Leadership

Dr. Kimia Taheri has over 7 years of experience in the field of educational and behavioral psychology. In her role as psychological assistant, Dr. Taheri conducts mental health and psycho-diagnostic evaluations and develops diagnosis reports – working under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.

Before joining Willowbrooks Behavioral Health, Dr. Taheri worked as an associate clinical supervisor at California Psychcare (CPC), where she supervised behavior therapy cases for clients with autism and similar developmental disabilities. In this role, Dr. Taheri used behavior analysis (ABA) methodologies and procedures, and she designed and implemented appropriate curriculum for California Psychcare clients using this science-based approach.

Dr. Taheri has also worked as a school psychologist at Orange Unified School District and Capistrano Unified School District, where she conducted psycho-educational assessment and functional behavior assessment (FBA). She also developed behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and individual education plans (IEPs) for all grade levels throughout these districts.

Dr. Taheri completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the California State University, Northridge in 2003. She then completed a Master of Arts in school psychology with a pupil personnel services (PPS) credential in 2005, followed by a doctorate degree in educational psychology in 2009, at the Alliant International University.

Michelle Evans is skilled in a broad range of clinical work including psychotherapy, assessment, supervision and consultation. In her role as psychological assistant, she conducts comprehensive diagnostic evaluations designed to deliver a range of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delays or disabilities.

Michelle’s integrative approach to emotional and behavioral health is shaped by her experience with and understanding of various psychological perspectives that enable her to effectively investigate human behavior. Through her tenure as a behavior analyst and her training as a psychologist, she has developed an expertise in providing support services for children, adolescents and families who struggle with developmental delays, behavioral health, depression, anxiety, trauma, chemical dependency, anger management, emotional disorders and personality disorders. Michelle brings to her work her commitment to assist children and their families in achieving a personal experience of growth in behavioral and relational areas.

Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in counseling, with an emphasis on advanced applied behavior analysis, from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently completing her Psy.D in clinical psychology through Pacifica Graduate Institute. Michelle is also a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Dr. Lindsay Wray specializes in psychological assessment for children, adolescents and adults. She conducts comprehensive psychological, cognitive, academic, attention, executive function, behavioral, accommodations and autism evaluations with individuals facing a wide range of psychological and psycho-educational challenges. She strives to work with underserved populations.

As an adjunct faculty member at the Reiss Davis Graduate Center, Dr. Wray teaches psychological assessment, including cognitive, academic, and personality/emotional assessments to doctoral level graduate students. She is also a postdoctoral fellow (4th year) with the Reiss Davis Child Study Center at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, where she also conducts a wide range of psychological assessments with children and adolescents.

Dr. Wray received her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (2016).

Dr. Kesjana Cake is a licensed clinical psychologist (LCP) who has committed her career to understanding and supporting the human brain, psyche and soul. Her training in neuropsychology and psychotherapy enable her to conduct psycho-diagnostic evaluations for a myriad of disorders. Her training also allows her to use her knowledge about brain functions in her therapy sessions with her clients. This knowledge helps to better explain what may be contributing to symptoms that are significant to the client and for which the client is seeking relief.

Dr. Cake’s therapeutic approach is grounded in the idea that psychotherapy is not about “quick fixes” but rather a beautifully complex process of personal growth and a commitment to one’s self to live to the highest potential. Her passion is to assist others in realizing their hopes and dreams and uncovering their strengths. Dr. Cake’s approach is eclectic, with an emphasis on the relationship she establishes with her clients as the vehicle that will bring about positive change. Dr. Cake finds inspiration in her clients’ abilities to navigate through the stressors of life and is honored to be offered the privilege of providing a safe and supportive environment where her clients explore their paths to living an authentic and fulfilling life.

Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Cake has worked with a variety of age groups in various settings ranging from medical hospital, psychiatric hospital, private practice and agencies specializing in the treatment of children with developmental disorders. In the past six years, Dr. Cake has dedicated her clinical and research efforts in working with families of children diagnosed with autism and/or related disorders. More specifically, her efforts have focused on the psycho-diagnostic assessment process and the impact the diagnosis has on the family unit.

As the executive director at Willowbrooks Behavioral Health, Dr. Cake oversees the psycho-diagnostic and psychotherapy activities, as well as all other clinical services. She works closely with the clinical teams in providing confidential and meaningful support to their clients.

Leili Zarbakhsh, Ph.D., is a licensed educational psychologist (LEP), a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and a board-certified behavioral analyst – doctorate level (BCBA-D). She has 30 years of experience working with families, children and adolescents in out-patient treatment. Dr. Zarbakhsh places importance on accountability in her therapeutic methods and her approach to therapy is direct but nonjudgmental and gentle. She is empathetic and offers a supporting and nurturing environment, and she provides thoughtful feedback in a respectful and supportive manner.

Dr. Zarbakhsh focuses on addressing current thoughts and behaviors through exploring how past experiences affect current issues and relationships. She uses an eclectic blend of therapeutic techniques including behavioral, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness, with an emphasis on cultivating healthy coping strategies and skills to deal effectively with life events, transitions and stress. She is actively involved with her clients to put into effect the changes they need to achieve their goals, and she believes that the small decisions we make daily lead us to meaningful change.