California: 1849 Sawtelle Blvd #610, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | Minnesota: 7201 Metro Boulevard Suite 550, Edina, MN 55439
Telehealth Available | Neurodiversity Affirming Care

meet our team

CliniCAl Practitioners

Dr. Jessica Hogan, PSYD, LP (She/Her)

Founder, Director of all the things, “The boss”
Licensed Clinical Psychologist IN CALIFORNIA (PSY30429) AND MINNESOTA (LP6893) [she/her]

Dr. Hogan is an AuDHD, cis-gender, queer, chronically ill, and hard-of-hearing psychologist. She is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
Dr. Hogan has always felt a little bit different and quirkier than everyone else, which led her to develop a deep empathy and understanding for those who feel marginalized or misunderstood. This sense of being different naturally drew her towards the field of psychology and a focus on working with autistic individuals.
Dr. Hogan earned her Master’s Degree and her Doctor of Psychology Degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, an APA-Accredited program. Dr. Hogan completed her doctoral training at a college counseling center, outpatient clinics, a community mental health center, and an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Dr. Hogan then went on to complete her APA-Accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship at the Indian Healthcare Resource Center of Tulsa. She completed her Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System, an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Dr. Hogan has now been doing autism and ADHD assessments for over a decade. Her primary passionate interest for many years has been autism identification in women, trans/non-binary folks, and marginalized communities. As a therapist, she loves working with high-achieving auDHD and autistic folks that are navigating developing a positive autistic identity, building a sustainable and balanced life, and preventing burnout.
After moving to Los Angeles, she served as the Assistant Director of Training at Pediatric Minds Medical Center, and she was the Testing Coordinator at the Early Childhood Treatment Center. She founded Neuron & Rose in 2021, developing a safe space to provide comprehensive neurodiversity-affirming care and training programs for psychologists-in-training. She continues to give back through her work as an adjunct professor, teaching assessment in Clinical PsyD programs at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Alliant International University. She is thrilled to serve on several dissertation committees, and to be conducting a research study of her own on autistic therapists.
She spends most of her spoons on making sure the practice runs relatively smoothly. However, when she isn’t meeting with her team and furiously trying to learn the business side of things that was never taught in grad school, Dr. Hogan enjoys aerial arts, learning the art of war via a chess board, cups of herbal tea while reading the latest BOTM pick, and (much to their dismay) smothering her dog and two cats with love. She is the type of person who can easily fall in to a peaceful sleep to a true crime podcast. She feels extremely uncomfortable in environments where talking about Star Wars is socially inappropriate. Dr. Hogan can also occasionally be found frolicking about on roller skates, rocking out in the car to nu-metal artists from the 2000s, fantasizing about getting new tattoos, and pretending like she knows how to rock climb.

Dr. Melody Hannani, PSYD (She/Her)

Associate assessment Director, associate director of training
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
IN CALIFORNIA #35175

Dr. Hannani is available for new teen & adult therapy clients in California (in-person & virtual) as well as 1 week and typical Comprehensive Evaluations in California.

Dr. Melody Hannani earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the APA-accredited California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. Dr. Hannani has worked with clients across the lifespan across diverse settings - ranging from hospitals, intensive outpatient programs and schools to private practices and community mental health centers.

Dr. Hannani completed her APA Accredited predoctoral internship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she provided psychological assessments and evidence-based treatments for young adults, adolescents and children. During graduate school, she focused her dissertation on the impact of acculturation, identity and shame on the mental health of first and second-generation communities living in the United States.
Specializing in working with autistic clients, Dr. Hannani is dedicated to creating a supportive and affirming space during therapy and the assessment process. She strongly believes your story matters and deserves to be heard. She has witnessed the profound shifts that occur from examining the effects of masking, internalized ableism and societal expectations on one’s self. She finds it rewarding to use assessment as a tool to help you advocate for your needs, find greater alignment with your values, rediscover the parts of yourself hidden behind the mask and burnout, and gain a clearer and more compassionate perspective on past life experiences. In addition to working with clients, Dr. Hannani enjoys supervising and training doctoral psychology students on providing comprehensive therapeutic assessments and the neurodiversity affirming paradigm.
Dr. Hannani is also trained in Brainspotting and finds value in integrating somatic and mind-body based techniques to help people become “unstuck” and process past experiences in ways that talk therapy alone may not achieve. In therapy, she focuses on guiding you toward strategies that increase feelings of safety and grounding in your body and your relationships. Dr. Hannani holds a curious, collaborative, and strengths-based approach when working with clients and is passionate about providing gender affirming, culturally sensitive and trauma informed care.
In her free time, Dr. Hannani loves making jewelry with whatever materials she can get her hands on, playing with other people’s pets, and attempting new recipes from her one too many cookbooks. Her perfect day includes collecting sea glass around big bodies of water, drinking a fantastic latte, having some time dedicated to movement (hot yoga is a current favorite!) and spending hours reading historical fiction and fantasy novels under the sun.

