Krista Roybal, M.D.
Recognized as a leading authority in integrative mental health care and addiction medicine, Dr. Roybal has the expertise to uncover the root cause of distress and disease, and a gift for making patients feel truly seen and understood.
She exclusively sees patients in True Life’s intensive outpatient program, where her compassionate, strength-based approach makes her particularly adept at treating complex presentations of anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Roybal is an expert in benzodiazepine tapers and medical detox, psychopharmacologic evaluations, and medication management. She has taken care of thousands of patients in her career and has created a unique treatment model in which they can succeed.
After attending medical school at New York Medical College and an initial training at UC San Francisco in Family and Community Medicine, Dr. Roybal noticed a recurring theme among her patients ¬– undiagnosed mental health issues manifesting in the body as physical symptoms. With a desire to devote more time to patients’ mental well-being and to gain a more in-depth understanding of the mind-body connection, Dr. Roybal went on to specialize in psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, where the region’s well-documented addiction and mental health issues attract top addiction psychiatrists. Training under these experts inspired Dr. Roybal’s own passion for addiction medicine and her belief that “compassion is the antidote” for this shame-based illness.
While working in private practice and at top hospitals including Scripps La Jolla, where she served as Co-Medical Director of the Scripps Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program for many years, Dr. Roybal became passionate about creating a more innovative approach to treatment; one that combined the warmth and individual attention found in a concierge practice, the collaborative environment and neuroscientific focus of a medical facility, and her belief in the integrative model for healing the somatic components of mental health and addiction. She founded the True Life Center in 2014 with these concepts as integral facets.
True Life Center continues to grow and thrive under Dr. Roybal’s hands-on leadership. As a doctor who has always been fascinated by the narrative of each patients’ life journey, she is proud to have developed a treatment center and a team whose mission is to address and treat an individual’s whole health – mind, body, and spirit.
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Suhair Erikat, DBH, LMFT
Dr. Suhair Erikat is a Doctor of Behavior Health and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions at prominent outpatient and inpatient treatment programs. With extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the Gottman Method and Attachment Based Family Therapy.
Dr. Erikat oversees that the highest quality clinical care is delivered at True Life Center. She provides supervision to clinical staff, supervises interns, supports clinical service management and coordination of IOP and PHP in a manner that facilitates best treatment outcomes. She also oversees the development and delivery of the Neurobiological Integration Model curriculum at True Life which is an integrative and collaborative process.
With her Master’s in Psychology from Remington College and her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from Arizona State University, Dr. Erikat’s diverse educational background and clinical acumen allow her to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for all. She believes in meeting patients where they are and helping them cultivate acceptance of the present, while also holding space for healthy transformation. For Dr. Erikat, treating the whole individual is essential to achieving the best treatment outcomes. She resonates deeply with True Life’s mind-body approach to balancing the emotional, cognitive, and biological systems that contribute to patients’ overall well-being. Having the opportunity to witness patients courageously tackle their fears, set healthy boundaries, and practice self-compassion is an honor to her.
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Suhair Erikat, DBH, LMFT
Clinical Director
Kairou Chiou, L.Ac
Kairou Chiou, L.Ac, is a seasoned practitioner dedicated to fostering authentic transformation and healing. With a decade of commitment to True Life Center, Kairou finds fulfillment working with a passionate team that shares her unwavering belief in integrative healing, emphasizing the vital connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Kairou maintains her licensure as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist in the state of California, and holds a Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Her extensive training includes immersion in the Tao of Trauma, Classical Five Elements Acupuncture, and clinical rotations in Beijing and tutelage with Dr. Tan Sheng at The Zheng Qi Tang Clinic in northwestern China. She weaves together the diverse threads of her training into every facet of her work, supporting the continuous enhancement of our organization.
As Director of Operations and Clinical Integration, Kairou leads both the administrative and integrative departments at True Life Center with a heart-centered approach and a keen ability to identify and solve complex challenges. Kairou leverages her extensive clinical background and leadership skills to shape and refine systems that foster cohesion throughout our organization, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. With Kairou at the helm, the True Life Center radiates warmth, compassion, and excellence, creating a foundational path to optimal health and well-being.
