ACT for Mental Health

I’m excited to be part of the team an office assistant for ACT for Mental Health. With a strong background in customer service and office administration, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and efficient environment for both patients and staff. I look forward to supporting the department’s work while continuing to learn more about the field. In the future, I hope to further my education in psychology to contribute even more to the field

Originally from Vietnam, Anna came to the United States as a teenager. She was working as a research and development engineer for 20 years and decided to leave the tech industry to find her new passion in cultivating understanding, kindness, and compassion toward those who are affected by mental illness. Anna has been working at ACT for Mental health since 2017 and resonates with the agency’s mission and value which is to support the community by providing quality mental health services. She feels fortunate to work with a team of dedicated and caring therapists who share the same passion of serving low-income clients and those who are caught in the court system. She holds a PsyD, M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, and M.S. in Computer Science. “We [as clients and therapists] are challenged to take from what came before, regardless of the source, synthesize what seems useful, and move on to the new realms” Karen Horney.

I grew up in the northeast U.S. and Los Angeles, and got my B.A. in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I received my MSW (Masters in Social Work) from UC Berkeley in 1968 and, after obtaining my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) certificate in 1982 and working in community mental health for Santa Clara county until 1995, I came to ACT for Mental Health a couple of years later, where I’ve been the Clinical Director since about 2010. Since 1982, I supervised interns for their field work experience in counseling, social work and psychology. In my clinical practice, I make use of elements of psychoanalytic, developmental and existential theory, often as reflected in cultural expressions of TV and film to help clients with the challenges of modern life.

Ken Parker is the Program Manager at ACT and began with the agency in April 2017. He is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. He earned his Master’s & Doctorate degrees from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Major area of study was Clinical Psychology with a minor in Community Psychology. Career highlights include Coordinator of The Adolescents & Families Project, a 5-yr treatment research study at UCSF as funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Primary professional activities have included program development, management, and evaluation. He has had grant proposals funded at all governmental levels as well as foundations and corporations. Clinical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within a family/community systems perspective. Duties at ACT have included contract development/management, clinical supervision, and therapy. He was responsible for a major Project as funded by the El Camino Hospital Foundation. Project aimed to identify, obtain referrals, and provide counseling for Latinx clients who were unable to access behavioral health services due to lack of health care coverage. Results of pre/post analyses found significant reduction in stress as reported by counseling-participants. At ACT he provides counseling for individuals, couples & families. Lastly, he still loves dinosaurs, SF Giants, and PB&J.

Asminda A. Sousa has been working at ACT since 2007 as MHRC. She has over 35 years of experience in clinical psychology working with the Spanish speaking community, victims of domestic violence, court cases, co-parenting classes, parenting classes, anger management for children, working with children, adolescents, adults, and LGBT community as victims of homophobia.

Anjana is a licensed clinical social worker. She started her journey with ACT in 2015 when she volunteered with the Fireside Friendship Club, and with reunification therapy. She has a Masters in Psychological Counseling from Bangalore University (India) and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychology, Education and Community from Northeastern University (Boston, MA). She completed her MSW from Simmons University in 2020. Having grown up in India, Anjana is interested in understanding cultural diversity and the role that it plays in therapy. Anjana has worked with different populations in India and the US ranging from children as young as 4 to adults. She takes on an eclectic approach drawing on multiple techniques and approaches as fits the client and situation. She believes in "meeting the client where they are"; and has a strengths based supportive orientation.

After working in the tech industry for over 20 years as an advertising creative and raising three kids, Dave wanted to shift his life to focus on making a collaborative impact for others through mental health and social justice. Dave has been working with ACT since 2021 as an intern while attending University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and was hired on after graduation with an MSW as a credentialed Associate Clinical Social Worker. Dave has an eclectic therapeutic approach to best meet clients where they are at with a particular attention to trauma informed modalities within a harm reduction framework. His training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, recovery and complex mental health issues in group settings and through individual therapy. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” – Brené Brown

Tien was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. in 1985. Tien has worked with clients from different ethnic backgrounds and integrates different psychological modalities into counseling. Tien is drawn to making connections between spirituality and psychology and believes that one’s wholeness is a balance between one’s physical, mental, and spiritual self. Tien wants to help people find that balance, become their best selves, and discover who they are as human beings. Tien studied pastoral ministry at Gonzaga University and in Boston. He also studied psychology at California Southern University, and is currently finishing his social work degree at the University of Texas, Arlington. Tien joined ACT in December 2018 and is currently working as an intern at ACT.