Alex McLaughlin, MSW, LICSW, RYT 200 (They/Them)

Associate Clinical DirectoR
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker IN MINNESOTA #24767

Alex is available for new child, teen & adult therapy clients in Minnesota (in-person & virtual) as well as Abbreviated Evaluations in Minnesota.

Alex is an AuDHD, non-binary, queer, disabled, chronically ill, and multi-racial clinical social worker, with lived experience of OCD + other mental health conditions. Alex is from, and currently resides on Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land (colonized as Twin Cities of MN). Ever since Alex was a child, they've always felt different, quirky, and eccentric, believing as a youth that "normal" (which they now realize is neurotypical :D) was boring. As a result of being different, and masking undiagnosed AuDHD, Alex felt drawn to wanting to understand people, and to serving others. These life experiences, and passions led Alex to where they are today. Alex earned their Bachelor's degree from DePaul University, and their Master's of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.
Alex has been grateful for the variety of work and life experiences they've had, believing that they've shaped them personally and professionally. Their work experiences related to human services and mental health include: working with folks that are unhoused, serving as a Corps Member with City Year, serving as a School Social Worker; working with students and their families on IEPs, and students in general education; as a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher in a variety of settings, as a Social Worker in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for children and youth, as a Social Worker in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) for folks with eating disorders, and as an Outpatient Therapist.
In their therapeutic work, Alex aims to be anti-racist, neurodivergent and queer affirming, while continuously learning and growing in these (and other) areas. Alex takes an intersectional feminist, ecological systems, and strengths-based approach in their practice. As a late diagnosed AuDHDer, Autism and ADHD have become some of their special interests. Alex is passionate about working with neurodivergent (ND) clients; exploring their identity; integrating knowledge to support folks in moving through the world in ways that are self-compassionate, and work with their neurotype(s); guiding folks to discover their unmasked selves; and encouraging their authentic expression of self, as they feel safe and ready to do so. That said, Alex aims to unmask in session, so you'll often find them fidgeting / stimming, and shifting around.
Alex works with clients ages 6-45. Alex believes it is a privilege to walk along-side their clients and partner with folks on their healing journey. In addition to their passions for working with ND folks, they are also passionate about working with clients with OCD. Alex is trained in the following therapeutic modalities: Sand Tray Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) for OCD and anxiety disorders; Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with children, youth and young adults; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); Solution-Focused Therapy. As a Trauma-Informed 200-HR Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) Alex may also incorporate trauma-informed mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga and other somatic approaches in their work. Alex also utilizes play therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in their work.
When they're not working with clients, Alex enjoys spending time with loved ones (including their dog); spending time in nature while hiking, camping or lounging outside, and engaging in one of their special interests (SPINS). Some of their current SPINS include but are not limited to (#AUDHD): learning about or creating content related to Autism and/or ADHD, crafting, reading Tarot, healing & spiritual practices, and rock hounding.

Dr. MICHAEL NUTT, PSYD, Lp (He/Him)

Clinical Supervisor
Licensed Clinical Psychologist IN CALIfornia (PSY32739) and Minnesota (LP6923)

Dr. Nutt is available for new child, teen, and adult therapy clients in Minnesota (in-person & virtual) and California (virtual) as well as Comprehensive Evaluations in California and Minnesota.

