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!

Katie Malone, LPCC, LMFT

Lead Therapist, Clinical Supervisor

Katie is a kind, interactive and strength-based therapist who provides psychotherapy services to those seeking to improve themselves and their outlook on life, and is experienced at treating a spectrum of challenges and disorders.

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

Sean is passionate about his work and a caring clinician who brings to TheraThrive an expertise in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and trauma informed care. Sean utilizes an integrated and strength based approach, combining cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, and systems theory in his work with clients of all ages, including kids, teens, adults, parents and families. He has unique experience with supporting high level student athletes on performance and behavioral goals, mental applications of tennis, and challenges including poor self-confidence, limited self belief systems, anger and anxiety issues.

Rhani Rabago, AMFT

Associate Therapist

Rhani is a warm and compassionate integrative therapist, who uses various theoretical approaches including person centered play therapy and skills based solution theory. She works with children, teens, families and parents, and has both school based and intensive out-patient experience. Rhani’s strengths also include organizational, training, coaching and many other skills.

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).

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