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
Our next team member!
Education:
Previous counseling experience:
Day job:
Describe your counseling style:
Favorite quote:
Hobbies:
Fun fact:
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Bobby Joe Spivey II, MFT Trainee
Education:
--Currently working towards my M.A. in Counseling Psychology, from Golden Gate University.
-I have my B.A. in Psychology from Golden Gate University.
-I am a certified SMART Recovery facilitator
Previous counseling experience (if any):
--Volunteered with The Gathering Inn homeless shelter in Roseville, CA doing “boots on ground”
homeless outreach, Veteran case management and benefits assistance.
Describe your counseling style:
-Context, context, context! I take a Client centered approach, from an Ecological Systems Theory
framework. I work with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (ACT, CBT, and DBT respectively) as my modalities.
Favorite quote:
“Life does not treat you fairly or unfairly, it merely is. It is up to each of us to be fair, or unfair.”- Qui-Gon
Jinn
Hobbies:
-Video games, reading, and I enjoy being in nature.
Fun fact:
-I served 13 years in the Army and have two cats, Lewis and Clark.
Kahmara Penn, MFT Trainee
Education:
-BA-Psychology. Currently pursuing MA psychology counseling
Previous counseling experience (if any):
-Wraparound Facilitator
Day job:
-Social Worker
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:
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Family Health Advocate: Black Infant Health Case Management
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Student Manager/Peer Health Educator: Sacramento State Health & Wellness Promotions
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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, LMFT 152642
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.
Our next awesome clinician!
Education:
Day Job:
Describe your counseling style:
Favorite Quote:
Hobbies:
Fun Fact:
Gina Rinetti, MFT Trainee
Education:
B.A. Sociology, Sacramento State University
Currently pursuing an M.A. Psychology Counseling, Golden Gate University
Previous Counseling Experience ( if any):
At The Heart marks my debut in counseling, and I am enthusiastic about showcasing my skills and education in this field. I am fully committed to ongoing professional development to deliver the highest support possible.
Day Job:
Patient Access Representative, Dignity Health
Describe Your Counseling Style:
As I begin my journey in counseling, I am working on refining my counseling style. My main focus is creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard and respected. I aim to be flexible and responsive, using various techniques while always upholding the core principles of empathy and respect.
Favorite Quote:
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho
Hobbies:
Yoga, Hiking, Reading
Fun Fact:
I enjoy DIY projects
Cathy Vue, MFT Trainee
Education:
Golden Gate University, BA. Psychology
Golden Gate University, MA. Counseling Psychology (graduates 2025/2026)
Previous counseling experience:
During my military service, I had the opportunity to mentor young adults, which gave me valuable experience in guiding and supporting others. However, At The Heart marks my first formal professional experience in this field, allowing me to apply my skills in a more structured and impactful way. I am passionate about helping others because I deeply believe that kindness has a profound ripple effect. When we show kindness, we not only uplift those around us, but we also create a sense of peace and connection within ourselves and our communities.
Day job: Wife and Mother to two wonderful little souls.
Describe your counseling style:
My therapeutic approach leans towards psychodynamic therapy, as I believe understanding a person's unconscious motivations and past experiences is key to promoting self-awareness and long-term healing. However, I am flexible and open to integrating other therapeutic techniques based on the unique needs of each individual.
Favorite quote:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
-Nelson Mandela
Hobbies:
Hiking, walks, trying out new food, coffee, exploring new places, indoor cycling, free writing, yoga
Fun fact:
I am a big anime nerd.
Joleen Santos, MFT Trainee
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology, California State University East Bay
- Currently pursuing an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, UMass Global
Previous counseling experience (if any):
- At the Heart Counseling will be my first clinical exposure to therapy.
Day job:
- ER Unit Assistant
Describe your counseling style:
- My goal is to provide a welcoming and safe space where clients feel comfortable and
supported in speaking freely. I am excited to learn, develop, and adapt my therapeutic
style to best meet the unique needs of each individual. I am interested in mindfulness-
based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and
psychoeducation therapy interventions. I hope to integrate these approaches to create a
therapeutic environment that fosters personal growth, emotional healing, and lasting
change for each client I work with.
Favorite quote
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do
what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you
haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know
when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
Hobbies:
Traveling and going on long scenic drives with my little family, spending time with family and
friends, reading (psychological thrillers are my favorite!), and cooking.
Fun fact:
I am a planner and stationery enthusiast.