Dr. Nutt is a neurodivergent psychologist hailing from the Midwest. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science from Denver University. Here, he focused his studies on psychology, biology, sociology, and navigating traffic to and from local ski resorts.
Dr. Nutt earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, an APA-Accredited program. While in graduate school, he furthered his passion for community work and understanding the variety of ways individuals, families, and communities cope and heal from trauma.
He completed his doctoral training at a therapeutic day school, an intensive outpatient program, and DePaul’s community mental health center and Cities Mentor Project. In addition, Dr. Nutt provided trauma-informed services for youth and families referred through Chicago’s Children’s Advocacy Center after allegations of sexual abuse. Finally, he trained in and co-facilitated Hip Hop H.E.A.L.S. groups, an evidenced-based trauma-informed restorative intervention for youth informed by best practices in Community Violence Exposure.
Soon, his experiences took him on the road to California, where he completed his APA-accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship and Post-Doctoral hours at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Inglewood. Dr. Nutt continues to provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and neurodiversity-affirming mental health services to children, adolescents, and families from racial and ethnic minorities and communities impacted by social and economic marginalization. In addition to developing and co-facilitating several expressive arts-based groups, he provides psychological assessments, consults with clinicians regarding assessment and IEPs, and engages in outreach and advocacy in the community. He is particularly passionate about identifying high masking autistic and ADHD folks and ensuring they don’t continue to fall through the cracks.
Dr. Nutt is certified in a variety of evidenced-based practices, such as Seeking Safety, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Managing and Adaptive Practices (M.A.P.). In addition, he has received specialized 0-5 training through The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Infancy, Childhood, and Relationship Enrichment (I.C.A.R.E.).
Dr. Nutt is an adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Downtown Los Angeles. He has taught various courses, including Clinical Interviewing, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Trauma-Informed Care and Crisis Intervention, and Expressive Arts in Therapy.
When he is not working, you’re most likely to find him listening to music or audiobooks, playing or watching soccer, star gazing, doodling, taking pictures, or aimlessly wandering around dreaming of snow. Dr. Nutt’s love for snow runs deep, and he remains committed to his winter goal; make one snow angel. Now and again, he might do three-quarters of a crossword before looking at the answers.

Dr. Anais Wong, PSYD (She/Her)

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
IN CALIFORNIA #35191

Dr. Wong is available for new adult and adolescent therapy clients (ages 15 and up), as well as Comprehensive Evaluations in California (all virtual).

Dr. Wong holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited Psy.D. program at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University.
Early on in her career, Dr. Wong developed a passion for the study, care, and assessment of neurodivergent individuals. Her doctoral dissertation that focused on emotional intelligence in gifted adolescents further solidified her love for and commitment to work with people with neuro-developmental syndromes.
In her own words:
Being neurodivergent is my primary identity. I started specializing in neurodivergence as soon as I realized there were many others who, like me, have struggled to understand who they are and be accepted in a neurotypical society.
As a woman of color who grew up in Africa, my work is always firmly nestled in viewing every person as unique with their own cultural identity, family history of migration or displacement, and ways that they may experience socio-economic injustice.
I offer therapy and testing services that is meant to witness your personal story, help you make sense of your experiences, and send you on your way to heal and to grow into a fuller version of yourself, with greater self-understanding and self-love. I also offer consultations, didactics, and talks with the goal of educating the public, advocate for neurodivergent rights, train other professionals, and correct outdated notions of neurodivergence.
I am especially sensitive and knowledgeable in working with people who have experienced family and/or systemic trauma, as well as those who are part of multiple marginalized groups. Within neurodivergence, I have expertise and personal experience in neurocomplexity (i.e., the combination of ADHD and/or autistic and/or dyslexic traits often associated with deep thinking and higher intelligence, sometimes called giftedness).
My work always aims to be therapeutic and collaborative, no matter the specific service. I expect that the trust and respect you have for me will be earned, not implied.

Also... my son is a polydactyl cat with opposable thumbs (true story). In my spare time, I enjoy taking care of an ever growing number of plant babies, costume-making and related character-building, and independent cinema.

Teresa Koro, M.S. (She/TheY)

Licensed Educational Psychologist #4525
IN CALIFORNIA

Teresa is available for new child, teen & adult therapy clients in California (virtual) as well as Comprehensive & Abbreviated Evaluations in California.

