Mental Health

Presenter: Natalie Simons, LCSW. Natalie has been employed with Huntington Hospital for six years. For the past two years her focus has been on the Intensive Outpatient Program and Maternal Wellness as a Licensed Program Therapist, at the Della Martin Center.

Presenter: Paul Kurkjian, M.D. Dr Kurkjian graduated from the University of San Diego, majored in Psychology, and double minored in Biology and Chemistry.  Dr. Kurkjian obtained his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Kurkjian completed his Adult Psychiatric Residency training at UCLA.  He is double board certified in Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Presenters: Megan Barr, M.A., ATR & Hope Carter, ATR-BC, LPCC, Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner. For this presentation the facilitators would kindly ask for the participants to have something to write with and draw on.

Presenter: Melissa M. Estrada, L.Ac. Melissa is a California Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, Mindfulness Educator, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer.

Presenter: Jessica Brizuela, MT-BC. Jessica is a harpist, board certified music therapist, certified neurologic music therapist, and certified hospice and palliative care music therapist.  Besides being a music therapist, Jessica is a well-established performer, having worked worldwide, and with such iconic rock bands such as Journey. Jessica uses her skills to serve patients in a fun, therapeutic, humanistic, and enjoyable manner.

Presenter: Steve Scharf, M.A. Steve has worked at Huntington Hospital for the past eleven years in the role of Chaplain.  Steve achieved his degree from Fuller Theological Seminary located in Pasadena.  Before his work with Huntington, Steve worked with the city’s faith community living and servicing the poor and marginalized.  He has served in the Philippines, Los Angeles, and the slums of Caracas, Venezuela.