Jennifer has a master’s degree in disability studies from California Baptist University, a Master of Divinity from Hope International University, and a master’s in counseling from Hope International University, and is currently working towards completing the three thousand hours for licensing. She has been on staff at Crossroads as the Pastor of Disabilities for about fourteen years and for the last six years as the Pastor of Care Ministries. She is compassionate, solution-focused, and client-centered in her approach and considers it a privilege to walk alongside people throughout their healing process. Jennifer is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and believes that healing from past traumas is possible. Jennifer’s life experience also gives her a unique edge, in that she grew up with her mom having a disability, she overcame addiction herself, and she became a widow through the loss of her husband. With these experiences, she has a deep understanding and belief that, given the right tools, people can heal and recover from whatever they may be experiencing and/or going through. Two fun facts about Jennifer are that she loves dogs (she currently has three) and she loves frequenting Disneyland as much as possible.

Alexei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from California State University, San Bernardino, and he is currently completing his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. He worked for the State of CA as a DMV representative and a Disability Insurance Program Representative for EDD for 20 years. His experience working for the State has given him an understanding of not only how much government can assist the public but also its limitations. That knowledge inspired him to take a different career path towards mental health, as he believes it is an undeniable and underutilized resource with exponential potential for positive impact in the community. He hopes to be one of the instruments involved in the symphony of change through mental health.

Krystian is currently attending California Baptist University, where she is pursuing her master’s in clinical psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside. She truly believes that God has called her to this field, where she can walk alongside others in their journeys, offering support, compassion, and hope as they face life’s challenges. Having navigated difficult seasons on her own, she now feels led to be the person who can remind others that they are not alone. Outside of school, she enjoys being surrounded by family and friends, who bring her joy and encouragement.

Mariah is currently attending California Baptist University for her master’s in counseling psychology, and she attended Biola University for her undergraduate studies. She is currently working as a Youth Ministry Director at South Hills Church. She is immensely grateful to be a part of both the ministry at South Hills and the counseling department at Crossroads because there is something so beautiful about walking with people through the highest and lowest moments of their stories and being a resource for support, care, encouragement, and growth. Outside of the realm of ministry and therapy, she is a creative individual who loves to play music, write, photograph, and paint. She is also passionate about caring for all kinds of animals, and she and her husband adopted two rabbits from a local rescue that roam around their home and bring them endless joy.

Melissa Cruz is currently in the master’s program at California Baptist University. Melissa spent over two decades as a school-based and early-intervention occupational therapist, specializing in sensory regulation and complex behavioral needs, as well as assisting older adults in their homes. Her style is warm, collaborative, and practical. She integrates solution-focused and family-systems frameworks with her OT background to turn insights into routines families can put into practice. Focus areas include regulation and anxiety, behavior that impacts participation, parent-child connection, and life skills for independence.

Yvonne earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and is currently pursuing her master’s in counseling psychology (MFT/LPCC) at California Baptist University. Alongside her work as a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocate, she feels called to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families in their journeys toward healing, growth, and stronger relationships. Her passion for this field is rooted in a deep belief in resilience and the power of safe, supportive connection. She is also a proud mom to her son, who inspires her daily, and in her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, dancing, and spending time with her two cats.

David is a compassionate and client-centered counselor dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s challenges.  As a graduate of Pepperdine University, he leverages ingenuity and integrity within the scope of evidence-based practices to help people gain awareness, foster insight, build resilience, and strengthen relationships, while providing a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.  David is value-driven, and he strives to deliver meaningful results through a collaborative therapeutic process that is grounded in empathy and trust.  He is an advocate for those impacted by complex trauma and a volunteer for Coptic Orphans®, a non-profit outreach organization focused on breaking cycles of poverty and abuse by implementing long-term educational programs like Not Alone and The Valuable Girl Project in Egypt.  He is currently pursuing specialized training in couples therapy at The Gottman Institute and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) at the Association for Psychological Therapies (APT), as well as attending workshops in psychoanalysis at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center (SDPC) and the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute of Southern California (NPI).  David is also a devoted husband and father who enjoys reading, fitness, and traveling with his family.

Brooklyn is currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling psychology at California Baptist University, where she also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Alongside her studies, she has been working in the customer service industry while preparing for her practicum training as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her passion for this field grew from a personal desire to become the supportive and understanding person she wished she had received in her own life growing up. A fun fact about Brooklyn is that she previously worked as a jiu jitsu coach for children ages 3–13, an experience that strengthened her patience, creativity, and ability to connect with children and adolescents.”

Leland is currently studying online through Houston Christian University and has completed his undergrad at both Wheaton College and Providence Christian College. Counseling has always been a goal of Leland’s since he was in high school, and that love for talking with others and assisting them through their trials has only grown! Leland takes a Christian/Narrative approach to counseling, looking at the individual’s journey through life and how their story has been shaped, and how their narrative can align or be realigned through Christ and his grace. Some fun facts about Leland are that he was a dual sport athlete in college (soccer and golf), and he was trained in classical piano for 13 years!