Teresa is a queer, AuDHD, disabled clinician. Their clinical approach is influenced by the neurodiversity-affirming movement, fat liberation, somatics, and disability justice. They have worked in school-based mental health and private practice, and enjoy supporting folks across the lifespan with anxiety, emotional regulation, and self-acceptance.
Teresa has experienced first-hand the power of connecting with other neurodivergent humans,and is passionate about creating an environment where clients can speak and move as themselves without fear of judgment. They are trained in both therapy and assessment, and as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent human, they are passionate about providing strengths based, affirming services. As an educational psychologist, she is skilled in assessing and counseling clients who are struggling with issues related to school or work.
Their style has been described as warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. Teresa is not afraid to embrace both the hard parts and the lighthearted parts of therapy, and her overall goal as a therapist is to walk alongside clients on their therapy journey. Outside of work, Teresa recharges by reading, singing, playing games, and spending time with family and friends. Their favorite animals are cats, horses, lions, and orcas (in that order).

aDministrative Team

Ashley copperstone,
MSE (She/Her)

Practice Manager & Chaos Coordinator

Ashley Copperstone holds a Bachelors of Science in Education Studies, a Masters of Science in Special Education, and is certified in Early Childhood Special Education, Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Childhood Education. She is trained in Culturally Responsive Practice as well as Bank Street College and Leslie Koplow’s Emotionally Responsive Practice. Besides maintaining day to day operations for our practice, Ashley also provides Parent Coaching and IEP Coaching, providing parents with support and guidance as they grow alongside their neurodivergent children, while advocating for the families to achieve optimal outcomes.

Ashley has spent the last decade in childhood and early childhood special education settings, both integrated and self contained classrooms, where she worked with students to help them grow and learn. She is skilled in IEP writing, providing parents support and guidance in growing with their neurodivergent children, and advocating with families for the best outcomes.
Her research includes work such as benefits of Musically Rich Classrooms in Early Childhood Education, Using Authentic Assessment in Early Childhood, the Impact of Culturally Relevant Read Aloud in Classroom Settings, and the Effects of Citizen Education and Service Learning. She is passionate about the integration of music, hands on learning, process based learning, and using socio-emotional supports with young children.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her little one, hiking with her husband, daughter, and dog, cooking and trying new foods, and traveling. She’s also a New Yorker who has transplanted to the Midwest, so constantly trying to assess if people are being nice for real or fake. It’s an exhausting cycle.

Lauren Brown (She/Her)

Administrative Assistant

Lauren Brown is a non-binary, queer, neurodiverse person who thrives in spreadsheets and big ideas. Like a true autodidact, Lauren’s passionate side quests have led her down a lot of different exciting paths. 3 different colleges in 3 years had her finally land at her alma mater, The Culinary Institute of America, where she took her degree in culinary arts and paired her love of food, storytelling and accessibility through the pages of national magazines & books, television, radio, food & beverage public relations, event design, yogurt making, energy healing, neurodiverse organizing and wedding planning. Regardless of what she’s got her hands into, Lauren loves connecting people, bringing a little more love into the world, and helping people feel truly seen and heard.
Lauren understands neurodiversity from all sides as a Sib, proudly late diagnosed PDA AuDHD herself, and mother to 2 amazing PDA AuDHD kiddos. As someone who has spent a lot of time filling out medical paperwork and working with different providers, she’s passionate about providing warm and safe support to those journeying for answers that may empower them to move through the world in a way that feels true to themselves. Lauren is adamant in building strong neurodiverse identities through community relationships, resource sharing and connection. When she’s not helping with the administrative side of Neuron & Rose, she runs a local monthly neurodiverse affirming parent support group, and can be found in her free time face-first-diving into a new hobby or book, being in some form of water, hanging out with the birds who visit her backyard, conjuring a dance party, being silly weirdos with her family, or getting lost in a book in a bookstore (preferably one with a really good coffee, herbal tea and music playlist). Lauren lives with her 2 kids, a loyal dachshund, Gator, and her husband, Jake, on Mahican, Lenape, and Munsee land in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Rainn Stone, LMSW, GTC
(THEY/them)

Billing Administrator

Laniah Espinoza,
(She/Her)

Assistant to Dr. Nutt

Laniah Espinoza is a second generation Mexican American, who now resides on Potawatomi land- Lake Geneva, WI. Before joining N&R, Laniah has worked as an orthodontic/Lab technician for the past 12 years, specializing in craniofacial and orthognathic ortho, where she was able to make a difference to newborn and adult lives, giving them a better quality of life.
Laniah loves all forms of life, you can find her on the side of the road making sure a turtle has made it safely across, to rescuing and rehoming 13 cats with her husband. Whenever she’s not rescuing animals, she’s on the back of her husband's Harley in search of a good fish fry or snuggled up with her new baby and fur babies listening to paranormal podcasts.