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Kairou Chiou, L.Ac
Director of Operations
Kelly Stroud
Kelly is passionate about creating a caring and supportive experience for anyone seeking treatment to improve their mental health and well-being. She believes that a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing the vital connection between the brain, body, and spirit, is the most effective and impactful approach to sustainable health.
With over a decade of experience in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, Kelly has been instrumental in creating positive, transformational change for those struggling with complex mental health and co-occurring substance abuse. Her ability to connect with others and build a trusting relationship has been the hallmark of her success in her work with clients and families. Kelly feels especially aligned with True Life’s attachment-based approach to care. She has a depthful understanding of how a loved one’s committed involvement in a patient’s treatment journey can be a powerful catalyst to transformation and healing.
Kelly recognizes how difficult reaching out for help can be. She brings compassion and care to each and every interaction from initial phone call through admission to True Life Center.
To reach Kelly directly, please email [email protected]. She looks forward to the opportunity to connect with you and offer guidance.
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Kelly Stroud
Admissions Specialist
Elissa Albaba
Elissa supports True Life’s Integrative Team through her role as a Clinical Outreach Representative. She has been working in the behavioral health field since 2010, and prides herself on being able to connect individuals and families with resources in their community. She has worked in residential and outpatient settings in a variety of roles including admissions, outreach and direct patient services.
Elissa graduated from Fordham University with a major in Psychology and a minor in African American studies. She started her career as a teacher, and after seeing the emotional barriers to learning and complicated family systems, she decided to go to graduate school at George Washington University to study school counseling. What began as a short term position almost 15 years ago, has led her to a thriving career in the addiction and mental health treatment field.
In 2014, Elissa joined True Life Center for Wellbeing during its infancy stage, and was an integral member supporting admissions and facilitating key administrative functions. She loved being part of the excitement as True Life planted its roots during those first four years before relocating to Los Angeles. In 2024, she returned to her hometown of San Diego, and coming back to True Life has felt like coming home. She is thrilled to witness the growth of the program and is excited that her job is to ensure that the community is educated about its unique, integrative offerings. She looks forward to connecting with professionals and sharing the incredible healing model that True Life offers its patients and families.
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Elissa Albaba
Clinical Outreach Representative
Tara Al-Taan, AMFT
Tara Al-Taan is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who uses her clinical acumen and passion for creativity to guide patients toward healing and growth using the mind-body connection. Tara’s integrative approach – which includes cultural, mindful, and trauma-informed modalities – allows her to guide individuals toward the creation of more meaningful relationships with themselves and others.
Tara specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders; and has worked with children, adolescents and adults over the course of her career
Tara earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of San Diego and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy (with a specialization in Art Therapy) from Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California).
While working at a residential treatment center and as part of a leading California healthcare plan company, Tara facilitated art therapy groups, provided psychotherapy, led peer mentorship groups, organized community events, and helped coordinate treatment plans. In her most recent role at Elizabeth Hospice, Tara provided compassionate and collaborative care to children, adolescents and adults experiencing grief and related mental health distress.
Tara is thrilled to join True Life Center where she can contribute to and draw from the diverse wisdom of a truly multidisciplinary team. Her passion for the intersection of art and science are a perfect fit for the type of integrative approach the True Life community is seeking.
As native San Diegan, Tara relishes any opportunity to use her skills and passions to serve her community through volunteerism. She also enjoys hot yoga, painting and spending time with her two cats.
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Tara Al-Taan, AMFT
Assistant Program Director
Jonathan Marquez, PhD
Dr. Jonathan Marquez is a clinical psychologist who believes in empowering patients with the skills and insights to live a more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic life. Drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, he specializes in helping individuals move through mental health conditions and relationship issues that are the most challenging.
Dr. Marquez’s straightforward style and action-oriented approach are an ideal fit for those individuals looking for a collaborative partner in their healing process. He is especially experienced in treating those struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, and Autism Spectrum disorders.
