951-247-6542
NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTERS
Serving Southern California Since 1985
MORENO VALLEY
Meet The Team
12810 Heacock St., Ste 202-B
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Phone: (951) 247-6542, Ext 201
MAX J. KAYES
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
M.A., LMFT #22998 CEO
Max Kayes is a licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist with over 39 years of counseling experience. He is the CEO of New Hope Christian Counseling Centers and the President of New Hope Christian Counseling Foundation. He received his Master's Degree in Marriage, Family & Child Therapy from Biola University in 1985, which combined coursework from Rosemead School of Professional Psychology and Talbot Theological Seminary. He has also been a Clinical Associate Faculty Member at Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology, Division of Family Therapy. Specialties: Individuals and families suffering from depression, stress/anxiety, victims of sexual abuse, parents dealing with strong-willed children and other parenting issues, marital/premarital counseling, and child therapy. Mr. Kayes is a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.
951-247-6542 Ext 250
ALEX NAVARRO
M.S., LMFT #125785
BOARD MEMBER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
[Bilingual Spanish and English]
Alex Navarro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from California Baptist University. Alex is experienced in helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds that are dealing with anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, past trauma/abuse, addictions, and other mood-related disorders. Alex has experience working with children in a variety of settings including play therapy and early intervention. Alex is passionate about working with couples in marital/premarital counseling and uses a faith-based approach for those that are seeking to incorporate spirituality into treatment
951-247-6542 EXT 254
DAUREEN SANFORD
M.A., LMFT
She attended Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology and received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology. She works with children, adolescents and adults both individually and with the families. Specialty areas include depression, anxiety, stress management, treating victims of sexual abuse, marital problems, and grief counseling. She has presented seminars and classes on marriage relationships, parenting, lay counseling, grief in several Nazarene churches in the valley.
626-967-6421 Ext 204
HILLARY THOMAS
M.S., LPCC
BOARD MEMBER
CLINICAL DIRECTOR, REDLANDS
Hillary Thomas is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She obtained her M.S. in Professional Counseling at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. After moving back to her home state of California in 2019, Hillary joined New Hope Christian Counseling. Hillary specializes in working with children and adolescents and has unique training in supporting families regarding attachment and adoption. Additionally, Hillary has experience treating a variety of other needs including anxiety, ADHD, behavioral challenges, grief and loss, and life transitions. In addition to supporting children through therapy, Hillary provides parental coaching. It is Hillary’s passion to help children, adolescents and parents overcome barriers, improve relationships, and discover their strengths.
(951) 867-7657
Hillary.Thomas@newhopeccf.com
AN-TONIA PARRAGA
M.S., AMFT #87071
(Bilingual-Fluent Spanish/English)
Tonia is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. She obtained her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She specializes in childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, reunification of families, parenting, co-parenting, identity and cultural difficulties, and dual diagnosis. She has served as a student counselor at Moreno Valley Community College and for various organizations such as school districts, mentored children, and educated special needs students. Tonia's considerable experience also includes specialized training in counseling individuals who are confronting a life-threatening stage, including the hospice process, grief, and loss. Tonia has additional training in substance addiction and suicide prevention in conjunction with her undergraduate degree. Tonia incorporates her understanding of Latino culture into her work with Spanish-speaking clients. CBT, Systems, and REBT are her multiple clinical orientations.
951-247-6542 ext 260
CHAELENE “RACHELLE” NAVARRO
M.A., M.S., LMFT #132461
Chaelene “Rachelle” Navarro earned her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and her Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry from California Baptist University (CBU). Rachelle currently serves others in a few capacities such as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and as an Adjunct Professor at CBU.
Rachelle’s professional endeavors began in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy with children on the Autism Spectrum. Rachelle has served on multiple teams to provide services to a range of persons including children and teens who have been afflicted by trauma, young adults wrestling with anxiety and depression, and older adults experiencing relational challenges. Rachelle’s passions include assisting those in martial distress as well as persons who are looking to integrate their Christian faith into daily living.
ALEXI KRYGIER
M.S., AMFT, LPCC
Alexi Krygier is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. Alexi has professional experience working with children and youth, individuals, and couples therapy. Alexi has experience working with kids and teens from the Val Verde School District using a variety of methods such as conducting group therapy and play therapy and uses a Strength Based approach. Alexi has also conducted parenting classes for parents who are struggling with their children. Alexi has experience treating a variety of needs including special needs, ADHD, anger management, addiction, impulse control, anxiety, trauma, depression along with suicidal ideation and self-harm. Alexi is also able to integrate the client's spiritual needs into the sessions should the client request it.
951-247-6542 EXT 207
JEANNINE LIRA
M.S. AMFT APCC
Jeannine Lira is an Associate in Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate in Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University of San Bernardino. Jeannine has experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and family therapy. Jeannine has experience treating a variety of needs including anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm. Jeannine is also able to integrate the client's spiritual needs into the sessions should the client request it.
951-247-6542 EXT 256
ANA MACIAS
MFT, PCC TRAINEE
Ana is an MFT/PCC Trainee. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from Cal State San Bernardino, which helped her prepare for her career as a social worker with a local agency. Ana is currently pursuing her Masters in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University, where she is refining her skills and passion for helping people. Ana is eager to work with all populations as she believes we are all complex humans dealing with unique situations that can’t be grouped into one single category. Ana is excited to work with people to help them gain new insights and perspectives of themselves and the world around them. She would love to help her clients build strong relationships with others, but most importantly, with themselves. Ana takes a person-centered approach and is familiar with attachment styles. She enjoys working with every population but she connects with children the most through play therapy.
