Convenient Office Location: Placentia, CA

Our Office Location:
Placentia

Meet Our Therapists

Step Into Deeper Connection

Renovari therapists help to clearly identify patterns that keep you emotionally stuck, guide you into healing from painful life experiences, and help you create greater mental, emotional and relational wellness.

Chris Williams
Chris Williams

MA, LMFT

Dr. Susan Hastings
Dr. Susan Hastings

PsyD, LMFT

George Garcia
Dr. George Garcia

PhD, LMFT

Zak Young
Zak Young

MA, LMFT

Danny Nava
Danny Nava

MA, LMFT

Daniel Verdugo
Daniel Verdugo

MA, AMFT

Danny Nava
Ashley Hinson

MA, LMFT

Danny Nava
Emily Jewell

MA, AMFT

JD Sparks
JD Sparks

MA, AMFT

Chris Williams Chris Williams

Contact Chris Williams:
chris@renovaricounseling.com

Chris Williams

MA, LMFT


As the Founder and Chief Guidance Office Chris is relentless in providing both strong and loving guidance for people recovering from life's most challenging experiences and moments. Whether he is counseling, teaching/speaking, consulting or leading the team he deeply engages with those around him to bring clarity to paralyzing struggles, creates pathways to healing and growth and helps people discover deeper meaning, fulfillment and impact in their daily lives. He believes that people live at their best at the intersection of deep relational connection and life-giving creativity.

Chris has extensive experience in working with people struggling with patterns of addiction, painful traumatic experiences and damaged relationships. In addition to guiding Renovari, he partners with impactful organizations throughout the country to develop programs to help people increase their mental, emotional and relational health. Chris is Co-Founder of A Way Thru ( www.waythru.org) a nonprofit organization committed to opening doors to mental and emotional resources for under-resourced and under-served people. One of his great joys is leading transformational retreats and intensives. He also has the privilege of co-hosting the nationally syndicated call-in radio show NewLife Live.

In addition to the work he gets to be a part of Chris seeks to live a life of compelling faith and deep love for his wife and two boys. He also loves coaching his boys’ sports teams, golfing with friends and fly fishing in mountain rivers.

Education

  • Harding University, BA, Social Sciences
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy

License

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT#52007

Areas of Specialty

  • PTSD/CPTSD
  • Relational Conflict
  • Addictive Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Men's Issues
  • Experiential Therapy
  • EMDR Trained

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Dr. Susan Hastings Dr. Susan Hastings

Contact Dr. Susan Hastings:
susan@renovaricounseling.com

Dr. Susan Hastings

PsyD, LMFT


As Lead Therapist and Director of Clinical Development Susan brings tremendous wisdom, experience and expertise in each and every person, opportunity and endeavor she engages in. Susan is also the Director of the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Hope International University, as well as a consultant to other university psychology/counseling programs around the country. She is continually engaged in developing high levels of skill and expertise throughout the profession and within the team. She is constantly empowering therapists around her to be better people and do better work.

Susan has extensive experience in treating trauma in individuals from 5 years old to 85 years old. As an EMDR expert, she is able to move people from debilitating impacts of trauma and pain to greater places of healing and emotional freedom. Along with the “head knowledge” she brings to the therapy room Susan works with her clients at a deep “heart level.” She works with client to overcome life’s most painful moments and experiences, Susan brings a deep level of personal engagement that is matched by her professional expertise.

Outside of the all her professional endeavors Susan loves good coffee, great conversations with friends and watching Angels games.

Education

  • Vanguard University of Southern California, BA, Psychology
  • Vanguard University of Southern California, MS, Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Chicago School of Professional Psychology, PsyD, Clinical Psychology

License

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT#46765

Areas of Specialty

  • PTSD/C-PTSD
  • Children/Adolescents
  • Couples
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bi-Polar
  • Grief and Loss
  • EMDR Certified

Professional Certifications & Associations

  • CAMFT Clinical Member
  • AAMFT Clinical Fellow
  • AAMFT Approved Supervisor
  • EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant
  • International Family Therapy Association Member
George Garcia George Garcia

Contact George Garcia:
george@renovaricounseling.com

Dr. George Garcia

PhD, LMFT


George's relentless passion to guiding others into greater healing and health is evident in everything endeavor he's engaged in. Whether he is teaching graduate students, training other therapists or caring for his clients George's brings strong support and genuine commitment in helping other discover healing, health and the best version of themselves.

George has strong expertise in working with children with emotional and behavioral struggles. In working with children and their parents he helps bring clarity to the struggles, tools for creating stronger connections and tools for working through life's difficult moments. George's also has extensive experience working with people struggling with anxiety, grief and loss, depression, and men's issues. George provides a process for people to experience calm in the midst chaos, discovery of their inherent worth and strengths, as well as a champion for their best self.

