Meet Our Team

Lara Symonds, MA, LMFT, DCEP

Founder & Owner of OptimalLife Wellness, Lara helps clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma recovery. She works with children, families, individuals, and couples.

Anahi Tapia, MS, LMFTA

Anahi works with children, families, and couples. She uses several approaches and is dedicated to helping people work toward improved relationships and well-being.

Angelina Perez, MFT Intern

Angelina works with children, individuals, couples, and families. Through a trauma-informed approach, she works to meet clients where they are, while encouraging non-judgmental self-discovery.

Angie Tamayo Montero, MA, LMHCA

Angie is a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist. She works with children, families, and adults using many techniques, including Mindfulness and Self-Compassion (MSC).

Austin Edge, MFT Intern

Austin’s areas of focus include neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, adolescents and parents, men’s issues, couples, and families. He works collaboratively with clients to support their goals at a pace that feels safe.

Dani Bohbot, LSWAIC

Dani’s areas of focus include anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, depression, eating disorders, and LGBTQIA+ issues. She uses a strength-based, trauma-informed approach with her clients.

Dawn Angus, CMHC Intern, TCTSY-F

Dawn is passionate about supporting adolescents and adults with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. Using cognitive and somatic approaches, she encourages self-discovery and helps clients embody their strengths.

Deb Sommer, MA, LMHC

Deb helps clients with anxiety, OCD, depression, parent coaching and support, and LGBTQIA+ issues. She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), among other techniques.

Elizabeth Bryant, MFT Intern

Elizabeth has experience in faith and spirituality transitions and is passionate about working with those in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as the intersection of faith and identity.

Eva LaFollette, MA, LMHC

Eva’s areas of focus include suicide and suicidal ideation, self-harming, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She incorporates her yoga instructor skills into therapy sessions.

Kirsten Laurel, Art Therapy and CMHC Intern

Kirsten works with individuals of all ages using creative, strengths-based approaches to empower her clients with the awareness, confidence, and skillsets they need to make intentional, lasting changes.

Laura McDowell, LMHCA

Laura works with individuals of all ages, using a variety of techniques to build a deep understanding of her client’s needs and the goals related to their therapy journey.

Morgan Lee, LMFTA

Using her belief in people’s inherent worth and growth potential, Morgan helps couples, families, and children develop and expand their coping skills.

Serena Stark, LSWAIC

Serena works with clients with Eating disorders (Including ARFID), gender-based issues, trauma from gender-based violence, and persons in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Shana O’Connor-Wolf, LMFTA

Shana works with children, families, and couples. She sees therapy as an open and non-judgmental collaboration of ideas and practices that holistically fit clients’ needs.  

Stephen Lee, LMFTA

Stephen works with children, families, and couples. He uses compassion, respect, and authenticity as cornerstones of his client’s journey with him.