Exploring LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy: A Guide

Program Director

Shadi Bateni

Born in Iran and educated in America, Shadi brings a diverse cultural perspective to her role as Program Director at The Meadowglade. Fluent in three languages, Shadi possesses a unique ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment for healing and growth.

With a deep-seated passion for helping those struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorders, Shadi has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Holding degrees in Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as Addictive Disorder Studies, Shadi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.

Throughout her career, Shadi has served in various capacities as a case manager, substance use counselor, group facilitator, sober companion, and interventionist. Known for her compassion, capability, and innate ability to connect with clients, Shadi excels in leading individuals towards participation in their recovery journey.

Outside of work, Shadi finds immense joy in spending time with her beloved 10-year-old daughter, cherishing each moment together. Committed to making a difference in the lives of others, Shadi continues to strive for excellence in her mission to promote healing, resilience, and hope in the community.

Vice President of Community Partnerships

Christine Tonoli, MBA

Christine Tonoli is the newly appointed Vice President of Community Partnerships. Previously serving as Executive Director of the Adolescent Division, she brings over three decades of experience in business development and leadership to the role. With an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration, Christine possesses a deep understanding of the healthcare industry.

Passionate about advancing mental health initiatives, she is a staunch advocate for mental well-being and its integral role in individual and societal success. Christine is committed to fostering a culture of wellness within communities and driving positive change through strategic partnerships.

Christine brings a strategic vision and collaborative leadership style to the role, aiming to cultivate an environment where mental health is prioritized and celebrated.

Director of Admissions

Tonda Williams

As a Director of Admissions, Tonda brings over twenty years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse industry. Her passion has always been to be a guiding light for those on their path of healing. Tonda’s experience provides compassion and reassurance for the client and their loved ones during this difficult time. Tonda has unique and extensive skills for developing and managing admissions teams by bringing a valued perspective to always reflect best in class. Over the years, Tonda has established herself as a trusted and respected leader in the behavioral health community.

Throughout her extensive tenure, Tonda has honed a unique blend of compassion, insight, and strategic acumen, offering invaluable support and reassurance to clients and their families navigating the challenging terrain of behavioral health. Her exceptional ability to cultivate and lead admissions teams reflects a deep-seated understanding of the nuances inherent in admissions processes, consistently striving for excellence and setting unparalleled standards in the field.

Driven by the belief that “reassuring hope is the most treasured gift you can ever give to someone,” Tonda remains steadfast in her mission to empower individuals on their journey towards recovery, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touches and embodying the essence of compassionate leadership in every endeavor she undertakes.

When not fulfilling her passion, Tonda finds solace and joy in the company of her family. She enjoys nature through skiing, fishing, and hiking in Mammoth Lakes, California. Additionally, she cherishes moments with sunset walks along the beach, rejuvenating her spirit.

Guest Services Specialist Supervisor

Jocelyn Prado

Jocelyn has been dedicated to the mental health field since 2015. Her career began with working alongside patients suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s, which only fueled her passion for helping others. Her experience with patients in hospice care, coupled with her empathic nature, significantly deepened her compassion and desire to continue providing support.

In 2022, Jocelyn joined The Meadowglade as a psychiatric technician in the cottage. Engaging with clients reaffirmed her belief that she was exactly where she was meant to be. Six months into her role, she was promoted to Assistant Facility Manager. While she appreciated learning the operational aspects of facility management, she realized her heart remained in direct client work.

Just three months later, Jocelyn advanced to the position of Guest Services Specialist Supervisor. She pours her heart into her duties and is committed to making a difference. Her focus is on providing clients with a safe and nurturing environment. Jocelyn’s commitment to her clients shines through every interaction, ensuring that The Meadowglade remains a beacon of hope and healing.

Assistant Facility Manager

Yessica Armenta-Bustillos

With a diverse professional background that spans from the dynamic environment of community theater to the structured world of commercial insurance, Yessica Armenta brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to her role as Assistant Facilities Manager at The Meadowglade. Her journey through various industries has honed her ability to manage complex projects and foster collaborative success.

Yessica’s eye for detail and her passion for solving problems are at the core of her work ethic. She excels in creating efficient, welcoming spaces that enhance productivity and well-being. Her commitment to excellence and her innate desire to help others make her an invaluable asset to any team.

As she continues to grow in her career, Yessica is dedicated to leveraging her experience to improve facility operations and contribute to a positive community impact. Her goal is to not only ensure smooth day-to-day operations but also to inspire those around her with her proactive approach and unwavering dedication.

Facility Manager

Cynthia Rivera

Cynthia Rivera is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in servant leadership, guiding teams and organizations to achieve their highest potential through empathy, foresight, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment.

Throughout her career, Cynthia has demonstrated a profound dedication to prioritizing the growth and well-being of team members while aligning their individual goals with the overarching mission of the organization. Her goal is to continue growing professionally while making a meaningful difference, particularly in the mental health community, fostering environments where individuals can thrive and achieve mental well-being.

