Grace M. Goodman, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist (PSY 28905)
I have been on the Institute team for a little over two months, and in that time I have already gotten to work alongside an inspiring and effective group of clinicians, as well as with a wonderfully hope-filled, indefatigable group of clients and their families! It is my joy and honor to journey with clients as they develop their inner strengths, explore their multifaceted identity, and learn to navigate their diverse environments with resilience, compassion, and wisdom.
My specialties include empowering girls and women to live a life that is more closely aligned with their values by not getting “hooked” by painful thoughts and feelings. I frequently utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a relatively new form of therapy which helps clients relate differently to their anxious feelings, depressed mood, worrying mind, and self-defeating behaviors. ACT is also particularly helpful for clients who may struggle with perfectionism, imposter syndrome, social anxiety, and the intersections of their individual, familial, and sociocultural identities and values. I also draw heavily from liberation psychology and have a strong interest in working with LGBTQ2IA youth, people of color, and other marginalized groups.
If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact our intake coordinator at 626-585-8075, ext. 108. She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Dr. Goodman or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests.
Sushi Frausto, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #101031)
Greetings! I am so thrilled to tell you a little bit about myself. I am a Pasadena born and raised Marriage and Family Therapist. My practice is rooted in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, with a specialty in expressive art therapy.
I love getting to know people! Each one of us is unique and complex. Getting to know my clients well is crucial, so that I can offer an approach that works for them. This may include play, art, sensory motor techniques or the traditional talk therapy. Often I use a blend of therapeutic styles depending on what the goal of the work is. Most importantly I work in collaboration with clients and their families. We are part of a team and all bring valuable elements into the work.
Throughout my life I have participated in any creative endeavors I could find. These experiences have taught me skills much needed for my life’s journey. Through creative expression, I’ve learned skills such as self-awareness, empathy, the ability to connect to others, introspection, managing stress, using my voice, and so much more. Using multiple brain processes, the arts help these skills become more fully integrated into daily life. This is why I have added expressive art Therapy training to my therapist tool kit. I would love to tell you more about expressive art therapy.
The Institute for Girls’ Development’s focus on community education is something I greatly admire. We are all part of the systems we live in. Systems could mean families, schools, peer groups, neighborhoods, organizations and more. Educating these systems is the only way to make sure we are creating an environment where girls feel appreciated and supported for the vital role they have in our world. This is how we make a positive impact for generations to come. I am looking forward to being a part of that work!
If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact our intake coordinator at 626-585-8075, ext. 108. She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Sushi Frausto, MA or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests.
Tina Koeppel, MS, PCCI
California: Professional Clinical Counselor Intern (PCCI4426)
Supervised by Monica Valdivia-Aguilar, MA, LMFT (LMFT #41352)
New Jersey: Licensed Associate Counselor (License # 37AC00274900)
From the moment I stepped through the door at the Institute for Girls’ Development I knew that I belonged here! I love the atmosphere of empowerment and compassion cultivated at the Institute, and it brings me joy to be able to extend that same feeling to all of my clients. I come from a very client centered approach and believe it’s important to meet girls, women and families where they are at on their paths through life. In today’s society, women and girls face a lot of pressure and challenges that affect their wellbeing and ability to reach their full potential. As a partner in the therapeutic process, I enjoy using art, play, humor and exploration to help my clients navigate life’s challenges and discover and build upon their inner strengths.
I am passionate about assisting children and teens experiencing depression, anxiety and stress as well as those who have gone through traumatic events or the loss of a loved one. I specialize in the use of creative counseling techniques, which help my clients express themselves authentically, process emotions and events and helps facilitate positive change in their lives.
If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact our intake coordinator at 626-585-8075, ext. 108. She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Tina Koeppel, MS or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests.
Lillian Farzan, MMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#100172)
I feel honored to be working alongside such an inspiring and powerful group of clinicians here at the Institute for Girls’ Development. I rejoice upon reflecting on how my “girls can too” attitude as a child has manifested into important clinical work with girls, adolescents, and adults. The individuals I work with are often bombarded with societal messages telling them what they need to be, to look like, and to be apologetic or embarrassed regarding their natural gifts and human expressions. It can be difficult for girls and women to recognize their inner strengths and it is a joy to assist them as they develop and uncover authenticity, wisdom and inner resources.
My specialties include empowering individuals in self-care and relationships. I pride myself in being able to balance a level of playfulness along with professionalism with my younger girls as we explore big feelings and coping mechanisms through play. For teens and young women, it’s part of my everyday work to support them in building insight and skills for navigating identity development and self-love, decreasing anxiety and depression, and improving social relationships. I have a strong interest and experience in working with people of color, people identifying as LGBTQI+, and with survivors of trauma, including sexual trauma.
I strive towards building a space which honors the unique culture and individual experience of each of my clients. In this space, I support them to develop skills that facilitate a sense of empowerment and self-confidence. My goals include teaching individuals ways to be authentic, mindful and grounded in a world that often feels very fast-paced.
If you are interested in getting started in therapy, contact our intake coordinator at 626-585-8075, ext. 108. She will help in getting the process started and connect you with Lillian Farzan, MMFT or another preferred therapist for your needs and interests.
Paige Hobey, M.A.
Workshop and Community Outreach Director
I’m thrilled to be leading our community outreach efforts and workshop program. I’m passionate about the work we do helping girls, their families and their circles of community acquire the skills they need to build confidence, compassion and healthy relationships. My background includes teaching, marketing, communications and writing – with an emphasis on parenting issues and child development. At the Institute, I’m fortunate enough to work on projects ranging from writing curriculum and co-facilitating workshops to helping create our advertising and spreading the word about our offerings at conferences and local events.
In today’s world, it’s so important to help girls develop strong character, empathy, and conflict resolution skills –so they can approach life’s challenges with confidence and joy. We can help. Our workshops offer a fantastic opportunity for groups to come to the Institute and learn together in an interactive, fun environment. Girls acquire practical tools to turn friendship challenges into growth opportunities, become media savvy, create positive body images, de-stress in a pressured world, and more. I look forward to speaking with you about our community education programming – including our monthly group workshops, which are perfect for Girl Scout troops, our week-long summer workshops for girls in 3rd to 5th grades, and our training for teachers and mental health professionals. You can reach me at PHobey@IFGD.care or 626.585.8075, ext. 121.