Dr. Marquez earned his Master’s from John F. Kennedy University and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Marquez also achieved Board Certification in Biofeedback. He has completed a clinical internship at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center Psychiatry Department, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital.
He has extensive experience with sport psychology techniques and interventions, which is reflected in his passion for holistic, mind-body treatment.
At True Life Center, Dr. Marquez is thrilled to be a member of the True Life team and help evolve the model by contributing to the physiological understanding of mental health conditions. He provides family, individual, and group therapy, as well as Biofeedback sessions to guide patients toward achieving their wellness goals.
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Jonathan Marquez, PhD
Psychologist
Brenn Kane, Psy.D.
Brenn Kane is a Doctor of Psychology who believes that everyone has the potential to thrive, and that hardship and adversity can serve as an entry point for positive transformation. With a therapeutic approach that draws from a diverse range of modalities (including ACT, CBT, DBT, and relational) she is able to provide compassionate and individualized care.
Brenn specializes in treating mood, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and stress-related disorders. She also has extensive experience working with patients navigating neurodiversity, as well as those seeking culturally-responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming care.
Brenn earned their undergraduate degrees from Smith College and the University of Colorado Denver, and their graduate degrees from the University of Denver, where they completed the Latinx Psychology specialty track and went through the Colorado Opiate/Substance Use Disorder Training Program. Brenn has provided integrative care in a variety of clinical settings, including the University of Colorado School of Medicine, National Jewish Health, and Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital.
Brenn is delighted to have found a professional home at True Life Center, within a team that values collaboration and holistic health. She looks forward to helping patients connect with their joy, purpose, and true expression.
A consummate learner, Brenn studies Buddhist philosophy, has completed 200-hours of yoga teacher training, and has lived and traveled throughout Latin America.
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Brenn Kane, Psy.D.
Psychologist
Rachel Krakuer, M.A.
Rachel supports True Life Center as a psychology associate, passionate about collaborating with a team in which every voice is valued. Rachel enjoys taking the role of supportive coach to guide patients in harnessing their own intrinsic power to help themselves and be their own hero. She balances her straightforward approach with a compassionate and encouraging attitude. Through incremental changes, she supports patients to build a rich and meaningful life.
Rachel grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before becoming a Longhorn, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Highest Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She is soon completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Regina (Saskatchewan, Canada), from which she also holds a Master of Arts degree. She found her home in San Diego after completing her doctoral internship at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. She brings her strong foundation in research to her work as a clinician, with 10 peer-reviewed publications and more than 20 conference presentations under her belt and ample experience practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is dedicated to making clinical research palatable and useful for fellow providers, clients, and the general public.
She has worked across the spectrum of mental health care and has garnered extensive experience working with individuals of all ages with OCD, anxiety, trauma, depression, severe mental illness, and ASD. Rachel values the integrative approach of True Life Center and aligns with the model of compassionate, sustainable health for the mind, body, and spirit.
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Rachel Krakauer, M.A.
Psychology Associate
Courtney Hoffman, LCSW
Courtney Hoffman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose advanced skill set supports True Life Center as their Life Skills Specialist. Courtney utilizes various evidence-based therapeutic modalities with patients to provide specialized care to meet each individuals’ needs.
Courtney received her undergraduate degree in Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon and her Master of Social Work from San Diego State University. She has diverse experience working with children, adults, and families with various diagnoses and chronic illnesses in inpatient, outpatient, and medical settings. As a social worker, Courtney embodies the core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. She believes that community is essential for growth and healing and facilitates partnership with patients to foster change. She deeply aligns with True Life’s collaborative approach to care, which supports patient evolution in a compassionate and comprehensive setting.
Courtney believes in holistic healing for each individual–mind, body, and spirit alike. She works to empower patients to be their own best advocate and foster independence. She provides a consistent source of unconditional support to her patients.
Courtney is honored to facilitate growth for patients throughout their time at True Life and beyond.
