We are committed to providing the best care
Lead Clinician
Manuel Fernandez, PsyD, MSCP
My areas of interest and expertise include the treatment of chronic conditions and in particular the management of chronic pain using, from behavioral medicine techniques, to up-to-date medication recommendations. The treatment of any psychiatric condition in consideration with medical conditions or vice versa is important nowadays and the inclusion of integrated approaches is important for the remission of symptoms and overall healing. I have a strong fascination of the brain and its functions. Understanding how the brain responds to psychobiosocial factors is important in understanding how symptoms present.
As a psychopharmacologist, it is important to understand how medications work in the brain and the body and how the body and mind react to them. In my practice, I am committed to working not only on acute conditions but also in the prevention of illness for a better overall mental health and wellness. This is a philosophy that I strongly believe in and what I like about my job is that I get to work together with my patients so they feel empowered to live their lives how they feel is better for them. This gets commonly accomplished by using integrated psychotherapeutic techniques, mindfulness meditation, and hypnotherapy which is another of my specialties.
I was born and raised in Peru and Spanish is my first language. Being bilingual allows me to extend my services to those who only speak Spanish. I grew up playing soccer and playing music and also became a martial artist. I still practice these three hobbies.
Post-Doctoral
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology
Fairleigh
Dickinson University
Teaneck, New
Jersey
Master
Psychopharmacologist
Neuroscience
Education Institute
Carlsbad,
California
Doctor of
Psychology
California
School of Professional Psychology,
Alliant
International University
San Francisco,
California
Masters in
Clinical Psychology
California
School of Professional Psychology
Alliant
International University
San Francisco,
California
Bachelors in
Psychology and Human Sexuality
San Francisco
State University
San Francisco,
California
Credentialed
Health Service Psychologist
The National
Register of Health Service Psychologists
Clinical
Hypnotherapist
The Association
for Integrated Psychology
Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii
Sexologist
World
Association of Sex Coaches
Member of
The American Psychological Association since 2015
Division 55
Society for Prescribing Psychology
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Martinez, CA
Residency Program as a Psychiatric Consult Liaison to medicine floors with emphasis on Behavioral Medicine, Health Psychology, and Psychopharmacology
Kaiser Permanente
Walnut Creek, CA
Internship in the Chemical Dependency and Psychiatry Department
Clinical Supervisors & Clinicians
Rhodri Scantlebury, PsyD
Dr. Rhodri Scantlebury PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings as well as forensic and community mental-health treating individuals with severe mental-illness. Dr. Scantlebury has extensive knowledge treating mood disorders, psychotic disorders, complex trauma, and adult ADHD. Dr. Scantlebury currently serves as the supervising psychologist at Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (ABSMC) in Berkeley, CA. He oversees the ER consultation service of psychologists and the psychiatric intake department. Dr. Scantlebury also serves as the training director of the practicum program at ABSMC. Previously, Dr. Scantlebury worked as a staff psychologist & clinical supervisor to postdoctoral residents at Kaiser Permanente. For appx 10 years, Dr. Scantlebury taught at UC Berkeley Extension as an adjunct professor. Dr. Scantlebury completed his pre-doctoral internship at U.C.S.F/San Francisco General Hospital in 2012 in the psychiatry and addiction medicine departments. His overall approach to psychotherapy incorporates a blend of cognitive-behavioral (CBT), time-limited dynamic psychotherapy (TLDP), and relational theory. Dr. Scantlebury is pleased to be a part of La Concordia’s treatment team and looks forward to working with you.
Eni Schall, PsyD
Dr. Schall is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her doctorate from the Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA. She completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente in Pleasanton, CA. Dr. Schall specializes in evidence-based treatments, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, acceptance commitment, schema, and mindfulness therapies.
In addition to her doctorate degree, Dr. Schall received a master’s degree in economics and management from the University of National World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria. She was a founder and a CEO of ENRA Inc., a retail corporation in Sofia, Bulgaria for ten years.
As a psychologist, Dr. Schall has over 19 years of clinical experience, providing a range of mental health services to children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults for treatment of depression, anxiety, suicidality and self-harm, complex trauma, oppositional defiant, anger problems, grief of loss, substance addiction, relationship issues
etc.