HAYDI GERGES
AMFT #134112
Haydi Gerges obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Professional Clinical Counseling from California Baptist University. Haydi has experience working with children, adults, and adolescents in a variety of settings including early intervention. Haydi is experienced in helping people of all ages deal with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, past trauma/abuse, body dysmorphia, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, and other mood-related disorders. Haydi has extensive experience working with cultural adjustments, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and co-dependency. Haydi has received special training in elder abuse and suicide prevention. Haydi brings knowledge of the Middle-Eastern culture and integrates it with her work with Middle Eastern clients. She also incorporates Christian faith-based practices into her treatment when it is appropriate for her clients.
951-247-6542 EXT 265
AMANDA HAYDEN
M.A., LMFT, 138925
Amanda Hayden is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, MFT Specialization from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of California- Orange County. Amanda has experience working with children, individuals, and couples therapy. Amanda has experience treating a variety of needs including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral concerns, ADHD, and past trauma.
951-247-6542 EXT 257
ANDREA WATSON
M.S., LMFT #106692
Andrea is a Licensed Marriage and family therapist. She obtained her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. She is experienced in working with individuals, couples, and families. She has a background and knowledge in working with blended families. She is experienced with dealing with Childhood Trauma, Parenting and Reunification, Addiction, Dual-diagnosis, Co-dependency, Work related issues and Depression.
(951)247-6542, Ext 207
ADELA AIDOO
M.A., AMFT 127567
Adela Aidoo is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She obtained her Master’s degree from Cambridge University. Taking care of others physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally is what she thrives for. She believes it is a blessing and privilege to be able to serve you. She works diligently to reach out to people in the community regardless of their ailments. Adela sets goals with her clients by running marathons with them all the way. She wants her clients to gain the tools to learn to be accountable, determined, and content by enduring mental challenges one step at a time. She is excited to have you work hard in therapy and then look back and say, “I did it!”
CHRISTOPHER GODINA
AMFT #140043, APCC #14040
Christopher Godina is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Associate Professional Clinical Counseling. He earned a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. Christopher is passionate about working with youth and the elderly who struggle with finding meaning and purpose in their lives. He believes everyone has a unique story to tell and plans on working alongside his clients in dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Christopher also plans on specializing in helping children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with video game addictions and related disorders in the future.
DEMETRIUS HICKS II
LMFT #134566
Demetrius Hicks II is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology that he obtained from California Baptist University. He has spent the majority of his post-graduate work serving at-risk youth and their families. Demetrius has also worked as a foster/adoption social worker and therapist for three years in San Bernardino County. Demetrius currently works as a crisis counselor for Riverside County; primarily responding to calls for service with Law Enforcement officers. Demetrius has also participated in lay counseling training provided by his church and has been a member of Stone Arbor Church in Riverside (formerly Orangecrest Community Church) for nine years. As such, Demetrius is able to walk alongside those who would want their Christian faith to be incorporated into their therapy sessions.
SARAH WITHERBY
MFT TRAINEE
Sarah is an MFT/PCC trainee pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University. Sarah has experience working with children, teenagers, and adults in various settings and is eager to utilize this experience with her clients. She believes each person has a unique story worth telling and is passionate about providing the space for clients to share those stories. Sarah can also incorporate one's faith into therapy if desired.
YVONNE CABRERA-PEREZ
MFT, LPCC TRAINEE
[Bilingual Spanish and English]
Yvonne is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee pursuing her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. Yvonne has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in public school settings. She is passionate about helping individuals of all ages, couples, and families, offering counseling for anxiety, depression, life transitions, communication barriers, and relationship conflicts. Yvonne uses a holistic approach that encourages caring for the mind, body, and spirit. She is warm, caring, and empathetic and believes healing is a collaborative process requiring a non-judgmental, safe, and nurturing space. Yvonne uses a faith-based approach for clients who desire to incorporate spirituality into treatment.
MARTHA MEZA MEHDIPOUR
LPCC TRAINEE
[Bilingual Spanish and English]
Martha Meza Mehdipour is a Trainee Counselor working on her Doctoral degree in Psychology/Counseling. She speaks Spanish proficiently as she is a Foreign Medical Graduate and works as a Neurophysiologist part time. Martha sees clients as a whole person: mind and body. She works with all ages as she believes every stage in life is important and has room for growth. She believes in uplifting and motivating people to become a better version of themselves. Martha wants to help people navigate life no matter where they are. There is no problem God cannot help us conquer.
CHARMANE SANCHEZ-GUNAWAN
PCC TRAINEE
Charmane spent her first two decades in the Philippines and moved here at age twenty. She received extensive education in her country of origin and is also a product of the junior college system of California. Her background is in English Literature from the University of California, Riverside. Charmane is also a graduate student pursuing a Master of Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University, focusing on being a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Although she describes herself as a novice in the mental health profession, Charmane has demonstrated grit and determination to be a productive, well-adjusted citizen by finding her true calling because it took her a while to do so. However, she believes that she has found it and is ready to be a guiding light to people who are lost in the dark.