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Courtney Hoffman, LCSW
Life Skills Specialist
Kristina Reynosa, AMFT
Kristina values developing a genuine connection with each person and understanding what is motivating their pursuit of greater health. She works from a place of sincere curiosity about each individual’s unique strengths and the pain from which they want to heal and grow. Kristina believes in the ability of each person to change and incorporate healthy adaptive practices through treatment. She enjoys empowering patients to develop their tool-box as they learn skills throughout their intensive outpatient experience. Kristina holds vast experience in working in an integrative primary care setting with individuals, couples and families struggling with mood disorders; anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, ineffective boundaries, lack of motivation, anger dyscontrol, intimacy issues, and COVID related stressors. She cherishes the opportunity to meet patients where they are on their healing journey in a collaborative (w)holistic model such as True Life.
Kristina Sandler is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who uses evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) while incorporating mindfulness practices to facilitate an integrative approach for her patients’ well-being. Kristina obtained a Master’s of Science in Psychology at Long Island University. Her graduate work focused on facilitating studies with children and ambiguous figures which inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy at the University of San Diego.
Kristina is aligned and enlivened to be a part of True Life’s team and work within the TLC integrative model of care. She looks forward to helping you apply mindbody practices in your life and arrive at a place of greater openness, security and health.
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Kristina Reynosa, AMFT
Psychotherapist
Savannah Deroma, AMFT
Savannah Deroma enjoys being a part of each patient’s transformative journey. She utilizes a collaborative and systems-based approach as a means of understanding the whole person, not just their symptoms. She cares deeply about treating the whole person, and truly aligns with True Life’s compassionate approach to mental health.
Savannah earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Her professional experience has been wide-ranging and includes work in hospital and inpatient settings with families facing significant health challenges. She employs a variety of techniques in her profession to inspire motivation and help her patients develop practical skills for coping effectively with stress and mood challenges.
Her whole-person lens and integrative approach support clients in meeting mind and body healing goals. Her therapy style is centered on individual empowerment, and she is committed to helping clients create meaningful changes that reinforce their personal values. Savannah believes in the potential to heal from interpersonal wounds and enjoys joining clients on the journey towards self-discovery. She appreciates the integrative model at True Life Center and getting to collaborate with like-minded professionals.
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Savannah Deroma, AMFT
Psychotherapist
Raul Roman, AMFT
Raul Roman aligns with the True Life model of care and wants to be a facilitator of authentic growth and change. He welcomes collaboration in session with patients and strives to create a safe environment that promotes connection and understanding. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). His passion involves working closely with patients in order to foster change and transformation, motivating them to live their lives to the fullest.
Raul is a bicultural, bilingual therapist who offers patient care in both English and Spanish. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and his Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. During the past two years, Raul specializes in working with couples and families. He has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) and is Level 1 Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Raul utilizes his more than ten years of social work experience to aid in his compassionate and collaborative approach to care.
Raul is inspired by the integrative model of care that True Life Center has created. He understands the power of treating both the mind and body as the ultimate path to true health and wellbeing.
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Raul Roman, AMFT
Psychotherapist
Jordan Harber, LMFT
Jordan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist thrilled to be a part of the diverse team at True Life Center. He sincerely values the relationships that he builds with his patients and emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and the importance of the mind-body connection in his therapeutic work. In order to help patients discover themselves, identify areas in which they are ‘stuck’, and move forward with their treatment goals, Jordan applies mindfulness as well as clinically-based practices to his work. Jordan’s skillset is highlighted in his use of ACT, DBT, CBT, and Attachment Theory modalities.
Jordan completed his post-graduate education at the University of San Diego, and is influenced by the work of Gabor Mate and Robert Sapolsky to help patients recognize the role that stress and trauma play in their lives. Jordan’s previous experience includes working in an Internal Medicine branch doing outpatient therapy, as well as working with Veterans and teens in residential mental health facilities. He is experienced in treating trauma, psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use, and family dysfunction. Jordan has worked with a variety of population demographics and adopts a non-judgmental stance in order to encourage patients to be fully themselves. He looks forward to supporting patients along their healing journey through True Life’s comprehensive and integrative style of care.