As the Facility Manager at The Meadowglade, Cynthia exemplifies servant leadership by leading by example and fostering a culture of teamwork. She is committed to driving positive change and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Her dedication to empowering others and championing collaborative success makes her a respected and influential leader in her field.

In her free time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with loved ones and creating core memories that enrich her life.

Case Manager

Audrey Webb

Audrey earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands in 2018. She has three years of experience working with a diverse population of adolescents and adults in a high-acuity inpatient hospital. Audrey has an extensive background of supporting clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, and PTSD.

Audrey’s mission is to motivate her clients to reach their personal goals of wellness and growth. She is dedicated to supporting clients better understand the discharge planning process so they can graduate from treatment with greater confidence in their aftercare plans and knowledge of helpful resources. Witnessing her clients’ improvement in emotional and behavioral stability is most rewarding. Audrey is passionate about self-care practices, organization, journaling, and anything sports related.

Program Director, Outpatient Program

Quetsy Garcia

For nearly two decades, Quetsy has been immersed in the world of mental health, primarily focusing on children and teens. From her early days as an office manager, where she wore every hat from paperwork wizard to billing guru, a deep sense of purpose has driven her work.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of someone’s journey toward better mental health, especially when it involves young minds. It’s not just a job for her; it’s a passion project that lights her up every day.

With empathy as her guide and a profound love for her work, Quetsy has found joy in the small moments of connection and the significant victories of progress. Looking ahead, she’s excited to continue being a part of stories of growth and resilience, making a difference one day at a time.

Executive Chef

Chef Christopher Trujillo

Chef Christopher Anthony Trujillo’s journey into the culinary world began at the tender age of 8, igniting a lifelong passion for food and cooking. He finds immense joy in the entire process of preparing, cooking, and serving food, viewing it not merely as sustenance but as an art form and a therapeutic outlet that brings hope, joy, and peace of mind to those in need.

With extensive experience as both a private chef and caterer, Chef Trujillo has had the privilege of cooking for and alongside numerous celebrities and top chefs. Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s wisdom, “If you want to become a great chef, you have to work with great chefs. And that’s exactly what I did,” Chef Trujillo has honed his skills through collaboration with some of the best in the industry.

Driven by an unwavering pursuit of perfection, Chef Trujillo insists on flawlessly plated meals, believing that attention to detail is paramount in creating memorable dining experiences. Still, he recognizes that behind every great chef stands a great team, valuing collaboration and teamwork above all else.

As the Executive Chef at The Meadowglade, Chef Trujillo strives to collaborate with his team to create unforgettable dining experiences for staff and clients alike.

Art therapy facilitator

Lala Minassian, AMFT

Lala is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialization in Art Therapy. She earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus on Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University.

With experience working with both adolescents and adults, Lala addresses a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Her multicultural background enhances her practice of cultural competency, allowing her to connect with clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Lala integrates art therapy with various approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and Narrative Therapy, to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their challenges.

By utilizing the creative process of art, she encourages individuals to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, often revealing aspects of the unconscious mind. Lala employs a broad range of art materials to meet individual needs in self-exploration and strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can connect with their authentic selves and promote healing.

Primary Therapist

Kristen Crooymans, LMFT

Kristen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Meadowglade. She discovered her passion for mental health while working as a counselor with families and children with autism. Kristen continued her work with survivors of domestic violence and foster youth in community mental health. With the knowledge gained from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness, Kristen offers support to a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, grief/trauma, mood disorders and substance abuse.

Primary Therapist

Jonathan Borowiec, LMFT

Jonathan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who earned his Master of Clinical Psychology at Notre Dame de Namur University. He has worked with adolescents, adults, and couples in managing stress, depression, anxiety, conflict resolution, gaining insight, reducing trauma responses, and behavioral modification. His traditional approach is an eclectic merge of psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic therapy to help clients achieve their individual and mental health goals.

Jonathan’s focus is establishing a space centered around trust, processing thoughts and feelings without judgment, and building a healthy sense of self. During therapy sessions, you can expect to learn strategies to reduce emotional distress, develop awareness around maladaptive thoughts, and increase insight into unhelpful patterns of behaviors or relationships that keep you stuck.

Primary Therapist

Jasmine Perkovic, LCSW

Jasmine has experience working with clients who struggle with eating disorders, OCD, trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, Jasmine has experience assisting those that have been in active crisis and helped guide them toward safety. Jasmine has experience as a therapist working in settings such as family and community-based programs, with adolescents and children, and with adults in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

With the knowledge that each client is on their own unique journey toward mental well-being, Jasmine individualizes her approach to fit the specific needs of each client she works with. Jasmine views therapy as a collaborative process in which clients can safely explore their struggles, enhance their strengths, challenge themselves, and grow as individuals. Jasmine is continually inspired by the clients she has the great opportunity to work with, and is honored to be a part of their journeys.

