About MSMW Team and Therapists

Sharenne Gozal, Office Administrator

Hello, my name is Sharenne Gozal. I am the administrative assistant for My Serenity Mental Wellness. At the office, I am the first point of contact for our clients. I look forward to meeting new clients and supporting with exploring any questions, service needs or resources that are available at MSMW. I’m excited to be part of our client’s path in finding their serenity. Being able to set up services to help families, couples, and individuals is one of the most rewarding aspects about my job. Please email me at therapy@myserenitymw.com to begin your path to better health and wellness!

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.
– Robert Louis Stevenson


(Left to Right: Johana Montes de Oca, Samantha Keung, Giselle Lopez, Topacio Quezada)

Johana Montes de Oca, LMFT #118488

Hello, I am Johana, a I bilingual licensed professional. My journey in this field began in 2011. Since I started my career, I have worked in non-profit agencies providing community services to toddlers, children, adolescents and adults. In my experience as a mental health provider I have worked in a multitude of programs from preventive care to diagnosable treatment.

In 2015, I worked as a Wraparound (WRAP) Therapist, with children, youth and their families with serious mental health challenges. Wrap is a type of service designed for high-risk children and adolescents; I enjoyed this type of treatment very much.

I have also focused in adult programs and providing group services in various treatments. Through this experience, I came to learn how multi-generational aspects, really can affect an individual, a couple, or family’s present decisions.

In addition, I practice as an eclectic type of therapist because although I specialize in certain approaches, I like to personalize and modify my approach according to my client’s unique needs. At times, I have just sat with my clients and practiced guided meditation and grounding techniques because that is what my clients needed at that time.

More about me. I have been in a committed relationship with my high school sweetheart for over twenty years. Our little family also includes bird pets, and our beautiful Weimaraner. Our weim is curious and adventurous, kind of like me, oh and he enjoys belly rubs…. I don’t. On my spare time I like to watch psychological thrills, comedies, take walks with my dog, and most of all dance. I love to dance to every genre, but my specialty is cultural Latin music and 80’s (80’s is my favorite).

I also, absolutely love to travel. I am adventurous, I have been on a mission to participate in as many sky related activities (hot air ballooning, zip-lining, skydiving, helicopter riding and parasailing) as possible. I believe that we should do more of the things that bring us joy!

Authenticity is a big one for me, I like to show up for my client’s and sit with their emotional moment with them. My clients would best describe me as a warm, empathetic, genuine, inquisitive, silly too, and a person with many metaphors and examples. In my work as much as in my personal life, I tend to ask a lot of questions because questions give us answers…vital answers which may help my client to uncover deeper meanings. That’s all folks and thank you for reading my bio.

Samantha Keung, ASW #89291

Hi, I’m Samantha Keung and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. I am experienced in PTSD, and working with individuals and families/couples from different backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, and diagnoses and residential work. I am Gottman Level II trained which supports couples in treatment. I specialize in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, DBT, CBT, Client-Centered and a Holistic approach.

I have also worked with high risk adolescents who struggled with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief and loss, self harming behaviors, self esteem issues and family relationship issues in hopes to re-establish healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is of great importance to me. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship can make the biggest difference in the healing process and it is my aim to make each client feel safe, comfortable, and understood. I approach each session with warmth, openness, empathy, and a desire to help empower each client to be their best self. Empowering my clients to take the lead in their sessions has proven effective in helping them reach the goals they have set for themselvesI meet clients where they are at emotionally and make adjustments during our time together based on their individual needs.

While therapy can be difficult at times, the knowledge we gain about ourselves is invaluable. We discover our strengths, patterns in our behaviors, the things that trigger us, better understand our responses and overall increase our own self awareness, which we use in our everyday lives. It impacts how we communicate, how we view ourselves, and how we build relationships with others.

I believe each person deserves a life they are happy with, and I want to help you overcome any emotional barriers that might be preventing you from living out your best life and through challenges that hold you back from the life you envisioned and relationships you had hoped to have.

On my time off, I love spending time with my loved ones, traveling, snowboarding, playing pickle-ball, catching up on tv shows and practicing different self care activities.

“Proud of you for choosing YOU even though it’s hard”. A Holistic approach we take to help clients improve their symptoms. It’s diverse and friendly.

Giselle Lopez, LCSW #23419

Buenos dias, my name is Giselle and I am bilingual and bicultural, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have practiced my craft for over 18 years as a therapeutic provider. My preferred approach to supporting my clients is utilizing evidence based practices such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but also including other helpful techniques from Art therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

In my experience I have provided counseling services to various individuals and families, particularly children with ADHD, in multiple settings within the community including la comunidad Latina. I have significant experience working with children and teens through anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, behavioral issues, and crisis management. Aside from providing therapy, I enjoy teaching parenting classes for the parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. For several years I have also worked in the criminal justice system. In addition, my passion is providing emotional support and guidance to adults and young adults.

My educational background is a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Loma Linda and a Master’s Degree in Arts in Management from the University of Redlands. As a social worker, I have also worked in forensics. I’ve worked with inmates in county jails, probation, and state prisons. I have trained in law enforcement, worked with probation officers, FBI, paralegals, and attorneys.

Un poco mas de mi, as much as I love serving my community through therapeutic services, I also enjoy spending time with my family, love the outdoors and camping, implementing my artistic side through photography and capturing life’s beauty and special moments, as well as baking. Also, I truly find gratification in volunteering for animal shelters. I love my dogs and taking long walks with them.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Topacio Quezada, ASW #92251

Hey there! My name is Topacio. I have experience working with children, teens, and families experiencing life struggles. I am an experienced therapist with various challenges from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and stress. I have also worked with many individuals that have experienced traumatic experiences and I assisted them with getting through those difficult underlying emotions and triggers.

I am passionate about the work I do with individuals. My goal is to create a safe trauma-informed space to assist with creating healthier coping skills and habits. I like to utilize a person-centered approach and also use as-needed theoretical methods like CBT, solution-focused, and exposure therapy. I also believe in exploring the connection of mind, body, and spirit by utilizing breath-work techniques and mindfulness. I believe that we all have the strengths to heal

A little bit about myself is I enjoy being outdoors. I like to go to the beach, hiking, and simply go for a walk. I have an interest in watching crime and action movies. Another fact is I am a big foodie person. I really enjoy trying new food or tea places.

“Believe in yourself, and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” Christine D Larson

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