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Jordan Harber, LMFT
Psychotherapist
Baylea O'Connor, LMFT
Baylea A. O’Connor is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of experience working with diverse clinical presentations. She obtained her Masters of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy with Honors from Alliant International University in 2007 and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton. Baylea is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), is a certified alcohol abuse treatment specialist (CAATS), and utilizes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in her practice. EMDR has successful results in patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, panic attacks, and numerous other conditions.
In working with patients, she focuses on helping to develop therapeutic skills aimed at creating safe environments, caring relationships, and other elements necessary to support each individual’s search for an authentic self and full self-expression. Baylea works with adult aged clients, providing individual, family, and relationship therapy. She is experienced in treating chemical dependency, depression, anxiety/panic, trauma, parent-child relational problems, and relationship problems. Her ultimate goal is to connect with her patients and positively engage with them throughout the healing process.
Canada born and Southern California resident for the last 20 years, Baylea and her family participate in supporting numerous charities, including St. Jude Hospital, Big Brothers and Sisters, as well as local humane societies. Fueled by her passion for running and empowering personal growth, Baylea co-created a running club for at-risk youth in San Diego 3 years ago that is still making a positive impact today. With 5-10 races a year, the running club enables participants to connect with their communities in a successful environment, ultimately increasing self-esteem.
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Baylea O’Connor, LMFT
Psychotherapist
John Dupler, PhD
Dr. John Dupler is a neurofeedback specialist with a passion for research, education, and innovation. With board certification in EEG Encephalography by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance and nearly 30 years of experience practicing Neurofeedback and brain mapping, Dr. Dupler believes that a better understanding of brain activity can lead to individualized interventions and optimizations that promote comprehensive wellness.
Dr. Dupler is committed to advancing the field through helping to educate future practitioners. He formerly taught imaging technology at Columbus State College, followed by a role instructing graduate level Biopsychology at Western American University. He also spent time working for the U.S. Department of Education’s Center for Vocational Education, a research and development think tank, where he was involved in educational research.
Dr. Dupler also has the distinction of being the first individual to successfully adapt Neurofeedback equipment to be remote controlled and monitored over the internet, using software he designed. This led to him providing Neurofeedback services in Tokyo, Japan, where he has taught and offered services to help increase awareness of the modality.
Dr. Dupler is excited to help advance True Life’s mission of mind-body healing by providing patients with Neurofeedback and Brain Mapping.
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John Dupler, PhD
Neurofeedback Specialist
Ciarra Pingarrón, L.Ac
Ciarra Pingarrón believes that the path to health runs through harmony of the Body, Mind and Spirit. Her training, interventions, and approach to care are both heavily science backed and informed by the wisdom of ancient knowledge and experience of those who came before us. Ciarra approaches her patients with an individual and strength based approach – this means meeting each human exactly where they are and helping them to discover their own intrinsic ability to support and heal themselves.
She believes we are not many people living in one world, rather that we are one people living in many different worlds – our intersectionality is essential to our growth and healing. Ciarra seeks to understand these unique intersectionalities within each patient to help them identify and nurture their innate strengths.
Her mindfulness and movement based training is Loving-Kindness, Mindful Self Compassion and Nature-Based Spirituality informed. She holds a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, where she graduated with honors. She has continued her lifelong learning journey in receiving advanced training in mindfulness, Qi Gong, functional movement, Yoga, sensory integrative approaches, trauma informed care via Tao of Trauma certification, and advanced herbal applications for psychiatric conditions. Her extensive training in Japanese Meridian Therapy, enables her to provide gentle and effective treatment with an emphasis on internal medicine, mental health, addiction care, orthopedics and pain management.
She is passionate about incorporating self-healing practices with education to empower and provide patients with the essential skills to thrive in all aspects of life.
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Ciarra Pingarrón, LAc
Assistant Director of Integrative Wellness
Lynsi Lewis, DACM, LAc
Lynsi Lewis, DACM, LAc is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and is honored to be a practitioner assisting patients on their journey to wellness. She views the patient-practitioner relationship as sacred and understands that each learns from one another in order to optimize individual treatment plans and co-create healing. She defines wellness as an active process of pursuing behaviors that help us achieve our full potential – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
After receiving her Bachelor of Science from Troy University, Dr. Lewis moved to San Diego to continue her education at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, earning her Master of Science and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Since becoming licensed, she has advanced her studies in functional medicine, chronic pain, and mental health.