When George is not in the office or classroom he loves spending time with his wife and dogs, golfing or playing basketball.

Education

  • Biola University, BA, Journalism
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Northcentral University, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapy

License

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT#107258

Areas of Specialty

  • Children
  • Childhood Trauma
  • Behavioral Issues
  • ADHD
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Men's Health and Issues
  • EMDR Trained

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Zak Young Zak Young

Contact Zak Young:
zak@renovaricounseling.com

Zak Young

MA, LMFT


Zak is passionate about working with people who are hurting, addicted, abandoned, confused, or lost. He believes that people are wired for connection, and he considers it an honor to provide a safe space for others to heal and learn what it is like to authentically connect with themselves and others.

Zak has extensive experience helping others recover themselves from addiction and underlying trauma, having worked in numerous dual diagnosis rehabilitation facilities across Orange County for three years. Zak learned about the personal and relational dynamics that maintain addictive processes and provided family and couple therapy to help the entire family engage in healing and health. Zak is passionate about guiding others into freedom from self-destructive patterns, recovering and developing a strong sense of self, and practicing being that self to have healthy, authentic relationships. Due to his own personal journey, Zak is also interested in teaching about the relationship between developmental trauma and spiritual development, and has seen how emotional immaturity contributes to an unhealthy spirituality. He enjoys helping others grow spiritually and emotionally, experience freedom from shame and self-condemnation, and learn to find rest and security in the love of God or the Sacred.

Outside of the office, Zak enjoys riding his Harley, reading, watching San Francisco Bay Area sports teams, being a prayer counselor with his church, and listening to thrash metal and hardcore punk.

Education

  • Biola University, BA, Philosophy
  • Alliant International University, MA, Marital & Family Therapy

License

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT#127911

Areas of Specialty

  • Addictive Issues
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Relational Conflict
  • Self-growth and identity
  • Spiritual issues
  • Emotional issues

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Danny Nava Danny Nava

Contact Danny Nava:
danny@renovaricounseling.com

Danny Nava

MA, LMFT


Danny brings a calm presence to the therapy room, creating a safe space where clients can see and share their stories without feeling shame or judgment. He collaborates with couples, families and individuals to find health and growth, and comforts them as they address challenging issues like anxiety, trauma, sexuality and broken relationships.

Danny’s personal journey has shown him that not all things in life go as planned, and that pain is often passed down through generations. This personal experience enables him to help clients see that they do not have to be a target, a product of failure, or destined to repeat the past. Instead, they can be the good in a situation and pass on something new to future generations.

Clients who partner with Danny will find a non-judgmental space to share their pain, deepest needs and explore their true self. Through his insight, skill, and caring guidance, they can find their voice and a healthy path, and learn to walk as a whole and present person. Danny’s passion and mission for helping others is fueled by his faith in something bigger than himself, and that faith is what drives him to advocate for his clients’ well-being, and to find their worth and authentic self.

Outside the office, Danny can be found spending time with loved ones, cooking, enjoying music and game nights, and investing in the youth at his church.

Education

  • California State University, Fullerton, BS, Biological Studies
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

License

  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #135707

Areas of Specialty

  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Couples
  • Women's Issues
  • PTSD/C-PTSD
  • Anxiety/Panic
  • Depression
  • Mood Disorders
  • EMDR Trained
  • Gottman Couples Trained

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Daniel Verdugo Daniel Verdugo

Contact Daniel Verdugo:
daniel@renovaricounseling.com

Daniel Verdugo

MA, AMFT


Daniel’s empathic, honest and humorous approach to therapy enables him to welcome individuals, children, couples, and families alike into a therapeutic partnership where they can find help maneuvering through difficult life challenges and grow in healthy relationships with others.

His own life experience has allowed him to gain a better understanding when it comes to trusting the therapeutic process and working towards becoming emotionally healthy and relationally strong. His personal faith journey has served as a reminder not to judge others and helps him stay emotionally grounded during difficult times.

Daniel has clinical experience in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as working with family and couples struggling with conflict and patterns of relational dysfunction. He is passionate about providing a safe environment and strong guidance to help people move through their pains and frustrations and into greater connection with themselves and the people around them.

Beyond the office, Daniel enjoys watching movies, working out, listening to music, and recording podcasts and advocating for mental, emotional and relational health.

