploring questions of sexuality, gender identity, spirituality and faith, relationships, neurodivergence & trauma. With specialized training in sexual trauma, I am committed to empowering individuals on their journey toward healing.
I am passionate about helping people make sense of their experiences and find clarity. To support this, I offer two services: individual therapy and psychoeducational testing (ADHD and Learning Disorder evaluations). When you’re interested in learning more about how we could work together, please reach out. I look forward to meeting you!
AREAS OF INTEREST: Young adults, college, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, sexual assault, ADHD (therapy and assessment), intersecting identities with particular emphasis on LGBTQIA identities and religion.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapies
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: juliabrim@sabipsychology.com
Jonathan Blair, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapy Supervisor
Dr. Jonathan Blair specializes in couples therapy and has a passion for training and supervising the next generation of couples therapists. Dr. Blair provides couples training and supervision at several universities and mental health clinics.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Emotion Focused Therapy, Gottman-based approaches, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy