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.
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.
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.
Richard Priest
Therapist
rpriest@pelicancove.org
Natalie mcdaniel
Therapist
nmcdaniel@pelicancove.org
Charley Gallay, Therapist
cgallay@pelicancove.org
Allison Eder, therapist
aeder@pelicancove.org
Joey Sheung, therapist
jsheung@pelicancove.org