About Us

Dr. Yehuda Gertel earned his Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at CSPP – LA and is licensed to practice in CA and WI. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Gertel has treated thousands of patients suffering the effects of various workplace-induced psychological conditions, including pain disorders, depression, PTSD, substance abuse and anxiety disorders. He also performs AOE medical-legal assessments and QME’s/IMEs.

From 2012 – 2020 Dr. Gertel served as a Staff Psychologist/Clinical Program Director in a biopsychosocial treatment program for chronic pain, depression and catastrophic injuries with the goal of optimizing/eliminating medication, improved emotional regulation, and functional independence. 

Keley Heckman LCSW has been working for over 2 decades providing trauma-focused clinical care to a wide range of patients.

Keley has several years of experience working as psychiatric first responder, providing focused MH treatment for active-duty military, law enforcement, and EMS personnel. She has also served as Clinical Director overseeing crisis response teams throughout CA and facilitated a PTSD support group at Kaiser Outpatient Psychiatry where she rehabilitated patients back into the workforce. 

Keley received her undergraduate social work degree at Azusa Pacific University and earned her MA in Social Work from San Diego State’s Advanced Standing Program. Her clinical training spans a variety of settings including Alvarado Parkway Institute and at Mount Sinai Hospital in NY. 

Keley specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD and cPTSD. She is trained in CBT and EMDR and currently finishing her EMDR certification.

Melinda Tandy ACSW earned her AA from the College of the Sequoias, her BS at Fresno Pacific University, and her MA in Social Work from the U of Massachusetts.

Melinda brings to the table a diverse 5-year tenure in community health. Melinda served as a PFR (Psychiatric First Responder) for Tulare County, collaborating closely with law enforcement, EMS and hospital teams in field interventions. Additionally, Melinda actively contributed to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement and facilitated DV and DBT groups for community members.

Melinda is trained in both CBT and DBT and has experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and SA.

Melinda puts her heart and soul into facilitating change for every patient willing to make the commitment to self-improvement.

 Giovana Gomes ACSW, our bilingual clinician, earned her BA at CSU-Monterey Bay and her graduate degree in Social work from Brandman University.

Giovana has over 14 years of experience working in various clinical capacities including working for nearly a decade with at-risk youth and families at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), serving as a Trauma-Informed Trainer for foster parents, a Medical Social Worker in the ER of Kaweah Health MC and an on-site Clinical Social Worker at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Giovana utilizes EBM interventions including CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy, working collaboratively with her patients to stop unhealthy emotional patterns and become their very best version of themselves.

Katie Flores ACSW holds an AA from Santa Ana College, a BS in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, and an MA in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University.

With a 10-year background in community health, Katie has honed her skills across various settings and populations including over 5 years of specialized experience in behavioral therapy. Katie has worked collaboratively with patients and their support networks including law enforcement, hospital teams, foster families and community resources.

Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused modalities, Katie brings a comprehensive approach to her work, addressing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, military life, and family dynamics. She focuses on meeting clients where they are and guiding them through their journey of healing, growth, and self-improvement.

 Jessica Schaffer, LCSW, earned her Social Work degree from the U of Michigan. She brings a rich, community-centered background that includes teaching trauma-affected adults at the YMCA of Greater New Orleans, advancing anti-poverty work with Avodah, and fostering inclusion as a yoga instructor. For over 6 years, Jessica has served children, adolescents, adults, and families in diverse settings such as supportive housing, community mental health, residential treatment, and outpatient care. Jessica specializes in biopsychosocial assessments, therapy (individual, group, and family), crisis intervention, and collaborative care planning. She draws from EBM modalities including DBT, IFS, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing, all within a person-centered, harm-reduction framework that upholds each client’s dignity and resilience. 

Sarah Shlemon, LCSW earned her MSW from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and has worked in social services since 2012 in Chicago and LA. In Chicago, Sarah interned with NAMI-Chicago and provided trauma-informed services through Heartland Alliance, Catholic Charities, and the Immigrant Defenders LC. She also worked in public and charter schools providing holistic emotional support to students, teachers, and families. In LA, Sarah served as an FSP therapist at St. Anne’s Family Services, supporting youth and families through mental health crises, truancy, incarceration, family separation, homelessness, and SA.

Sarah is trained in CBT, trauma-informed care, addressing self-harm, suicidal ideation, and co-occurring disorders. Sarah uses a strengths-based approach to foster self-compassion and empower individuals to connect with their purpose and thrive.

Shannon Kelly is an LCSW and EMDR Certified Therapist with over a decade of experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, SA, co-occurring disorders, and family conflicts. Shannon integrates EMDR therapy and EBM practices to guide individuals through life’s most challenging transitions. Her leadership experience includes a unit lead supervisor in an inpatient hospital, a crisis therapist in a county jail and Clinical Director of a SA treatment facility.  

Beyond her clinical role, Shannon serves as a clinical supervisor at One BH, bringing out the best in pre-licensed therapists through her dedicated guidance and mentorship. 

Mary Hilliker E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a Certified Viniyoga Teacher, nutritionist, and Yoga Therapist with 5 Koshas Yoga & Wellness and the River Flow Yoga Teacher Training School.  Mary teaches Yoga Therapy groups, yoga workshops, and leads 200 hour and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings.  Her 30+ year background in nutrition and public health informs her holistic approach to teaching accessible, sustainable and healing wellness for stress management, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.  

 Trevor Hawkins E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a Certified Viniyoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist.  He attended Yale University (BA Classics)  and studied the foundations of Western thought, history and culture. For over six years, while living abroad in Barcelona, Spain Trevor focused on the study and application of Eastern Medicine and Holistic Modalities.  Trevor leads Yoga Therapy classes and workshops in a variety of sectors including the Military, University, Public and Private institutions of San Diego, California.  For 10+ years he has applied Yoga in clinical settings focusing on the integration of physical, emotional and mental health interventions to address the impacts of anxiety, depression, stress and PTSD. 

Karen Schwisow E-RYT 500 is a certified MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and Yoga Instructor through the Center for Mindfulness U of Mass. Medical School and an E-RYT 500 certified Yoga Therapist.  For almost 2 decades Karen has taught yoga and mindfulness-based interventions in a wide variety of settings including the Franciscan Health System, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, South King County Fire and Kaiser Permanente.  With a mastery of her craft coupled with compassion, authenticity and humor Karen empowers patients to tap into their innate ability to thrive beyond their physical and emotional limitations.