Francine Zorehkey, Ph.D, LMFT

Executive Director

Francine Zorehkey, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of From Chrysalis to Wings Psychotherapy and Research Center and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Laguna Hills, CA. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology at SDSU, is a graduate of Antioch University, Los Angeles with a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology, and has received her Ph.D. in Psychology at Southern California University for Professional Studies. Dr. Zorehkey is in charge of all operations and has created the program AWOL designed specifically for women who have breast cancer. She is also a certified supervisor for Marraige and Family Therapy Interns.  

Outside of the organization she has served as Membership Chair to the Orange County Breast Cancer Coalition and as a cancer support group facilitator at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. She has also served on the board of directors for Orange County-California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist as Intern Representative and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as Orange County Chapter of CAMFT, Orange County Wellness and the Orange County Breast Cancer Coalition.  

Joanna Herr-Hanks

Creative Director

Professional Photographer

Joanna Herr-Hanks is Creative Director and Co-Creator of AWOL.  Joanna is the recipient of the 2009 Better Business Torch Award for Market Place Ethics and the winner of the 2006 Outstanding Community Involvement Micro Business Award, presented by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Joanna also travels to Africa to participate in a Women’s Global Network Business Partners Immersion trip and sponsors several women business owners in Tanzania.

In addition, she has earned her certification as a challenge ropes course director and facilitator. Because of her strong background in communication, teambuilding, and program design, organizations have invited her to work with high risk young adults. She eventually transferred her skills from working with youth to corporate programs and is also active in the Young Professionals Mentoring Program through Women’s Global Network.

In 2008, Joanna started a second photographic company with two other photographers offering their services to large sporting events, selling the images and donating back a percentage of the proceeds to the benefiting charity.

Sue LaVoie

Director

Head Chair Fundraising Events

Sue LaVoie is Director and Co-Chair of Fundraising Events.  Sue is a breast cancer survivor of six years.  After her surgeries and treatments she decided that she needed to get involved in finding a cure and have become very involved in AWOL and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  After her initial retreat as a Guest with Chrysalis to Wings (AWOL) she decided that she wanted to also be involved as a volunteer.  She feels this has been a very rewarding experience for her.  She plans to do all she can to help others and only wishes she could leave her day job and devote all of her time as a volunteer to any of the great organizations out there today to prevent Breast Cancer.

Tina Poirier

Director

Co-Chair Fundraising Events

Tina Poirier is Director and Co-Chair of Fundraising Events.  Ever since Tina participated as a guest at one of AWOL’s retreat she has been passionate about being a part of this organization and the wonderful support and love they give to women who been touched by cancer.  She herself is a breast cancer survivor for over 5 years.  Tina is the Director of Training and Quality Assurance for an Insurance Agency in California where she has worked for over 17 years.  With her love of helping others especially those who are dealing with cancer Tina is also a mentor with the “Breast Friends” Mentor program at Long Beach Memorial Hospital.  She grew up right here in Southern California with some years spent in Ohio and Indiana.  

Melissa aki

Director

Grant Research

Melissa Maki is Director -and Grant Researcher.  Melissa was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2001. Since then she has walked many miles and raised many dollars for breast cancer research by participating annually in the Race for the Cure, as well as in a total of six 3-Day walks. Melissa was a guest at the 2006 AWOL retreat, which had a profound effect on her life. Since then she has become a dedicated volunteer who is passionate about AWOL and sharing the amazing journey with other cancer survivors. The possibility of making a differing in just one person’s life is an extraordinary feeling that comes from being a part of AWOL.

Michael B. Zorehkey

Secretary and Treasurer

Michael B. Zorehkey, B.A. serves as Secretary and Treasurer.  Michael has been a licensed real estate agent in the state of California since 1986.  He is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and was a member of the Retail Advisory Board of Shopping Center World Magazine.

Ladan Boustani

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

 Ladan Boustani, M.A., MFTI is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (#IMF67603) at From Chrysalis to Wings Psychotherapy and Research Center under the supervision of Dr. Francine Zorehkey, Ph.D., a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#47234).

Specialties include: 

• Individual Therapy
• Couples Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Parenting concerns
• Teen challenges
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Anger issues
• School issues
• Occupational issues
• Stress management
• Grief or posttraumatic stress  

Ms. Boustani received her B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Upon successful completion of her undergraduate studies, she attended Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), where she earned her Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Ms. Boustani is currently working on her Doctorate degree in Psychology (PsyD) at Alliant International University, Irvine. 

In addition to working at From Chrysalis to Wings Psychotherapy and Research Center, Ms. Boustani is also interning at the Saddleback College, Student Health Center, where she conducts therapy sessions for college students three times a week. Further, her professional experience also includes her work at the Orange County Social Services, Healthy Tomorrows, where she devoted her time and energy to helping children and families with diverse backgrounds and unique challenges. In fact, she successfully implemented early intervention techniques to help children at risk of school failure due to health and social issues, to prevent child abuse and domestic violence and to provide comprehensive parenting education, while facilitating various group initiatives, including Anger Management and Self Esteem groups. 

Ms. Boustani has a passion for helping individuals, couples and families who are dealing with perceived failures, hardships, anxiety, miscommunications, parenting challenges, assimilating to the mainstream, time management, prioritization, depression and much more. Overall, she provides a safe environment for individuals, couples and families to openly discuss their concerns and goals.

Ms. Boustani believes that the challenges in her life have taught her a great deal of life lessons, and have enriched her with great strengths and experiences to help her clients to excel into the future by facilitating trust and offering integrity at all times. 

Contact Ladan:  ladanboustani@gmail.com

Mitra Golriz

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Mitra Golriz, M.A., M.F.T.I .I am a registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (IMF #67125) who has an extensive background working with culturally diverse population. I am culturally sensitive and offer a highly personalized approach to meet my client’s individual needs.

My practice is based on collaboration and active involvement with my clients helping them find their inner-strengths and self-esteem. To achieve this goal, I use communication tools, conflict resolution skills, and self-awareness tools.

I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), ICEEFT (International Center for Excellence in Emotionaly Focus Therapy), and have experience working with children, adolescent since 1996 working as a behavior intervention trainer in Washington state/Issaquah school district. Later after relocating to California in 2000, I worked for Placentia school district and Placentia Library district, working with undeserved population. I also worked in Mariposa Woman and Family center providing counseling and leading support groups to couples, families, and individuals with different areas of concerns.

My internship in Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center provided me with experience working with addicted population providing individual counseling, attending training and workshops on relapse intervention, and leading processes groups.

Currently, I provide individualized and affordable counseling at From Chrysalis to Wings, a non-profit psychotherapy and research center in South Orange county.

Population I serve:

I am experienced and passionate in working with couples, blended families, victims of crime (domestic violence) and individuals and families who have been affected by cancer. I am also experienced in support and process groups in areas such as: domestic violence, parenting, life transitions, and motivational groups for young female adolescents.

•  Areas of treatment: 
•  Depression
•  Anxiety
•  Addiction and Recovery
•  Divorce and empty nest syndrome                     
•  Issues caused by cancer and/or physical disfiguration
•  Bereavement
•  Attachment and adjustment issues
•  Parenting/co-parenting

Contact Mitra:  Mitra.g.therapy@gmail.com or (949) 297-6737

Zerly Justiniano

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Zerly Justiniano is a Marriage and Family Therapist intern (IMF, 61630). She earned her Master’s degree at Chapman University, Orange County.  Her passion for becoming a bicultural clinician began along her academic endeavors while interacting with caring and nurturing mentors, which contributed to her desire to disperse and share empowerment in the community. Zerly has worked in various aspects of human enrichment beginning with leading group fitness classes and personal training. Shortly after, Zerly was motivated to make a difference in the non-profit arena providing incremental growth as a case manager at a nationally recognized mentoring organization and creating job development opportunities as well as offering employment counseling to teens and young adults at another local non-profit organization.  Her Spanish speaking abilities have also provided great opportunity to assist people in need of a bilingual counselor.  In varied clinical settings, while completing her clinical intern hours, she counseled and advocated for a wide range of clients experiencing many life and clinical challenges in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Zerly has worked with clients experiencing:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• History of childhood/adult trauma
• Life changing events  

She has experience working with youth, families and couples. Zerly is a pragmatic therapist who believes in the exploration of a mindful self. Zerly is an active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.  

Contract Zerly:  zerlyj@hotmail.com or (949) 878-8663

Tracy A. Kuhar

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Tracy A. Kuhar, M.A., M.F.T. I, C.M. (IMF #68615) .  We enter psychotherapy for all different reasons: grief, personal crisis, anxiety, sadness, phases of life issues, unmanageable anger, relationship troubles, career issues, etc.Sometimes we don’t even know what’s bothering us - we just know we don’t feel right.

To my mind, the ability to recognize that you have a problem and accept that you need help and moving towards a solution, is an inner strength. 

As a  client-centered  and solution focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential towards leading a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges that are causing you pain and impeding upon your life today. By applying integrative therapy approaches and techniques, together we will unearth long-standing behavioral patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

 My Practice Experience and Specialties 

•Addictive Personalities

•Relationship Therapist

•Dual Diagnosis 

•Childhood Sexual Abuse

•Parenting Support and Coaching

•Unmanageable Fears and Phobias

•Self Esteem-Life Transitions

•Sexual Assault & Rape

•Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

•Suicidality 

•Eating Disorders

•Addictions

•Depression & Sadness

•Bipolar Disorder

•Borderline Personality Disorder

•Acute Stress Disorder

•Attachment Disorders

And I work with ...

Adults

Youth

Groups

Families

Couples

Contact Tracy:  tracykuharchandler@earthlink.net or (949) 300-8004

Anne Martin

Marriage and Family Therpay Intern

Anne Martin MA/MFT/MEd (IMF #59308) has completed her intern hours and is awaiting the examination process in order to receive her professional license in the practice of marriage and family therapy within the state of California. Anne has graduated with honors from the University of Southern California, Concordia University and Pepperdine University.  