Sarah Ristevski
(She/Her)

Editorial Assistant & Assistant to Dr. Wong

Sarah is currently a second-year graduate student in the Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology program at the University of California, Irvine. Prior to this, Sarah received her undergraduate degree from Fairfield University, where she earned a Bachelors in Psychology, with minors in Islamic World Studies and Sociology. During her time as an undergrad, she interned for the Bridgeport Superior Court in Bail Commission, where she gained practical experience in the court environment. Sarah has also volunteered for The Doe Network, a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to bringing closure to cold cases involving missing and unidentified persons.
Sarah is extremely passionate about mental health and helping others. She felt Neuron and Rose was the perfect fit based on their mission for celebrating neurodiversity and fostering inclusivity and understanding. In her work at Neuron and Rose, Sarah works on our website’s blog, social media, and other writing oriented tasks!
In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog Gnash, going to the beach, and learning new things.

Our Doctoral Training Program

Dr. Hogan, Dr. Hannani, Dr. Wong, and Dr. Nutt are passionate about teaching psychologists-in-training. Each year, we take on doctoral students, pre-doctoral interns, and post-doctoral fellows who are learning through practice. Our trainees are highly trained in assessment, neurodiversity, and neurodiversity-affirming practices with a focus in autism and high maskers. Also emphasized in our training program is a commitment to working with women, non-binary folks, BIPOC, and the LGBTQIA+ community to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis. Each client has the opportunity to work with our students in during their assessment sessions. We work together using a team approach during the diagnostic process, which is supervised by Dr. Hogan, Dr. Hannani, Dr. Wong, and/or Dr. Nutt from beginning to end.

Interested in joining our doctoral program as an extern?

Contact Us

doctoral externs

Illeanna Holmgren, MA (SHE/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Illeanna is a fourth-year doctoral student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She earned her bachelor's degree in Public Health Science from the University of California, Irvine. Before beginning her PsyD studies, she worked as a medical assistant at a substance abuse treatment center and volunteered at Crisis Text Line, a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention and mental health support for at-risk individuals. Motivated by a desire to give back to communities similar to where she grew up, she has also served as a mentor and tutor to at-risk youth in low-income areas of Los Angeles. Illeanna is inspired to continue giving back to her community and assisting others in transforming their pain into power. When she is not studying, she enjoys going to the beach, exploring new coffee shops, and thrift shopping!
Melia Leibert, MA (She/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Melia was motivated to join the field of psychology following the profound impact of her own therapeutic journey. Through working with others she found support and guidance during crucial moments. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, Malibu. She is currently a fourth-year doctoral student in the Clinical PsyD program at The Chicago School in Los Angeles. She has provided services in a number of settings such as community mental health, transitional housing and PHP/IOP for adults and adolescents.
Melia believes that self-awareness, fostered through therapy or assessment, holds the key to navigating life. Uncovering and highlighting the strengths and unique qualities of her clients brings her immense joy. As a perpetual learner committed to personal growth, her journey as a human being fuels her evolution as a clinician.
As an ADHDer herself, Melia understands how hard it can be to navigate systems that were not designed for her. She strives to provide an affirming experience for her clients throughout the assessment process.
Outside of work and school you can find her walking to her local coffee shop, playing with her dog Honey or exploring new places with friends. She loves reading and podcasts and is always looking for recommendations!
Sophia Ortiz, MA, RYT-200 (she/they)

Doctoral Extern
Yoga Instructor
Sophia is a fourth-year doctoral student in the APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School. They earned their bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Cincinnati and their master’s in Counseling Psychology with a Health Psychology concentration from The Chicago School. In addition to her formal education, Sophia is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and loves working with our clients experiencing ARFID and other eating concerns. She has clinical experience working in residential, community mental health, private practice, and medical settings providing affirming therapeutic and assessment services to the LGBTQ+ community, children and adolescents, and those living with chronic medical conditions. Sophia also leads our virtual yoga classes for neurodivergent nervous system maintenance!
As a neurodivergent, chronically ill, second-generation queer person, Sophia has a special passion for working with our LGBTQ+ and chronically ill clients. Their work is rooted in the intricate connection between the mind and the body, often drawing from their knowledge of the complexities of the neurodivergent nervous system and autistic burnout, their experience as a yoga teacher and lifelong student of yoga, and their frequent deep-dives into social justice somatics. Sophia loves helping clients find new ways to accommodate themselves, combat internalized ableism, and access rest and recovery so that they can better engage with what truly matters to them.
When she’s not searching for helpful resources for her clients or teaching our yoga workshops, Sophia enjoys sitting in any sunny patch of grass she can find, songwriting, spending time with her pets and partner, and attempting (not very successfully) to learn to surf. Her heart has an eternal soft spot for Animal Crossing, The Sims, Survivor, and oddball ocean creatures (particularly, the ocean sunfish).
Sophia McKnight-Giuliano, MA (She/They)