Her desire is to merge both Eastern and Western medical worlds in order to bring about the highest potential of healing. She believes in the future of integrative medicine and has committed her career to building bridges between all healing modalities.
Her approach to patient care is based on compassion and non-judgement. She is passionate about empowering her patients with education on self-care practices and mindfulness. Dr. Lewis is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys incorporating sound healing and massage therapy into her sessions.
She is excited to humbly serve the True Life Center community and help you on your journey towards healing and optimal wellness.
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Lynsi Lewis, DACM, LAc
Bodymind Specialist
Maryna Smolnikava
Dr. Maryna Smolnikava specializes in integrative approaches to health and wellness and supports True Life Center as a Bodymind Specialist.
As a Doctor in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, she has an expansive background in both Western and Eastern medicines and utilizes various modalities to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns. Dr. Smolnikava combines her expertise in pulse and tongue diagnosis, herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, and muscle release therapy to create personalized treatment plans for her patients. She has traveled extensively to learn from many diverse teachers to further deepen her understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection and has immersed herself in various healing traditions, integrating ancient wisdom with modern practices.
She takes a trauma-informed approach to healing, recognizing the profound impact that stress and trauma can have on both physical and emotional well-being. She is passionate about empowering others to take charge of their own health and well-being. She aligns with True Life Center’s whole-person approach to healing and is fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a dedication to serving others.
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Maryna Smolnikava, DACM, L.Ac
Bodymind Specialist
Jimmy Moreno
Jimmy Moreno understands that physical health is a key component of emotional and mental well-being, and he has dedicated his life to guiding others towards an energized, rewarding daily existence. Jimmy’s unwavering passion for fitness and helping others attain their highest potential led him to become a coach and trainer. His holistic approach has helped over 1000 people achieve a new level of wellness.
Jimmy believes in nurturing the whole person by crafting training plans customized to each individual’s needs, goals, limitations, interests, and dynamic lifestyle. By helping clients to discover and harness their own natural talents, he encourages rewarding, sustainable lifelong practices. He enjoys collaborating with the compassionate staff at True Life, where each patient works with a coordinated team of practitioners to design a journey that is meaningful and fulfilling.
A certified USA Triathlon Level II Coach, Certified NASM-CET Specialist, and graduate of the world renowned Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Jimmy himself has more than 25 years of experience competing in international multisport racing events. As a competitive athlete himself, Jimmy has earned All-American honors in triathlon and duathlon, represented Team USA 8 times, and qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. As a coach and consultant, he has trained elite tennis players and triathletes, Olympians, and celebrities. In 2005, he founded Santiago Multisport Coaching and has since worked with clients globally to compete in multisport events. He looks forward to working with new clients at True Life and embarking with them on their paths to self-discovery and empowerment.
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Jimmy Moreno
Neuromuscular Adaptation Specialist
Rosie Brunin FNP-BC, MSN, RN
Rosie Brunin is an advanced Practice Nurse who synthesizes her Eastern and Western training to help support patients at True Life Center. Her holistic and evidence-based approach helps individuals attend to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of their health and wellbeing. With a passion for integrative and collaborative care, she is grateful to be a part of True Life Center’s diverse and embodied team.
Rosie is deeply devoted to helping individuals create spaciousness for their own personal healing. Her aim is to provide an environment for people to be authentically themselves so they can share what is truly present in their lives. She builds strong relationships through offering compassion, non-judgmental support and empathetic listening. Rosie’s unwavering support shines through while helping patients implement incremental lifestyle changes so they can further cultivate attunement to their mind, body, and spirit connection.
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Rosie Brunin FNP-BC, MSN, RN
Healthcare Coordinator
Anna Thomas, BS, RN
Anna Thomas BS, RN is a registered nurse who supports True Life in the role of Healthcare Coordinator. She feels the incorporation of holistic and integrative medicines into health care holds immense benefit to the way mental health is addressed and supported. She is passionate about integrating ancient wisdom into our modern world to heal, grow, and evolve.
