Mental Health and Wellness Services

Bio

Taylor Johnson is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and has worked in the mental health field for more than nine years. She graduated with her BA in Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur and obtained her MS in Counseling from California State University, East Bay.

Over the last several years, Taylor worked for a community-based non-profit agency where she served as the Director of Wellness Centers for several northern California counties and was responsible for managing and coordinating a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and mental health staff. In this capacity, she led the development and implementation of twenty new school-based mental health programs. The Wellness Centers she helped develop provided free mental health services to over 3,200 students. Taylor’s experience developing and managing Wellness Centers, from program development, implementation, oversight, staffing, data collection and reporting, provides a strong foundation for our collective efforts to build and grow a culturally sensitive and supportive mental health and wellness program for Los Rios.

Taylor’s work with foster youth and students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as her work to create welcoming environments for all students and staff alike, also provides a good foundation as she builds upon Los Rios’ efforts to expand mental health services for the district’s diverse student communities.

Bio

Colby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience working in an array of Community Mental Health settings throughout the Sacramento area. She graduated from CSU Monterey, CSU Sacramento, and took courses through Sac City while pursuing a career in mental health. Her background includes working with children, families, adolescents, and adults experiencing life disruptions due to varying challenges related to mental health. She has been with Los Rios for almost three years, providing support to students and mental health training to staff, counselors, and faculty. Supporting students in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjusting to ever-changing situations is where her passion lies.

Colby’s approach to treatment is best described as integrative and eclectic. In essence, this means that she pulls from several therapy orientations, allowing the opportunity to adapt her approach to specific circumstances. Colby utilizes short-term solution-focused interventions to achieve emotional and mental stability to aid in supporting academic success through client-identified goals. Colby’s experience and skills gained over the years greatly support the diverse populations within our Los Rios community, and on our campuses.

Colby is also a Certified QPR Trainer, providing training and education around Suicide Awareness and Prevention throughout the district and the community. Colby has a passion for increasing mental health awareness while reducing stigma. She looks forward to being a part of the Los Rios Community, and many more students' journeys, for many more years to come.

Bio

Emily is a graduate student pursing her master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health at Sacramento State University (CSUS). Her educational journey began with the goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Biology. However, after attending an introduction course in Social Work, she found her passion for wanting to make a change in people’s lives. After changing her major she never looked back and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

During her studies at CSUS, Emily gained experience working with students and families through her internship. Shortly after graduating, Emily began to work with adults and seniors as a Social Work Assistant supervised by two LCSWs. After completing her master’s program, Emily plans to pursue her goal of becoming an LCSW and continue to work within the mental health field. Working at CRC, Emily plans to provide her clients with a safe space, open heart, and respect to promote empowerment and guidance. She hopes to fulfill her goals of expanding her knowledge within the therapeutic realm of mental health.

Outside of school and work, Emily enjoys practicing self-care through arts and craft, cooking/baking, exploration, and spoiling her Husky, Venus.

Bio

Mikaela Hill is a graduate student pursuing her studies in the Psychological field of mental health. She began her academic journey at a local community college in Stockton, California, and after two years, began her studies as a Sacramento State Hornet where she received her bachelor's degree in Psychology. She then transferred to the Counseling Psychology graduate program at University of the Pacific where she currently attends. Mikaela has always had a passion for helping and assisting others with bettering their mental health and well-being. She prefers to take a CBT approach to therapy and focuses on the needs, goals, and wellness of others.

Bio

Asha is a psychology intern who recently earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology, and is now continuing her education as a doctoral student at California Northstate University. Asha’s education path included earning an AA from Sacramento City College and appreciates the challenges that come with being a college student.

Her experience includes, supporting patients with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, relational conflict, and communication challenges. She has worked in community-based mental health and private practice settings where she provided individual psychotherapy. Her purpose as a therapist is to help guide individuals struggling to live a happy and healthy life. Asha uses various theories of psychotherapy, including Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Mindful Self-Compassion, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Overall, she uses what fits best for the client. Her collaborative therapeutic style embraces a client-centered, caring, and solution-based environment.

Bio

Hello All, my name is Sandy (Sandip) Kaur I am a third-year student at California Northstate University (CNSU) currently pursuing my PsyD. I started my educational journey through a community college in Baltimore County, Maryland. Then I transferred to University of Maryland, Baltimore County where I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology while volunteering within the community. I continued my passion for mental health and social justice by pursuing my master's degree in clinical psychology form Roosevelt University, Chicago.

After competing my master's, I am currently pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology. My goal as a therapist to is to support students in developing a safe environment where they can explore and discuss their concerns. I practice from a cultural humility stance and treat each person with respect. I am looking forward to helping students achieve their goals and live their best lives.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time exploring Sacramento, spending time with family and friends, and annoying my two cute puppies. I am looking forward to working with you!

