Staff Bios

Alyson Bostwick
M.A., LMFT
Mental Health Counseling Dept. Co-Chair

Pronouns: She/her

Education: 
B.A.  Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara 
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Stress/anxiety management, relationship issues, self-esteem building, assertiveness training/boundary setting, couples counseling, mood disorders, conflict resolution/mediation, grief and loss, performance/sports psychology,  crisis intervention and management, multicultural issues, developmental issues in adolescence and young adulthood, identity exploration and development.

Lacey Peters
M.A., LMFT
Mental Health Counseling Dept. Co-Chair

Pronouns: She/her

Education: 
B.S. Health Promotion, Community Health Education, Northern Arizona University 
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:  Relationship issues, depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, addictive disorders, co-occurring disorders, codependency, emotional/mood disturbance, conflict resolution, grief, life coaching, life transitions, peer relationships, relationship issues, school Issues, family issues, self ssteem, women's Issues, resilienc,y and empowement, developmental issues in adolescence and emerging adulthood, identity exploration. 

Sheila Walker
M.A., AMFT
Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: She/her

Education:

A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant; University of Hawaii @ Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu, HI,        B.P.A. Bachelors in Public Administration, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA                                M.A. Counseling Psychology, Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA.

Areas of Interest or Speciality:  My approach is person-centered and empathetic leading with a multicultural orientation, and unconditional positive regard, and learning through psychodynamic therapy to help unlock behavioral and relationship patterns and emotions through collaborative exploration to discover root causes, such as relationship attachment bonds, and other ecological elements contributing to what is happening at the time of seeking help and guidance, and what's manifesting in the body, respecting the connection between the mind, and body, and our nervous system, and the ways in which we may be feeling emotionally dysregulated causing symptoms of depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, and low self-esteem and self-worth.  Exploring areas of opportunity by building a therapeutic alliance of trust and security to help heal in life adjustments, experiencing grief due to divorce or being a child of a fragmented and/or blended family, trauma from past experiences, and healing from wounds that may hold back one's ability to make room for self-compassion leaning on strengths, and applying radical acceptance and mindfulness tools and techniques to foster self care activities and help one learn what unique techniques work the best for self-soothing. 

Raquel Do Carmo
M.A., LMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her

Education:
B.A. Advertising & Public Relations, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
M.A. Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, CA

Languages: Spanish & Portuguese

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
Stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, interpersonal relationships, confidence and self-esteem building, time management, crisis support and management, personal development, conflict resolution, boundary setting, multiculturalism, Cognitive Behavior techniques, Socratic questioning, process-focused counseling, mindfulness, single parenting issues, grief and loss support, resilience building, strengths-based and person-centered approach. 

Becky Bean
M.A., ASW
The WELL Student Program Advisor 

Pronouns: She/her

Education: 
B.A. Community Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz 
M.A. Social Work, Columbia University - School of Social Work 

Areas of Interest or Specialty: 
Mindfulness and stress management, trauma-informed care support groups, cognitive-behavioral and family systems approaches, skills based psychotherapy, 

empowerment based therapeutic interventions, re-entry counseling, somatic psychology, addressing relationship issues, identity and career exploration and development for young adults and adults.

Renato Marques
M.A., AMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: He/him

Education:
B.A. Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara 
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
Cultural identity issues, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, stress/anger management, spirituality, diversity issues, body images & self-esteem, LGBTQ+, relationship issues, career counseling, multiculturalism, mindfulness, social skills, divorce, and substance abuse.

Languages: Spanish & Portuguese

Yvette Ramírez-Gutiérrez, M.A.,

Doctoral Student
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/Her(s)/ Ella

Education: 
B.A. 
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, UC Santa Barbara
Doctoral Candidate in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, UC Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Mental health 

Fluent in: English and Spanish

Denise Kakuk 

 Substance Use and Recovery Peer Mentor

Pronouns: She/Her

Education: 

Santa Barbara City College Student

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
With decades of lived experience, I am deeply passionate about helping others and giving back to my community. In addition to my work in substance recovery, I enjoy cooking, camping, and deep-sea fishing. Most importantly, I am a proud mother of a 26-year-old son. 

Rebekah Lovejoy

PH.D., M.A., AMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/They

Education:
M.A./Ph.D. Mythological Studies with Depth Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, M.A. Clinical Psychology with Somatic Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara
B.A.  Studio Art, University of California Santa Barbara
B.A. Film Studies, University of California Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
Identity development, support for boundaries, safe spaces, trauma informed interventions, relationship issues, life transitions, creative self expression, support for anxiety and dysregulation toward self-grounding, resiliency, and empowerment. Experience working with LGBTQ+ population. Support for all bodies and all people. Diverse population ally. Integration of intuitive voice, and body experience, with meaning making.

