Susan is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience as a private practice therapist, certified mediator and clinical and program director. She has Masters Degrees in both Counseling Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University and Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University.

Susan specializes in providing program development and clinical management for adult and adolescent mental health and addiction treatment programs.

Susan has served on numerous board of directors for professional organizations and for nonprofit agencies that provide services for families affected by poverty, domestic violence, mental illness and addiction. She was inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame for her numerous contributions to the community.

Briana Eckels received her Master’s in Social Work in May of 2018 from the University of Southern California. She is currently an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) for adolescents at SoCal Adolescent Wellness in Lake Forest. Briana’s passion for working with youth began as a childcare provider. She has worked with youth with autism spectrum disorder and their families as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist from September 2018-to September 2019. Briana is passionate about eradicating the early cycles of problematic behaviors so that they do not continue as our youth grow into adults. She honors providing a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment when providing therapeutic services. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) at So Cal Adolescent Wellness, Briana is excited to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with youth who have experienced trauma and abuse. For self-care. Briana enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and watching a movie while enjoying a pint of Ben &Jerry’s ice cream.

DeAnna has an MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She completed her traineeship at Phoenix House, where she gained experience working with dual-diagnosis clients recovering from substance use disorders. DeAnna is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) providing services under the supervision of Leilani Carinio, LMFT. She strives to integrate evidence-based practices, such as DBT and CBT, with a psychodynamic approach. She is honored to have witnessed the strength and resiliency found in the individuals and family members who strive for healthier relationships with others and themselves. DeAnna is thrilled to be a part of the dynamic, committed and highly skilled team here at SoCal Adolescent Wellness.

Jim is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. He is Group Facilitator at SoCal Adolescent Wellness and has a private practice. Previously, Jim worked with patients a families for several years in a hospital-based chemical dependency recovery program. Jim takes a holistic approach to working with clients, integrating psychodynamic, CBT, DBT and the mind-body connection. He is the creator of a video series entitled, Out & INformed on TherapyCable.com targeting mental health issues in the LGBTQ Community. Jim’s other passions include Qi Gong, gardening, camping and getting out into nature.