Diversity Committee Chair

Stara Shakti, LMFT (she/her/hers) has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and specialization in Trauma Studies from Antioch University-LA. With a private practice in West L.A, Stara works with young adults in their 20s/30s and specializes in: Trauma and Intersectionality, LGBTQIA+ and POC/BIPOC folks, Neurodivergents, and first-generation Americans (especially from East / South Asian communities). Stara also helps survivors of narcissistic abuse heal from their past trauma. A founding member of LA-CAMFT’s Diversity Committee (since its origin in 2017), Stara is excited to be 2024 Chair of the Diversity Committee to highlight intersectionality—the “diversity within diversity.

Contact Information

Phone: 310.694.2396
LA-CAMFT Email: DiversityCommittee@lacamft.org
Work/Private Practice Email: StaraShaktiLMFT@gmail.com
Website: www.starashaktilmft.com

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TOC Mentorship Committee Chair

Keonna Robinson, MA, LMFT (she/her/hers) is native of Northern California and moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue her calling as a therapist. She completed her studies at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. With over 11 years of collective experience as a psychotherapist, assistant professor, clinical trainer, and mentor, Keonna has worked within multiple community mental health settings including: residential programs, school-based, in and outpatient care. She has an extensive background working in collaborative care with DCFS, Regional Center, and LA County probation offices.  As the founder and co-owner of her private practice, P.E.A.C.E. Wellness Collective: Individual & Family Therapy Center, she currently works with individuals and couples of color navigating grief and traumatic loss, life transitions, and strengthening communication patterns. She supports her clients using the methodology of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are”, and conceptualizes trauma from a place of seeking to understand what happened to a person, rather than what is wrong with them.

Contact Information

Phone: 510.927.4202

LA-CAMFT Email: tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org

Work/Private Practice Email:  kikir@peacewc.com

Website: pwcla.com

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Speaker Committee Chair

Elizabeth Sterbenz, LMFT (she/her) is in private practice in the Beverly Grove — Fairfax area of Los Angeles where she works with individuals, couples, and adolescents navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. Trained in evidence-based treatments for trauma including EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged exposure, Elizabeth helps clients using a solution-focused approach as well as drawing from elements of existential, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavior therapy. Her practice includes a specialization in working with clients to explore their relationship with money and finances as she is trained in, and holds a certificate in, Financial Therapy.

Contact Information

Phone: 323.546.4947

LA-CAMFT Email: speakerchair@lacamft.org

Work/Private Practice Email: elizabeth@elizabethsterbenz.com

Website: www.elizabethsterbenz.com

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Membership Chair - VACANT

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Sponsorship Chair

Sahaja Douglass, LMFT: Hello! I’m Sahaja Douglass, LMFT, LA-CAMFT’s Sponsorship Chair. I enjoy creating supportive partnerships, and I look forward to connecting with you about the ways that sponsoring an LA-CAMFT event can benefit you and your organization. On a personal note, I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2001, and I currently work in private practice with teen and adult ADHDers as well as with parents of ADHDers. I give presentations about ADHD to schools, mental health centers and companies around Los Angeles. I co-facilitate a grief group for Our House Grief Support Center. I also serve on the Membership Committee for the Los Angeles County Psychological Association. When not working or volunteering, I spend time with my family and friends—often hiking in the local mountains, swimming, cooking or snuggling with my giant sized dogs. Please reach out to me with any questions or thoughts you have about sponsoring an LA-CAMFT event in 2025.

Contact Information

Phone: 310.570.7429

LA-CAMFT Email: sponsorshipchair@lacamft.org

Work/Private Practice Email: Sahaja@SahajaPsychotherapy.com

Website: www.SahajaPsychotherapy.com

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Pre-Licensed Representative / 3000 Club Chair

Javan Taherkhani, AMFT (he/him) is a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist native to and based in Los Angeles, specializing in treating young individual adults and couples. Javan believes in a highly collaborative approach to therapy and operates primarily from a postmodern perspective, utilizing a blend of Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Person-Centered approach to work alongside clients toward re-authoring stories for their lives by their choice and voice. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts in psychology and film studies from Claremont McKenna College and a Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute.

Contact Information

Phone: 424.330.7545

LA-CAMFT Email: prelicensed@lacamft.org

Work/Private Practice Email:  javantaherkhani@gmail.com

Website: Psychology Today

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Voices Editor & Newsletter Committee Chair

Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor supports and coaches licensed therapists, associates, and students in creating, maintaining or revitalizing a successful, thriving clinical practice, and a profitable career. Based in Santa Monica, Lynne does coaching and psychotherapy locally and internationally with Gifted, Talented & Creative adults, couples, and families locally and internationally, in person, and by phone or video—and provides supervision, consultation & training to licensed and pre-licensed therapists and supervisors. A Professor Emeritus of Phillips Graduate University, Lynne’s a popular speaker, clinical practice coach, and workshop leader, well known for her practical, useful, cutting-edge advice—and is nationally recognized for her skillful, innovative training and extensive knowledge of Virginia Satir’s work.

Contact Information

Phone: 310.828.7121

LA-CAMFT Email: lynnemazpeitia@yahoo.com

Work/Private Practice Email: lynne@gifted-adults.com

Websites: www.Gifted-Adults.com,  www.LAPracticeDevelopment.com, www.LynneAzpeitia.com