PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Debbie Scheevel, LCSW

Debbie is a licensed clinical social worker. She got her master’s degree from University of Illinois, Chicago, campus. She has been working with children and families for over 25 years. She has a specialty with children, parenting and addiction counseling. She has given national and local presentations on parenting, addictions and ACOA. Debbie has worked at her private practice, and inpatient, outpatient and PHP hospitals for the majority of her career. She is known for her compassionate, warm and empathetic approach to counseling. Her laughter and ability to connect with families on a personal and professional level has made this career enjoyable as well as fun for her. Debbie is excited to be a part of the Newport Beach team and help support the patients through their journey. 

THERAPIST

Ella Spicer

Ella is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She received her master’s degree in counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and has been working with kids and teens in different settings for almost 10 years. Ella is also trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based best practice for trauma. Her personable and relatable style, as well as terrible dad jokes, make it easy for kids to feel comfortable opening up with her. She loves working with kids and teens, as well as their parents, and looks forward to helping your family grow together.

THERAPIST

Autumn Fannin

Autumn completed her undergraduate education at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in May of 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. In May 2014, she obtained her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Humboldt State University. She typically approaches therapy from multiple therapeutic orientations, primarily person-centered/humanistic, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, solution-focused and strengths-based approach. She believes therapy is very much about the human experience and learning what it’s like to develop healthy supportive relationships to foster outside of therapy. Furthermore, therapy provides an opportunity to have a vulnerable experience within a supportive framework.

THERAPIST

Michelle Tharp-Grozinger

Michelle is an associate marriage and family therapist. She received her MA in marriage and family therapy from Hope International University. Michelle also has an MA in English and is a reading and literacy specialist. She was an educator at the elementary and community college levels for many years before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming a psychotherapist. Michelle focuses therapy on fostering communication and likes to utilize humor and artistic expression as well. An avid reader, she can be found practicing this self-care activity in her free time, as well as gardening, cooking and maintaining the monarch butterfly population.

THERAPIST

Jack Emery

Jack has worked for Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program since 2015. Jack completed his undergraduate studies at University of California, Santa Cruz. and majored in psychology as well as philosophy. Following undergraduate studies, Jack moved back to his hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jack completed his master’s in clinical counseling at Southwestern College. Jack’s approach to treatment is primarily based in a family systems theory and method. Jack will utilize concepts and theoretical strategies from narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy while working with families and individuals. Jack regularly incorporates mindfulness, emotional-focused therapy and somatic experiencing into his practice. Jack’s approach is also informed by DBT, CBT and strategic brief therapy.

COUNSELOR II

Valerie Villasenor

Valerie became interested in psychology because she liked learning more about people and what makes them who they are. She loves that she can apply what she has learned to help people overcome their challenges. She personally loves overcoming challenges and her own fears. She also enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking and working on her garden.

FACILITY MANAGER

Maria Piccirilli

Maria is currently working on her Bachelor in Behavioral Health Science at Grand Canyon University. She has 15 years of experience working with youth, both as a Behavior Interventionist in schools and in Behavioral Health as a case manager and family coach working in homes with families. She is passionate about working with children and their families and has facilitated parenting workshops to support families in creating positive relationships. She believes that building positive relationships are crucial for children to make progress towards their goals. As Facility Manager, she hopes to support the staff and families to create a positive environment to empower our clients throughout their recovery. In her free time she enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking, reading, music and quality time with family and friends.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Rebecca Bridgewater, IMFT

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Shannon Nichols, AMSW

Shannon is an associate clinical social worker. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work: Mental Health & Wellness, from the University of Southern California. Shannon has worked individually and collectively with kids and families since 2016, individuals experiencing homelessness since 2018, and conducted individual outpatient therapy since 2019. She enjoys using a human-centered approach to therapy and utilizes compassion and emotion-focused strategies. Shannon is trained and focused in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), problem-solving skills, and motivational interviewing into her practice. Her connection and relatedness to kids and families has made this career choice effortless for her and you can typically find her playing with her cats and dogs at home or staying active outside.