Our Team
Alison Eder, AMFT, Executive director
aeder@pelicancove.org
Alison has always been curious about what shapes human behavior. Early in her career, that curiosity showed up through the lens of society, technology, and the systems that influence how people live and work. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she became interested in the structures and forces that shape human behavior on a larger scale.
Over time, that curiosity shifted inward. She became less focused on how systems shape groups of people and more interested in the internal systems that shape each of us: What drives our choices? How do our experiences influence the way we see ourselves and others? And what makes lasting change possible?
These questions led Alison to pursue her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and ultimately to a dual role as Executive Director and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Pelican Cove Counseling Center.
As Executive Director of Pelican Cove Counseling Center, she leads with the conviction that the systems influencing our lives can be understood, questioned, and transformed. This includes the internal systems that shape how we see ourselves and others, as well as the larger systems that determine who has access to care.
Soni Monroe gibbons, Psy.D.,
Clinical Director
skmonroe@pelicancove.org
Founder of PCCC, Soni Monroe Gibbons, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and Founder/Director of Crossroads Institute, a multi-disciplinary group practice with offices and LA and Orange counties. She is dedicated to teaching and training, and was a clinical supervisor at Harbor-UCLA, providing supervision and training to Child Psychiatry Fellows, and was an associate adjunct professor at University of Southern California’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Dr. Gibbons has presented regionally and nationally to mental health professionals as well as being published in peer reviewed journals. She serves as an expert witness on mental health concerns for civil and criminal cases.
senna kassab (she/her/hers), therapist
senna.kassab@pelicancove.org
Hello! Thank you for prioritizing yourself today. My name is Senna, and I am a therapist trainee currently in Alliant’s clinical psychology PhD program. I am passionate about mental health, and I would be honored to accompany you in your healing journey.
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and being Middle Eastern has shaped my identity and shown me the complexities of feeling othered. Whether you want to work on self-acceptance, feeling stuck, or finding peace despite life’s complexities, I want to be there to join you on your path.
I know that as a therapist, I am fully committed to helping you feel understood and comfortable in your own skin. I’m looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you!
Shalini bathina, Therapist
shalini.bathina@pelicancove.org
Hello! My name is Shalini Bathina, and I am a therapist trainee at Pelican Cove Counseling Center. I am currently pursuing my M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I am training in a variety of therapeutic modalities with a particular interest in depth oriented psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Through extensive dyad work and clinical training, I’ve come to understand the importance of the relationship between the therapist and client. I intend to foster a safe and intentional space where clients feel seen and understood.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade working as an actress, dancer, and storyteller. These experiences shaped my appreciation for multicultural perspectives, creativity, and the depth of each person’s unique story. My approach is grounded in person-centered values, trusting that you are the expert on your own life. I hope to offer a space where you feel safe enough to be curious about yourself. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, empathy and respect, honoring your lived experience while supporting your journey of healing and expansion. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, whether that means staying with what’s present or exploring the deeper stories that continue to shape your life.
andrew rodriguez (He/they),
Therapist
andrew.rodriguez@pelicancove.org
It is wonderful to connect with you. My name is Andrew Rodriguez and I am one of the therapist trainees at Pelican Cove counseling center. I am a third year student at Alliant International University in pursuit of my PhD in Clinical Psychology and I have been able to gain valuable research and clinical experience within the fields of aesthetic self-expression, cross-cultural and multicultural individuals and clinical work involving individuals, couples, and families. I have been trained in CBT, differentiation psychology, and more.
My goal within therapeutic practice is to provide you with a space where you are allowed to grow in your own self-understanding and development and be able to be seen and heard. I follow a person-centered approach which allows me to put the client's identities at the forefront and honor how these shape the way they view, think, and perceive the world around them. My previous work in creative spaces allows me to gain an understanding that each individual offers something incredibly unique to the world around them and that everyone is a powerful and sacred being.
Krystle Richardson, Therapist
krystle.richardson@pelicancove.org
Everyone has a story, and I believe every story deserves to be heard with compassion rather than judgment. Whether you’re carrying anxiety, navigating a difficult season, or simply looking for a space where you can be your authentic self, therapy can be a place to slow down, breathe, and begin making sense of it all.
Hi, I'm Krystle Richardson, a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Pelican Cove Counseling Center. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand firsthand the importance of feeling seen, safe, and accepted — and I bring that same commitment to creating an affirming space for every client I work with. My passion for therapy comes from a deep curiosity about people's stories and a belief that every person deserves a space where they can show up exactly as they are, without fear of judgment.
