Meet The Lancaster Team

Maria Castillejo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with eleven years of experience working with children, young adults, special needs population, and families with school-based counseling and community based mental treatment experience. Maria has a passion for assisting her clients amplify their strengths and engage in positive meaning making as a way to create hope and motivation for change.  

 

Fast Facts:

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

I would like to have dinner with Virgin Mary to learn and understand her role as a mother and get advice to improve my parenting skills. 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

My honeymoon. I did so many adventures things like ziplining, quads racing, riding a banana boat, and trying different types of sea foods. I enjoyed kayaking and the clear warm waters of Puerto Vallarta. 

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Some cleaning, Netflix for sure, not being hungry but since I need to eat, getting some Chipotle, and getting some outdoor time with a walk. 

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

with coconut milk, very hot, gotta be sweet.I rarely drink coffee, like 1x per 2 months 

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

To be a teacher, be married, have a brand new 2 story home, and be married to Mario Lopez or Zack, lol

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Holding a safe place for vulnerability while healing takes place

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

Life is my greatest teacher because life gives me many lessons and opportunities to learn, grow, fix, and eliminate what doesn't work and serve me.

Kathleen Burrell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from California State University with her B. A. in Child development with a Minor in Sociology and a master’s in social work. She specializes in working with children and adolescents within the foster care system, with behavioral/mood difficulties, and with the family unit to work towards cultivating and developing a healthy and positive home environment.

Kathleen has experience serving the homeless and incarcerated/recently released population. She loves engaging with, supporting, and inspiring individuals to find their inner strength and overcome the barriers that her clients are being faced with. Kathleen has been practicing as a clinician for 7 years serving those in need. Kathleen believes we are capable of living full, loving, and healthy lives no matter what obstacles we face, as long as we are willing to do the work and walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel. We all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Kathleen offers Individual, group, and family therapy supporting individuals with overcoming their presenting challenges, such as anger, eating disorders, cultural difficulties/identities, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem, and more. She looks forward to working with you or your child to support the healing and growth process towards the life you hope to live.

QUALIFICATIONS 

EMDR, Clinical Supervisor

Fast Facts: 

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Michelle Obama

WHO IS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO?

My mother-She was a single parent and did an amazing job raising three children on her own.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Not having to wake up early and spending the day with my husband and children.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Dancing

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Serving those in need and supporting individuals in finding their strength to maintain hope in a time of hopelessness. Reminding each individual that they are worthy of happiness and love not only from others but most importantly from themselves. 

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

Doing paperwork, paperwork, paperwork...oh and don't forget the snacks!

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

My faith in God

Sarah has spent time working with young children and adolescents, as well as their families in a home setting. Her focus is supporting clients working through anxiety, and child/ adolescent behavior issues using a cognitive-behavioral approach, identifying the client's strengths, and a solution-focused approach. Sarah enjoys using play therapy with younger clients and supporting parents through the therapeutic process.

Sarah earned her B.A. in Psychology at California State University Channel Islands and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University. Sarah is also in the progress of attaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Saybrook University. She also has experience as a Registered Behavioral Technician implementing Applied Behavior Analysis for families with a child diagnosed with Autism.

Fast Facts:

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN? 

Europe--Paris France

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Staying in my pjs, and listening to music while cleaning.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Pilates

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

A lot of creamer and caramel

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Being able to work with individuals in my community.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

Eating snacks

I am a Filipino/American Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in community mental health for over 6 years in many different programs from in-home services, post prison release, substance abuse, and intensive mental health. I also have personal experience as an immigrant, and am a child of immigrant parents, who has been through the immigration process on both a legal and personal level.   

As a trauma focused therapist, I happily offer EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy for PTSD and other trauma related symptoms. My hope and goal is to provide a safe, calming, and nonjudgmental environment for my clients and to be a guide in helping them reach their goals. I strive to be both empathetic and honest (and whenever possible use humor along the way. I believe laughter helps to heal the heart) when working with my clients. My goal is to help my clients in their journey to healing past traumas so they can move forward and learn to thrive in their lives.