Doctoral Extern
Sophia is a queer, AuDHD, chronically ill, and disabled fourth-year doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology- Los Angeles with an emphasis in health psychology. Her studies and clinical approach are rooted in disability justice, somatics, and neuroaffirmative, trauma-informed care. She is passionate about exploring the mind-body connection, the role of the nervous system in physical/mental health, and rhythmic movement as a means of coping and self-expression.
Her health psychology background focuses on EDS, dysautonmia/POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, endocrine conditions, and functional disorders, particularly in neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities. As a late-diagnosed AuDHD person with EDS, POTS, and MCAS, Sophia understands the grief, rage, resentment, exhaustion, and trauma that comes with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and not being believed. She takes an empathetic, collaborative, and flexible approach with the aim of gaining a deep understanding of her client's lived experiences and exploring ways to better meet their needs.
Sophia’s therapeutic style has been described as warm, genuine, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. She utilizes a neuroaffirmative, trauma-informed approach, pulling from different therapies such as existential-humanistic, relational-cultural, and somatic psychotherapy to help her clients reach their therapeutic goals. Sophia strives to create a safe space for her clients to unmask and is honored to witness the process as her clients gain a sense of empowerment in embracing their authentic self.
Sophia is passionate about disability justice advocacy; she engages in research that focuses on the mental/physical impact of ableism on neurodivergent, disabled, and chronically ill folks, especially those with multiply-marginalized identities within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She hopes to ignite conversations that address the systemic inequities faced by these communities to help bring about meaningful change and work to cultivate more inclusive environments. In her free time, Sophia loves to explore movement, binge watch true crime and anime shows, sing, draw, and spend time with her pets.
Lynsi Monique Buford, MA (She/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Lynsi is a fourth year doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She just recently earned her masters at The Chicago School in clinical psychology and earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Lynsi moved across the country two years ago to pursue her doctorate in the vibrant city of Los Angeles because she has a passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind and helping others unlock their true potential. LA has offered her an array of opportunities to delve into diverse communities, cultures, and perspectives, providing her with a rich opportunity of experiences to enhance her growth and learning.
She has had a passion for working within the neurodivergent community ever since she worked with Early Autism Services as a behavioral therapist with young children. She has found working with autistic children to be such a rewarding experience that she continues to dedicate herself to this community. Her deep-rooted desire to make a lasting impact and foster positive change within the neurodivergent community drives her persistent journey to create a more compassionate and inclusive world for all individuals, where their unique strengths and perspectives are celebrated and embraced. She approaches her clinical work with warmth, love, and an open mind, embodying empathy and compassion in every interaction.
JJ Anderson-Gutiérrez, M.A., M.S. (He/Him)

