Meet the Team

 
 

Amanda Cruz, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Amanda Cruz is passionate about guiding individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves. Through the lens of the expressive arts and mindfulness, Amanda’s goal is to holistically foster the mind/body connection while encouraging healing and awareness of one’s emotional state to overcome adverse emotions. She is excited to join Lighthouse Therapeutic Services and grateful for the client's that allow her to join them on their journey to live a balanced and peaceful life!

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California, Riverside in addition to an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She also earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak- Peck School of Social Work. In her free time she enjoys hiking, yoga, and karaoke.

ACSW #98060. Amanda is under supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269

 
 

Elva Perez

Administrative Assistant
Elva Perez is a very compassionate and enthusiastic individual, with a passion for helping others.  Experienced with 15 years across various industries, she is a “Jane of All Trades.”  Elva has training in a wide range of office administration tasks and has the ability to work under pressure with a positive demeanor.  Successful in fielding phone calls, providing information to clients and acting as liaison between therapists.  Elva is excited to join the team and help out in any way she can.

When not being the ringleader of her household, with her three small kids, Elva enjoys the occasional Starbucks and a Target run.  Some of her other hobbies are baking and crafting which really brings out her creative side.

 
 
 
 

Marissa Hernandez, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Marissa Hernandez is a Mexican/Puerto Rican American from San Diego, who is focused on providing a safe space for her clients to feel vulnerable and become the best version of themselves through accountability and understanding cultural/childhood components. Marissa is a firm believer that by developing a safe and respectful therapeutic experience, it will help facilitate the beginning of her client's healing journey. She has a strong passion for helping people through the lens of art and mindfulness with a goal to provide cultural and diverse perspectives. Her goal is to foster a space where her clients can address their struggles through healthy coping mechanisms and effectively communicate their emotions with individuals in their life; as well as holding themselves accountable.  

Marissa received her Associates in Behavioral and Social Sciences from Cuyamaca College, Bachelor of Psychology from Pepperdine University, and Master of Social Work from University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Marissa is a bilingual Associate Clinical Social Worker, who also works in the medical setting as a Medical Social Worker specialized in Chronic Kidney Disease (ESRD). On top of speaking English and Spanish, she has been learning Japanese off and on the past two years. Marissa’s hobbies included photography (mostly portraits), traveling, being a foodie of all cuisines, painting, watching the Padres games and exploring her city. She is really excited to be a part of the Lighthouse Therapeutic Services Team and looks forward to helping her clients find their journey to a life of balance and healing. 

Specialties:
• Attachment Styles
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic Illnesses

ACSW #90921. Marissa is under supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269 

 
 
 

Anna Lam, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Anna strongly believes in the power of healing in a relational setting.  Anna deeply cares about helping individuals get unstuck, lifting them and achieving their goals. She supports children, teens, adults, and families struggling with their interpersonal or multicultural issues by providing a nonjudgmental space and empowering them to have a healthier relationship with themselves and the important people in their lives. Anna will walk with individuals in their healing journey.

Anna loves to learn, such as learning Spanish and increasing her fluency in her heritage language Vietnamese. She also loves the Nintendo fictional dinosaur character Yoshi and playing the sport badminton.

Specialties:

  • Children ages 9+

  • Young adults (18-24)

  • Anxiety and Stress Management

  • Asian American experience

  • Burnout and Perfectionism

  • LGBTQIA+

  • EMDR trained

Location:

Virtual in California and in-person San Dimas

Anna Lam (ACSW #92032) is under the supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269.

 
 

Chrystina Long, MA. ED.

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Chrystina Long aims to provide intentional and high-quality services to her clients by creating a safe space where trust is built through open and honest communication. Her goal is to support her clients' ability to resolve past traumas/current challenges and bring positive change in order to help them achieve and attain their goals in therapy and in life. As an early educator for the past 15 years Chrystina specializes not only in working with young children and adolescents, but with adults as well. This professional experience has heavily influenced her passion for fostering healthy relationships not only with others, but within oneself to become the best version of themselves. Through collaborative therapeutic sessions, she hopes to encourage positive coping strategies, promote self-awareness, learn effective communication skills, strengthen emotional regulation and setting healthy boundaries.

Chrystina is enthusiastic to join the team at Lighthouse Therapeutic Services and is looking forward to walking alongside clients on their healing journey. She is committed to honoring and respecting the uniqueness of each individual while staying inclusive of cultural and social perspectives.

Chrystina earned her Masters in Education in Educational and Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Psychology from Cal State University Fullerton. Born and raised in Southern California, Chrystina enjoys being outdoors with her family and two cattle dogs.

Specialties:
• Anxiety & Depression
• Stress and Life Transitions
• Children age 12+
• Work/Life Balance

Location:

Virtual in California and in-person San Dimas

Chrystina Long (APCC #16373) is under the supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269.

 
 

Jacob Singhavong, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker
Jacob Singhavong is a first generation Laotian-American who is passionate about providing holistic care, utilizing therapeutic modalities that are person-centered and culturally adaptive. His goal is to cultivate a supportive environment where clients can heal and grow, overcoming challenges and achieving emotional well-being.

Jacob holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Intervention and a Master of Social Work from California Baptist University. In addition to his clinical work, he is a children's book author and is deeply committed to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He is excited to join Lighthouse Therapeutic Services and is grateful to the clients who allow him to be part of their journey.


Specialties:

  • Depression & Anxiety

  • Stress and Life Transitions

  • Children/Adolescents 

  • Transitional Aged Youth/Young Adults (15-18)

  • LGBTQIA+

Jacob Singhavong (ACSW #122668) is under the supervision of Debora Ribas-Santos, LCSW #81269.