Our Team

Founder and Clinical Director

Clinical Psychologist, PSY31641

Dr. Leevers is a bilingual English/Spanish clinical psychologist who provides an environment that is safe, accepting, and understanding. Her style is collaborative, direct, and empathic. Dr. Leevers provides consultations, counseling, therapy services, psychological evaluations (testing and assessments), and educational workshops. She is also a past guest lecturer for graduate students at Pepperdine University.

Counseling and Therapy

Dr. Leevers specializes in providing counseling and therapy services for children, adolescents, and young adults. She provides parenting support sessions to increase parental knowledge and improve confidence in managing children's emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Family sessions are facilitated by Dr. Leevers to improve communication and deepen relationships.  

Dr. Leevers also provides therapy sessions for adults and older adults who may be experiencing various life challenges such as: divorce recovery support, understanding new life roles, job changes, adjustment to college, physical/medical conditions, and/or marital/relationship challenges.

Testing and Assessment

Dr. Leevers conducts psychological assessments to clarify diagnoses. For example:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability)
• Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
• Specific Learning Disorder
• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders

Education

Dr. Leevers obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in developmental disabilities from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University.

Training and Certifications

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) 
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist
• Gottman Bringing Baby Home Program Educator
• Gottman Seven Principles Leader
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) 
• Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Level 4-Standard

Publication

• Rich, E.C., Roubin, A., & Leevers, X.C. (2013). Therapy groups that work: A scientist-practitioner approach to social skills training for children. Independent Practitioner, 33(3), 90-93. 

Neuropsychologist & Clinical Psychologist, PSY31366

Dr. Alkharafi is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in conducting neuropsychological testing of adults and older adults with traumatic brain injuries, neurocognitive disorders, and various medical conditions. 

Education 

Dr. Al-Kharafi obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She attained her master's degree in clinical psychology with emphasis on marriage and family therapy and her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. 

Training

She completed her internship and postdoctoral training at West Virginia University where she specialized in adult neuropsychological assessment. 

Educational Parent/Student  Advocate

Advocacy Excellence

As an experienced Educational Parent/Student Advocate, Richard's goal is to ensure that your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan is meticulously crafted to fully support your child's needs. It's essential that these plans address not just academic requirements but also provide comprehensive support for your child's social, emotional, and behavioral development.

Richard's extensive background as an Educational Specialist, a school administrator specializing in special education, and an Educational Parent/Student Advocate equips him with a deep understanding and expertise. This experience is pivotal in developing an IEP or 504 Plan that accurately represents your child's unique profile and outlines the essential services and support they require to thrive in their educational journey.

To learn more about Richard's educational background and professional experience, please click on the tab below.