About Healthy Minds Counseling Center

We are a passionate group of mental health professionals, led by an Air Force Veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in trauma-related disorders. Our commitment to serving our community and fellow Veterans is at the core of everything we do.

Our Founder, Kira Monterrey, brings a wealth of experience from providing trauma-focused psychotherapy services for  combat Veterans, military sexual trauma Veterans, and their families during her tenure with the Department of Veteran's Affairs Vet Center program. Having deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom during her time in the Air Force, Kira has a profound understanding of the challenges faced by Veterans and their families.

Driven by a strong desire to make a difference, Kira pursued a Masters in Social Work with a focus on Mental Health and a Sub-concentration in Military and Veterans Social Work from the University of Southern California. Her journey to become a therapist was rooted in her determination to serve her fellow Veterans in the VA Healthcare system.

Having worked for the VA's Vet Center Program and the Northern California Department of Veterans Affairs as a Transition and Care Management Coordinator, Kira has gained invaluable experience in supporting and empowering Veterans on their paths to healing and well-being.

Now, as a licensed and experienced therapist, Kira devotes her full-time efforts to Healthy Minds Counseling Center, a private practice where she has successfully guided numerous individuals in overcoming posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, anger, OCD, low self-esteem, and more. Her expertise extends to working extensively with clients facing traumatic brain injury and chronic pain issues, helping them achieve their therapeutic goals and improve their quality of life.

Beyond her private practice, Kira and the Healthy Minds team is deeply rooted in the local community, actively making an impact through various pro bono services, offering free self-esteem workshops for teens, and advocating for mental health and Veterans' issues. She served as a Commissioner for District 3 on the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission, and she also volunteers at local Veteran's Stand Downs, ensuring that her commitment to helping others extends far beyond the walls of her practice.

At Healthy Minds Counseling Center, we believe in the power of community, and we are here to support you on your journey towards wellness and a fulfilled life. Join us and experience compassionate care, dedicated expertise, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others. Together, let's embark on a transformative path towards healing and empowerment.

As a dedicated trauma specialist, I bring a wealth of experience and a heart-driven approach to my practice. I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. With a background in providing trauma-focused psychotherapy services to over 1,000 combat Veterans, military sexual trauma Veterans, and their families while working with the Department of Veteran's Affairs Vet Center program, I am deeply committed to helping individuals heal and thrive.

Specializing in trauma-related disorders, I have guided countless individuals in overcoming posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and more. Through my extensive work with clients facing traumatic brain injury and chronic pain challenges, I have witnessed the power of resilience and personal growth in achieving their goals.

My mission is clear - to help you unlock your full potential and manifest the life you envision and deserve. Together, we will embark on a transformative journey towards healing, empowerment, and lasting well-being. As a trusted ally, I am here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Let's embark on this journey of growth and self-discovery together. Reach out to me, and let's pave the way to a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future. You deserve nothing less than a life filled with peace, purpose, and possibility.

Education and Certifications:

Certified Family Trauma Professional - 2020

Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional - 2023

Currently pursuing PHD in Health Psychology

North Central University

Master of Public Administration - 2019

Golden Gate University

Master of Social Work /

Concentration in mental health/ sub-concentration in Military & Veteran Social Work - 2014

University of Southern California

Graduated Dean's List

MSW Student Ambassador

Bachelors of English - 2013

University of Maryland University College

Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Alpha Sigma Lambda International Honor Society

Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society

English Club

Associate of Science, Services, Fitness, and Recreation Management - 2002

Community College of the Air Force

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

California License Number: LCSW81553

Florida License Number: SW20836

Kira and the Healthy Minds team is deeply committed to helping organizations improve functioning and helping professionals grow in their career through consultation, education and development. 

 Kira has consulted for various companies and organizations on mental health issues and Veteran and military-specific issues. I offer a wide-range of experience in speaking and conducting training seminars for professional development for companies, universities, non-profit organizations, and government organizations. I have provided trainings for local law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and companies such as PG&E. 

Dr. Jamilia Fields is a Diplomate of American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.She has 16 years of experience in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, utilizing a combination of medication and non-medication techniques.

I am a registered marriage and family therapist and certified trauma professional.  It is my calling to help individuals, couples, and families overcome life's difficulties and challenges. My aim is to build a trusting, safe, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship that restores hope, and an enhanced sense of meaning in life.

My experience as a therapist include helping families, couples, and individuals to treat anxiety/depression, PTSD, crisis intervention, sex trafficking, child abuse, domestic/intimate partner violence and Bipolar Disorder. My personal life journey has provided an in-depth understanding and wisdom that can help others overcome life difficulties. 

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW, MPA, CA License # LCSW81553 

See more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/melinda-pollack-brentwood-ca/784949

“Mental Health...is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.”

Noam Shpancer, PHD

I am a licensed clinical therapist/licensed clinical social worker seeing clients via Telehealth located anywhere in California. I specialize in working with people who have experienced, or who are currently experiencing trauma. 

The majority of my clients work with me to heal from family/relationship trauma and abuse, divorce, sexual trauma, medical trauma, substance use, vicarious work trauma, combat trauma, and other trauma connected to the military. Often my clients are navigating co-occuring disorders, ADHD, a recent life altering traumatic event, or are balancing day to day life in high stress work environments including the medical field, law enforcement/first responders. I prioritize a very client centered, warm, and no BS approach to therapy built on a strong client-therapist relationship.

In addition to working for the military/DoD at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, I have worked in all levels of substance use treatment and various trauma focused programs. I use trauma focused, evidence-based treatment modalities, including EMDR, to help clients process past/recent events, explore a deeper understanding of how you want your life to look like moving forward, and how to get there. I love how creative and individualized therapy can be, I am committed to individualizing treatment around you. 