Currently, Dr. Schall is both a senior psychology specialist in CHCF Stockton, CA and a supervisor and a clinician in LCWC. At CHCF, she specializes in and coordinates complex mental health cases and patients with severe behavioral problems.
Marinés Novoa, PsyD
Dr. Marinés Novoa is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California. Dr. Novoa has worked in the field for over 10 years, practicing in different settings such as community mental health, school-based services, Kaiser, and now is currently in private practice. Dr. Novoa is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about working with the community. She is trauma informed and certified in TF-CBT. Dr. Novoa also specializes in bridging the gap between mental health and faith/spirituality. She is a current clinical supervisor at LCWC in helping new upcoming clinicians reach their potential for full clinical growth.
Adam Harrison, LCSW
Adam Harrison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. Adam graduated with College and Departmental Honors in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and obtained his Masters in Social Welfare from the University of California at Berkeley with an emphasis in Community Mental Health. Adam has a breadth of experience ranging from individual and group psychotherapy, crisis counseling, and as a gender specialist. Likewise, Adam has worked in domestic-violence family resource centers, community mental health, school-based sites, and as a staff therapist and gender therapist for Kaiser Permanente. Adam loves the complexity of people and is genuinely excited and honored to hold space for others to heal. Adam’s clinical interests are in providing client-centered anxiety recovery, trauma treatment, stress management, and relational support. In addition to providing clinical supervision at La Concordia Wellness Center, Adam currently sees clients full-time in private practice. When not working you can find Adam chasing around his children, playing D&D, and spending time with family and friends.
Marta Flores, PsyD
Dr. Marta Flores, PsyD is a licensed, bilingual and bicultural Clinical Psychologist. She was born in El Salvador and grew up in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Flores’ specialties are: Immigration related matters, working with Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities, and issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Flores has extensive experience working within community mental health with a focus on individuals with a serious and persistent mental illness. She is currently the Chief Clinical Psychologist for the pre-doctoral APA accredited internship program within Marin County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. She also holds a private practice completing immigrated related biopsychosocial evaluations for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) court. She is thrilled to be a part of La Concordia and is excited to begin working with all of you!
Heather Martin, PsyD
Dr. Martin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She has 10 years clinical experience working with children, adolescents, families, and young adults in community mental health, school-based, and in-home therapy settings. Dr. Martin has experience providing services to children and families, using a number of different modalities, including individual, dyadic, and family therapy. She works primarily with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, attachment disruptions, ADHD, learning disorders, self-esteem, and relational challenges.
Dr. Martin received her doctorate from the California School of Professional
Psychology, San Francisco. She completed an intensive 2-year internship and postdoctoral fellowship in a child psychotherapy program at Ann Martin Center, in Emeryville, CA.
Dr. Martin strives to help clients navigate life’s complexities through exploration, reflection, and understanding. She works collaboratively with client’s helping them to understand the impact past experiences have on current circumstances and to develop effective coping strategies that will help navigate life’s stressors.
In addition to providing clinical supervision at La Concordia, Dr. Martin sees clients in her private practice.
Michelle Ellerbee, LCSW
Michelle Ellerbee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Michelle is a native to California, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California with an emphasis in health. Michelle has experience with non-minor dependents, child welfare, dialysis social work, and for the past 4 years in the hospital setting. Currently Michelle works for Stanford Hospital on the stroke, neurology, epilepsy, functional neurologic symptom disorders, and neuro-critical care units. She also provides clinical supervision at Stanford. Michelle is trained in CBT, symptom targeted interventions, and serious illness conversations with patients. She has experience in providing individual and group therapy. Michelle’s dedication is ensuring patients understand their health situation while supporting and empowering patients to continue to live their best life. She is passionate about clinical supervision and is looking forward to expanding with La Concordia. In her free time Michelle enjoys hiking, travel, gardening, and spending time with family.
Associates
Sophia Nagornaya, PhD(c)
Today you are one step closer to taking ownership of your life! Whether you are seeking individual therapy or family therapy, I am here to help guide you on your path. As Carl Jung said, “Until you make your unconscious conscious, it will direct you and you will call it fate.’” In our work together, I will help you identify patterns, negative beliefs, and limitations that may be holding you back from living your best life. If you are stuck in an unfulfilling relationship or uninspiring job or feeling held back from fulfilling your purpose, I will help you get unstuck.
