Our Team
Paula cook, Executive director
pcook@pelicancove.org
Paula Cook has over 20 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience, management/business building experience, and creative expertise. On the commercial side, she has built up 2 businesses (in design and event services) and is adept at running a successful organization.
Her passion for working with non-profits began just after college when she got involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego. The desire to use her talents to help non-profit organizations has only grown, leading her to play significant roles to aid healthcare, education and the arts. Since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego, Paula has been an active volunteer with two art- based non-profits, Inner City Arts and Art of Elysium.
Paula received her B.A degree, in Art With a minor in Psychology from San Diego State University. In her free time, Paula enjoys hiking the many trails in Los Angeles, creating mixed media paintings, and spending time with her family (husband Steve, teenage boys Nate & Jake, dogs Thunder & Kansas).
KEvin Graves,LMFT
Clinical Director
kgraves@pelicancove.org
"Bridging is the work of opening the gate to the stranger, within and without” (Anzaldúa, 2013).
Kevin Graves (they/he), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is Pelican Cove’s new Clinical Director. Kevin matriculated from LaGuardia to Columbia University (B.A. in Psychology, magna cum laude, Truman & Fulbright finalist), completing their clinical internship at the Gender & Family Project at Ackerman Institute (whose faculty include Esther Perel) supporting transgender/gender diverse (TGD) children/adolescents and their supports (parents, siblings, teachers). They then worked as an NIH grant-funded fellow coordinating HIV and substance use research at Columbia University Medical Center. Kevin completed their M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy (magna cum laude, Topping & AHEC fellowships) at the University of Southern California, where they supported student-athletes around anxiety, depression, and learning challenges as a tutor (Spanish and Psychology) and Assistant Learning Specialist. They fulfilled their traineeship at Pelican Cove Counseling Centers and associateships at Meridian Counseling and CARE-LA.
Kevin enjoys and has worked extensively with adults, couples, parents/caregivers, and adolescents/young adults in navigating neurodivergence (ADHD, autism), anxiety, OCD, mood disorders (depression, bipolar), PTSD, and relationship stress. They identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and queer affirming. Kevin tailors treatment to meet clients where they are, drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, and postmodern therapies.
Kevin has DJed for Madonna and remixed Adele and Sia. They enjoy making music, tutoring Spanish, writing, being a guncle, sunset hikes, and advocating for equity.
Reference: Anzaldúa, G., & Keating, A. (Eds.). (2013). this bridge we call home: radical visions for transformation (1st ed.). Routledge.
Nicole Schiller,
LEAD therapist
nschiller@pelicancove.org
Welcome, welcome, welcome! I am Nicole Schiller, a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Pelican Cove. My undergraduate work was in Child Development, and I am completing a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
I commend the courage and curiosity it takes to initiate one’s mental health journey! I’m so glad you are here. I believe that each person is unique, with gifts and challenges that deserve to be honored, explored, and tended to with therapeutic modalities best suited to the individual. I will offer deep acceptance, compassion, and empathy while we work together to support your growth toward an authentic and wholehearted life. I look forward to being a fellow traveler on your path as we face life’s difficult questions together.
Whether your history includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, abuse, complex interpersonal relationship dynamics, confidence, or identity challenges, I provide a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment where you can feel safe to bring your story forward. I would be honored to work with you to explore your unique inner world.
Megan Healey,LEAD Therapist
mhealey@pelicancove.org
Hello, I’m Megan Healey, and I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee working on my master’s in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Before studying counseling I was a writer and professor. I chose to take this new path in part because I loved supporting my students in shaping their personal stories, and I wanted to explore this experience off the page, in everyday life. While my work as a therapist is informed by many things - my own life’s journey, my education, my clinical work - I treat each client like they are brand new. You are an original, and I will do my best to hold space for the complexity of your story, your feelings, and your needs.
Our identities are shaped by a variety of intersecting parts, and I believe in a therapeutic practice that acknowledges culture, community, and history. With this in mind, I strive to maintain an inclusive, identity-affirming, and anti-oppressive environment where clients can feel truly safe and heard.
Stevie Weinstein-Foner, Therapist
sweinsteinfoner@pelicancove.org
Hello! My name is Stevie Weinstein-Foner and I'm a trainee here at Pelican Cove. I'm currently pursuing an MA in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I have always been interested in understanding myself and others through deep inquiry, empathy, and curiosity. I wear many hats - I've been a musician, an artist, a yoga and meditation teacher, and recently I became a father.
I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow, change, and invite more space into their lives. I know that it can be daunting to begin therapy, but I hope that together we can explore who you are, where you have been, where you want to go, and who you hope to become. I want to offer my clients a compassionate, peaceful space to explore what's coming up for them, while remaining curious about how we can engage more fully in our lives and our process of healing and transformation. I look forward to meeting you and learning about the unique gifts and challenges that make you who you are.
Chloe Fuller
(she/they),
Therapist
cfuller@pelicancove.org
Hi there! I’m Chloe, a clinical trainee at Pelican Cove, currently studying Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Born and raised in California, I am a queer musician, visual artist, and activist. In addition to my own journey in therapy, my work as a mentor for teens, community organizer, and hospice volunteer inspired my passion for mental health and collective liberation.
My goal is to empower you to explore your authentic self and nurture what fulfills you. Whether you're facing challenges related to identity, emotional well-being, or creative expression, I'm here to help you discover your resilience and capacity for change. While I am enthusiastic to support all populations, I am especially interested in body acceptance, LGBTQIA+ issues, creativity, expressive arts, healing activist burnout, and supporting adolescents.