Anna has more than ten years of nursing experience in a variety of different environments, but has fallen in love with the field of mental and behavioral health. Her love for nursing is rooted in honoring patients in their most vulnerable moments; she empowers patients to connect with their true essence and encourages them to use their inner strengths to guide their healing journey. Her inner compass is guided by integrity, gratitude, grace, and compassion. Anna is proud to support True Life’s mission to look at each patient as a unique individual, explore root cause etiology, assess and treat holistically, and find balance between mind, body, and spirit to optimize healing.
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Anna Thomas, BS, RN
Healthcare Coordinator
Natalie Bravo
Natalie loves offering her organizational skills and project management experience in a setting that offers opportunities for patients to get healthy and change their lives for the better. She supports the administrative team as Office Manager to enhance office flow and continuously improve the patient care experience. She provides administrative support to all departments at True Life so that providers can focus on our top priority — highly attuned, compassionate patient care.
Natalie is a graduate of UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Her administrative experience is clear in her adept ability to manage department projects and support administrative oversight. She brings her focused attention to detail and deep empathy to her position, providing warmth and sincere care in all aspects of her role.
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Natalie Bravo
Office Manager
Travis Younger
Travis uses his diligent and compassionate skillset to assist True Life Center’s leadership team as the Executive Assistant. His support at True Life helps the evolution and expansion of True Life Center’s model of care by allowing its Directors to move forward projects and streamline systems.
At Portland State University, Travis studied Gender, Queer & Sexuality Studies. He has worked in the non-profit, public & private sector – supporting various organizations with his attention to detail and radical hospitality. His role as Executive Assistant supports True Life Staff with the logistics of daily operations so that they can deliver the best care possible and you can focus on your healing journey. Travis aligns with True Life’s unique integrative care, and he thrives working closely with a collaborative and innovative multidisciplinary team.
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Travis Younger
Executive Assistant
Ambre Thomas
Ambre’s strong organizational skills and detail-oriented mindset are foundational to her role as a Scheduler and Administrative Assistant. With over five years of experience in medical administration, Ambre prides herself in her ability to support patients at True Life Center with the attuned care and mindfulness that is required for the unique schedules and compassionate care each person receives.
Ambre is currently continuing her education in hopes of becoming a therapist and supporting others as they navigate their journeys to wellbeing. Working at True Life Center with its integrative approach aligns with her passions of mental wellbeing, collaboration and community. Ambre is thrilled to be working with like-minded individuals and supports True Life’s mission to provide whole-person care to patients with professionalism, poise, and expertise.
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Ambre Thomas
Scheduler and Administrative Assistant
Savannah Mendez
Savannah brings her technical skills and positive attitude to her role as a Scheduler and Administrative Assistant. She aligns with True Life Center’s whole-person approach to care and supports patient ease and wellbeing through her administrative expertise. Her foundational belief in honoring the whole human person and recognizing the dignity of every individual is made visible in the care she takes in her administrative tasks, and how she communicates with everyone who enters True Life Center. She loves working with a team that genuinely cares for their patients and seeks healing beyond symptom resolution.
Savannah obtained her Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University where she realized her passion for serving others in a healthcare setting. Her hope is to further her education to continue working in holistic wellness, supporting patients on their journey to renewal, restoration, and excellence.
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Savannah Mendez
Scheduler and Administrative Assistant
Sally Hannon
Sally supports the True Life Center team as our Patient Service Representative. She brings to her role administrative experience and deep empathy for all who walk through the door. She welcomes patients and guests each day with compassion and kindness. She is passionate about mental health and takes pride in True Life’s belief in the body and mind connection.
Sally received her undergraduate degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where her interests were guided to work and provide the highest level of care. Her background in customer service and administration enhances patient care through her keen attention to detail. Using her experience, she is eager to assist and help you feel comfortable and confident during your healing journey.
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Sally Hannon
Patient Service Representative