I have experience working with a wide range of clients from teens impacted by trauma (in residential and outpatient settings) to adults with acute mental illness (in a hospital setting), to adults in rehab. I enjoy working with clients individually and with families, whether you are processing a difficult transition or just looking for some support.
I am also a Brainspotting practitioner and am currently training for it. I look forward to learning about your goals in therapy so that we can both see if we are a good match to work together.
Joanne Rodriguez, AMFT
Hello and welcome to La Concordia Psychotherapy and Wellness Clinic. I am currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist, I like working in collaboration with my patients to work towards the desired outcome they are looking for. I have been investing my education in learning about different theories and approaches to become the well-rounded clinician so I can help my patients embark towards the path of healing from a more integrative and collaborative approach. I believe that the expert about the presenting condition is the person sitting across my chair. In my interventions, I use the patients’ expertise of themselves to reach to the level of awareness necessary to reach the desired outcome. I follow the motto “nobody knows you better than yourself.” Therefore, my relationship with my patients usually becomes explorative and collaborative making sure that the attention is centered on the client to find personal growth. I have been trained in and specialize on Trauma Informed Care and Trauma treatment approaches including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I help my patients with symptoms consistent with the diagnoses of depression, anxiety, anger issues, trauma as well as helping couples and families dealing with relational/family problems. I see children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and families. I also speak Spanish.
In my free time I like playing the violin and making YouTube videos where I mostly post videos of my cats, dog, nail art, and ASMR (the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). I look forward getting to know you and know about you and the ways we can work together.
Stephanie Meriaux, AMFT
Stephanie Meriaux, MA, AMFT, CPCC, ACC is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist whose diverse background includes mindfulness, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, somatic training, tantra, experiential education, executive coaching, and leadership. Stephanie is passionate about helping partners develop more love, joy, connection, and sexual fulfillment in both monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationships. She is LGBTQIA+ and kink-friendly and also works with people struggling with affair recovery, divorce, and co-parenting. When working with individuals, she loves helping people heal from trauma, find their truth, and live an authentic, empowered life.
Stephanie is also an Executive Coach and Facilitator, working with mid- to VP-level managers in Fortune 20 companies. She has been coaching since 2015 and has 10 years of facilitation experience in both corporate settings and in experiential education settings like high ropes courses and backcountry Outward Bound programs. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Co-Active Coaching Institute’s intensive Leadership program, founder of the Relationship Bootcamp, a public speaker, and author of a #1 best-selling book in Amazon’s Marriage & Long-term Relationships: “Navigating Divorce with a Peaceful Heart: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Inner Peace in the Midst of Chaos.” She is an Ironman triathlete and has ridden her bicycle self-supported across the USA.
Gurpreet Chahil, AMFT
Hello! I am currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at La Concordia Psychotherapy and Wellness Clinic. I received my Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Touro University Worldwide. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. In my professional career I aspired to be a lawyer & a therapist. Currently, I am working towards becoming a clinical therapist and finding that my biggest passion is being in a place where I can be a conduit to emotional wellness. I believe that emotional wellness starts within oneself. As I continue learning about the clinical field of mental health, I find myself willing to be a tool for exploration of my clients’ internal conflicts so they can have a clear vision of the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For me, as a clinician, empathy serves a key role in the therapeutic alliance. I like welcoming any presenting problem in a non-judgmental way. I have also been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and guide my patients through symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I speak Punjabi and Hindi, and in my free time I enjoy being in nature, spending time with loved ones, listening to music, and reading romance, thriller, and philosophical books.
Thomas Collins, APCC
Greetings, my name is Thomas Collins, and I am excited to be a part of the clinical team at La Concordia Wellness Center as a PCC. I recently graduated from Northwestern University with an M.A. in Counseling. Clinically, I enjoy using a systems perspective to treat patients with diverse backgrounds and complex conditions. I have a special interest in treating PTSD and co-occurring diagnoses. I strongly value developing a therapeutic relationship with my patients that is founded on empathic listening, positive regard, reflection, and collaboration. I hope to bolster positive outcomes in my patients by patients engaging in open communication throughout the treatment process and soliciting feedback to ensure I am providing the highest level of care.
