Meet the people behind Early Life.

Dr. David Judd is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the President and CEO of the Early Life Child Psychology and Education Center in the Santa Clarita Valley. He is a long-time resident of Valencia, CA, where he resides with his wife and five children.

David received his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, his Bachelor's in Psychology from Brigham Young University, and his Master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah. His clinical experience and training include individual, group, couples, and family counseling, along with testing and assessment services in both English and Spanish. He has administered hundreds of educational, psychological, and psycho-educational assessments and has coordinated and supervised special education evaluations for charter schools across the Los Angeles area, including IEP advocacy.

David has worked across hospitals, community clinics, university counseling centers, detention facilities, and private practice. He completed his pre-doctoral internship from 2009–2010 with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) in Tarzana, where he conducted psycho-educational assessments and behaviorally based in-home therapy for children with autism. He has experience supporting clients across substance abuse, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, personality disorders, relational difficulties, learning disorders, and Autism. Dr. Judd is committed to providing a culturally sensitive, scientifically grounded treatment approach to the families of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Dr. Donna Truong has been a valued member of the Early Life team for over a decade, supporting families in both Valencia and Sherman Oaks, California. She brings a warm, integrative approach to her work, shaped by her clinical training, experience as an educator, and perspective as a parent.

Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Truong worked as an elementary school teacher in underserved communities throughout Santa Barbara and the San Fernando Valley. This foundation continues to guide her understanding of child development, learning differences, and the real-world challenges families face within school systems.

She earned her Master's degree in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed both her Master's and Doctoral degrees in Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute in Los Angeles.

Dr. Truong's clinical training spans diverse settings. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, she specialized in neuropsychological assessment, conducting pre- and post-surgical evaluations and co-facilitating a fibromyalgia therapy group. She also trained at Mount St. Mary's College, providing assessments, leading group therapy, and offering individual psychotherapy. In addition, she worked at the Child and Family Center in Los Angeles, where she supported underserved families by providing early developmental assessments and therapy for children ages 0–5.

As both a parent and former teacher, Dr. Truong brings empathy, insight, and cultural sensitivity to her work with children and families, including those with special needs. She is dedicated to collaborative, culturally responsive care and is an active member of the Los Angeles Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Elani Tuchman is part of the Early Life team in Valencia, California. From early on, psychology and helping others has been a passion of hers. After minoring in psychology at Florida State University, Dr. Tuchman received her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino. She continued her education at the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in working with families, couples, and children.

Throughout her training, Dr. Tuchman has worked in elementary and K–8 schools, providing individual and group therapy to children of all ages. With a love for arts, crafts, and board games, she connects easily with young clients through play and art therapy. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Pasadena Rehabilitation Institute, where she trained in neuropsychology and behavioral medicine and conducted neuropsychological and psychological testing.

Dr. Niki Savage is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child, adolescent, and family therapy. She is known for her ability to connect with youth who may feel hesitant or resistant to therapy, creating a space that is both engaging and emotionally safe.

Dr. Savage helps clients and families make sense of emotional and behavioral challenges by translating insight into practical, actionable strategies. Her work focuses on strengthening relationships, improving emotional regulation, and supporting lasting behavioral change within the family system.

She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Master of Arts in Education from California State University, Sacramento, and an Associate degree in Early Childhood Development. Dr. Savage has advanced training in working with ADHD, couples and family systems, and complex trauma. Her clinical experience spans both public school and private practice settings, where she has supported neurodivergent children and their families in building resilience, improving communication, and recovering from trauma.

Areas of focus include: child and adolescent behavioral concerns, parent–child relationship challenges, family communication and conflict resolution, emotional regulation and distress tolerance, coping skills and resilience-building, parenting support and psychoeducation, and disruptive patterns including screen overuse and behavioral dysregulation.

Her approach is collaborative, structured, and developmentally attuned. She integrates play-based interventions, family systems work, and evidence-based treatments to meet each child and family where they are — while guiding them toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Dr. Alex Pineda is a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience specializing in trauma-informed care and community mental health. A graduate of an APA-accredited institution — the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant (CSPP) — Dr. Pineda has built a career centered around working with children, families, and individuals affected by traumatic events. Following his doctorate, he completed a post-doctoral residency where he further honed his expertise in supporting young clients and families through difficult emotional and psychological challenges.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Pineda has experience supervising and mentoring other clinicians, providing guidance in trauma-focused therapeutic practices, case management, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. His leadership style is rooted in empathy — offering both support and constructive feedback to foster the professional growth of his supervisees while ensuring high-quality care for clients.

