Mental Health and Wellness Services

Colby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience working in an array of Community Mental Health settings throughout the Sacramento area. Supporting students in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, past traumas, and adjusting to ever-changing situations are her current areas of focus. She has been with Los Rios for five years and provides in-person sessions on the CRC campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and virtual sessions to students across the district. Colby utilizes short-term solution-focused interventions to work towards emotional and mental stability through goals identified by the student. Colby's experience and skills gained over the years greatly support the diverse populations within our Los Rios community, and on our campuses. Colby identifies as an ally to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

Mychi and family, along with 178 other people, escaped Vietnam in a cargo boat in March 1987. She lived in Malaysia and Philippines refugee camps as a teenager for over a year. Since their arrival in America in 1988, Mychi's parents reminded their five children that it is important to work hard and get a college education to have a better life than theirs.

Mychi is the first person in her family to attend college, specifically American River College in the early 90s. She utilized support and campus resources – such as the Learning Resource Center and the Counseling Center – and completed her general education. Mychi then transferred to California State University of Sacramento, completed her bachelor's degree in psychology, earned a master's degree in social work, and became a licensed clinical social worker.

Mychi has extensive experience in providing mental health services to children, adults, and families from a culturally diverse population and communities with low levels of care to high needs. Mychi strongly believes mental health is as important as physical health, and she is very passionate about providing a safe space for individuals to voice their struggles, gain insight, learn skills to balance emotions, improve relationships, manage stress, process trauma, grief, and loss to reduce psychological suffering. Mychi considers herself an integrated mental health therapist and uses different evidence-based practices, such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Mychi is currently serve students at the ARC campus, and she attempts to customize her clinical skills to meet each student's needs and support them to move forward with their academic goals.

My name is Natalie Studzinski. I have a master's degree in science in clinical psychology and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I have been working in the field of mental health for over 10 years. My approach is eclectic and holistic, drawing from various styles best suited for each individual. My passion is to support individuals who are struggling by normalizing their experiences and teaching them ways to accept their current selves by identifying their values and goals, uncovering their potential, and finding happiness.

Hello, my name is Kofi Adjepong, and I am currently a third-year doctoral student. I operate with the mindset, "Where we start is not where we need to finish." Our life experiences are our superpowers, and I am here to help people identify their strengths. I am passionate about increasing mental health awareness and destigmatizing the idea of therapy. Whether you are struggling with stress, depression, relationship difficulties, etc., or just want a space to vent, allow therapy to be that space. I am committed to helping others and creating unique relationships with each client. I have a particular interest in working with underserved and under-supported communities. I have a history of playing sports and advocating for others and am looking forward to gaining new experiences here at Los Rios.

Patrick obtained his undergraduate degree in social work at California State University in Sacramento. Areas of support include individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Patrick is passionate about understanding students' life experiences and supporting them in overcoming challenges toward success. Patrick currently attends graduate school at Walden University as well as Sacramento City College to finish his sociology degree. He aspires to continue to work with college students toward graduation goals. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys both tabletop and computer gaming, as well as going to the movies.

Hello, my name is Marlen Mendez Garcia, and I am currently a third-year doctoral student at California Northstate University. As we move through different stages of life, I know that we can encounter obstacles that can prevent us from being the best version of ourselves. My goal is to be able to work with you to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be free to express yourself, all while assisting you in developing tools to cope with those unexpected challenges. I am passionate about working with individuals on issues such as life transitions, grief, and bereavement. I am also passionate about working with those struggling with cultural issues, especially in the Latinx/e community, and can provide services in English and Spanish. In my free time, I enjoy listening to various genres of music, watching dramas/anime, traveling, and spending time with family. Please know that we are all human and it is okay to ask for help or just to talk out our thoughts. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you!

Hello! My name is Yama Sultani and I am a Mental Health Intern at Folsom Lake College. Currently, I am in my third year as a doctoral clinical psychology student at California Northstate University. I grew up in Elk Grove, CA, and relocated to Folsom a few years ago. A couple of fun facts about me, I have a three-year-old Shih Tzu named Aryo, and I am an avid Sacramento Kings Fan.

I am a current third-year PsyD student, pursuing my degree in Clinical Psychology. I live by the notion, “In the world full of darkness be the light that shines through”. I am passionate about removing the stigma surrounding therapy and helping individuals strive to be the change that they want to see in the world. As a former collegiate athlete obtaining a degree in Sociology and Psychology, I have a career interest in working with underserved communities and student-athletes. I thrive off the connections made with others and have a passion for helping individuals adopt new ways of dealing with their personal experiences. Whether you just want a safe place to talk or seek support in dealing with depression, anxiety, childhood traumas, etc., I am willing and able to be of support in your journey.

Sandra is an Egyptian American doctoral student. She was born and raised in Portsaid, Egypt, and moved to New Jersey, USA in 2013 with her family. Sandra moved to California in 2021 to pursue her master's and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at California Northstate University. She is fluent in both Arabic and English with moderate Turkish and can provide services in these languages. Sandra believes that mental health is extremely important, not only can it affect our day-to-day lives, but it can also have an impact on our physical health. She hopes to be able to provide support and care to students and allow them to express themselves and grow.

Hello! My name is Kayla Cha. I am a First-Generation Hmong American and am bilingual in English and Hmong. I have experience in behavioral health and youth development. From Sacramento City College, I received my A.A. before transferring to UC Merced to obtain my B.A. in Psychology and am currently in a graduate program for counseling psychology. I am passionate about promoting mental health and advocating for student equity while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. I truly believe that the resources and support we are given through our academic journeys can help pave the path to success. I am committed to being empathetic and compassionate while serving as a Mental Health Advocate to support the diverse populations on our campuses. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors with my family and playing the guitar.

Hi, my name is Dana and I am excited to serve as the Mental Health Advocate for the Los Rios students! I graduated with my BA in psychology from UC Davis, and I have experience providing direct mental health services, and in neuropsychological research. I have a passion for humanistic and client-centered mental health work and look forward to a more empathetic and equitable future. During my time away from work I enjoy being in nature and spending time with my cat, Sparkle.

Welcome! My name is Teresa Juarez and I go by Tjay. I am super excited to be the Mental Health Advocate at ARC! I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I have my Bachelor's in Sociology from California State University, Sacramento. I have 6.5 years of experience working in the mental health field with children, teens, adults, and their families. I am passionate about breaking the stigmas of mental health and barriers to getting mental health services. Some of the most difficult parts of getting support for our mental health are asking for help, accepting help, and navigating the mental health system and resources available. Just know if you are feeling overwhelmed or don't know where to get started, you are not alone. That's where I come in! I am more than happy to assist you with navigating the mental health and wellness resources available. When I am not at work you'll find me in nature, listening to music/podcasts, reading, appreciating small business artists, exploring, or spending time with my loved ones. I look forward to meeting you!