Additionally, I am a veteran who has proudly served in the United States Armed Services (Navy). My hobbies include traveling, volunteering, reading, and being a lifelong learner.
Through extensive training, I have developed psychotherapy skills, including empathy, active listening, clarification, and reflection. I use those micro-skills to assist patients in achieving and maintaining a level of self-actualization in their lives. I believe there is a correlation between a therapeutic relationship and positive patient outcomes. Therefore, ongoingly I engage in open communication with patients throughout the treatment processes and solicit feedback regarding clinical services that are provided to patients. Comprehensively, those intervention strategies has worked wonderfully in clinical practice.
Suzanne Algarva, AMFT
Hello, welcome to La Concordia Psychotherapy and Wellness Clinic. My name is Suzanne Algarva, I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling degree from University of Massachusetts Global, and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University East Bay.
I became a therapist because I believe that everyone has a right to happiness, health, and tranquility in their lives. I want to aid my clients by guiding and supporting them in harnessing the strengths and resources they currently possess while helping them achieve the skills required to create lasting and meaningful change in their lives.
Using an integrated model of change, I can apply the strengths of different theories to fit my client’s identified needs. I am an open-minded, pragmatic therapist that treats my clients as equals. I pride myself on my ability to build a strong rapport with clients by remaining nonjudgmental. I offer a warm, welcoming environment where clients can feel supported and embraced as they go through the process of transformation and growth.
I have many years of experience working in the health field. In addition, I have done international community health outreach with families and children in the Dominican Republic and Peru. In my free time I enjoy hiking with my dog, exploring nature, traveling, and listening to music.
Jennifer Wolinetz, AMFT
Jennifer Wolinetz, MA, is an individual, couples, and family therapist who supports clients in developing healthy relationships with themselves and others to achieve higher levels of satisfaction. Having a background in health coaching, Jennifer’s approach to healing is holistic, informed by the roles of nutrition, physical movement, and stress on one’s mental health. She provides a judgment-free safe space with applicable therapeutic tools and techniques that include cognitive, behavioral, emotion-focused, and somatic interventions.
Jennifer collaborates with patients to help them become the most authentic, joyful, and peaceful version of themselves. Part of that is building awareness around the connection between one’s past and current experiences and how they affect daily function. Through this exploration, and as humans are adaptive in nature, Jennifer holds space for patients to resolve their issues with their own natural resourcing.
Jennifer earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Professional Clinical Counseling from Touro University Worldwide. Currently, she is training for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) certification. She earned her undergraduate degree in Economics and Theater at the University of California, San Diego and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certificate through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, one of the most widely recognized, preeminent health coaching programs in the United States. Jennifer also earned her CFA designation from the CFA Institute and is a trained children’s yoga instructor through Karma Kids Yoga.
Marielena Hernandez, MA
Hello and welcome to La Concordia Wellness Center! My name is Marielena Hernandez, I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Marriage and Family therapy degree from Touro University Worldwide and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University with a Minor in Holistic Health.
I became a therapist to help and work with a diverse population. I welcome all clients and provide them with the same respect and level of treatment quality. I believe that everyone deserves the right to mental health, to heal, and to obtain a balance between their mind and body.
As a therapist, I want to provide my clients with a space that is free of judgment, while being welcoming, warm, supportive, and compassionate. I work collaboratively with clients to help them build upon their current strengths and resources to achieve their therapeutic goals. This will then help clients to develop skills that will benefit them as they progress through life. I have worked with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational/family problems. I have been trained in and specialize in Trauma Informed Care and Trauma treatment approaches including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am fluent in English and Spanish.
In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my dog, family, & friends; baking, and listening to music. I look forward to working with you and guiding you through your journey to wellness.
