Our Team

Our counseling center is staffed by Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Associates and Trainees who are supervised by Licensed Clinical Supervisors.

We Care

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Please call or email me directly for a complimentary 15-minute consultation at:
Phone
(626) 844-4789

Jo-Ann Capili

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#135702)
Welcome! Regardless of how you landed on this page, I am honored to be introduced to you virtually. This could be the start of a journey that we take together, you in the driver’s seat and me as your navigator. It starts with you in your present situation. My practice of therapy focuses on meeting and welcoming you where you are. My goal is to create a safe and hospitable space for you, to welcome you in a shared humanity that is beautiful and resilient because of, and despite, our imperfections. Buckle up for a journey of discovery and learning where detours and pauses are welcome. After all, the journey is as important as the destination.


I welcome couples and individuals:

  • Pre-teens and Adolescents
  • Emerging Adults
  • Couples (Premarital Preparation, healing and restoration in relationships)
  • Life Transitions with ages ranging from pre-teens to retirement.

The human spirit is amazingly resilient. It would be my privilege to walk alongside you to find the resilience, goodness, and beauty within you. Do you believe that it is already within you?

In addition to nurturing a strong marital relationship and raising two precious human beings, my background includes a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, level 2 training in restoration therapy with emphasis on medical family therapy, certification in Prepare Enrich for couples, more than 25 years of active leadership in marriage ministry, growing up with non-binary and addictive relatives and siblings, and 30-plus years in corporate human resources.



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Please call or email me directly for a complimentary 15-minute consultation at:
Phone

(949) 329-4525

Madeleine Harvey

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#135702)

---- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT 135471

---- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC 12437

I believe at our core, we flourish when we are in healthy relationships with self, others and God. When we experience changes in our life circumstances and relationships, they often bring on stress, anxiety and depression. By discovering the “how and why” of emotional triggers that highjack relationships, the cycles that repeat themselves can undergo lasting change toward health and healing.

I am passionate about walking alongside people on their path of self-understanding, healing and wholeness. My focus is on supporting all couples including pre-marital, and individuals, concerned with:

* Relationship conflict , Anxiety & Depression , Parenting, Grief, Trauma, Life-stage changes , Elder-care, and Medical concerns

My desire is for clients to develop healthy and restorative coping skills, develop self-acceptance, and lean into supportive resources in faith, family, friends and community.

I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Medical Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a degree in Social Ecology from the University of CA at Irvine. I have certifications and training in Restorative Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Prepare/Enrich, and in Trauma, Attachment and Neuroscience.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy being active , spending time with my husband and family along with my pup, exploring nature and the great outdoors.

** Available for telehealth sessions

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Please call or email me directly for a complimentary 15-minute consultation

Phone

(626) 844-4784

Daniel Joo

Please call or email me directly for a complimentary 15-minute consultation at:

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, struggling with relationships, or navigating cultural complexities? Caught between different worlds and seeking balance?

Imagine a space where your story is valued—a place to explore feelings, heal wounds, and build stronger connections. Together, we can work toward clarity, resilience, and peace.

As a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a multicultural background from living in Korea, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., Germany, and Canada, I understand the impact of diverse cultures on personal well-being.

Specialties:

Relationship dynamics, Anxiety and depression, Grief, Cultural identity and acculturation, Parenting, Trauma and PTSD

Using a compassionate, client-centered approach, I tailor therapies to your unique needs, creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Let’s begin this journey together. Reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing today.

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Carla Kendig

Carla Kendig is an MFT Trainee and graduate student pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy degree at Azusa Pacific University. She is passionate about couples and is a certified Gottman Couples Therapist and Prepare & Enrich Relationship Assessment Facilitator. As a disabled Army veteran, Carla has gained experience working with people with trauma and hopes to help others walk the path of healing, especially those in marginalized communities such as folks with disabilities, immigrant families, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ+. Additionally while working in various spiritual and church settings for several years, Carla enjoys integrating various spiritual and religious beliefs into therapy to support with church trauma, spiritual struggle, and ministry burn out.

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Kate Han

Kate Han holds an M.A. in Theology and is currently an MFT trainee and graduate student pursuing her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of educational, career, and life experiences, Kate highly values fostering authentic and collaborative relationships with each client to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of life’s ever-evolving journey.

Passionate about her work in therapy, Kate is committed to providing personalized support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families as they address challenges such as relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, and mental health concerns.

Bilingual in Korean, she offers culturally attuned care with enthusiasm and compassion, aiming to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment.

As a devoted wife and mother of two grown children, Kate understands the importance of fostering resilience and personal growth within the family unit, deepening her commitment to her therapeutic practice.

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Hala Aghanigian

Throughout Hala’s years of medical practice, she noticed that many of her patients suffered from psychological challenges rooted in relational problems, which could not be managed by mere standard medical treatments. She aims to use her Marriage and Family Therapy training at Fuller Theological Seminary to support individuals, couples, and families dealing with emotional and relational conflicts. Hala's goal is to see her clients restored, functioning optimally, and fulfilling their potential in their lives and relationships without hindrance. When applicable, she's passionate about integrating Christian spirituality with psychotherapy to achieve holistic healing, empowering clients to enjoy life to the fullest.

