Staff Bios

Alyson Bostwick
M.A., LMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Dept. Chair

Pronouns: She/her                 

Education: 

B.A.  Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara 

M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Stress/anxiety management, relationship issues, self-esteem building, assertiveness training/boundary setting, couples counseling, mood disorders, conflict resolution/mediation, grief and loss, performance/sports psychology,  crisis intervention and management, multicultural issues, developmental issues in adolescence and young adulthood, identity exploration and development.

 

Lacey Peters
M.A., LMFT

Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her                        Education: 
B.S. Health Promotion, Community Health Education, Northern Arizona University

M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:  Relationship issues, depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, addictive disorders, co-occurring disorders, codependency, emotional/mood disturbance, conflict resolution, grief, life coaching, life transitions, peer relationships, relationship issues, school Issues, family issues, self ssteem, women's Issues, resilienc,y and empowement, developmental issues in adolescence and emerging adulthood, identity exploration. 

 

Betsy Phillips, M.A., LCSW
SEL Mental Health Counselor, Schott Center

 Pronouns: She/her   

Education: 

M.A University of Utah, MSW                B.F.A. University of California, Santa Barbara, Modern Dance

B.A. Carleton College, Latin American Studies 

Areas of Interest or Speciality:  Betsy has been working with SBCC students since 2012. She specializes in working with international and spanish speeaking students as well as somatic therapies. In her spare time she loves to travel the world.

Languages: Spanish 

Raquel Do Carmo
M.A., LMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her                     

Education:
B.A. Advertising & Public Relations, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
M.A. Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, CA

Languages: Spanish & Portuguese

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
Stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, interpersonal relationships, confidence and self-esteem building, time management, crisis support and management, personal development, conflict resolution, boundary setting, multiculturalism, Cognitive Behavior techniques, Socratic questioning, process-focused counseling, mindfulness, single parenting issues, grief and loss support, resilience building, strengths-based and person-centered approach. 

Becky Bean
M.A., LCSW
The WELL Student Program Advisor 

Pronouns: She/her                     

Education: 
B.A. Community Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz 
M.A. Social Work, Columbia University - School of Social Work 

Areas of Interest or Specialty: 
Mindfulness and stress management, trauma-informed care support groups, cognitive-behavioral and family systems approaches, skills based psychotherapy, 

empowerment based therapeutic interventions, re-entry counseling, somatic psychology, addressing relationship issues, identity and career exploration and development for young adults and adults.

Renato Marques
M.A., AMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: He/him

Education:
B.A. Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara 
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
Cultural identity issues, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, stress/anger management, spirituality, diversity issues, body images & self-esteem, LGBTQ+, relationship issues, career counseling, multiculturalism, mindfulness, social skills, divorce, and substance abuse.

Languages: Spanish & Portuguese

Yvette Ramírez-Gutiérrez, M.A.,

Doctoral Student
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/Her(s)/ Ella
Education: 
B.A. in Chicana and Chicano/ Chicanx Studies with a minor in Applied Psychology 
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, UC Santa Barbara
Doctoral Candidate in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, UC Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Hey/ Hola, I am a proud pansexual Chicana/ Latina and low-income, first-generation student born to immigrant parents from Mexico. I am honored to collaborate and serve those who seek to meet with me. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals through challenges or those who have survived traumatic experiences. More specifically, I am committed to learning and sharing knowledge related to relationship dynamics, intimate partner violence or domestic violence, setting boundaries, cultivating inner peace, mindfulness, and discovering what brings someone joy in varying phases of an individual's life. As a clinician, I use a trauma-informed, liberation, and culturally responsive lens to support individuals to create an affirming, respectful, and empowering space for growth and peace. 

Languages: English and Spa

Lisa Walters

Substance Use and Recovery Peer Mentor

Pronouns: She/Her
Education:                                                        AA Santa Barbara City College

Areas of Interest or Specialty:  

Rebekah Lovejoy

PH.D., M.A., LMFT
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/They
Education:
M.A./Ph.D. Mythological Studies with Depth Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria,

M.A. Clinical Psychology with Somatic Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara
B.A.  Studio Art, University of California Santa Barbara
B.A. Film Studies, University of California Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:
Identity development, support for boundaries, safe spaces, trauma informed interventions, relationship issues, life transitions, creative self expression, support for anxiety and dysregulation toward self-grounding, resiliency, and empowerment. Experience working with LGBTQ+ population. Support for all bodies and all people. Diverse population ally. Integration of intuitive voice, and body experience, with meaning making.