Doctoral Extern
JJ is a fourth year clinical psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bethel University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, he completed a Master's degree from Columbia University in Clinical and Education Psychology with an emphasis on Spirit Mind-Body medicine.
In addition to his clinical work, JJ's research interests fall in the arena of gender identity and gender alignment and its related social correlates, the impact of spirituality on psychological wellbeing, and more recently, electroencephalography and its clinical utility in the identification and management of ADHD. JJ identifies as gay cisgendered male with ADHD, thus, he has a particular interest in working with the neurodivergent gender and sexual minority population.
In JJ's free time, he provides social media and psycho-education support, in addition to LGBTQ advocacy to local organizations including The Los Angeles Museum of Love and OMID Multicultural Institute for Development. When not scrolling on TikTok for the latest 4-1-1 on the world, JJ impulsively purchases books from amazon, gets mani/pedis with his friends, and/or is traveling back and forth from Minnesota or New York visiting friends and family. Following graduation, JJ hopes to eventually establish a holistic and accessible retreat center providing psychological services in addition to alternative medicinal and intervention approaches to aid in one's self-concept, actualization and thriving.
Sabrina Azzuz, MA (She/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Sabrina is a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Her interest into the world of Psychology began in her senior year of high school while taking an elective course on a whim. She was influenced to further her interest, where she volunteered at an elementary school with autistic children before graduating. She was a classroom aid/assistant for a first grade class where she helped to facilitate an environment in which autistic children had the ability to flourish. Upon graduation, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands.
Before beginning her PsyD studies and in motivation to give back to her community, Sabrina volunteered as a Sexual/Domestic Assault advocate where she aided survivors by answering hotline calls and provided accompaniment for them during medical examinations and interviews. She viewed working with autistic children to be such an impactful and lasting experience, she went back to the same elementary school where she originally volunteered to continue to provide a nurturing environment to the youth. Sabrina has plans to begin working at a community mental health inpatient crisis center with at-risk youth. She has a current special interest in the exploration on the relationship of disordered eating and obsessive compulsive behaviors in adolescents.
In Sabrina’s free time, she loves to spend time exploring new and trendy spots in LA with her friends, shopping, picnic and sunset dates with friends, and hanging with her family (her dog included of course).
Britney Johnson, MA (She/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Britney is a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Merced, earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology, complemented by a minor in Writing. Britney's fascination with the human mind has been the driving force behind her passion for psychology.
Britney became drawn to Neuron and Rose due to its neurodiversity affirming framework. She has gained valuable experience working with neurodivergent children across numerous settings, including schools, clinics, communities, and homes. Britney's clinical interests primarily revolve around psychological assessments and testing. She particularly enjoys working with Autistic and ADHD populations across all age groups. In addition to her contributions at Neuron and Rose, Britney provides services to adolescents facing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges within a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program in Santa Clarita.
As Britney works toward her doctoral degree, her ultimate goal is to establish a private practice of her own. Through this endeavor, she intends to provide support and guidance to individuals, empowering them to reach their full potential.
During her free time, Britney enjoys baking, going to Dodger games, and unwinding at the beach.
Addie Ehlenberger, MA (She/her)

Doctoral Extern
Addie is a 5th-year Clinical PsyD doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She recently received her Master's in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School in 2022. Addie has worked in a diverse clinical setting with young children, adolescents, families, and adults who experience mental health struggles and neurodivergence. Addie is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and wants to work with Deaf clients to provide accessible mental health services to this underserved community in their native language (in addition to providing services for hearing folks in English).
Addie has always been interested in how the human brain works and human relationships. Sometimes it can be difficult to engage with people who do not think the same way as you do, and that can be frustrating. Everybody is so different and unique and we all go through life differently than others around us. Addie cares to help you learn how to be the most successful with how you navigate through your own life and the world around you.
In Addie's free time, she enjoys going to Disneyland, playing with her kitten, Zozo, and spending quality time with friends and family. Addie enjoys hanging up hammocks at the park and relaxing while playing the ukulele or journaling. After graduating, Addie dreams of opening a therapy practice where she can provide therapy in ASL and employ other therapists who can meet the needs of other underserved communities in their native languages.
Jonnie-Rose Villanueva, MA, MA (she/they)

