Counseling Center: Staff

Rick Church, MA, LPCC, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) with 13 years of experience in the fields of mental health and substance abuse counseling. His MA in Clinical Psychology is from Wheaton College Graduate School of Clinical Psychology. He specializes in the treatment of substance abuse, anger management, stress/ anxiety and marriage counseling. Rick is the Clinical Supervisor for LAFC staff.

Gretchen Selby, MSW, LISW, had three years of experience as a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker and qualified for her independent license in Spring 2007. Gretchen specializes in the treatment of young children and adolescents addressing grief and trauma, children of divorce, adjustment and life skills issues.

Mary Lowe, MA, LMFT, joined LAFC in March 2010 and specializes in individual, couples, children and family therapy.  She also has a Masters in Art Therapy. 

Michelangelo Lobato, MA, is a case manager working with clients on housing, employment, and life skills issues. He runs the Restorative Justice Program, and facilitates the WRAP and Life Skills groups. Michelangelo has worked with at risk youth, children, and adults for the past 10 years

Jason Byrd, BA is the probation and teen court case manager. He works with adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system.

Valarie Juerling, M.A., L.M.F.T. has worked in the mental health field since 1991, and has been an independently licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1998. She specializes in counseling families, couples, children, and adolescents. Her experience includes working with foreigner from at least seven different countries. She has trained with the International Sandplay Society for more than 15 years and does Sandplay Therapy.

Cathy Lippert , BA, is the Community Support Worker for clients needing support in employment, housing, etc.

Barbara Czinger, LISW, LADAC has been a practicing social worker and substance abuse counselor for 10+ years.  She specializes in substance abuse law enforcement issues, depression, anxiety, relationships, and domestic violence.  Barbara works extensively with adolescents, individuals and families.

Kathleen Veenstra, MA, LPCC, works with children, adults, families, and couples. She has extensive experience in private practice adn as an elementary school counselor. She joined LAFC in June 2008 after retiring from Barranca Mesa High School. Her Practice includes but is not limited to children. She is particularly knowledgeable about school issues.

LaVerne Rodriguez