 

Derrick Banks
M.A., Trainee 
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: he/him 
Education:
BA in Psychology and Minor in African Studies

M.A. in Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Mediation, and Counseling 

Languages: English and Spanish

Areas of Interest/Speciality: I am a first-generation college student with a strong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and community support. Currently, I serve as a University Transfer Counselor at Santa Barbara City College, where I support students in navigating their academic and career pathways. I previously served as Director of International Programs at SBCC and recently returned from China, where I taught English at the prestigious Chinese People Securities University. Early in my career, I developed a deep passion for learning about people, cultures, and history, which led me to a 12-year career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a Domestic and International In-Flight Supervisor. Over the past 20 years, I’ve continued this global engagement through my work in international education and counseling. I am now in the final year of my Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program. Having traveled to over 70 countries and lived and worked in China, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, and France, I bring a global perspective and a strong foundation in cultural sensitivity to my clinical training. My professional mission is to work with couples and families from diverse backgrounds, with a special focus on supporting and uplifting the Black male experience. I am committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment.

 

Victoria Angelica Navarro
M.A., LMFT
EOPS Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her

Education:
M.A. Antioch University of Santa Barbara, CA     

Areas of Interest or Specialty: My experience involves working with children and families needing support in their emotional and behavioral health for over 7 years. My specialty involves working with people who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD, behavior problems, and parenting concerns. My preferred therapeutic models include person-centered approaches while using evidence-based techniques to promote desired outcomes through one's journey of exploring their personal goals and values.

I speak fluent Spanish and have worked with Latino/a families who have experienced domestic violence. I have worked closely with schools and have attended IEP meetings to support children in academic settings. I enjoy collaborating with community agencies and resources to provide individuals with additional support.

Languages: English/Spanish     

 

 

Mikey Arana
M.A., Doctoral Student
Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: He/Him/El               

Education: 

BA in Psychology and Chicana/o Studies, California State University Channel Islands
MA in Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles
MA in Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology, University of California Santa Barbara

Languages: English/Spanish

Areas of Interest or Specialty:

I am committed to bilingual (English/Spanish) culturally informed and community-based mental health practices that uplift individuals from marginalized communities. My work weaves
together evidence-based therapeutic approaches, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices. I am passionate about supporting individuals who are navigating complex challenges such as trauma, relationship issues, migration-related experiences, suicidality, substance recovery, grief, identity-related issues, and significant life transitions. I connect deeply with those seeking to understand and heal while also exploring the profound aspects of life’s purpose and finding meaning in their life experiences. My therapeutic approach integrates emotion-focused techniques, mindfulness, and liberation psychology, all within an intersectional, person-centered framework. My goal is to create a supportive and empowering space where meaningful transformation can unfold, promoting long-term well-being, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to one's authentic self.

 

Rachel Danley
M.A., AMFT 
Mental Health Counselor

 
Pronouns: She/her                     

Education:

B.A., Sociology, San Francisco State University

M.A., Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Anxiety, depression, symptoms related to trauma, substance use, stress, codependency and challenging life transitions, setting boundaries, family dynamics, body-image/self-esteem, postpartum/pregnancy, women’s issues, and LGBTQIA+. I am aligned with HAES (Health at Every Size) and believe that all bodies are innately good and worthy of respect, regardless of size. My approach is integrative, pulling from a variety of theoretical lenses and techniques including attachment theory, person-centered, compassion-focused, mindfulness/meditation, and solution-focused. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India Sanders, MA, Doctoral Student
Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her