Doctoral Extern
Jonnie-Rose is a trauma-informed professional providing compassionate and personalized care to a diverse clientele of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. Employing a humanistic and holistic person-centered approach, Jonnie employs an eclectic integrative practice tailored to each individual's unique healing journey. Her therapeutic style is characterized by a nurturing, transcendental, artistic/creative, slightly humorous, mindful, and encouraging/supportive demeanor, complemented by reality checks when necessary. She is currently pursuing a doctoral clinical psychology degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with almost 5 years of academic and professional training in the clinical psychology field. With experience in high-level collaborative care settings and a person-by-person approach, Jonnie integrates specialties in trauma, spirituality, philosophy, cosmology, consciousness, mindfulness, expressive arts therapy, parapsychology, humanistic/existential psychology, psychoanalytical/dynamic, transpersonal psychology, CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, somatic psychology, in-depth psychology, music/sound therapy, cinema therapy, ecotherapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Proficient in various therapeutic modalities, she also works with "gifted" individuals, referring to those with exceptional skills or those aspiring to unlock and hone their gifts.
Jonnie has expertise in diverse concerns, including cult and ritual abuse, PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, substance use addiction/recovery, relationship/family concerns, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, LGBTQ+ matters, life transitions/adjustments, and more. She dedicates her professional career to providing pro bono and volunteer mental health support services to individuals and communities in need. Additionally, she offers confidential care for creative artists and celebrities, recognizing the unique challenges they face in seeking mental health support, particularly the stressors associated with public status. In her spare time, Jonnie enjoys relaxation, engaging in therapeutic artistic outlets, working out, spending time with her animal friends, appreciating nature, reading, and prioritizing self-care. She has a lot of professional/personal goals for the future and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their own dreams.
Camille Laksman, MA (She/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Camille is a third year doctoral student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Prior to graduate school, she received her Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Science with a minor in Philosophy from UCLA. She was drawn to Neuron and Rose's neurodiversity affirming practices due to the emphasis on truly understanding and accepting diverse neurotypes.
With a passion for fostering inclusivity, her goal is to create a safe and supportive space for individuals of all neurotypes to explore who they truly are. She is committed to a lifelong process of learning and applying the principles that align with Neuron and Rose's philosophy. Outside of her work, she enjoys distance running, quiet spaces, and spending time with other people!
PEARL WONGSERBCHART, MA (SHE/HER)

Doctoral Extern
Pearl is a fourth year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Pearl earned a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, she received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School.
Pearl has worked in various clinical settings, including working at community mental health agencies with children, older adults, and their families and at a medical center providing assessment and therapeutic services to neurodivergent and chronic illness communities. Pearl also has experience working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, assisting individuals in crisis. Her work experience thus far has instilled in her the desire to give back to the community and work with a diverse population.
Pearl was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. She moved across the world ten years ago to pursue her higher education in the United States. She is passionate about understanding the complexities of the human brain and mind and helping others improve their quality of life and well-being. Outside of work and school, Pearl enjoys doing arts and crafts, hiking with friends, and traveling around the world.
Katelyn DeSantis, MA (She/Her)

Doctoral Extern
Kate is a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Los Angeles. She completed her undergraduate studies at Pace University in New York City, earning a bachelor’s degree in Arts & Entertainment Management and a minor in Psychology. She recently received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School in May 2024.
Kate has facilitated psychoeducational groups for adults with acute and chronic mental illness at a psychiatric hospital. She has administered comprehensive psychological assessments and generated written reports with recommendations for college students seeking academic accommodations.
Kate has a strong background in community education. She has been a camp counselor and facilitated workshops on confidence and safe social media use with middle school girls. Her commitment to education is further demonstrated through her tutoring role with School on Wheels.
Kate’s approach to working with clients is to build trust with empathy and an open, nonjudgmental mind. Kate firmly believes that the client is the expert on their experience. She is passionate about providing holistic and effective mental health care.
During her free time, Kate enjoys being active by roller skating, yoga, kickboxing, and gymnastics! She also enjoys expressing herself through painting with watercolors and baking vegan treats. Her favorite way to end a day is by watching a movie!
Vidur Gangwal, M.A. (he/him)

Doctoral Extern
Vidur is currently a fourth-year doctoral student at The Chicago School in Los Angeles. Early clinical experiences with neurodivergent teens propelled Vidur to explore and realize his own AuDHD identity, uncovering a special interest of neurodivergence in the process! Vidur is excited to cultivate this passion at Neuron & Rose and help clients on their journey towards understanding and supporting their authentic selves. He believes that individuals often hold the wisdom and answers they’re looking for but may overlook these internal signals, to meet external expectations from others or the environment around us. By deepening our connection to ourselves and what matters to us, we can build a life that is meaningful and responsive to our individual needs.
Vidur works to create a therapeutic space built on trust, comfort, and genuine expression, where clients can explore all facets of their lived experience without judgment. Believing that we’re always doing the best that we can, Vidur seeks to highlight each client’s strengths and resilience that has led them to this moment, helping them feel empowered to step into their unique and authentic voice.
Outside of work and school, Vidur enjoys being in nature, playing with his dog Dashi, and deep tissue massages. While his active special interests are in constant flux, he is especially devoted to candles, squishies, and Jeni’s ice cream.