SANTA CLARITA STAFF

Cecilia is the Administrative Assistant at Aspire Counseling Services in Santa Clarita. She graduated from UC San Diego in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology, where she found her passion for mental health. During her time in college, Cecilia expanded her knowledge of psychology, and her studies further fueled her desire to help others.

With her background in psychology, customer service, and business, Cecilia approaches her work with empathy and dedication, ensuring that every client receives the best possible experience. Her combined skills allow her to help Aspire deliver exceptional service and support to everyone who walks in the door.

In her free time, Cecilia enjoys reading, social dancing, and exploring new coffee shops. Her warm, approachable nature and commitment to helping others make her an invaluable member of the Aspire team.

Christopher Guzman is a Marriage Family Therapist Associate for Mental Health Services at Aspire Santa Clarita. Christopher graduated from University of Phoenix with his Masters in Counseling in 2022. Chris is a mental health professional with seven years of experience in the

field. For six of those years, he served as a mental health technician in the psychiatric acute wing of a hospital, where he gained valuable experience in working with patients with diverse mental health conditions and needs. Currently, Chris is pursuing his certification to become a licensed therapist. Christopher has a passion for helping people and it is evident in everything he does. He is dedicated to his field and strives to provide the best possible care for his clients. Christopher is excited to continue supporting and empowering his patients on their journey towards optimal mental health. In his downtime, Christopher enjoys spending time with his family and running around being silly with his kids. He also enjoys playing video games or going to the archery range.

Julie Lovich, AMFT, is a graduate of Pacific Oaks College with a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy with an emphasis in trauma studies. Julie began her clinical experience working in a psychiatric hospital with those struggling with grave mental illness, severe trauma, and substance use disorders. Julie continued her training with Peace Over Violence where she honed her skills in trauma focused care with survivors of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and domestic violence. Julie has most recently worked in higher levels of care supporting clients of all ages with both substance use disorders and persistent mental illness.

Julie is trained in EMDR and is interested in further work focused on treating trauma in a wide range of populations. Julie is invested in using her skills as a therapist to challenge systems of violence on an interpersonal level with intention to support her clients in their journey to feel fully seen, validated, and empowered.

Justin has lived in Santa Clarita for the past 38 years. Justin received his BA in Psychology in 2005 from Cal State Channel Islands. After graduation, Justin worked at St. Jude Medical as a Biotech Engineer and worked with heart patients who needed pacemakers or ICDs. Wanting to give back to families in the SCV community, Justin has worked with Carousel Ranch and the Special Olympics to help improve the lives of both children and adults. Justin struggled with a SUD for years but has been able to stabilize and maintain his sobriety since 2021. Justin now works for Aspire Counseling Services as a substance abuse counselor.

Melissa Flowers has been a substance use disorder counselor for nine years, helping individuals navigate the complexities of substance use and behavioral addictions. Melissa received her education at ICDC College and completed the addiction studies program in 2010. Melissa is certified addiction counselor CADC II. Melissa has worked on a voluntary and professional basis in the community and in a residential treatment setting. She has provided drug and alcohol-related services at various locations and facilities, including the William S. Hart District and KHTS AM radio. Melissa utilizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness strategies to support clients on their journey to recovery. Melissa also collaborates closely with families and other professionals to ensure a focus on long-term recovery and personal growth. Melissa is skilled in client-centered assessments, relapse prevention, and treatment planning. She provides a compassionate understanding of those suffering from addictive disorders. Melissa is active in the recovery community and has maintained her own sobriety since 2013. For the past

25 years, Melissa has worked with specialized populations in healthcare, including but not limited to special-needs adolescence, HIV, hepatitis C, and the elderly. Melissa is a charismatic and caring counselor dedicated to helping those who suffer.

I’ve been a substance abuse counselor going on 4 years. I’m very passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. I believe in meeting clients where they are and guiding them toward lasting recovery through empathy, accountability, and encouragement. I am dedicated to making a difference in clients lives and assisting them reach their fullest potential.

Tiffany Olson, BA, MA, is a Clinical Manager and Marriage and Family Therapist Associate of Mental Health Services at Aspire Santa Clarita. Tiffany’s passion for helping others has been evident throughout her academic and professional journey. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development in 2015 and went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling from Brandman University, which she successfully completed in 2021.

Tiffany has worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse since 2021. During her traineeship, Tiffany provided compassionate care to a diverse range of individuals, couples, and families from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. She provided support and guidance to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, LGBTQIA+-related issues, codependency, grief and loss, life transitions, and self-esteem. With a focus on evidence-based practices, Tiffany utilizes various therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of each client. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Narrative Therapy. Tiffany is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in her field.

Tiffany recognizes that seeking help can be difficult and takes tremendous courage. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, develop coping skills, and achieve their goals. Her dedication to her clients’ well-being and growth is reflected in her compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy. Tiffany’s warm empathetic, and non-judgemental approach to therapy has helped her build strong relationships with her clients and make a positive impact in their lives.

In her free time, Tiffany spends time with her family and friends and enjoys going to concerts, playing board games, and traveling.