Navigating your healing journey can be exciting and overwhelming. The road can feel long and winding. Therapy offers an opportunity for someone to join you as a fellow traveler. Having someone to listen, reflect, and process with can make all the difference.
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” - bell hooks
Lea Nava (she/her/hers), Therapist
lnava@pelicancove.org
Hi there! I'm Lea, a Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee with Pelican Cove Counseling Center and I would love to work with you.
Currently, I'm pursuing my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus on trauma at Pacific Oaks College. My journey in mental health began during my tumultuous teen years and has since blossomed into a profound passion. I have a need to learn and understand people, and I hope I can bring some of that energy to you.
Having earned my B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, I'm dedicated to providing a safe haven for individuals considering therapy. I understand the apprehension that can accompany seeking help, but I assure you, the journey toward healing is immensely rewarding.
I am passionate about working with you to address the many issues that life can throw at us, including depression, anxiety, grief & loss, trauma, self-esteem issues and self-exploration, and narcissistic abuse recovery & awareness. I seek to provide therapy from a culturally aware and sensitive lens. I am dedicated to empowering self-identifying women of color to find their voices and thrive authentically. Additionally, I strive to cultivate a nurturing environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, fostering connection, advocacy, and support to enhance our collective sense of belonging.
My mission is simple: to offer a judgement-free, stigma-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.
Together, we'll navigate your mental health journey, tailoring our approach to meet your unique needs. My ultimate goal is to guide you toward embracing your authentic self with confidence.
Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of accompanying you on this transformative path. Let's embark on this journey together!
Natalie beltran, therapist
nbeltran@pelicancove.org
Hello and welcome to Pelican Cove! I'm Natalie, a therapist trainee dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your world more deeply. My approach to therapy is rooted in warmth, curiosity, and empathy. I’m here to help you navigate whatever comes your way.
As a first-generation Mexican-American, I'm passionate about multicultural issues and the unique stories of first and second-generation immigrants. I'm currently pursuing my M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at the California School of Professional Psychology. I believe in the importance of honoring your uniqueness and the experiences that make you who you are and keeping this in mind in my therapeutic approach.
My interest was ignited by my own life-changing experiences with therapy. I take a psychodynamic approach, which means we’ll work towards helping you understand how your past has shaped your present life and can steer your future. But above all, my commitment is to meeting you where you are and addressing your specific needs with care and respect. Starting therapy can feel daunting, but I'm here to meet you with acceptance, patience, and a splash of humor as you take the plunge. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. Let’s navigate this path together.
Natalia Smith-Martinez
nsmith-martinez@pelicancove.org
Hi, my name is Natalia Smith-Martinez and I’m a therapist in training specializing in depth psychology and the imaginal. The reason I do this work is to help people heal and find meaning in their lives. Together, I would be honored to aid in exploring your inner world on your path towards self-discovery. My approach to therapy is to connect with one another around your passions, wounds, and aspirations in order to understand yourself and feel more whole.
I specialize in life transitions, important developmental thresholds, kids and adolescents, families, and people who have experienced trauma. I am a yoga teacher and artist and I bring in some meditative and somatic exercises to my work, as well as creative expression. In identifying patterns and understand our own natural cycles, we can work to be at harmony with our deeper needs and our own ancestry.
Mari Orkenyi, Therapist
MOrkenyi@pelicancove.org
Hello and welcome! My name is Mariana, though you’re welcome to call me Mari. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Pelican Cove, currently completing my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Before embarking on this path, I trained in Contemplative Psychotherapy at the Nalanda Institute, where I developed expertise in mindfulness and compassion practices. This background informs a more embodied, somatic approach to my work. I also hold a Master’s degree in Arts from the International University of Barcelona and am a Certified Mindfulness Teacher through the Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation.
Originally from Brazil, I have lived in Mexico City and Spain, and my identity as a Latina immigrant deeply informs my perspective. I approach therapy with a multicultural lens, driven by a genuine curiosity and commitment to understanding each individual in their full complexity.
I am especially passionate about supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, self-exploration, and life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is a space for transformation, connection, and presence—a collaborative journey of discovery.
Grounded in a psychodynamic approach, I aim to explore how past experiences influence your present, offering insights to deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationships. Together, we will work to heal old wounds, identify new possibilities, and foster a deeper connection with your authentic self and others.
I look forward to walking alongside you on this meaningful path.
Kristine Hren Moe, Therapist
khrenmoe@pelicancove.org
Hi! I am Kristine, a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee here at Pelican Cove Counseling Center. I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families on their journeys toward healing and self-discovery while expanding my knowledge and honing my therapeutic skills under the supervision of licensed and experienced professionals.
I believe everyone has the resilience and strength to live a fulfilled life, and therapy is a tool to recognize this inner strength. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, or unresolved experiences, my goal is to guide you on a journey of self-exploration, empowerment, and transformation in a safe, compassionate, collaborative, and dynamic space. Using a psychodynamic and growth-mindset approach, we will examine how past experiences have shaped your present circumstances to help you better understand yourself and your relationships and provide a framework for positive growth. Through this collaborative journey, you will work to heal past wounds, identify new opportunities, and connect more deeply with your authentic self and others.
As a first-generation American, I understand the duality of being a member of more than one culture. I strive to bring a culturally attuned perspective into the conversation while affirming your unique values and strengths. I hold a Master of Professional Writing degree and am completing a Master of Science in Marriage and Family from the University of Southern California (USC). I live in Los Angeles and love to hike on the weekends and breathe in the beauty of the nature that surrounds us.
I welcome you on this journey of deep exploration and transformation! Please reach out to schedule a session.