QUALIFICATIONS 

EMDR Certified

Fast Facts: 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

I love yoga, something easy that strengthens and stretches your body is my favorite. it always feels good with little effort and lots of slow deep breathing always feelings amazing to me.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

To work with large exotic animals, specifically white tigers,  in a zoo or animal reservation setting

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

I love my job, I'm so passionate about helping people and taking this journey of helping people go from just living or surviving to THRIVING in their lives

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

If I'm in the office; absolutely taking a nap, hanging out in the break room in the bean bag chairs, or doing yoga in the group room. If I'm home...you'll find me cooking or baking bread (my favorite  activity)

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

Life has been my greatest teacher, I would not be who I am, or where I am without my life experiences and the people who have been a part , continue to be a part, or have visited my life.

Katie has worked as a therapist since 2013. Katie attended Cal State Monterey Bay where she developed a love for otters and received a BA in Humanities and Communication. Katie was raised in the Antelope Valley and has strong roots tied to the community. Katie was the first in her family to receive a BA and MA degree, and works hard to support others aiming for Higher Education. 

 After college Katie came home and worked in the local community in a variety of roles with adolescents, as a youth minister and as a middle school teacher. As she continued to grow in experience as a therapist she learned that she loved to serve a wider population, including young adults struggling with their transition into adulthood, individuals with mood disorders, and first generation Latinx immigrants. 

Katie enjoys spending time outdoors and credits this to her Indigenous roots. She finds great healing opportunities spending time outdoors. She also believes in the healing power of using art as a means for treating trauma and as a coping skills and working on a certification in Art Therapy. 

My approach to therapy is humanistic and experiential and focuses on a client's strengths. I liked to meet clients where they are in life and figure out what needs they need to address at the moment.  This could mean we use a variety of approaches to get the client healthy and living to their optimum potential.

 

SPECIALTIES 

Faith based therapy, Walk and talk therapy, Adolescents 

​

Fast Facts: 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Tie between the time my husband and I drove cross-country in 40 hours to see my best friend or our Post-Pandemic New York adventure.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Either hiking or surfing 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

I enjoy swimming. In fact you can catch me swimming daily before work.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

I wanted to be a California State Park Ranger.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

Walking around the block or running to starbucks.

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

My former therapist , Dr Sue, has been the greatest teacher I have ever had. I value her input and the therapeutic process.

Leyla is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who earned her Masters from Arizona State University. Leyla uses strength-based and client centered approaches to meet the client where they are at and assist them in not only healing but thriving. Leyla has 6 years of experience working with disadvantaged youth, adults, and families. Leyla currently enjoys working with adults and adolescents utilizing cognitive behavioral interventions through a trauma informed lens. 

Leyla is fluent in both English and Spanish and will be happy to provide therapy in either language to meet her client’s needs. 

Fast Facts:

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Denzel Washington

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Xcaret Mexico with my cousins and all our kids.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Waking up to a clean house, relaxing with a book and a good cup of coffee in the morning, and then watching movies with my family in the evening.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Hiking or paddle boarding

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

Espresso with frothed vanilla flavored cream. 

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

I wanted to have a lot of kids, be a famous attorney and a fashionista- ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

Jesus!

Talor is experienced in providing individual, family and group psychotherapy to children, youth, adults and families. Talor has a history of working with new mothers, ADHD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and students who have a history of abuse, drug/alcohol history, and much more. Talor is also certified in MAP (Managing and Adapting Practices) and trained as an EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. Talor has a passion for working with mothers and perinatal mental health; yet she enjoys working with clients of all backgrounds. 

Talor loves to create a nurturing environment for all her clients and is committed to assisting each individual reach their highest potential. Talor believes that everyone has their own story that has shaped them into who they are currently and what they are experiencing. Through her work, she strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how it has impacted them, and help support them in creating a new reality that is more fulfilling.

QUALIFICATIONS 

EMDR Trained; MAP (Managing and Adapting Practices Certified)

Fast Facts:

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Rome, Milan and Naples; Italy

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Exploring areas I haven't explored before

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Yoga

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Being able to go through the healing journey with my clients and seeing the growth/process they go through.

Delia is a clinical professional as an Associate Marriage Family therapist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and she has completed her Master’s in Counseling Psychology Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University.  Her journey to become a therapist began as a substance abuse counselor. Where the focus was in changing behavior. In her profession she has worked with people who struggle and have trouble adjusting to diverse situations. Her clinical experience has been in helping clients who deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, and crisis intervention. She is passionate about helping others. Her goal is for people to improve their mental health and to help them address any difficult situation they might be encountering.