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Jehuda Kusuma

Jehuda Kusuma is an MFT trainee pursuing his M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. Previously, Jehuda served at an Indonesian church in the heart of South Philadelphia where he became interested in the intersections between immigration trauma, inner city issues, and first-generation American experiences. He is passionate about creating safe spaces to sit with individuals, couples, and families to process heavy emotions and experiences without judgment. Jehuda is the proud firstborn of two Chinese Indonesian immigrants and a diehard Philadelphian, who is excited to walk with those that desire growth, healing, and abundance out of life.


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Justin Latimer

Justin Latimer is an MFT Trainee and graduate student pursuing an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. During his previous career in ministry, he discovered a passion for young adults focusing on areas of identity discovery, faith formation, navigating transitions, and spiritual trauma. If desired, Justin can offer sessions with a faith-based Christian perspective. He is genuinely passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families work through the challenges and obstacles that arise in their quest to flourish in life.

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Katie Newton

Katie is an MFT trainee studying at Fuller Seminary. Her biggest hope and desire for her clients is that they would find therapy to be a safe place to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences without fear or judgment. With a compassionate and curious approach, Katie engages deeply with her clients' stories, supporting them in uncovering insights, understanding, and ultimately empowering them to find healing and wholeness in their lives. She approaches therapy from an attachment-based lens helping clients to recognize how the messages we have received throughout our lives influence our current beliefs about ourselves. She believes that gaining awareness and insight into our most impactful emotional experiences is the first step towards creating change.


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Nora Oghlian

Nora Oghlian is an MFT trainee and graduate student in Marriage and Family Therapy at Azusa Pacific University. She holds a strong belief in the transformative power of growth and change, understanding the intricate challenges that often accompany the journey towards healing and self discovery. With a genuine interest in each individual’s unique narrative, Nora aims to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to share their feelings and aspersions. Utilizing an attachment based approach, she strives to help clients recognize that their struggles are not a reflection of personal flaws but rather a response to past experiences. Together, Nora and her clients explore these formative emotional events, unraveling the complexities that may be impeding personal and relational growth. She believes that her diverse life experiences have prepared her for this meaningful profession that ignited her passion. Nora has a particular interest in working with couples, families navigating challenges, and individuals processing complex trauma. In her downtime, she enjoys quality time with loved ones and outdoor adventures.

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Sarah Schmidtler

 Sarah Schmidtler is an MFT trainee and graduate student pursuing an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has been involved in a leadership capacity in student ministries and college settings for over five years. Sarah has developed a passion for walking alongside people in their life journey. She hopes therapy can be a safe environment to move you in a positive direction and provide you with new skills. She believes that each person has a unique story that deserves to be heard and cared for in a gentle manner.

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Phone

(626) 817-4888

Email

tsegaw.wc@gmail.com

Tsega Worku, MFT

Director

Tsega is the Director of Worku Counseling, a role he has passionately held for over 14 years. Before the rebranding to Worku Counseling, the practice was known as Lake Avenue Counseling, where Tsega’s influence and leadership were already making a significant impact. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the mental health field have been instrumental in shaping the practice’s success and expanding its reach.

Tsega is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, since 2001. His professional journey is characterized by a dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for both clients and colleagues. Additionally, he is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding new counselors as they enter the mental health field.

In his role, Tsega not only oversees the practice’s operations but also plays a crucial part in the professional development of emerging therapists, ensuring they are well-equipped to make their own meaningful contributions to the field.

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Phone

(626) 817-4899

Email

nickys.wc@gmail.com

Nicky Sweeney


Counseling Coordinator

Nicky Sweeney loves God, studying His word and serving His people. After fifteen years focused on volunteering and helping in her children's schools in various capacities, the Lord has opened the doors for her to bring her servant heart and passion to further His kingdom to Worku Counseling, where she has the opportunity to help the center run smoothly with the love of God in her heart. Through her role, she provides personal, caring support and brings organization to the counseling team so that they would be able to serve their clients well. 

Outside of Worku, she can be found leading at Bible Study Fellowship or volunteering in her children's schools or at her church, and when she's home, she delights in preparing home-cooked meals and treats for her family and friends after getting in a good workout. 

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Phone

(626) 844-4786

Rita Barrett


Special Project Coordinator

Rita Barrett loves Jesus and the ways God works in and through His people. With a

background in organizational management and fifteen years as a human resource

professional, Rita felt God call her to something new. With her servant’s heart, she felt

drawn to a field providing individuals support and advocacy. In the fall of 2023, she

began a master’s in social work at California State University, Long Beach. With a

passion for the mental health and well-being of all God’s people, Rita is honored to

serve Worku Counseling’s mission and support its continued growth. Through her role,

Rita brings her heart for human flourishing and meaningful connections. At Worku

Counseling, we meet people where they are, creating a bridge toward compassionate

counseling, hope, and healing.

Outside of Worku, Rita enjoys spending time with her church family and friends,

reading, outdoor walks, and relaxing at the beach. She’s always up for a taco crawl with

her husband.

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Personalized

Compassionate

Affordable

Intake Line

(626) 844-4794
393 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101