Mathangi (Madhu) completed her Master’s degree in Counseling at Palo Alto University. As a dedicated intern, she strives to help people overcome obstacles to a happier and more fulfilling life. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, she works alongside clients to navigate challenges such as anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, and issues faced by children, adolescents, and adults. Her goal is to create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Hamed Zarghoon grew up in Afghanistan. In 2006, after working with the US Military for four years, he moved to the United States. His academic journey led him to a degree in political science and international studies at Denver University, with a later focus on conflict analysis and post-conflict development at Yale University. Yet, his realization that profound change must begin within each individual set him on a transformative path of self-discovery, meditation, and contemplative practices of the East. HIs experiences included serving as a Senior Advisor to US Military, and the Afghan President's Office. In 2021, he returned to the U.S. to pursue a Master's Degree in Social Work, and today, he works as an intern-therapist at ACT for Mental Health where he guides clients through a transformative journey by utilizing a therapeutic approach grounded in meditation, self-inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, and psycho-education.

I am a second-year counseling master’s student at Palo Alto University with a PharmD from UCSF, focusing on holistic mental health. I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health and believe every individual has an inner light and innate abilities to heal, grow, and transform. Drawing on my experience in intuitive energy healing, meditation, and yoga, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when appropriate. With a warm, attuned presence, I create an empowering space where clients feel seen, heard, and validated. My approach emphasizes gentle curiosity, self-compassion, somatic awareness, and spaciousness, holding space for clients as they move through life’s challenges and toward their values.

I will soon graduate from Palo Alto University, and I support adults, couples, and families. Because I have lived in several different countries, I bring a global perspective and a deep, natural curiosity to my work. I love learning about my clients' unique backgrounds and honoring their specific worldviews. In my practice, I help people navigate life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. I truly believe in the power of relationships to help us heal. Because of this, I focus on creating a warm, empathetic, and collaborative space. My goal is to walk alongside my clients with gentle curiosity, helping them process pain, strengthen their connections, and find a meaningful path forward.

I am a Clinical Counseling intern at ACT for Mental Health and a master’s student in Counseling. My work focuses on supporting clients as they navigate emotional challenges, personal growth, and periods of transition. Originally from Brazil, I bring a culturally informed and empathetic perspective to my clinical work. I strive to create a safe, respectful, and supportive therapeutic environment that honors each client’s unique experiences and values. My goal is to support clients in developing self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful strategies for emotional well-being and personal growth. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, which I believe plays an important role in balance, reflection, and overall well-being.

Pallavi Kumar was born and raised in India and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. With over a decade of experience in healthcare - spanning both patient experience and direct client care, she brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy. Pallavi is especially interested in supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. She joined ACT for Mental Health in 2025, where she is committed to creating a safe, judgment-free, and empathetic space for healing and growth. Her work is grounded in cultural sensitivity, emotional insight, and a deep belief in the power of human resilience.

Goli Shamie is a Clinical Counseling Intern at ACT for Mental Health and a master's student in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy at the University of Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a minor in Psychology from Emerson College. Before pursuing counseling, Goli spent many years working in advertising, where she developed strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills. She has also been actively involved in her community through volunteer and leadership roles, including serving as president of her homeowners association for six years. As a wife, mother, and active community member, Goli understands the many challenges adults face while balancing relationships, family responsibilities, career demands, and personal well-being. She is passionate about helping clients navigate life's transitions, manage stress and anxiety, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful personal growth. Goli strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their experiences. She values authentic connection and believes that therapy can provide an opportunity to gain new perspectives, build on personal strengths, and create meaningful change.

Bora was born in Korea and raised in Canada, where she earned her teaching degree. As an educator, she developed a deep passion for supporting others and helping them grow. After moving to California in 2016, Bora balanced raising her children while pursuing a long-time goal of becoming a counselor. She is currently enrolled in the counseling program at San José State University, working toward becoming a Professional Clinical Counselor. Bora joined ACT as an intern to further develop her clinical skills and gain hands-on experience. She is passionate about supporting clients in acknowledging their inner experiences and strengthening practical coping skills. Bora is excited to continue learning and growing at ACT while providing thoughtful, compassionate care.