Anne spent fourteen years in the classroom teaching at the elementary, junior high and college levels. She was a master teacher for many years, teaching teachers how to teach. Anne has taken the skills she has learned from her years in the classroom and incorporated them into her style of relational psychotherapy.  

Anne follows the EFT model for self-discovery. Emotionally Focused Therapy, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, focuses on emotional bonds between the self and others. An EFT orientation realizes that most relational problems arise from a disruption of secure attachments for a variety of reasons. EFT helps individuals, couples and families to be more open, to trust each other, and to reach for each other more effectively in times of stress. When one learns to do this by developing skills of attunement, a more lasting, secure and satisfying bond is created. From this secure base, the daily struggles and issues of life can be solved with creativity and courage. EFT couples’ therapy has been found to have greater than 97% effectiveness five years after therapy has ended.  

Feeling successful in life is often a matter of learning how to reconcile and incorporate loss. Anne specializes in many areas where an individual, couple, family or child has suffered some type of loss that necessitates the creation of a new direction in life. Her specialties include: 

•  bereavement
• divorce
• health
•  trauma
•  socialization
•  work related issues
•  financial status changes
•  life stages and transitions  
• These losses may lead to symptoms of or problems with:
• depression
• anxiety
• PTSD
• ADHD
• communication 
• emotion regulation
• parenting 
• creation of new and “blended” families  

Anne has enjoyed the diversity of her students in her classrooms throughout the years. She has felt privileged to teach a Child, Family and Community development class at the university level within the Dept. of Sociology at Concordia University. She is sensitive to the diversity of culture within the Orange County community and welcomes the opportunity to serve all people in need. Anne has a sliding scale available to those who are challenged by these economic times. 

Contact Anne:  gordanne@me.com or (949) 306-9565

Gary Sipiora

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Gary Sipiora, M.A., MFTI (IMF#68347)  is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology and continued with his post graduate studies in child psychology at Chapman University.  He also holds a Master’s degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology and an NFHS CA State Component Certification in coaching.

 He has over 15 years experience coaching and counseling children, adults and couples.  Gary uses a holistic therapy approach, which encompasses body, mind and spirit. His counseling techniques enable people to change from negative thinking patterns, grow in their spirituality, manage adversity, relieve stress, heal from traumatizing experiences, increase self-confidence, flourish in relationships and effectively create positive change in their lives.   

Gary specializes and has a special interest in working with individuals who have depression, anxiety, fears/phobias, self-esteem issues and lack social skills.  He was a counselor at the Irvine Children Crisis Center where he counseled latch key children by counseling, consoling and creating activities.  He was a counselor at the Women’s Shelter of Orange County where he helped women heal and overcome the trauma from being battered or abused.  He also has over twenty years experience working with athletes by helping them enhance their athletic abilities psychologically through techniques that help them increase self-confidence and empower them to optimize the use of their mind during psychological warfare.    

Currently, Gary is the residential therapist at Boys Hope Girls Hope where he conducts group and individual counseling to children and adolescents.  He also counsels individuals and groups at Goodwill Industries helping people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, fears/phobias, social skills, ADHD and relationship issues.  In addition, he teaches workshops on building self-esteem, time-management and positive thinking.    

Specialties 

•Depression

•Anxiety or Fears

•Self Esteem

•Sports Psychology

Issues:

•Addiction

•Anger Management

•Attention Deficit (ADHD)

•Career Counseling

•Child or Adolescent

•Domestic Abuse

•Domestic Violence

•Eating Disorders

•Life Coaching

•Loss or Grief

•Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

•Parenting

•Spirituality

•Substance Abuse

•Trauma and PTSD

Mental Health:

•Mood Disorders

•Personality Disorders

•Thinking Disorders

Contact Gary:  (949) 278-8567 or garysipiora@yahoo.com

Karen Weaver

Marriage and Family Therapy Inter

Karen Weaver, M.A., (IMF #61863) is a licensed Marriage and Family Intern in Orange County.  She completed her graduate studies at Chapman University in Orange.  Karen is experienced working with a diverse clientele as a counselor in a community clinic in Garden Grove. She has helped people resolve issues with anxiety, depression, child abuse, self esteem and many other challenges.  Karen has also worked with children in the foster care system as a counselor and as a volunteer.  As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), she mentored and advocated for several youths in the dependency system.  Karen is active in the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists in Orange County.  

Karen's area of specialties include:

•helping people heal from past traumas or abuse

•assisting military families with stress of deployments, readjustments after return,   trauma and grief and loss

•working with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents

•supporting children and processing feelings related to parent's divorce

Karen uses an eclectic approach to therapy, combining elements of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, depth oriented and mindfulness methods and interventions. In a supportive and nonjudgmental manner, Karen will help you to access your strengths and use those strengths to resolve the difficult issues you are struggling with currently. 

Contact Karen:  weavesk@cox.net (949) 300-1739