Trainees
Christopher Ryskiewicz
My name is Christopher Ryskiewicz (he/him/his) and I am a professional clinical counseling trainee, attending Northwestern University. As a counselor in training, I am a student member of the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC), and I serve patients in the Concord area, under the supervision of Dr. Marta Flores, PsyD. As a therapist, I endeavor to promote the core values of the counseling profession, namely, taking a multicultural approach to enhancing human development throughout the lifespan. I am genuinely curious about people, and above all else, I want to be a good listener to understand where my clients are coming from. Furthermore, I want to advocate for my patients, marginalized groups, and my community by helping remove systemic barriers to well-being and development.
Natalie Ring
Welcome! My Name is Natalie and I am a second year MFT in training at Saint Marys College in Moraga, California. I am here to help you reach your fullest potential in life and to accompany you throughout your journey of self exploration, healing, grief, growth and self discovery. I would like to assist you in finding your pathway to hope, resilience, and your true authentic self, and in enhancing your human connection.
I believe that true happiness comes from the inside, and I see it as my mission to help you create pathways to reach fulfillment in life. I utilize a psychoanalytical approach in combination with a holistic approach.
Linden Brentano
Hello and welcome! My name is Linden Brentano and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee here at La Concordia Wellness Center. I am a third-year graduate student at Saint Mary’s College of California. As a trainee I am under the supervision of Dr. Heather Martin. Prior to beginning my graduate career studying to become a therapist, I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Crime, Law and Society from the University of Oregon.
My ethos is that every individual, couple, or family who walks into therapy is unique and deserving of care that is specialized to their needs and goals. As such, I feel passionate about supporting clients’ from all backgrounds in their journey towards emotional wellbeing. I strive to create a welcoming, warm, and nonjudgmental environment for every person who steps in my door. I aim to be a facilitator in a client’s healing process, assisting them in identifying their existing strengths. I operate on a client-centered strength-based approach utilizing aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and existential therapy. In my free time I enjoy being in nature, watching movies, cooking, painting, and spending time with my loved ones. I look forward to assisting you on your goals and working with you on your journey to wellness.
Patricia Lara
My name is Patricia, and I am delighted to join La Concordia and their vision in assisting clients of diverse backgrounds in achieving overall wellness in a place free of stigma. I am in my third year at Saint Mary’s College specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy and Higher Education Student Affairs. As an MFT trainee, I work under the supervision of Dr. Marinés Novoa. For my undergraduate program, I attended San José State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Development.
It is my goal to help clients in navigating a variety of ways of dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety. I hope to serve my clients by making their experience unique; by meeting them where they are and move with each individual client through the process of change. As a bilingual therapist, I want to make each and every client feel heard and recognized especially in their native language. I believe that clients have the power to overcome their struggles but need assistance in finding direction and motivation to become a better version of themselves. In my previous roles, I have several years of experience working in the field of early childhood education primarily with children from 18 months to three years old. I am excited to work alongside my clients and be part of their wellness journey.
Meg Crowel
Meg Crowel is a Marriage and Family Therapist in training at La Concordia Wellness Center. Meg received her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies at UCLA in 2002. Although she began her career in non-profit work, she went on to work in the entertainment industry in multiple roles for almost 20 years. After her time in the entertainment industry, Meg decided to pursue a lifelong wish to find her way into a role that used all her talents and strengths, along with her experience as a producer, artist, and musician. Meg decided that art-based therapy was the answer and began her journey to becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist by pursuing her Master of Arts in Psychology at UMass Global. Meg began her MFT traineeship in January of 2024. She co-facilitates the “Healing Through Percussion Rhythms” group as well as the “Paint your Story” healing groups at La Concordia. She focuses on Narrative, IFS, and Solution Focused therapies but is currently in training for TF-CBT certification.
Sierra Stofle
Hello! My name is Sierra Stofle (she/her/hers) a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at La Concordia Psychotherapy and Wellness Clinic. As a MFT trainee, I am working under the expert supervision of Dr. Marinés Novoa. I am a dedicated mental health professional with a decade of experience in the field. My academic journey includes an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College, an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Peru State University, and am currently finishing my graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My approach is empathetic, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I look forward to supporting you on your journey towards healing and growth.
Therapy Dog
Dr. Benji
Rest in Peace
Bark, bark, bark
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Funders
La Concordia Wellness Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 88-3030525. No goods or services are provided in exchange for these contributions, and all donations made to La Concordia Wellness Center are tax deductible.
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