Meet Our Professionals
Our experts are the finest in their field, so that you have access to the best possible support.
Each of our professionals offers a unique style and approach, and we all specialize in helping gifted, highly sensitive and/or intense people of all ages (children, teens, adults, older adults).
Please scroll down and click on the photos or descriptions below to learn more (see our full bios).
If you would like help in determining which clinician may be an especially good fit for you, just let us know, and we would be happy to assist. TheraThrive is open by appointment only, whether for assessment, a single counseling session or ongoing support. Please complete our appointment request form, call us at 925-954-6229, or email us to ask questions. We are here for you!
Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD
Assessor, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Arwin works collaboratively with her clients, to spark curiosity within them and help answer any questions they may have about themselves. She strives to provide a comprehensive and authentic understanding of clients’ strengths and challenges.
Doug Ronning, LMFT, RDT/BCT
Therapist
Doug is an attentive, sensitive, compassionate, respectful, and direct therapist who helps people of all ages (children, teens, adults). He is deeply committed to providing quality care and resources to help you (and/or your family member) lead a more productive, connected, and authentic life.
David Millen, AMFT
Senior Associate Therapist
David Millen, AMFT, is an empathetic and creative therapist who uses non-directive play therapy and other modalities to support clients to communicate better in their friendships and relationships, and to grow in self understanding and self-esteem. He also believes in supporting his clients to build community cohesion and awareness.
Jeannine McAdams, PsyD
Assessor and Therapist Psychological Assistant
Dr. Jeannine is a thoughtful clinician and assessor who is experienced with neurodiversity. Dr. Jeannine is smart, warm and caring. Her experience includes intensive work with youth healing from psychotic disorders, such as prodromal, first break, and chronic schizophrenias, severe somatic or spiritual experiences, severe depression, anxiety, and bipolar, with generally co-occurring psychotic disorders, substance abuse, trauma and developmental concerns. Jeannine sometimes utilizes Buddhist practices in her work.
Sean M Peterson, AMFT
Senior Associate Therapist
Rhani Rabago, AMFT
Associate Therapist
Grace Malonai, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Director, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Grace has focused on learning about giftedness, high sensitivity, and sensory issues with the gusto of a highly educated, information-seeking momma bear (that’s a lot of gusto). Over 20 years of this study has allowed her to successfully assist many highly sensitive, intense, gifted children, their parents, and families.
Elizabeth Hays-Lohrey, PsyD
Consultant to TheraThrive
Dr. Elizabeth is an experienced psychologist and assessor who genuinely gets gifted. She deeply respects her clients, and strives to help them find clarity and understanding about their unique strengths, differences and challenges. Dr Elizabeth is a consultant to TheraThrive (not a TheraThrive employee).