My experience working with children and families in behavioral health has shown me that growth is not linear and it doesn’t happen through perfection; it happens through connection, compassion, and feeling understood. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, collaborative environment where we can explore your experiences, celebrate your strengths, and work through life’s challenges together.
It would be an honor to be part of your journey.
Maximus ochniak (he/him/his), therapist
maximus.ochniak@pelicancove.org
Hello! My name is Maximus and I am a therapist trainee here at Pelican Cove. I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks College, with a specialization in Trauma Studies. My approach integrates elements of Psychodynamic, Jungian, and Humanistic theories of therapy into an empathetic, and collaborative approach. Healing can sometimes be a confusing, and disorienting experience. Together we can explore the threads connecting life experiences and challenges to unseen dynamics running under the surface of conscious-awareness.
minh phan
(she/her), Therapist
minh.phan@pelicancove.org
Hi, I'm Minh. I'm a therapist trainee pursuing my PsyD at Alliant International University, and I grew up in Vietnam, which means I've spent much of my life learning how to bridge cultures, languages, and ways of understanding the world. That lived experience of navigating between two worlds informs everything about how I show up in the therapy room. I'm fully fluent in Vietnamese and warmly welcome clients who want to be heard in their native language, because some feelings only make sense in the words you grew up with. My path to Pelican Cove took me through crisis counseling and case management in outpatient community mental health facilities, and I worked with both youth and older adults. Those roles taught me how to hold space for people in some of their most overwhelming moments. They have also deepened my belief that what heals people isn't just technique, it's connection. In our work together, I'll help you slow down and get curious about the patterns that quietly run your life such as how you relate to yourself, to others, and to the stories you've been carrying. No agenda, no rushing. Just honest, grounded conversation that actually goes somewhere.
vanessa Nazarian
,
therapist
vanessa.nazarian@pelicancove.org
Hello! I'm Vanessa, a therapist trainee currently pursuing my PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University. During my clinical training, I've worked with adolescents and adults in both individual and group therapy, provided crisis support, and completed psychological assessments. Although these experiences have all shaped me as a clinician, what I value most is the opportunity to connect with people through individual therapy. I believe meaningful growth begins with feeling understood and accepted. My goal is to create a space where you can speak openly, reflect on your experiences, and better understand how your relationships, emotions, and life experiences have shaped who you are today. Together, we'll work toward greater self-awareness, healing, and lasting change in a way that feels thoughtful, collaborative, and supportive.
Mindy Hu, Therapist
mindy.hu@pelicancove.org
Sometimes the life we’ve built no longer feels fully our own. We may feel stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from ourselves, even when everything seems “fine” on the outside. I offer a space to pause, reflect, and begin listening inward again.
Hi, I’m Mindy Hu, a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Pelican Cove. Before pursuing therapy, I spent over a decade living and working abroad in the business world. That experience taught me that few of us find our path on the first try, and that self-discovery is often an ongoing journey.
I provide a thoughtful, collaborative space for adults, children, and families exploring who they are and how they want to live. Together, we’ll examine what has shaped you and support you in finding the clarity and confidence to move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful. Sessions are available in English and Mandarin.
Maris Berzins, Therapist
maris.berzins@pelicancove.org
I am currently in my second year of the Counseling Psychology master’s program at Pacifica Graduate Institute. What draws me to this work is the uniqueness and complexity of each person’s experience, and the ways we seek meaning and connection in our lives. I believe there is a resilience and wisdom within each of us, and feel honored to accompany clients as they explore their inner worlds.
My approach is informed by Jungian and psychodynamic perspectives, and by an interest in what lies beneath the surface of our everyday experience. I bring that same spirit of curiosity, along with genuineness and openness, to my work with clients. My goal is to help people connect with different parts of themselves and discover a deeper sense of wholeness.
Hannah landswick (she/her/hers), Operations intern
hannah.landswick@pelicancove.org
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I'm a recent graduate of the University of Oregon, having earned a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. I'm currently in my gap year before pursuing graduate school in a therapy or counseling-related program. I'm passionate about mental health and helping people navigate the stress of everyday life.
I have a particular interest in athlete and sports mental health — breaking down the stigma around it and encouraging more open dialogue between athletes and athletic organizations. I'm also motivated to expand access to quality mental health resources and improve education on this topic across the athletic community.
Outside of my mental health work, you can find me spending time with friends (or my cat, Dewey). I'm a big fan of all kinds of sports (including Oregon Football — Go Ducks!), and I spend my free time reading or getting outside. Music is another big one for me — I’ve got a playlist for just about every one of my moods, and my taste spans a variety of genres. Some of my favorite artists include Noah Kahan, 5 Seconds of Summer, & Niall Horan.