Meet The Team

Pamela Alanis, the Support Services Manager, is a dedicated professional with a rich background in family support and case management. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Over the past nine years in Salt Lake County, Utah, Pamela has served as a Case Manager, Wraparound Facilitator, and Family Peer Support Professional. In her previous role as a Wraparound Facilitator, Pamela worked closely with youth, young adults, and their families, providing crucial support services. These services were centered around a strength-based approach to crisis stabilization, resource coordination, and the cultivation of natural supports. Pamela's dedication to her work was recognized in 2017 when she was awarded The Family Voice Award by the Utah Family Coalition for her unwavering commitment to Utah families. Furthermore, Pamela contributed her expertise as a member of the 3rd District Juvenile Mental Health Court team, where she provided invaluable support to youth in meeting court requirements and achieving graduation. Outside of work, Pamela finds immense joy in spending quality time with her children, whom she supports wholeheartedly in their sporting endeavors. She relishes exploring nature with them, whether it be hiking, gardening, enjoying walks, or picnicking in Utah's majestic mountains and lakes.

Joanna Onorato, LCSW, a Bilingual Therapist, hails from Alaska but has traversed through various states and countries before settling in the serene desert community of Moab, UT. Driven by her passion for social justice and humanitarian values, Joanna embarked on the path to becoming a therapist. After graduating from Montana State University with majors in philosophy, political science, and Spanish, Joanna immersed herself in serving her community as a certified medical interpreter and advocate. In 2020, she attained her MSW degree from USU-Moab and commenced her journey at the Multicultural Counseling Center. As a therapist, Joanna fosters a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can freely express themselves. Specializing in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety, she integrates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, somatic therapy, and EMDR to facilitate holistic healing. Outside of her therapeutic endeavors, Joanna finds solace in nature, whether it's mountain biking, snowboarding, or simply spending quality time with her dogs, embracing the tranquility of the outdoors.

Javier Campos, a Bilingual Mental Health Therapist, traces his roots to Colombia, South America. He earned his Master's in Social Work from the University of Utah, focusing on Mental Health and Global Social Work, after completing his bachelor's degrees in social work and Teaching Spanish. Currently, Javier divides his time between his roles as a mental health therapist and an educator at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah. His work spans across diverse communities and settings, where he employs a range of therapeutic interventions such as CBT, MI, Client-Centered, Trauma-Informed, and mindfulness. Javier's greatest asset lies in his ability to create a safe and supportive environment for his clients, characterized by compassion, vulnerability, and empowerment. Over the past fourteen years, he has dedicated himself to nonprofit organizations, serving disenfranchised communities in Glendale, West Valley, Kearns, Rose Park, and North Salt Lake. Here, he has developed and delivered programs aimed at bolstering protective factors and mitigating risks for youth and families. In his leisure time, Javier indulges in his passion for cooking, writing poetry, and cherishing moments with his family, whom he considers his greatest treasure.

Andrea Ochoa, CSW, extends a warm greeting with ¡Hola! With a Master's degree from the University of Utah, complemented by a minor in Criminology and a clear path towards LCSW licensure, Andrea brings a unique blend of academic rigor and genuine compassion to her practice. Originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Andrea's arrival in the United States at the age of five ignited her commitment to serving multicultural populations, particularly the Latino community. Specializing in working with children aged five and older, she tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. In Andrea's therapeutic toolkit, one finds a diverse array of techniques including Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy, as well as modalities like Psychotherapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She firmly believes in meeting clients where they are, fostering a safe and supportive environment conducive to growth, healing, and self-discovery. Beyond her professional pursuits, Andrea finds joy in spending quality time with her family, exploring new culinary experiences, and immersing herself in the great outdoors alongside her beloved German Shepherd Husky.

Therapist Silvana, originally from Argentina but raised in Utah, is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Utah and is set to graduate in Spring 2024. Previously, she worked as a Skills Counselor at MCC. Her clinical focus encompasses anxiety and depression disorders, trauma recovery, and relational issues, specializing in adult clients. Silvana employs a compassionate therapeutic approach, integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy tailored to each client's needs. Dedicated to destigmatizing mental health, she is passionate about supporting trauma survivors. In her free time, Silvana enjoys reading and crocheting.

