Get to know the people who make the work we do at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center possible.
We’re proud to introduce you to our team.
Dina Olivas, LCSW, received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State, Long Beach. As a bi-cultural mental health professional, she began her career 39 years ago in Los Angeles, providing services to diverse children, youth, couples, and families experiencing complex trauma. Her work settings range from public and private hospitals to schools, universities, and clinics. Ms. Olivas is a trained Early Childhood Mental Health Interventionist and community crisis specialist trained in Psychological First Aid, Critical Incident Debriefing, and Crisis Response Management for first responders.
With years of leading, supervising, and training clinicians, she is grounded in promoting the neurobiology of healing through relationships while looking through the lens of culture and identity. Ensuring community access to quality counseling services has been paramount in her last 20 years of service in Ventura County. Ms. Olivas’s guiding belief in her teaching and clinical perspective is that healing occurs through a genuine, respectful therapeutic relationship that honors one’s intrinsic strength as a whole person.
Lluvia Mayorquin earned her B.A. in Psychology from California Lutheran University. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Lluvia has experience in working with Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum who use Alternative and Augmentative communication to communicate in their day-to-day lives. Lluvia enjoys helping people with disabilities advocate for themselves to access the support they need in education and out in the community. As an Undergraduate student, Lluvia’s p research focused on building transitional programs for high school students on the spectrum who are moving on to college. She utilizes a person-centered approach when collaborating with clients to help them meet their goals. Lluvia is dedicated to serving individuals, couples, children, and families.
Alex is excited to collaborate with other humans on their journey to higher functioning and a well-lived life. Alex's therapy is compassionate and solutions-focused with an existential underpinning. Confronting life's inevitabilities and possibilities is a courageous and necessary act. Currently, Alex is earning his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine. Prior to that, he received a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Between the two, he had an eclectic professional career including the founding of a beverage company, a tech automation startup, and a brief stint in law school. When he isn't working, you can find him surfing or writing poetry. He has found their persistent practice to be a salutary mixture. Alex works with individuals, couples, and children.
Lorena Sanchez received a B.A. in both Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Northridge. She received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Lorena has 5+ years of experience working in early childhood education. She works with children, adolescents, individuals, and couples. Her approach to therapy is collaborative and integrative while always meeting clients where they are. She believes in creating a safe, open, and compassionate space for individuals to embark on their therapeutic journey.
Juliana is currently pursuing her master's degree in couple and family therapy and holds a bachelor's degree in communication from CSUN. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, she understands the profound impact of words and embraces the power of effective communication. Juliana finds solace and inspiration in nature, immersing herself in hiking, camping, and nurturing her garden. Her deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things informs her therapeutic approach, recognizing that every aspect of life is intricately woven together. As an MFT Trainee, Juliana challenges social norms and approaches therapy through a trauma-informed and systemic lens. She creates a safe, open-minded space where clients can explore their experiences and embark on transformative journeys. Juliana works with couples, families, individuals, and children. She has experience with life transitions, women's issues, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. Juliana strives to guide individuals toward self-love, healthy boundaries, positive self-talk, and inner strength to promote healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Angel earned his B.S. in Social Psychology from Park University in Parkville, Missouri. He is currently pursuing his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Angel has a background in information technology and has worked in different states and abroad. Through his travels, he has collaborated with diverse cultures and different backgrounds. He has served in various capacities over the course of his I.T. career to include positions of leadership. Through his experiences, he can relate to many of life’s challenges. Angel is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and providing a safe environment for them to explore themselves and grow. He looks forward to working with individuals, couples, children, and families.
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Aline Ferreira has used a humanistic approach to meet her clients where they are. Aline provides a safe and nurturing environment for them to grow at their own pace. They might be navigating significant life transitions such as marriage, divorce, single parenthood, or the complexities of blending families. They may be dealing with issues related to self-esteem, identity, anxiety, or depression. These clients often need support in understanding their emotions, developing resilience, and finding their authentic selves. Aline believes that individuals possess an inherent capacity for self-discovery and growth. In addition to her clinical work, Aline is a tenured professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics Studies, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Pacifica Graduate Institute), and an M.A. in Linguistics Studies. Through therapy, individuals can learn to understand and process their trauma, rediscovering a sense of safety often compromised after traumatic experiences. The synergy between her roles as a clinician and an academic enriches her understanding of human behavior from multiple perspectives, allowing her to provide a non-judgmental, safe space for clients.
Em is pursuing her MA in clinical psychology with a concentration in somatic therapy at Antioch University. Her background includes work in the medical field as a patient care coordinator, in career development and advocacy for people with disabilities, and as a volunteer suicide prevention crisis counselor. Em’s is passionate about helping her clients find deeper meaning and purpose in their lives, while reaching their goals using practical, solution-focused care. Em takes a trauma-informed, holistic approach to her work - drawing upon the connections between our mind, body, and spirit. She believes
it’s important to try to bring more creativity and playfulness into our lives, incorporating methods such as play/art/movement therapy and music into her practice. Em is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and accessible space for her clients. She works with individuals, couples, and families. For Em, it would be an honor to join you on your journey.