See more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/charlotte-santos-brentwood-ca/840308

“Be yourself – not your idea of what you think somebody else’s idea of yourself should be.” – Henry David Thoreau

Marie found her counseling calling in helping others reclaim their power after adversity and discover their true, authentic life. Together we can clear blocks to becoming fully you that has been lost and buried. We will process anger, frustration, resentment, anxiety, depression, stress, apathy, fear, that manifest to become problems in relationships, sexuality, communication, and work problems.

Marie specializes in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her passion lies in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, panic and commitment and/or relationship issues due to attachment disorders. She merges Humanistic, Short-Term and Positive Psychology to her therapeutic approach and utilizes a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology,  and Emotional Freedom Technique/Tapping.

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW, MPA, CA 

License # LCSW81553 

See more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/marie-whelan-relationship-sex-therapy-brentwood-ca/979220

Josephine is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a full range of primary mental health care services. Treatment modalities include both medication and psychotherapeutic management. To increase her professional investment, Josephine is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health post-masters certification. 

Josephine is experienced in both large metropolitan and rural areas with different age group setting especially for those with limited access to health care. She ignited a passion to provide access to affordable, quality mental health care no matter where a patient may be located. She strongly supports telemedicine for the patient's comfort and quick access to mental healthcare. 

I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 17 years of practice experience. My areas of expertise include bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, and psychotic disorders. Being a yoga and meditation practitioner, I believe in integrative and spiritual psychiatry, where I take a holistic approach that combines both conventional and complementary therapies in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

“We’re all a little broken, but the last time I checked, broken crayons still color.”- Trent Shelton

Shad’e Pinkins, an associate clinical social worker has worked in community based, school-based, and child welfare services, working with various populations experiencing homelessness and/or at risk such as transitional age youth, foster youth, adults, children and families. She is well experienced in providing continuity of care for individuals with chronic and/or severe mental health, dual diagnoses, co-occurring and complex trauma. Her practice of work is to implement mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, music, art, solution-focused and cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy. “My passion is to walk aside with my clients and help them re-color their life during their journey towards healing and peace.”

See more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/shade-pinkins-brentwood-ca/1196328

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW81553

“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn’t mean you can, should or need to do it alone” Lisa Olivera

I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in California. It is my passion to work with children, youth, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who have experienced; trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, family issues, ptsd, and much more. My goal is to work together to help you grow and overcome life challenges in a safe, no- judgmental and caring environment. I attended the University of San Francisco where I completed my Master Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy.

I have a background in working with vulnerable populations such as working with incarcerated adolescents, children and youth with autism and severe learning disabilities as well as working with homeless families and children. I aim to empower individuals and walk alongside my clients who are dealing with life’s difficulties. I am here to help my clients grow, learn and look inward to use their inner strengths to help heal the wounds of trauma. I aim to help individuals and families build on their self-esteem, build on their communication skills and in turn boost their confidence to create a life with meaning and growth.

See more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/cristina-haro-nunez-brentwood-ca/1216853

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW81553

Meet Healthy Minds Counseling Center's Patient Care Coordinator.

I have a diverse professional background that showcases my ability to adapt and excel in different roles. I spent 6 years aiding students with special needs, which is a testament to my patience, empathy, and dedication to helping others. My experience as an office manager and optical lead for a private practice optometry office for 2 years has honed my organizational and leadership skills. I also spent 1 year as an office manager and financial coordinator for a Dental Company in Berkeley, which has given me a solid foundation in financial management and customer service.

My professional history reflects my passion for helping others and serving the community. I have demonstrated my strengths in various roles, and my experience has equipped me with a diverse skill set that can be applied to different fields. My friendly and professional tone is a reflection of my commitment to excellence and my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

My passion grows for addressing the mental health needs of the local community, promoting quality of life, and for caring for our patients. Dedication, empathy, and warmth ensure a smooth process every step of the way. 

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW81553

Leslie D. May was born in Bronx, New York and raised in the Bay Area cities of Berkeley and Oakland, CA. She’s worked in various genres of the government; enjoyed teaching primary school; has worked as a case manager, advocate, counselor, and clinician. As a lifelong member of the Bay Area, she has amassed knowledge of the needs of the communities and have witnessed the devastation mental illness has on adults and children. She made a promise to give back to the communities that nurtured her growing up and as an adult. 

She is a graduate of John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, Ca. with a master’s degree in counseling psychology, with emphasis on transpersonal psychology. She also holds a master’s degree in health care administration and a master’s degree in public administration. Additionally, she has completed the 40-hour training as a Domestic Violence Advocate; training with CASVSP as a Supervised Visitation and Exchange agent; and interviewing children in crisis for legal cases.

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW81553

I am Joshua Vega, a dedicated student currently pursuing a major in psychology at Los Medanos College. My academic journey is oriented towards achieving an associate degree at LMC, with the subsequent goal of transferring to a distinguished University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU). 

A specific focus of my professional mission is to bridge the generational gap that I believe afflicts many communities. My goal is to establish a more direct connection with the youth within the Bay Area, fostering understanding and rapport. I approach this endeavor with an open mind and a compassionate ear, eager to engage with issues that may be less understood by others. My aim is to offer a fresh perspective and serve as a direct link to the younger generation, while also actively seeking their input to enhance our community. I aspire to be a voice for the youth and contribute to the betterment of our community as society ebbs and flows with constant changes and growth. 

I look forward to the opportunity to work with Healthy Minds and to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. Thank you for considering my dedication and commitment to this essential cause. 

Supervised by Kira Monterrey, LCSW81553