Kim Richards, President
Laara Israhel, Treasurer
Laudon Drowan, Secretary
Jyll Maxwell, Membership
Elizabeth Karsh, CEU Administrator
Serena Ames, Pre-Licensed Rep
Jamie Dunn, Member At Large
Karen Rogers, Member At Large
Gurpreet Sahan, Member At Large
Monique Sigler, Member At Large
Rachel Seifert, Pre-Licensed Rep

Kim Richards President 

richardskimlmft@gmail.com 

I have a private practice in SLO and am passionate about working with teens, adults, and families. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends taking a beautiful hike in Montana de Oro or sharing a delicious meal together.  Other favorite activities include yoga, meditation, and swinging kettlebells.  I enjoy connecting with my professional community and board, helping put on quality local trainings, and learning/growing alongside my awesome colleagues.  The board has a very special place in my heart and I especially love our pool parties and retreats!

Laara Israhel Treasurer

Laara@slocoastcounseling.com

I am a new convert to Central Coast living. What a secret surprise. My husband, cat and I moved here September 2018 from San Diego and in 2019 bought a great little house, where I have my office, west of San Luis.

We live a simple life filled with great food, time in nature, walks with our dog Raven. We also meditate and try to live a life of service. I like coloring, writing, travel and especially love opportunities to spend time with friends and family. Oh, and occasionally we will have a little dance session in the living room.

Laudon Drowen Secretary

ldrowen@yahoo.com 

My professional strengths include work with families and adolescents to resolve behavioral problems and to improve the quality of their relationships.  My understanding of unique dynamics present in step-families has been helpful in working with the population as well.  In addition, I have worked extensively with depression, substance abuse and other related issues.  My preferred methods of treatment include Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Family Systems approaches.  I also employ a 12-step model for treatment of addictions.  If someone is question whether therapy is right for him or her I am happy to offer a free phone consultation.

Jyll Maxwell Membership

jyllmaxwell@gmail.com

Elizabeth Karsh CEU Administrator

elizabethkarshmft@gmail.com

I like yoga, curating my home, watching angsty family dramas on Netflix, and singing loudly in the car. I love connecting one on one with fellow human beings and hearing their stories. I am happiest at home with the people and animals I love.

Serena Ames Pre-licensed Rep

 serena.jade.ames@gmail.com

Serena is a central coast native who returned to her roots here after living in the Portland Metro Area for 9 years. She is passionate about the community here and is grateful to be able to work as a therapist in private practice San Luis Obispo. In her spare time, she values quality time with her husband, family, friends and pets. She also loves soaking up everything the Central Coast has to offer — from sunshine to scenery

Jamie Dunn at large

jamiedunnmft@gmail.com  

Born and raised on the central coast, Jamie cherishes all that our beautiful home has to offer. Jamie "fills her well" by staying active and getting outdoors. She's most fulfilled spending time with her husband, dog, and baby daughter. As a therapist, Jamie works in private practice in Atascadero with a diverse client population of adults and teens. Jamie is also the Clinical Program Director of Cancer Support Community, a non-profit offering free psychosocial support to patients and their families.

Karen Rogers Member At Large

animagyk@yahoo.com

I've spent the past several months streamlining my life materially, emotionally and spiritually: letting go of what's no longer serving my life.  I've recently taken over 50 hours of advanced Reiki training in order to be able to teach Reiki online.  My summer garden took a lot of time and water and the tomatoes refuse to admit defeat this fall.  We've constructing a labyrinth in the back yard.  We have done a bit of safe traveling to places and people who share our belief that wearing masks is good for ourselves, our neighbors and our community.

Gurpreet Sahan Member At Large

gurpreets@balancetreatment.com

I was born, raised, and spent the beginning of my counseling career in Ventura County. Growing up, I loved being outdoors and engaging as much of my physical being as I could. I founded a love for people and our environment from my upbringing which I will always cherish.  In 2017, I left VC and moved to the Central Coast and have never looked back. Since moving here, I’ve found myself so connected to the community and am so excited to continue my personal and professional growth here. Currently, I work for Balance Treatment Center as a Therapist and Supervisor conducting intensive outpatient therapy. In addition, I continue to teach for Pepperdine University and California Lutheran University in their respective Counseling Psychology programs. In my free time, I love playing sports, doing martial arts, hiking, climbing, camping… basically anything outdoors and is active.

Monique Sigler Member At Large

mnelsontherapy@gmail.com

A Central Coast Native Monique loves living on California's Central Coast and is most passionate about serving the San Luis Obispo County community. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15+ years in mental health and wellness, this UC Davis alumni graduated with a Psychology degree before completing her Master's in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in Santa Barbara. Monique’s private practice is especially designed to meet the needs of women — including teens, college students, and mothers. We employ a collaborative and integrative approach to therapy that empower you every step of the way.  We are privileged to serve individuals, couples, and families. We celebrate diversity and are LGBTQ+ affirming.  

Outside her therapy practice, you'll find Monique hiking Avila Ridge, practicing yoga, spending time at the beach, or planting in the garden. She is all about exploring the outdoors with her husband and two Aussies.  Exercising creativity and holistic living are important to Monique along with the ability to travel and experience new adventures.

RACHEL SEIFERT PRE-LICENSED REP

seirfert.rae@gmail.com

I am a central coast native. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in private practice in Santa Maria, a place I have always called home (aside from leaving for college). I enjoy the nature surrounding this area and frequently relish in it through beach or hiking activities. I am passionate about spending time with my family, self-care, and eating yummy meals with those I love. I have two bunnies and a kitty plus my partner and together, we have a pretty blessed life.

OUR MISSION To strengthen the Marriage & Family therapy profession & better serve our Central Coast community.