Andrea Peterson, LMFT 85722 - Co-Founder, Clinical Director, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
I am a CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I have a Master's degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. I have been practicing for over 10 years and have significant experience with complex trauma, court/cps involved cases, and high conflict situations. I am a Certifed Family Trauma Professional and Certfied EMDR Clinician which means I have speciality training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trauma.
I have also had extensive training in providing Clinical Supervision to clinicians that are new in the field and am registered with the CA Board of Behavioral Services. This means that At the Heart contracts with varying university programs to provide oversight and supervision for Master's level graduate students that are nearing the end of their program and need practical experience to graduate (student trainee) and once they graduate from their Master's program to earn their hours towards licensure with the state of California (associate). These students and post graduates are working towards licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling and Social Work. California requires upwards of 3000 client hours under the direct supervision of a licensed clincian before they can apply to take their state board exams.
If you have any questions, I encourage you to ask!
Meet Our Amazing Team
Our next team member!
Education:
Previous counseling experience:
Day job:
Describe your counseling style:
Favorite quote:
Hobbies:
Fun fact:
Alanah McClain, MFT Trainee
Education:
-Bachelor's Degree: Sacramento State, BS. Criminal Justice
-Golden Gate University MA. Counseling Psychology graduates December 2023
Previous counseling experience (if any):
-I facilities group therapy ---Day job: After School Coordinator
Describe your counseling style:
-I am a compassionate and dedicated Trainee with a passion for helping individuals, couples, families, and children overcome life's challenges and achieve personal growth and well-being. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, I aim to create a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Favorite quote:
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." — Dalai Lama
Hobbies:
-Coaching Volleyball
-Training for a triathlon
-Trying new restaurants
Fun fact:
-I had perfect attendance from K-12th grade in school and never missed a day of grade school!
Kahmara Penn, MFT Trainee
Education:
-BA-Psychology. Currently pursuing MA psychology counseling
Previous counseling experience (if any):
-Wraparound Facilitator
Day job:
-Social Worker- Children’s Law Center
Describe your counseling style:
-I prefer taking an inclusive approach. Family systems therapy appeals to me as it focuses on
understanding the interactions and dynamics within a family system. Additionally, I find the
Humanistic model to be supportive as it believes that clients can make positive changes in their
lives, and therapists should provide a non-judgmental environment that fosters this growth.
Favorite quote:
“Progress over perfection” -unknown
Hobbies:
-Traveling, Yoga, eating
Fun fact:
-I have been to the Bahamas 4 times
Macellina Odd, MFT Associate 137726 and APCC Associate 11205
Education:
-Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Social Welfare, California State University, Sacramento
-Master of Arts degree in Psychology, Brandman University
Previous counseling experience (if any):
-I have over 8 years of experience working directly with youth, young adults, and families providing case management and mentorship in the following capacities:
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Family Health Advocate: Black Infant Health Case Management
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Student Manager/Peer Health Educator: Sacramento State Health & Wellness Promotions
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Volunteer – Youth Ministry Leader & Mentor (ages 14-18): Center of Praise Ministries/Common Ground Covenant Church/ Bayside of South Sacramento
Day job: Full-time Wife and Mother
Describe your counseling style:
-I believe in utilizing a strength-based approach and highlighting the locus of control of every client. I am dedicated to helping clients achieve personal goals and to providing effective mental health care in a safe and non-judgmental space.
Favorite quote:
“Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.”― Mary Engelbreit
Hobbies: I love to dance, cook, and travel with my husband!
Fun fact:
-My name, Macellina, actually means communion (bread and wine) in the Ghanaian dialect Fante. Bread and wine are also my favorite food groups!
David Plumb, MFT Associate 123922
Education:
-Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling
-Bachelor’s Degree Psychology
-Certification Chemical Dependency Studies
Previous counseling experience (if any):
-13+ years Substance Use Disorder Counseling
-5+ Years Anger Management Counseling
-3 years Post Graduate therapy with individuals, children, families.
Day job: Therapist, Substance Use Disorder and Dual Diagnosis Therapy Group Therapist
Describe your counseling style:
-Familiar with CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, IFS informed. therapy.
Favorite quote:
“Nothing is permanent except change”. Heraclitus
Hobbies:
-Mountain Biking
-Kayaking, Paddle Boarding
-Attending Concerts, and spending time with family
Fun fact:
-I’m pretty tall.
