MEET THE
Willowbrooks Behavioral Health Team
Our team of highly trained, compassionate therapists is ready to support you through individualized therapy and therapeutic assessment services.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Willowbrooks Behavioral Health was founded in 2018 by Dr. Kesjana Cake and Dr. Leili Zarbakhsh with a focus on assessing and treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and has since grown into a thriving team of therapists ready to support you, your child, or your relationship.
Dr. Kesjana Cake
Co-founder, executive director
Hi! I’m Dr. Kesjana Cake - a licensed clinical psychologist who’s committed her career to understanding and supporting the human brain, psyche, and soul.
My passion is helping others realize their hopes and dreams, and uncover their strengths. I take a somewhat eclectic approach to therapy, believing that a positive relationship between client and therapist is THE thing that helps bring about positive change. I’m consistently inspired by my clients and their ability to navigate through the stressors of life, and genuinely honored to have the privilege of supporting them while they do so.
Throughout my therapy career, I’ve worked with clients of all ages, in all settings (from private practice to inpatient care), and focused my research on supporting families of children diagnosed with autism and related disorders.
As the Executive Director at Willowbrooks Behavioral Health, I oversee the psycho-diagnostic and psychotherapy tracks and all other clinical services. I’m proud to provide meaningful support to our clients, and to empower our therapy team to do the same. No matter where you are in life, there is a place for you to find support here.
Dr. Leili Zarbakhsh
Co-founder, executive director
Hello! I’m Dr. Leili Zarbakhsh - child/marriage/family therapist, behavioral analyst, and educational psychologist with a career spanning over three decades.
Since founding Willowbrooks Behavioral Health in 2018, I have continued leading our therapy team in providing not just innovative mental health support, but therapeutic assessments for diagnosis and other testing purposes.
My career efforts and work have been largely dedicated to helping children with autism and their families navigate the ups and downs of their diagnoses and lives. This has included co-founding initiatives such as the California PsychCare, and serving as a School Psychologist for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Beyond my work in hands-on therapy settings, I have also published several research pieces focusing on topics like Awareness Integration Theory and its therapeutic impact on anxiety and depression. I am truly committed to supporting psychological well-being for people of all ages and stages of life, tying together my love for therapy and commitment to furthering our field through research.
OUR CLINICAL TEAM
Dr. Lindsay Wray
Clinical PSYCHOLOGIST
Sheava Rahimi
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Dr. Michelle Evans
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Lindsay Wray
Clinical PSYCHOLOGIST
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Sheava Rahimi
liCENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I have been working in the mental health field for over 14 years, providing individual, couples, and family therapy. Initially, I had the opportunity to use elements of music and movement to assist children with Autism to communicate their needs through sound and sensory stimulation, which then led me into the field of psychology. A large portion of my work is dedicated to providing psychotherapy to address trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance abuse. For further depth and breadth in therapy modalities, I also obtained certification in hypnotherapy, and trained in over five evidence-based therapeutic models, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Multi-Adaptive Psychotherapy, Positive Parenting Psychotherapy, Seeking Safety, and Crisis-Oriented Recovery Services. I also worked as the Director of Clinical Services for 360 Behavioral Health in Vista, CA, providing ABA services for clients with Autism and other developmental disorders. I believe that each individual is uniquely grappling with their own life challenges, yet, with the same ultimate goal of self-fulfillment. Thus, I incorporate a multitude of techniques to fit one’s specific needs to reach ones potential for emotional, mental, and spiritual awakening.
Dr. Michelle Evans
Clinical PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Michelle L. Evans is a highly skilled clinical psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst with extensive experience in psychodiagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and applied behavior analysis. She holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a Master of Science in Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Evans has been a dedicated member of Willowbrooks Behavioral Health since 2019, where she provides comprehensive psychological services, including psychological evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Evans is proficient in conducting functional behavior assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing therapeutic interventions for a wide range of psychological and behavioral issues. She is committed to enhancing the well-being of her clients through evidence-based practices and compassionate care.
Dr. Ebrahim Sadeghi
Clinical PSYCHOLOGIST
Belen Guillen
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Mars McRae
PSYCHological Assistant
Dr. Ebrahim Sadeghi
Clinical PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Ebrahim Sadeghi is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over two decades of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. His career began in school psychology, working with students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, before expanding into clinical practice. Throughout his career, Dr. Sadeghi has been dedicated to both direct client care and the mentorship of future clinicians, supervising interns from Loma Linda University and Argosy University.
With a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each client, Dr. Sadeghi integrates a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Psychology, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, and Existential Therapy. He believes that no single method fits all and tailors his approach to meet each client’s specific needs.
For the past two and a half years, Dr. Sadeghi has been a valued member of Willowbrooks Behavioral Health, where he conducts psychological assessments.
Belen Guillen
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Belen Guillen is a bilingual (English – Spanish) licensed marriage and family therapist. She has been practicing psychotherapy since she graduated college with a master’s in psychology in 2004, at University of Buenos Aires - Argentina. Since then, she has provided psychological screening and therapy for hundreds of adult individuals, struggling with a wide range of disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, as well as personality disorders, issues related to infidelity, domestic violence, grief and loss, separation from loved ones and dislocation. Her approach is psychoanalytically oriented with a focus on patients learning about themselves by exploring their interactions in the therapeutic relationship. Belen’s approach is eclectic combining aspects of different psychological theories like cognitive therapy, parenting skills development, attachment therapy, to name a few.
Mars McRae
PSYCHological Assistant
As a clinician, my primary focus is on administering comprehensive psychological evaluations for developmental delays such as autism, ADHD, and other conditions. These assessments are crucial in understanding each client's unique needs and tailoring interventions that foster their development and well-being.