Fast Facts: 

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Chris Hemsworth

WHO IS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO?

Wonder Woman

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Disneyworld

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Walking

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

To go to Jamaica

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS, YOU CAN FIND ME...

playing with my grandson

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

God

I have a great passion working with children who struggle emotionally and have been exposed to traumatic events. I also enjoy treating young adults who feel lost and need guidance with becoming successful and insightful individuals. 

Additionally, I have found working with mothers who need support and guidance within their parenting roles to be a rewarding experience as a therapist. 

​

Fast Facts

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Husband!

WHO IS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO?

Mother

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Mexico with my husband and children. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Dancing. 

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

to one day become a therapist. 

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Helping others feel heard and providing them with hope. 

Sue has worked well with the LGBTQIA+ community and the substance abuse community, including family and friends of both communities.   Her experience in these areas are 8 years for the former and 40+ years for the latter.  She has had over 40 years of working with DCFS families helping to reunify families when it is safe to do so.  She is willing to work with individuals ages 17 years and older.

Fast Facts:

WHO IS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO?

Mr. Spock

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Taking photographs of interesting things

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

Usually with cream and stevia these days

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

To be a singer

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

Being able to be genuine and feeling as if I am planting seeds that eventually help people.

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

Karen Karelius (she has passed on now), but she taught me to see that there are often multiple "me's."

Carla Cook is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology,  a secondary degree in Gerontology and a Masters degree in Social Work. Before she became a clinician she  worked for years with the deaf and hard of hearing and is fluent in American Sign Language.

Carla is a strong advocate for social justice, human rights, autonomy and respect for individuality. She strives to cultivate cultural sensitivity, empathy, compassion, and ethical integrity. She has experience working with cultural diversity, alternative lifestyles issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, personality disorders, justice-involved individuals, and a wide variety of mental health symptoms and populations. She has a strong commitment to the Recovery Model, supporting people during the transitional periods of their life, and helping others develop positive coping strategies to navigate a stressful world.

Carla has a holistic approach to mental health, and is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, She is trained in mindfulness and Vipassana meditation techniques.

In her free time she enjoys relaxing with her husband of over 40 years, spending time with her three adult children, visiting with friends, playing with her exotic silkie chickens, two cats and her English bulldog, Winston. She is currently studying German and Spanish and hopes to visit German and Spain someday soon. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional

Fast Facts:

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

My father who passed away when I was six years old.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Ziplining with loved ones in a beautiful environment in nature.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Combat Hapkido, boxing and yoga.

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

w/collagen powder, oat milk and maple syrup.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

to be a veterinarian

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

I have the honor of walking beside people on their journey of change and recovery to witness their incredible strength and courage.

Lamonte Coke is a dynamic Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 10 years of counseling experience which also includes substance abuse treatment.  His clients describe him as upfront, direct, and culturally competent in his approach.  Lamonte specializes in working with children, youth and families. He is authentic and inspiring to parents who may feel lost when dealing with their children who are making poor decisions or displaying risky behaviors. 

 

Lamonte has a special way of working with the most challenging youth and young adults, helping them develop positive life goals, a sense of personal accountability and see the value in building a happy and healthy lifestyle. Two fun facts about Lamonte are that he loves dogs and enjoys working out as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Over 10 years experience in working with adults, teens, children, families, couples, and LGBTQX community. Experienced in Outpatient, Community, and School Based services. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,  Managing and Adaptive Practices, Positive Parenting Practices Kids, Teens, and Families. Parent Child Interactive Therapy, Feedback Informed Care. Trained in Seeking Safety, Couples, and LGBTQ, 

Fast Facts: 

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

Oprah Winfrey 

WHO IS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO?

Wonder Woman

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE TRIP YOU HAVE TAKEN?

Maui, Hawaii 

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

My ideal Saturday is going on a hike with my family and having a picnic. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

My favorite way to move my body is to go for a jog. 

 WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

My childhood dream was to go to Hawaii and live in Toys R Us. 

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

I enjoy seeing the growth towards their healing journey. 

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TEACHER?

My greatest teacher is my spiritual practices.