Ruben was born and raised in Pachuca, Mexico. At the age of 15, he relocated to Utah and commenced his sophomore year at Murray High School. Although learning English presented challenges, he persevered relentlessly. Throughout his life, Ruben has achieved numerous milestones, including representing his high school in soccer, serving an LDS Mission in New York City, assuming managerial roles in the food industry for several years, and raising six children. Before transitioning into therapy, Ruben was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where he attended the College of Commissioner Science and earned his Doctorate degree in Scouting. He pursued his education at the College of Social Work at the University of Utah, completing his Bachelor's degree. In 2022, he attained a Master of Social Work degree from the same institution and commenced his career at the Multicultural Counseling Center. As a therapist, Ruben adopts trauma-informed, client-centered, strengths-based, and empowerment-focused approaches. He predominantly utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness techniques. Currently, his focus lies in couples therapy, working with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, and assisting teenagers and their parents. Ruben has undergone training in UADVT Survivor/Offender programs, Parenting the Love and Logic Way, and completed levels 1 & 2 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In his leisure time, Ruben finds joy in coaching Rec Sports, running, dancing, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and nurturing his relationship with his wife through regular dates.

Megan Anderson, CSW, a mental health therapist hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, brings a wealth of experience and education to her practice. With a Master's in Social Work from Southern University of New Orleans in 2019 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans in 2017, Megan's journey in the field of mental health began with a strong foundation. With two years of experience working directly with individuals, families, and couples, Megan is on the brink of obtaining her LCSW, slated for completion in the late summer of 2024. Her approach to counseling is deeply rooted in empowering her clients to look inward, guiding them to evaluate their goals and personal values in order to align their lives accordingly. At the heart of Megan's practice lies mindfulness, a cornerstone upon which she builds her therapeutic strategies. She places a strong emphasis on equipping her clients with the necessary skills to navigate their emotions and find peace amidst life's challenges. Megan employs techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thoughts and utilizes Strength-Based methods to foster a sense of empowerment and control. Megan's expertise extends to working with adults grappling with a spectrum of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and various mood and personality disorders, as well as those facing relationship difficulties. Her arsenal of therapeutic tools includes training in Motivational Interviewing, Domestic Violence counseling, IMTT (Integrated Model of Treatment for Trauma), Trauma Informed Care, and CBT. Driven by a professional passion to facilitate self-discovery and empower individuals to recognize their inherent strengths, Megan finds fulfillment in guiding her clients on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. Outside of her professional endeavors, Megan savors her free time by indulging in her love for travel, embarking on adventures with her husband and two children, and exploring the world of thrifting.

Therapist Intern Anahi Lopez, SSW, was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Chicano Studies, Anahi's passion for community support began early. She initiated her journey as a head coach and mentor at Utah Development Academy, an athletic club dedicated to guiding youth from low-income backgrounds in competitive soccer while promoting academic excellence. Transitioning to a role as a Lead Registered Behavior Technician at Utah Behavior Services, Anahi worked closely with children on the Autism spectrum, honing her skills in behavioral therapy. Her commitment to social work led her to obtain a Social Service Worker license, eventually leading to a position as a social worker at a local high school. Currently pursuing her Master's degree in social work, Anahi is set to graduate in May 2024 with a CSW license and plans to pursue her LCSW. Specializing in serving BIPOC communities, particularly youth, Anahi focuses on assisting individuals facing anxiety and depression, utilizing her expertise in behavioral therapy to address mental health challenges. Anahi brings a holistic and empathetic approach to counseling, drawing upon her background in social work to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Passionate about serving underrepresented communities and supporting individuals in reaching their full potential, Anahi is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with. Outside of her professional endeavors, Anahi finds joy in weightlifting, exploring film photography, indulging in new cuisines, and immersing herself in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.