Our Clinical Staff | At the Heart

Andrea Peterson, LMFT 85722 - Co-Founder, Clinical Director, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

I am a CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

I have a Master's degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. I have been practicing for over 10 years and have significant experience with complex trauma, court/cps involved cases, and high conflict situations. I am a Certifed Family Trauma Professional and Certfied EMDR Clinician which means I have speciality training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trauma.

I have also had extensive training in providing Clinical Supervision to clinicians that are new in the field and am registered with the CA Board of Behavioral Services. This means that At the Heart contracts with varying university programs to provide oversight and supervision for Master's level graduate students that are nearing the end of their program and need practical experience to graduate (student trainee) and once they graduate from their Master's program to earn their hours towards licensure with the state of California (associate). These students and post graduates are working towards licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling and Social Work. California requires upwards of 3000 client hours under the direct supervision of a licensed clincian before they can apply to take their state board exams.

If you have any questions, I encourage you to ask!

Meet Our Amazing Team

Alexia Davis, MFT Trainee

Education:

-Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development

-working towards receiving my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy

Previous counseling experience (if any):

-Behavior Tech experience

Day job:

-Family Coordinator

Describe your counseling style:

Play therapy
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
Collaborative language systems (CLS)
Mindfulness-based CBT
Solution-focused therapy (SFT)

Favorite quote:

“The pain that you have been feeling cannot compare to the joy that is coming” -Romans 8:18

Hobbies:

-pilates

-exploring in nature

-reading

Fun fact:

I love hello kitty and friends! <3 The beach is one of my favorite places to be!

Alanah McClain, MFT Trainee

Education:

-Bachelor's Degree: Sacramento State, BS. Criminal Justice

-Golden Gate University MA. Counseling Psychology graduates December 2023

Previous counseling experience (if any):

-I facilities group therapy ---Day job: After School Coordinator

Describe your counseling style:

-I am a compassionate and dedicated Trainee with a passion for helping individuals, couples, families, and children overcome life's challenges and achieve personal growth and well-being. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, I aim to create a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Favorite quote:

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." — Dalai Lama

Hobbies:

-Coaching Volleyball

-Training for a triathlon

-Trying new restaurants

Fun fact:

-I had perfect attendance from K-12th grade in school and never missed a day of grade school!

Kahmara Penn, MFT Trainee

Education:
-BA-Psychology. Currently pursuing MA psychology counseling

Previous counseling experience (if any):
-Wraparound Facilitator

Day job:
-Social Worker- Children’s Law Center

Describe your counseling style:
-I prefer taking an inclusive approach. Family systems therapy appeals to me as it focuses on
understanding the interactions and dynamics within a family system. Additionally, I find the
Humanistic model to be supportive as it believes that clients can make positive changes in their
lives, and therapists should provide a non-judgmental environment that fosters this growth.

Favorite quote:
“Progress over perfection” -unknown

Hobbies:
-Traveling, Yoga, eating

Fun fact:
-I have been to the Bahamas 4 times

Macellina Odd, MFT Associate 137726 and APCC Associate 11205

Education:

-Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Social Welfare, California State University, Sacramento

-Master of Arts degree in Psychology, Brandman University

Previous counseling experience (if any):

-I have over 8 years of experience working directly with youth, young adults, and families providing case management and mentorship in the following capacities:

Family Health Advocate: Black Infant Health Case Management
Student Manager/Peer Health Educator: Sacramento State Health & Wellness Promotions
Volunteer – Youth Ministry Leader & Mentor (ages 14-18): Center of Praise Ministries/Common Ground Covenant Church/ Bayside of South Sacramento

Day job: Full-time Wife and Mother

Describe your counseling style:

-I believe in utilizing a strength-based approach and highlighting the locus of control of every client. I am dedicated to helping clients achieve personal goals and to providing effective mental health care in a safe and non-judgmental space.

Favorite quote:

“Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.”― Mary Engelbreit

Hobbies: I love to dance, cook, and travel with my husband!

Fun fact:

-My name, Macellina, actually means communion (bread and wine) in the Ghanaian dialect Fante. Bread and wine are also my favorite food groups!

David Plumb, MFT Associate 123922

Education:

-Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling

-Bachelor’s Degree Psychology

-Certification Chemical Dependency Studies

Previous counseling experience (if any):

-13+ years Substance Use Disorder Counseling

-5+ Years Anger Management Counseling

-3 years Post Graduate therapy with individuals, children, families.

Day job: Therapist, Substance Use Disorder and Dual Diagnosis Therapy Group Therapist

Describe your counseling style:

-Familiar with CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, IFS informed. therapy.

Favorite quote:

“Nothing is permanent except change”. Heraclitus

Hobbies:

-Mountain Biking

-Kayaking, Paddle Boarding

-Attending Concerts, and spending time with family

Fun fact:

-I’m pretty tall.

Hannah Tishlarich, PCC Trainee

Education:

-BA in Psychology and minor in Kinesiology from WMNU

-Working towards Master's in Mental Health Counseling

Previous counseling experience (if any):

At the Heart is my first experience but I am passionate about helping people and my goal is to work with children.

Day job:

-Daycare employee at Bradshaw Christian Elementary

Describe your counseling style:

-I am working on developing my style

Favorite quote:

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Hobbies:

-Coaching volleyball

-Hanging with family and friends

Fun fact:

-I have played volleyball since 5th grade so I've played for 12 years

Jorene Pierre, MFT Trainee

Education:

-Currently working on MA in Psychology, BA

Previous counseling experience (if any):

-At the Heart is my first experience

Day job: Mental Health Rehab Specialist

Describe your counseling style:

-Psychodynamic, DBT OR CBT

Favorite quote:

"Everything happens for a reason".

Hobbies:

-Hiking

-Rock climbing

-Exercising

Fun fact:

-I’m adventurous

David Peterson, John Maxwell Certified Coach and Trainer, At the Heart Co-Founder and Board Member

As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker, I offer workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven methods. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals. I am also a Commissioned Ministry Coach for the Wesleyan Church..

I have a diverse background in all aspects of business and I am passionate about optimizing leadership, communication, teamwork, and personal performance.

Sabrina Alvizo, MFT and PCC Trainee

Education:
-B.A. in Psychology
-Currently pursuing an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy & Professional Clinical Counseling

-Previous counseling experience (if any):
Over the past 6 months, I have dedicated my efforts to delivering direct counseling services to
children and their families within a community mental health clinic. Beyond this recent
counseling experience, my professional journey has involved a range of roles in social
services, education, and mental health settings. These roles include:
 Mental Health Intake Coordinator
 Social Worker
 Special Education Instructional Aide
 Autism Behavior Technician

Day job: Outpatient Clinic MFT/PCC Intern

Describe your counseling style:
Collaboration is at the heart of my therapeutic approach. I appreciate the richness of every
individuals background. I see therapy as a shared journey where your personal story takes
center stage. My goal is to
create a safe space for you to express yourself, be heard, and have your perspectives
validated. I believe in building a partnership with individuals and working together to better
understand their experiences.

Favorite quote:
“We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take
responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.”

- Dr. Gabor Maté

Hobbies:
-Cooking/Baking
-Reading

Fun fact:
-I find joy in thoughtfully surprising my loved ones with items they casually mentioned they
needed or expressed a liking for in passing. I believe in the magic of truly listening and
showing that I care through those unexpected, perfectly-tailored gifts.