Derrick Banks
M.A., Trainee 
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: he/him 
Education:
M.A. in Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Mediation, and Counseling                                                                           BA in Psychology and Minor in African Studies

Areas of Interest/Speciality:

I am a first-generation college student with a strong
commitment to education, cultural exchange, and community support. Currently, I serve as a University Transfer Counselor at Santa Barbara City College, where I
support students in navigating their academic and career pathways. I previously served as
Director of International Programs at SBCC and recently returned from China, where I taught
English at the prestigious Chinese People Securities University.Early in my career, I developed a deep passion for learning about people, cultures, and history,
which led me to a 12-year career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a Domestic and
International In-Flight Supervisor. Over the past 20 years, I’ve continued this global engagement
through my work in international education and counseling.
I am now in the final year of my Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program. Having traveled
to over 70 countries and lived and worked in China, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, and
France, I bring a global perspective and a strong foundation in cultural sensitivity to my clinical
training. My professional mission is to work with couples and families from diverse
backgrounds, with a special focus on supporting and uplifting the Black male experience. I am
committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment.

Victoria Angelica Navarro
LMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her
Education:
M.A. Antioch University of Santa Barbara, CA

Languages: English/Spanish

Areas of Interest or Specialty:

My experience involves working with children and families needing support in their emotional and behavioral health for over 7 years. My specialty involves working with people who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD, behavior problems, and parenting concerns. My preferred therapeutic models include person-centered approaches while using evidence-based techniques to promote desired outcomes through one's journey of exploring their personal goals and values.

I speak fluent Spanish and have worked with Latino/a families who have experienced domestic violence. I have worked closely with schools and have attended IEP meetings to support children in academic settings. I enjoy collaborating with community agencies and resources to provide individuals with additional support.

Mikey Arana
M.A., Doctoral Student
Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: He/Him/El

Education: 

BA in Psychology and Chicana/o Studies, California State University Channel Islands
MA in Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles
MA in Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology, University of California Santa Barbara

Languages: English/Spanish

Areas of Interest or Specialty:

I am committed to bilingual (English/Spanish) culturally informed and community-based mental health practices that uplift individuals from marginalized communities. My work weaves
together evidence-based therapeutic approaches, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices. I am passionate about supporting individuals who are navigating complex challenges such as trauma, relationship issues, migration-related experiences, suicidality, substance recovery, grief, identity-related issues, and significant life transitions. I connect deeply with those seeking to understand and heal while also exploring the profound aspects of life’s purpose and finding meaning in their life experiences. My therapeutic approach integrates emotion-focused techniques, mindfulness, and liberation psychology, all within an intersectional, person-centered framework. My goal is to create a supportive and empowering space where meaningful transformation can unfold, promoting long-term well-being, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to one's authentic self.

Rachel Danley
M.A., AMFT 

Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: She/her

Education: 

B.A., Sociology, San Francisco State University

M.A., Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:

 Anxiety, depression, symptoms related to trauma, substance use, stress, codependency and challenging life transitions, setting boundaries, family dynamics, body-image/self-esteem, postpartum/pregnancy, women’s issues, and LGBTQIA+. I am aligned with HAES (Health at Every Size) and believe that all bodies are innately good and worthy of respect, regardless of size. My approach is integrative, pulling from a variety of theoretical lenses and techniques including attachment theory, person-centered, compassion-focused, mindfulness/meditation, and solution-focused. 

MacKenzie Bilane
M.A., AMFT

Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: She/her

Education: 

B.A., Sociology, University of California Santa Cruz                                                    M.A., Marriage Family Therapy, Touro University Worldwide

Areas of Interest or Specialty:

Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger management, life transitions, self-esteem, women's issues, LGBTQ+, addiction and substance use. I have a very person-centered approach and do my best to advocate, support and listen. I like to get curious about exploring the impact of early life experiences as well as family and relationship dynamics. I work to empower my clients by creating an environment where they feel supported and safe. I’m a lover of the outdoors and nature. When I’m out of the therapy room I am often at the beach, hiking in the mountains or spending time with family/friends. I also love to cook and try new recipes!

Betsy Phillips
M.A., LCSW

Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: She/her

Education: 

B.F.A., Modern Dance, University of California, Santa Barbara                                                                                    M.A. University of Utah, Social Work                   Carleton College, Latin American Studies

Languages: Spanish

Areas of Interest or Specialty:

Counseling college students who struggle with anxiety, family issues.  Counseling international students, multicultural counseling, Elder counseling, Somatic work with many years of teaching Yoga, Pilates, Dance.

Brenda Scherlis
MSN, FNP
Nurse Practitioner

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Mary Sila 
RN
Nurse

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Director of Student Health Services

Angela Ortiz
Senior Office Assistant

Pronouns: She/her/hers