Hannah Tishlarich, PCC Trainee
Education:
-BA in Psychology and minor in Kinesiology from WMNU
-Working towards Master's in Mental Health Counseling
Previous counseling experience (if any):
At the Heart is my first experience but I am passionate about helping people and my goal is to work with children.
Day job:
-Daycare employee at Bradshaw Christian Elementary
Describe your counseling style:
-I am working on developing my style
Favorite quote:
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Hobbies:
-Coaching volleyball
-Hanging with family and friends
Fun fact:
-I have played volleyball since 5th grade so I've played for 12 years
Jorene Pierre, MFT Trainee
Education:
-Currently working on MA in Psychology, BA
Previous counseling experience (if any):
-At the Heart is my first experience
Day job: Mental Health Rehab Specialist
Describe your counseling style:
-Psychodynamic, DBT OR CBT
Favorite quote:
"Everything happens for a reason".
Hobbies:
-Hiking
-Rock climbing
-Exercising
Fun fact:
-I’m adventurous
David Peterson, John Maxwell Certified Coach and Trainer, At the Heart Co-Founder and Board Member
As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker, I offer workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven methods. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals. I am also a Commissioned Ministry Coach for the Wesleyan Church..
I have a diverse background in all aspects of business and I am passionate about optimizing leadership, communication, teamwork, and personal performance.
Sabrina Alvizo, MFT and PCC Trainee
Education:
-B.A. in Psychology
-Currently pursuing an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy & Professional Clinical Counseling
-Previous counseling experience (if any):
Over the past 6 months, I have dedicated my efforts to delivering direct counseling services to
children and their families within a community mental health clinic. Beyond this recent
counseling experience, my professional journey has involved a range of roles in social
services, education, and mental health settings. These roles include:
Mental Health Intake Coordinator
Social Worker
Special Education Instructional Aide
Autism Behavior Technician
Day job: Outpatient Clinic MFT/PCC Intern
Describe your counseling style:
Collaboration is at the heart of my therapeutic approach. I appreciate the richness of every
individuals background. I see therapy as a shared journey where your personal story takes
center stage. My goal is to
create a safe space for you to express yourself, be heard, and have your perspectives
validated. I believe in building a partnership with individuals and working together to better
understand their experiences.
Favorite quote:
“We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take
responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.”
- Dr. Gabor Maté
Hobbies:
-Cooking/Baking
-Reading
Fun fact:
-I find joy in thoughtfully surprising my loved ones with items they casually mentioned they
needed or expressed a liking for in passing. I believe in the magic of truly listening and
showing that I care through those unexpected, perfectly-tailored gifts.
Gina Rinetti, MFT Trainee
Education: B.A. Sociology, Sacramento State University
Currently pursuing an M.A. Psychology Counseling, Golden Gate University
Previous Counseling Experience ( if any): At The Heart marks my debut in counseling, and I am enthusiastic about showcasing my skills and education in this field. I am fully committed to ongoing professional development to deliver the highest support possible.
Day Job: Patient Access Representative, Dignity Health
Describe Your Counseling Style:
As I begin my journey in counseling, I am working on refining my counseling style. My main focus is creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard and respected. I aim to be flexible and responsive, using various techniques while always upholding the core principles of empathy and respect.
Favorite Quote:
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho
Hobbies: Yoga, Hiking, Reading
Fun Fact: I enjoy DIY projects
Cathy Vue, MFT Trainee
Education:
Golden Gate University, BA. Psychology
Golden Gate University, MA. Counseling Psychology (graduates 2025/2026)
Previous counseling experience:
During my military service, I had the opportunity to mentor young adults, which gave me valuable experience in guiding and supporting others. However, At The Heart marks my first formal professional experience in this field, allowing me to apply my skills in a more structured and impactful way. I am passionate about helping others because I deeply believe that kindness has a profound ripple effect. When we show kindness, we not only uplift those around us, but we also create a sense of peace and connection within ourselves and our communities.
Day job: Wife and Mother to two wonderful little souls.
Describe your counseling style:
My therapeutic approach leans towards psychodynamic therapy, as I believe understanding a person's unconscious motivations and past experiences is key to promoting self-awareness and long-term healing. However, I am flexible and open to integrating other therapeutic techniques based on the unique needs of each individual.
Favorite quote:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
-Nelson Mandela
Hobbies:
Hiking, walks, trying out new food, coffee, exploring new places, indoor cycling, free writing, yoga
Fun fact:
I am a big anime nerd.
