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Shawn LaRé Brinkley, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License #: 102664
CEO/ President
Administrative
Daphne Steinrich
​Administrative Assistant
Hi, I’m the voice you hear on the phone! As the Admin Manager and Receptionist here at the WJB center, I’m the first point of contact for many of our clients and team members. I keep things running smoothly behind the scenes whether it’s managing schedules, organizing communications, or making sure every call and visitor is greeted with a warm welcome. I’m passionate about creating a positive and organized environment that helps everyone do their best work!
Associates
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Jennifer Byrd
Associate Clinical Social Worker, License #118112
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker on the path to becoming an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). I received my undergraduate degree from Agnes Scott College in Sociology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and my Master’s of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach in 2023. I have trained and worked in school, community mental health, nonprofit, and intensive mental health treatment settings. I have worked with clients across the lifespan from all backgrounds and walks of life. I believe in the importance of cultural competence and humility and recognizing the unique needs and life experiences of each client, particularly in the intersections of marginalized identities.
I am a humanistic, client-centered therapist and will meet you where you are in your mental health journey. My approach to therapy is warm-hearted, empathetic, non-judgmental, honest, and curious. I aim to help clients cultivate self-esteem and emotional intelligence as well as learning and cementing practical and sustainable coping strategies. I am experienced in CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches and enjoy implementing creative and mindfulness-focused exercises in therapy. I am passionate about the treatment of disordered eating and body image issues and enjoy educating clients about body neutrality and HAES (Health at Every Size). As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I particularly enjoy working with clients on the road to acceptance of their own gender and/or sexual identities, as well as addressing concerns and roadblocks in LGBTQ+ relationships.
Jennifer Levesque
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who earned my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in 2025. Before becoming a therapist, I completed my BA in Psychology at California State University, Northridge, raised two sons, and spent several years as a middle school teacher. Working with students from diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds taught me the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe, curious, and valued. Witnessing the trauma and mental health challenges faced by students, friends, and families deepened my commitment to supporting others in a more therapeutic capacity and inspired me to return to school reminding me that it is never too late to start again.
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My therapeutic approach is culturally affirming and grounded in humanistic values. I believe each person is inherently capable of growth and healing when provided with safety, compassion, and genuine connection. I strive to offer empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard while creating space for clients to explore their experiences, reflect on their stories, and move toward greater self-acceptance. I integrate a variety of approaches, including Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Collaborative Language Systems, tailoring my work to each client’s goals and strengths.
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I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. My clinical work includes supporting clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction and recovery, domestic violence, sexual assault, communication challenges, and major life transitions. I have also facilitated psychoeducational groups focused on domestic violence recovery, anger management, and trauma-informed parenting.
My goal as a therapist is to work collaboratively with clients as they move toward greater clarity, healing, and resilience. I hope to create a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to grow, strengthen their relationships, and reconnect with their sense of possibility.
Clinical Interns
Alexander Jones III
Masters of Social Work Intern
I am a therapist intern currently obtaining my Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With nearly six years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked across diverse settings, including public, charter, and private K-12 schools, specializing in supporting children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. My clinical experience also includes working in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) at Rogers Behavioral Health, where I have provided individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults managing depression, OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges. I am trained in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and trauma-informed practices.
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My therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to "live their best life" by building skills, self-confidence, and self-respect, while fostering mindfulness and accountability in their healing process. I view my role as a guide and coach, while recognizing that my clients are the experts in their own lives, and their commitment and intentionality are key to their personal growth. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, solution-focused strategies, cultural sensitivity, and anti-racism.
Stephanie McGhee
Masters of Social Work Intern
I am a therapist intern currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I bring a diverse range of clinical experience to my practice, including my work as an ABA therapist supporting neurodivergent children, providing care within an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for both adults and children, and serving in a Child Outpatient Program (COP) where I supported youth and their families. These roles have strengthened my ability to meet clients with flexibility, patience, and a deep understanding of their unique developmental and emotional needs.
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I draw from a background in ABA therapy, case management, and trauma-informed care, and I have been trained by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in Seeking Safety an evidence-based model for treating trauma and substance use. This training equips me to support individuals navigating complex emotional experiences and the impact of trauma on daily life.
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Across settings, my work in behavioral therapy and case coordination has taught me to approach each client with a holistic, compassionate perspective. I strive to create a safe, grounding space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to reflect, grow, and build meaningful strategies for positive change. Rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration, my therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based. I am committed to walking alongside individuals on their unique paths to healing, resilience, and overall well-being.
Anjali Singh
Masters of Social Work Intern
I am a clinical social work intern at the WJB Center, and I’m passionate about providing compassionate, down-to-earth support to clients from all backgrounds. I take a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, recognizing that each person’s story is shaped by their identities, relationships, and lived experiences. I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, seen, and respected one where they can express themselves freely and without judgment. My goal is to meet clients exactly where they are, honoring their perspectives while gently supporting exploration, insight, and growth.
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I work collaboratively with clients to explore their emotions, understand the patterns that influence their lives, and identify tools that feel realistic, meaningful, and aligned with their values. Whether someone is coping with stress, navigating a life transition, processing trauma, or simply hoping to build healthier relationships, I aim to provide support that feels grounding and empowering. Above all, I hope to create a space where clients feel deeply understood and supported as they make sense of their experiences, strengthen their inner resources, and move toward the changes that matter most to them.
Natalie Bergara
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
I am therapist intern currently pursuing my master’s degree in psychology at California Baptist University. I was drawn to this work by a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to heal and grow. As a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at the William J. Brinkley Center for Cultural Affirmation, I support individuals, couples, and families in exploring their experiences with openness and care. Each session reinforces my respect for the resilience people carry and continues to shape a therapeutic approach rooted in authenticity and connection.
I believe our well-being is deeply influenced by the relationships and cultural contexts that surround us. Healing happens when we feel seen, understood, and supported, and I strive to create a space where clients can reflect on the patterns that shape their lives while reconnecting with their strengths.
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I use a gentle CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approach to help clients identify patterns and build practical tools. I also like to incorporate Narrative Therapy to help clients separate from limiting stories and build new empowering ones. I can also integrate a Christian faith perspective when it’s meaningful for the client. My approach is collaborative and grounded in empathy, curiosity, and cultural humility. I draw from systemic and relational frameworks, along with mindfulness and narrative perspectives, to help clients make sense of their emotional worlds and re-author their stories. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients build lives that feel more aligned, connected, and empowered. By offering an affirming, compassionate and safe therapeutic space, I hope to support lasting growth, healing, and meaningful change.
Alexandria Cano
Masters of Social Work Intern
I am a Master of Social Work intern at National University, currently on the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With a foundation in case management and experience working with families and children through DCFS, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families facing various challenges. My work centers around helping clients find balance, manage mental health concerns, and build resilience in their relationships with themselves and others.
I am knowledgeable about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and other forms of therapeutic interventions address a wide range of issues, including ADHD, anxiety, and other emotional struggles. I believe that therapy should meet clients where they are, which is why I incorporate creative and evidence-based approaches to foster insight and self-expression.
My approach in therapy is grounded in the belief that healing and growth are possible when individuals have the tools to understand themselves and their circumstances better. Goals of mine include being able to be a guide for a more connected, authentic, and fulfilling life, as well as creating a judge free zone.