Known for his deep empathy, compassion, and commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment, Dr. Pineda is dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships. He believes in the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of healing through connection. Integrating a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to each client's unique needs, Dr. Pineda empowers those he works with to navigate their emotional journeys with confidence and hope.

Dr. Nicole Gend is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families across clinical, educational, and managed care settings.

With a clinical focus in autism, she is passionate about helping individuals and families feel understood, supported, and connected to meaningful care. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to serve families in the Santa Clarita community through services that are compassionate, practical, and individualized.

Her experience includes comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, individualized ABA assessments and treatment planning, ongoing clinical recommendations, and parent-led services that help families build confidence and practical skills in everyday life.

At the heart of her work is a belief that meaningful progress happens through compassion, collaboration, and trust. By blending the science of psychology with the principles of applied behavior analysis, Dr. Gend strives to understand each person's strengths, needs, and goals while providing thoughtful recommendations that support long-term growth and success.

Joanne Sabolic is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She received her Bachelor's Degree in psychology from San Diego State University while training in Biofeedback and Stress Management therapies for panic and anxiety disorders, depression, and pain management. Joanne earned a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling from California State University, Northridge.

Joanne has extensive experience with special education high school students within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and has been an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at National University. She specializes in therapy with adolescents — peer pressure and self-esteem — and adults around individual, couples, and aging issues, families, and anger and stress management.

Joanne honors each client's uniqueness and works collaboratively to decide which therapy fits their needs. She blends Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, and Holistic approaches.

Quentin Dunne is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping children, adolescents, and adults recover from trauma, grief, pet loss, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He sees clients at both our Santa Clarita and Sherman Oaks offices.

He received his Master's degree in psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2008 and became licensed in 2011. He is a certified cognitive-behavioral therapist through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and incorporates other modalities of healing into his approach. A member of the Ecopsychology Network for Clinicians and The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, he believes the integration of natural landscape into the therapeutic process can be deeply nourishing.

Deeply committed to human dignity and equality, he provides affirmative therapy to people of all ethnicities, spiritualities, and sexual orientations.

My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back.

Whether you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're ready to move in a new direction, I look forward to working with you. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support and couples counseling. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients' individual needs.

Tracie Tewksbury is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a certified addiction counselor (CATC-IV) who has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years.

She began her mental health work in the field of addiction with some of the best-known treatment facilities in the Los Angeles area, focusing on LGBTQ+ populations and the formerly incarcerated. Tracie received her Bachelor's degree from Brandman University in Social Science with an emphasis on criminal justice and her Master's in clinical psychology from Antioch University. She became a certified addiction treatment counselor in 2009 and licensed as an MFT in 2016.

Tracie has extensive experience with addiction, ADHD, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, ODD, Conduct Disorders, Anger Management, and building social and academic competence. During her tenure with the Hart School District she found her passion for working with teens. She is trained in psychodynamic play therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, Seeking Safety, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Shari Manculich holds a B.S. in Business, Marketing from California State University, Northridge, and an M.S. in Counseling, Marriage and Family Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. She brings a business background in Consumer Packaged Goods to her practice, having previously worked for a Fortune 500 corporation.

Shari most recently worked as a School-Based Therapist with William S. Hart Union High School District, working with K–6, Special Education students, and school-based referrals. In addition to Early Life, Shari has private practice experience working with children, teens, young adults, adults, Victims of Crime, Managed Care, and cash patients. Her primary modalities are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.

Shari is especially passionate about the school setting, working with both special education students with IEPs and general education students and their families. Her goal is to help clients find solutions and a more peaceful, joyful existence. Shari is currently accepting new clients.

Tonya Florence-Bell is a compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to guiding individuals toward growth, healing, and personal empowerment. She works with adults and teens facing a broad range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and stress management. Tonya specializes in supporting clients through significant life transitions and personal growth challenges — identity development, career changes, and adjusting to major life events like marriage, divorce, relocation, and parenthood.

Tonya's approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply affirming. She believes every individual has the capacity for change, resilience, and healing, and she strives to create a therapeutic space where clients feel truly seen and understood. Drawing from a humanistic, client-centered perspective informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, Tonya tailors each session to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients.

Tonya earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University and practices under the supervision of Dr. Judd, PsyD, while accruing hours toward independent licensure.

Joanna Keastle is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Dr. Judd, PsyD. She partners with clients through a collaborative, strengths-based approach to cultivate meaningful growth and change, fostering a playful and engaging environment. Joanna earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University and her Bachelor's degree in Communications, with a minor in Sociology, from California State University, Bakersfield.