In addition to my specialization in evaluations, I provide mental health therapy in a space where individuals of all identities can be their authentic selves, with a particular emphasis on serving the LGBTQIA+ community and issues related to gender expression. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, built upon a depth-oriented relational framework. We explore interpersonal dynamics, existential themes, and immediate experiences, with a keen interest in personally meaningful images, stories, memories, language, and dreams. This exploration helps illuminate the nature of one’s current circumstances and distinctive identity.
Whether you are seeking support for immediate symptoms, navigating gender identity, or interested in deeper existential questions, I am committed to collaborating with you to create a safe and nurturing environment for your psychological growth.
Dr. Kima Taheri
PsychOLOGICAL Assistant
Dr. Mark Downey
PsychOLOGICAL Assistant
Aunice Reed
ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Dr. Kima Taheri
PSYCHological Assistant
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Dr. Mark Downey
PSYCHological Assistant
Dr. Mark Downey is a registered psychological associate who combines psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based practices to help people achieve greater self-awareness and emotional freedom. Drawing from his training in depth-oriented talk therapy, mindfulness, and ecotherapy, Dr. Mark approaches therapy holistically, attending to the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person’s experience.
With a deep belief that each person has an inner healing wisdom, his work focuses on helping people uncover hidden parts of themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their patterns in relationships, emotions, and life experiences. Dr. Mark’s integrative approach blends Jungian, psychoanalytic, and experiential parts work with body-based modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through this compassionate exploration, he supports clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves, finding more meaning, joy, and a sense of belonging within the rhythms of life.
Dr. Mark believes that therapy is a collaborative process, and that the most important part of healing is feeling understood and supported. His goal is to help you uncover life-giving authenticity and tap into your inner capacity for growth and self-healing. Whether you are looking to address longstanding emotional patterns or navigate life transitions, Dr. Mark provides a nurturing space for you to explore, heal, and thrive.
Aunice Reed
Associate Marriage and family therapist
Aunice Yvonne Reed, M.S., M.A., AMFT is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist interning at Willowbrooks Behavioral Health. She has worked in a variety of mental health care settings, including non-profit clinics, addiction treatment settings, private practice and community mental health agencies. She is experienced in working with children, teens, young adults, families, couples and individuals. She has a special interest in working with children, teens and young adults.
She uses Client-Centered Therapy as her foundational approach. Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, 12-Step, LGBTQIA+-Affirming, Mindfulness and Meditation, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy are some of the additional treatment approaches she uses in her work with clients.
"My main objective as a clinician is to establish a strong, therapeutic connection with my clients. I strive to empower them with effective coping skills, helping them accomplish and maintain lasting, meaningful change that extends well beyond our time working together."- Aunice Reed
Educational Information:
Aunice has a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling degree and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy degree. She is WPATH-trained.
Spending time with family and friends, as well as playing with the family cats are what Aunice enjoys doing most in her leisure time. Reading, drawing, talking with friends, volunteering at the local animal shelter and wildlife center, decorating her home, listening to movie soundtracks and opera, hiking, traveling and watching movies are her most favorite pastimes.
Veronica Reyes
ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Serena Bella
ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Kwane Lee-Johnson
ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Veronica Reyes
Associate Marriage and family therapist
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Serena Bella
Associate Marriage and family therapist
My name is Serena and I am thrilled to be a part of the Willowbrooks family as an associate marriage and family therapist. As a trauma-informed clinician, I create a warm, open, and nonjudgmental space where you can comfortably explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe that meaningful change happens when we uncover the unconscious motivations and patterns that drive us, often beneath our awareness. By bringing these insights to light, we can better understand how they shape your relationships, behaviors, and sense of self. The approach I provide is integrative, drawing from multiple modalities and theoretical frameworks to tailor our work to your unique needs. My goal is to help you connect the dots in your life while fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of your inner world at your pace, building a therapeutic relationship rooted in trust, empathy, and curiosity.
Kwane Lee Johnson
Associate Marriage and family therapist
Kawne Lee-Johnson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) at Willowbrooks Behavioral Health, where they provide services for all ages, with a passion of working with adolescents to help them navigate life's challenges and build strong, healthy relationships. Kawne is committed to creating safe and empowering space for growth and healing. Outside of work Kawne enjoys spending time with family, travelling and is a dedicated dog lover. Music also plays a big role in their life offering both relaxation and Inspiration.
Shaghayegh Mazaherian
ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Brook Gibbs
PRACTICUM STUDENT
Celeste Yoakum
PRACTICUM STUDENT
Shaghayegh Mazaherian
Associate Marriage and family therapist
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Brook Gibbs
PRACTICUM STUDENT
Brooke Gibbs is a second-year doctoral student. She brings a diverse professional background, including experience as a data analyst and as a neuroengineering coach assisting clients with brain optimization treatments. She has conducted research on mental health and technology, focusing on depression and stroke recovery, and has presented her findings at national conferences. Brooke is committed to evidence-based practice and compassionate care in her clinical work. She is passionate about leveraging her research and clinical expertise to improve outcomes for individuals with diverse psychological and neurocognitive needs. In her free time you can find her camping, running, cycling, and spending time with her husband, friends, and family.
Celeste Yoakum
PRACTICUM STUDENT
Hi there! My name is Celeste and I am a practicum student pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology. When working with clients, my goal is to provide a space where they feel truly heard and understood. I aim to approach each client with warmth, empathy, and kindness. I place great value on the diversity of clients and strive to apply a holistic lens in order to understand what makes each client unique. I believe that wellness comes from harmony of mind, body, and spirit, and I enjoy helping clients integrate all aspects of well-being. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you.