Primary Therapist

Matthew Harper, LMFT

Matthew found his passion for mental health while working as a residential counselor with adolescents struggling with mental health issues. His work continued with foster youth deeply affected by abuse and trauma and adults in the LGBTQ+ community seeking help with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, guilt/shame, and more. Working from a foundation of mindfulness, CBT, and existential and postmodern philosophies, Matthew seeks to align with people struggling with mental health issues, helping them find their way to improved mental health and well-being.

• Masters of Psychology, Pepperdine

Lead Therapist

Alyssa Bedford, LCSW

Central to Alyssa’s practice is the belief that people deserve to feel better and want to heal. With a deep understanding of the impact of mental health on individuals and their families, Alyssa approaches therapy as a collaborative journey toward recovery, bringing both compassion and expertise into every session. As Lead Therapist, she has honed her skills providing individual, family, and group therapy in residential and outpatient services. Utilizing a trauma-informed lens and strengths-based approach, Alyssa partners with clients to help them heal from painful pasts, reduce anxiety, and develop the skills necessary to reach their goals and find fulfillment.

Alyssa continually pursues advanced training to provide clients the highest level of care specific to their needs. Advanced trainings in EMDR include: Complex PTSD, Ego States, Eating Disorders, Somatic Therapy, and Grief and Loss. Other certifications and advanced trainings: Foundations of Internal Family Systems Therapy, CBT, CBT for Substance Abuse, CBTp for Psychosis, I-CBT for OCD, Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, Neurobiology of Trauma Levels 1 and 2, and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, Alyssa is a Strengthening Families Program Instructor and an Accelerated Resolution Therapist.

Married for more than 35 years, Alyssa values her relationships with her husband, three children, and two grandchildren.

• Masters of Social Work, CSU
• EMDR-Certified Therapist
• Accelerated Resolution Therapist

Clinical Director

Christina Hesselbrock, LCSW

Christina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Furman University. With over 25 years of experience, Christina specializes in providing therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Her areas of expertise include adolescent and children’s behavioral concerns, relationship issues, anxiety and mood disorders, family conflict, special needs children and adolescents, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQI, couples therapy, and depression.

Christina’s extensive work experience showcases her dedication and passion for helping others. She has worked with diverse and high-risk populations, providing services to individuals and families in residential treatment and supporting children with severe behavioral issues and autism. Christina has a strong foundation in cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior modification, utilizing applied behavioral analysis techniques to reduce maladaptive behaviors in children and adolescents.

Employing a strengths-based approach and solution-focused therapy, Christina designs personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of her clients. She is well-versed in interventions such as increasing self-awareness, improving coping skills, stress management techniques, mindfulness training, and guided imagery. With her wealth of knowledge and compassionate demeanor, Christina strives to support individuals in reaching their goals and improving their well-being through evidence-based and client-centered therapeutic approaches.

• Relationship Issues
• Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• LGBTQI
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Psychiatrist

Haroon Burhanullah, MD

Dr. M. Haroon Burhanullah, #A166326, is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in consultation psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, and geriatric neuropsychiatry. He graduated from Dow Medical College in Pakistan before completing postdoctoral work in neuroimaging at Johns Hopkins University.

He has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the highly respected American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Burhanullah is deeply committed to treating each patient with utmost care and respect. He is passionate about working with the most vulnerable patients, including those with moderate to severe behavioral problems whose families often suffer from caregiver burnout.

Psychiatrist

YJ Kim, MD

Dr. Kim, #A140581, is a board-certified psychiatrist who has experience in\ treating severe mental illness and women’s mental health. She graduated from Chicago Medical School and trained at University of Southern California, where she served as a chief resident for inpatient psychiatry. She believes in collaborating with therapists, families, and other physicians to deliver the most effective care.

Executive Director

Narine Babikian, MHA

Narine is a dedicated professional with almost two decades of experience across Healthcare, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. A firm believer that mental health is the pinnacle of our overall well-being, she is driven by a passion to contribute meaningfully to this critical aspect of human life. As a leading member of The Meadowglade’s team, Narine is committed to being part of a company where she can give back to the community and witness the transformative impact that valuable changes in mental health services can bring.

Narine’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, providing her with a robust foundation for making impactful changes in healthcare systems. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Narine is a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests. Her hobbies include reading, where she finds solace and inspiration, hiking to connect with nature and stay active, and cooking as a creative outlet. Family holds a special place in her heart, and she values spending quality time with loved ones.

Psychiatrist

Joseph Gulino, MD

Dr. Gulino, #A117442, has nearly two decades of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and then completed a general psychiatry residency and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Gulino focuses on taking a complete clinical inventory of a patient’s mental health status and factors that contribute to it such as physical, social, emotional, behavioral, and family history components. He emphasizes the importance of an accurate diagnosis and providing the field’s recommended evidence-based treatments.