Current interests:

• Sexual trauma
• Domestic violence
• Trauma and PTSD
• Anxiety/Depression
• Grief
• Self-care
• Chronic Illness
• Women's Issues
• Relationship Issue
• Life Transitions
• Social justice counseling
• Racial trauma

Bio

Sarah LaCasse is currently in the master’s program for Counseling Psychology at University of the Pacific. She originally embarked on her academic journey at a fellow Los Rios college, American River, where she obtained three associate degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Individual and Society. After realizing her passion lies in the mental health field, Sarah transferred to California State University, Sacramento and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After completing her master’s program, she plans to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and continue to work in a community-based setting. Working within the Los Rios community, Sarah hopes to expand her knowledge about various therapeutic techniques while providing the necessary tools to promote and support students’ relationships with themselves and others.

Bio

Meghan Lefkowitz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her academic journey at a California community college. She then transferred to the University of California, Santa Cruz where she received her bachelor's degree in Sociology. After spending time working in community mental health and developing a passion for working to support people's mental well-being and having always had a passion for social justice, Meghan pursued her master's degree in social work from California State University, Sacramento.

After completing her master’s, Meghan began her clinical practice by providing therapy services to folks who were underinsured or uninsured. Meghan enjoys supporting Los Rios students who are experiencing anxiety and relationship stress to find tools that support their academic success and overall well-being. Meghan utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy and recognizes that each individual student has their own individual needs when it comes to having a supportive experience in therapy. Meghan specializes in mindfulness-centered work and, in addition to working with Los Rios students, she enjoys supervising interns who are on their way to becoming therapists in the community.

Bio

La Tisha started her educational career at San Joaquin Delta College as an EOPS/CARE student. From there, she transitioned to CSU Sacramento, where she earned her BA in Government with a concentration in International Relations. With a passion for learning, she decided to return to school, and received a second bachelor's in Health and Wellness and an MBA. She worked in higher education for several years in various roles before deciding to return to school and pursue a career shift. In 2018, she earned her master's in psychology, and pursued her passion of helping others by working towards becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist.

La Tisha's professional experience includes community based mental health, managed care setting, school based mental health, and running a private practice of her own.

As a therapist, La Tisha empowers folks to reconnect with their inner self and reconnect with their core values, so that they are empowered to live their authentic self. She uses a holistic approach where she embodies mind, body, and spirit. She also incorporates indigenous forms of healing in addition to Western Psychology to help you develop a sense of self that is whole and honors the complexity of the human experience.

Bio

Hi! My name is Megan Miller (She/Her/Hers). I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Health and Wellness Intern at Los Rios Community College.

I am currently a third-year graduate student at California Northstate University working toward my doctorates in Psychology. I began my academic journey at Santa Barbara City College, before transferring to the University of Southern California, where I received my bachelor's degree in Sociology. After acquiring my BA, I worked for five years with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities – developing my passion for mental health. I have an interest in working with those struggling with life transitions, woman's issues, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-care.

Last year, I worked for the Elk Grove Unified School District where I provided community mental health to youth ages 6-12. I provided individual counseling, using a combination of interventions aimed at strengthening coping skills, social skills, communication skills, and providing emotional support for enhancing academic and personal success. My mission is to help clients develop a treatment plan and goals based on their unique needs. I value cultural humility and strong professional ethics, as well as providing clients with a safe space to connect, explore thoughts and feelings, and give comfort.

In my free time I enjoy traveling, gardening, crafting, snowboarding, river days with my dog, binge-watching Netflix, as well as spending time with family and friends. I am excited to serve and support your mental health and well-being. I look forward to working with you!

Education

• B.A. – Psychology and Women's Studies (double major), Claremont McKenna College
• M.A. – Psychology, Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary
• M.A.- Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
• Ph.D. – Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary

How I Work with Students

Establishing a positive therapist-client relationship is crucial to the success of psychotherapy. Creating an environment where students feel safe to discuss any concerns is a primary goal of my therapeutic approach. I treat each person with respect, cultural sensitivity, and a strong sense of professional ethics. I see my role as a therapist as both a collaborator and a teacher. I actively work with students to explore their unique concerns, struggles, and strengths. I also use my professional expertise to highlight key patterns in life that may be keeping one stuck, and to present alternative perspectives and strategies to help achieve one's goals.

Professional Interests

• Social justice counseling
• Sexual trauma
• Domestic violence
• Racial trauma
• Self-care
• Community healing
• Grief
• Body image concern
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationships
• Spirituality
• Women's health

Bio

Julia is an intern at Los Rios Community College District who previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UC Davis. Currently, she is a fourth-year doctoral student at California Northstate University, where she recently earned her Master of Arts in Psychology. Julia has previously worked in community-based mental health and private practice settings providing individual therapy and psychological assessments to individuals with various mental health concerns. Her experience includes helping patients cope with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and severe mental illness. Julia describes her therapeutic style as eclectic and patient-centered, often employing various theories of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are, building strong relationships with her clients, and collaborating with clients to meet their personal and academic goals.

Bio

Austin Steinaway is a student at Sacramento State University, working towards his Bachelor of Social Work degree. He received his Associate in Arts degrees in Social Science and Social and Behavior Science at Cosumnes River College. He is looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow as a helping professional while assisting Los Rios students in achieving their education and wellness goals. Austin is passionate about social justice and LGBTQIA+ community concerns.