Her professional background includes work in community mental health, where she specialized in providing trauma-informed psychoeducation to parents. As a school-based therapist, she has supported elementary and junior high students in their emotional, behavioral, and social development, with a focus on strengthening executive functioning skills, enhancing emotional regulation, and improving social functioning.

Joanna believes that a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change. She is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Using an integrative framework, she draws from Solution-Focused techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to tailor interventions to each client's unique needs.

Passionate about working with children, adolescents, and their families, Joanna has a particular interest in empowering individuals with ADHD to lean into their strengths while developing effective, individualized tools for success. Her work is guided by a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Outside of her professional work, Joanna enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two young boys.

Hana Rabadi is a PhD Candidate and Psychology Associate Intern. Hana practices under the supervision of Dr. Judd, PsyD, while accruing hours toward independent licensure. She combines clinical expertise with a deep passion for supporting individuals on their mental health journeys.

She takes an integrative and empowerment-based approach, helping clients better understand themselves while cultivating resilience, self-trust, and compassion. With cultural humility and empathy at the core of her practice, Hana is dedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, embrace authenticity, and strengthen their capacity for connection and growth.

Her work centers on guiding clients to uncover the root of their voices and access deeper self-expression as a path toward healing and wholeness. By fostering presence, empowerment, and self-acceptance, Hana hopes to help each person trust their inner wisdom and move forward with courage and clarity.

Carol Tyree is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with experience helping clients build new skills to improve overall well-being. She uses a holistic approach utilizing evidence-based practices and treatments to assist clients in dealing with challenges and changes in life — including anxiety, depression, mindfulness, relational issues, anger management, trauma, and life transitions.

Carol graduated from National University with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Her work experience includes over ten years in health insurance administration, and more recently she worked at California Family Counseling Center with individuals, children, and couples.

Carol has extensive experience working with Autism and understands the unique challenges faced by families with children on the spectrum. She offers a caring, person-centered approach, seeks to listen, understand, and learn from clients about their culture and values, and believes all clients deserve kindness, sensitivity, and compassion.

Jairus Aguilar, ACSW, is a dedicated play therapist specializing in child-centered play therapy with a passion for supporting children. He earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, where he developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and therapeutic interventions for children.

With a deep understanding of the power of play, Jairus creates a safe and accepting environment where children can express themselves, process emotions, and build resilience. His approach emphasizes unconditional positive regard, empowering children to navigate their experiences at their own pace.

Jairus has extensive experience working with a wide range of play themes, including those centered on power, safety, and self-regulation. By attuning to each child's unique needs, Jairus fosters emotional growth and self-discovery through play. His commitment to child-centered therapy, combined with his keen observational skills and warm, non-directive approach, makes him a trusted advocate for children's emotional well-being.

Dr. Jarazeth Lopez brings extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families across school and clinical settings. Dr. Lopez is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Registered Psychological Associate and former Lead School Psychologist who has dedicated her career to supporting students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. She has worked within diverse school systems and communities, providing psychoeducational assessments, counseling, and consultation to support student success.

Dr. Lopez received her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with specialized training in childhood and adolescent psychology and advanced assessment. She also holds a Master's degree in Educational Psychology and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

Clinically, Dr. Lopez has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental evaluations, including assessments for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning differences, and emotional concerns. She has provided individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). She is known for her collaborative, culturally responsive approach and her ability to create a warm, supportive environment where clients and families feel understood and empowered.

Negin Doosti holds a Master's degree in School and Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience conducting psychoeducational and clinical assessments for children and adolescents, with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and social-emotional functioning. Negin is under the supervision of Dr. Judd, PsyD.

Her professional background includes specialized training and assessment experience within both hospital and educational settings in Toronto, Canada, including work with The Hospital for Sick Children and the Toronto District School Board. Negin is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized evaluations that help families gain meaningful insight into their child's strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Liam Stuart specializes in comprehensive clinical psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Liam works with individuals who have concerns related to autism spectrum presentations, ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, and adjustment difficulties. His approach emphasizes thoughtful diagnostic clarification, identification of strengths, and practical recommendations to guide treatment planning and support.

Liam's background includes outpatient clinical work, prior experience in school settings, and early training providing in-home behavioral intervention as a behavioral technician. This experience allows him to evaluate the whole person, integrating cognitive and emotional functioning, personality and behavioral patterns, developmental history, and family context.

Liam takes a collaborative and transparent approach to assessment, ensuring clients and families understand the findings and feel supported throughout the evaluation process. Whether someone is seeking diagnostic clarification for themselves or their child, Liam would be honored to assist in that process.