Education:                                                A.A. in Psychology Los Angeles Harbor College                                                          B.A. in Psychology Minor: Sociology California State University, Dominguez Hills                                                                M.A. in Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara            Doctoral Student, Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:  I am a proud first-generation college student from a low-income background, born and raised in Los Angeles. I am passionate about providing culturally responsive and affirming mental health care to individuals from historically marginalized communities. My clinical work is grounded in helping individuals navigate challenges related to racism, discrimination, and systemic barriers, while also supporting them in building healthy and meaningful relationships within their lives. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals experience liberation in their lives, and find moments of racial joy and connection within their communities. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and culturally responsive, with an emphasis on understanding each person within the context of their lived experiences. I also integrate African-centered approaches into my clinical work to honor and affirm the cultural identities, and experiences of the individuals I work with. Hobbies: Outside of therapy, I enjoy cooking, spending time with my friends, family, and partner, as well as fishing.

 

 

 

McKenzie Bilane 
M.A., AMFT 

Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/her

Education:

BA., Sociology, University of California Santa Cruz

M.A., Marriage Family Therapy, Touro University Worldwide

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger management, life transitions, self-esteem, women's issues, LGBTQ+, addiction and substance use. I have a very person-centered approach and do my best to advocate, support and listen. I like to get curious about exploring the impact of early life experiences as well as family and relationship dynamics. I work to empower my clients by creating an environment where they feel supported and safe. I’m a lover of the outdoors and nature. When I’m out of the therapy room I am often at the beach, hiking in the mountains or spending time with family/friends. I also love to cook and try new recipes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eddie Omar Ramirez, Mental Health Counselor M.A. Doctoral Student

Pronouns: He/Him

Education: 
AA in Psychology, Sociology, Gender Studies, & Ethnic Studies, Los Angeles Pierce College

BA in Psychology, California State University, Northridge

MA in Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara

Current PhD Student, Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara

Areas of Interest or Specialty:  Hello! My name is Eddie. I am a son, a brother, a friend, a companion, a father to a little 4-legged princess, someone's cousin, and so much more. I am also a proud mental health counselor at SBCC! As a fellow community college student myself, I understand the community college experience, especially the challenges. As a proud child of Guatemalan immigrants, I can also relate to the first-generation experiences on different levels, both academically and personally. I am deeply passionate about providing culturally-responsive therapy when working with people from all walks of life.  My clinical approach is rooted in the ethics of love, which includes foundational tools for psychospiritual well-being and healing such as radical empathy, acompañamiento [accompaniment], and so much more. My therapeutic approach also weaves in elements of liberation psychology, indigenous and non-western methodologies, and individually-tailored support. I have experience working with a range of mental health areas, including but not limited to ADHD, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and much more. As a person-centered counselor, it is my privilege to join and guide you on your healing journey. Thanks for reading! (-:Hobbies: I like listening to music, spending time with friends and family, watching movies, gardening, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.  ¡Yo también hablo español!

 

Yolanda Yturralde, M.A, LMFT

SEL Mental Health Counselor, Wake Campus

Pronouns: She/her(s)/Ella

Education: 

B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 1993, Major: Italian and Sociology Minor: Women's Studies      M.S., California State University, Northridge, 1995, Existential/ Humanistic Counseling Psychology: Marriage, Family, & Child Therapy

Areas of Interest or Specialty: Trauma and PTSD treatment, Brainspotting (Certified), Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Clinical Hypnotherapy, college student mental health, attachment-based therapy, support for people with anxiety and depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, sexual trauma recovery, cultural and spiritual identity, bicultural and Latinx experiences (Puerto Rican heritage), LGBTQ+ affirming care, eating disorders and Intuitive Eating, ADHD, stress management, intergenerational and ancestral trauma, mindfulness-based approaches, psychedelic integration, sandplay therapy, 12-step recovery support (Al-Anon, OA, DA informed).          Languages: English (therapy conducted in English only); Spanish and Italian understood                                        

 Mental Health Counselor

 

Brenda Scherlis
MSN, FNP
Nurse Practitioner

Pronouns: She/her/hers

 

Mary Sila 
RN
Nurse

Pronouns: She/her/hers

 

Director of Student Health Services

 

Angela Ortiz
Senior Office Assistant

Pronouns: She/her/hers