Embark Behavioral Health in West Los Angeles, California

Adriana Golshan, M.S., R-DMT, is a Dance/Movement Therapist at Embark with a passion for helping people reach their full potential. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and dance from Wesleyan University and her Master’s degree in dance/movement therapy from Sarah Lawrence College. With a strong background in working with children and young adults in palliative care with medically complex illnesses, children and young adults with autism, and adolescents and adults with eating disorders, Adriana brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Adriana’s therapeutic approach is centered on the belief that every person is a unique, multi-dimensional individual with a rich internal world. She creates a supportive and inclusive environment in which her clients can explore their deepest selves and discover new avenues for growth and healing. Her person-centered, humanistic approach prioritizes collaboration and creativity, and she tailors each therapeutic experience to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients. In her free time, Adriana enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking and baking, and taking her dog, Skyy, for walks in the park. ”

Baaba Hawthorne, M.A., LMFT is the Executive Director of our Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She holds a BA in psychology with an emphasis in human sexuality from California State University, Northridge and earned her master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family therapy from Pepperdine University. She comes from a strong clinical background working with teens, adults and families specializing in addiction, trauma and multi-cultural counseling. In her recent years, Baaba has used her clinical background as a foundation for leadership. Previously inhabiting the roles of Clinical Director and Director of Outreach, Baaba has a passion for building programs and establishing partnerships within the Los Angeles community. Representation matters and Baaba is excited to bring the exceptional services of Embark Behavioral Health to the diverse community of Los Angeles. In her free time Baaba loves to travel internationally, learn about new cultures through food and music and enjoys spending the day at the beach with friends and family.

Chanell Dudley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is an Enrollment Director at our Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Chanell is highly skilled in the field of Social Work; having spent many years providing psychotherapy and case management. Chanell submerges herself into volunteer opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge base in the field and utilizes a variety of techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities. Previously having management experience, she has been able to help others further their clinical experience and meet their goals. She is adamant and believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires non-judgmental caring. Her goals and objectives are to provide an environment of compassion and empathy, in conjunction with supporting individuals overcome their obstacles. In her free time, she enjoys learning new beauty techniques and spending time at the beach.

I am a mental health and spiritual wellness advocate. My life’s work has stemmed from my own healing journey, and I have dedicated my path towards making the healing space a more inclusive place. The intention with my work is to create safe containers that allow people to return to their body’s innate ability to heal and thrive. I am a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Sound Healer, Breathwork Facilitator, with trauma and nervous system informed trainer. “Bringing unconditional love & unification back to the forefront of your body & soul is the most revolutionary thing you can do.”

Dr. Eri Nakagami, Ph.D., LCSW is the Clinical Director of Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She received her BA in sociology from Vassar College and her MSW and Ph.D. from USC. Eri has an extensive clinical practice experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as a long history of teaching, supervising, training, and consulting masters and licensed clinicians. She is dedicated to treating everyone with empathy, dignity, and respect and will ensure that the services provided maintain treatment integrity and follows the Embark Treatment Approach. When Eri is not at work, she loves to spend time with family and friends, workout, cook, bake, and explore familiar and new places.

Hallie Lambert, M.A., is the Executive Assistant of our Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She holds a BA in Film and Television with an emphasis in screenwriting from Chapman University, and earned her master’s in psychology from Pepperdine University. Hallie has been a television writer for most of her career, creating rich characters depicting the many facets of the human condition. Her passion for psychology, community and giving back has led her to Embark, where she is excited to support the team and important services of Embark Behavioral Health. Concurrently she is working towards her MFT license to eventually become a practicing therapist herself. Hallie’s love of animals has kept her a volunteer in the animal rescue community, fostering and adopting many animals over the years. She also serves as a mental health advocate with the goal of eradicating the stigma and promoting mental health education, and is a mentor for Chapman University’s Dodge School of Film & Media Arts. In her free time, you can often find Hallie swimming laps at the local pool, hosting game night for her family and friends or exploring cultures around the globe.

Jackie Zerbe, LCSW is a therapist at the Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She received her BSW from Indiana University and her MSW from Loyola University Chicago. Jackie has years of experience working clinically with families and individuals. She also has experience supervising both staff and MSW interns. Jackie strives to create a non-judgmental, safe space for her clients where they can feel understood and supported. In her free time, Jackie enjoys spending time with friends, trying out new hobbies, cooking, and taking her dog to the park.

Laura McKellin, MA, R-DMT, E-RYT500 is a dance movement therapist at our Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient clinic. She earned her BA in psychology from University of Colorado, Boulder and MA in Somatic Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in dance movement therapy from Naropa University. Laura’s clinical background consists of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, individuals experiencing early-episode psychosis, and military veterans experiencing PTSD. She specializes in the psychotherapeutic use of movement and body-based (somatic) interventions to foster social, emotional, and psychological health and development. Laura’s authentic, nonjudgmental, and compassionate presence creates a safe space for self exploration, integration, and healing. Laura believes that everyone has the inherent ability to move towards wholeness and be happy, healthy, and successful. Laura’s passions outside of work include being in nature, meditation, traveling, cooking, live music, animals, yoga, and enjoying time with family and friends.

Tracy Griffiths is a highly accomplished practitioner with over 30 years of experience in teaching people around the world to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. As a Board Certified Polarity Therapy and Integrative Craniosacral Unwinding Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist, Global Trauma Release Exercise (TREⓇ) facilitator, and 500-Hour Yoga Alliance certified instructor, Tracy incorporates essential oils into her integrative energy and bodywork practices. Tracy is the co-owner and co-director of IPSB at Life Energy Institute, a renowned massage and bodywork school in Santa Monica, CA, and a principal instructor for UZIT, an integrative self-care offering founded by Donna Karan. Tracy is also the creator of Aroma YogaⓇ, a transformational wellness program designed for those who wish to use and share essential oils safely and with integrity, with Aroma YogaⓇ Ambassadors hailing from 16 countries worldwide. Tracy’s passion lies in creating communities and empowering people with the knowledge and tools to become the best version of themselves on all levels: body, mind, and spirit. Known for her light-heartedness and sense of humor, Tracy loves hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and swimming in the Pacific Ocean when she is not working with private clients or teaching.