Education

  • Hope International University, BA, Psychology
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy

License

  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMF #117997
  • Supervised by Dr. Susan Hastings, LMFT #46765

Areas of Specialty

  • Adolescents
  • Families
  • Couples
  • Sexual Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Mood Disorders
  • Men's Issues
  • EMDR Trained
  • Gottman Couples Trained

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Ashley Hinson Ashley Hinson

Contact Ashley Hinson:
ashley@renovaricounseling.com

Ashley Hinson

MA, LMFT


Ashley brings a sense of serenity, passion, connection, and discernment to her work with clients. Ashley's goal is to empower and encourage healing and recovery, by helping to restore what was lost and to gain something new. Ashley's driven by her creative yet artistic lens, that gives way to discovery, self-awareness and enlightenment. She works closely with her clients to assist in transforming their lives and guiding them to greater mental, emotional and spiritual renewal.

Ashley's zeal and commitment to helping others heal through experiential and restorative engagement, has given way to her extensive experience working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Varying skill and vast knowledge within addictive populations, unhealthy relational dynamics and identity diffusion. Ashley has worked with children, adolescents, and adults having had the chance to significantly develop her clinical capabilities, creative yet artistic abilities, alongside great leadership skills. Ashley strives to help women through daily life transitions within and outside of the workforce as well as promoting healthy sustaining connections with oneself and community. Ashley's intentional commitment to those who are suffering and wavering in their decision to stop prolong use of substances, is where her compassion and empathy is both warm and challenging to help create healthier thriving people.

As an east coast native from New Jersey, Ashley's coastal and cultural upbringing has offered a dynamic yet unique perspective of the contrasting differences of human connection and relatability. When Ashley is not preparing for transformative therapeutic experiences, she is deepening her relationship with God, traveling the world and experiencing culture at her fingertips, dancing the night away, cycling to some of the most iconic songs and catching up with family and friends.

Education

  • Rowan University, BA, Psychology
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy

License

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy License #132570

Areas of Specialty

  • Addictive Issues
  • Women's Issues
  • Relational Conflict
  • Codependency
  • PTSD/C-PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief & Loss
  • Experiential Therapy

Professional Associations

Emily Jewell Emily Jewell

Contact Emily Jewell:
emily@renovaricounseling.com

Emily Jewell

MA, AMFT


Emily is passionate about creating a strong connection and comfortable place where her clients can feel safe and open in therapy. She knows taking those first few steps towards change are often the most difficult. In therapy she helps begin to uncover and understand their emotional experience while also working to create new ways of interacting with others.

Emily primarily works with children and their families struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges. She helps young families form stronger connections with tools for greater confidence and peace in the home.

Emily's diverse background, including growing up in Eastern Africa, helped her be able to connect with different people in their unique personality and experiences. Emily approaches her work nonjudgmental, open minded, and culturally sensitive with her clients. Her experiences traveling have helped her to see the inherent dignity and value of every person regardless of their current struggles or difficulties.

Emily works with teenagers, individuals, adults, and couples struggling with problems such as anxiety, depression, suicide and trauma.

In her spare time Emily enjoys watching silly videos with her friends, shopping in international grocery stores, and picking up new hobbies.

Education

  • Biola University, BA, Intercultural Studies
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy

License

  • Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #131791

Areas of Specialty

  • Adolescents
  • Families
  • Couples
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Transitions
  • Missionary Kids
  • Trauma
  • Grief and Loss
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy Trained
  • EMDR Trained

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
JD Sparks JD Sparks

Contact JD Sparks:
jd@renovaricounseling.com

JD Sparks

MA, AMFT


JD brings a calm presence to the therapy room, creating a safe space where clients can see and share their stories without feeling shame or judgement. He collaborates with couples, families, and individuals to find health and growth, and discover both resiliency and peace as they address the challenging struggles of anxiety, trauma, grief and painful relationships.

JD’s vast experience in working with people from many different backgrounds and has shown that life does not go as planned and there are many roadblocks that can occur which leaves people feeling stuck and frustrated. JD empowers his clients to work through roadblocks, develop tools to navigate tough challenges and rediscover authentic joy and life-giving connections.

JD possess a deep personal and professional understanding of the complexities and impact of faith and spirituality on overall wellness. JD guides people into more meaningful and greater experiences of their relationship with themselves, others and God.

When not at the office, JD can be found at home playing with his kids, out on a great adventure with his family, or at home watching a football game.

Education

  • California State University, Chico, BA Criminal Justice
  • Hope International University, MA, Christian Leadership
  • Hope International University, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy

License

  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #134185
  • Supervised by Chris Williams, LMFT#52007

Areas of Specialty

  • PTSD/C-PTSD
  • EMDR Trained
  • Trauma/Complex Trauma
  • Pastoral Care
  • Grief & Loss
  • Couples/Marital
  • Men’s Issues

Professional Associations

  • American Association for Christian Counselors