Claremont Office Psychologists and Therapists

Dr. Melissa McMullin, Founder and Licensed Psychologist (PSY23314)

Hi, I’m Melissa McMullin. I founded Aspire Therapy Center in hopes of meeting a unique need in the community. Many practices focus on what’s “wrong” with a client and how to “fix” them.

Therapy is so much more than that! It’s an opportunity to learn and grow with intention, a chance to become more resilient and happier with ourselves and more confident in relationships. Most of all, it’s a place to explore and actualize things that provide you with meaning and purpose.

Throughout my years in practice and while earning my doctorate at Stanford, I’ve worked with people from very diverse backgrounds. I’ve found that establishing trust, exploring life goals, creating a plan, and providing tools to achieve their goals is a most effective therapeutic approach.

I have worked at Claremont Colleges and USC, where I advocated for students with disabilities, including ADHD, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities/chronic illness. I’m aware of the unique demands of higher education and the challenge of sustaining a life-study balance.

I’m passionate about providing services to expectant and new mothers. Adjusting to the demands of parenting is deeply life-altering and challenging. By exploring your childhood experiences and your expectations of parenting, we can create greater peace, focus, and resilience to surf the never-ending tides of parenting.

Melissa Barley-Trindle, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW63284)

I am passionate about instilling hope in situations that feel hopeless. In working with clients battling cancer and chronic illness, I’ve seen the devastating effects of health challenges on individuals and families. But I have also helped people navigate those difficulties to realize their goals in life and through end of life.

While completing my master’s degree at the University of Southern California, I worked extensively with women and children in domestic violence situations and also with college/graduate students to negotiate obstacles to realizing their goals.

I’m passionate about women’s issues and advocacy for women and the LGBTQIA community.

In my spare time, I’m a baking enthusiast and strongly believe in the therapeutic effects of the same.

Dr. Amber Blews, Licensed Psychologist (PSY30438)

You are ready to engage in personal growth and find greater meaning in your life and relationships. Maybe you are tired of just surviving and are seeking something more. Either way, you have taken the first step in seeking out help to better understand your problems. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with you to achieve your goals! 
I have a passion for helping those who are seeking growth related to increased positivity, spirituality, and understanding the mind-body connection. I am fascinated with cultivating meaning and helping others to do the same. These interests led me to become a psychologist and to author works related to self-renewal. I would like to help you find increased satisfaction in your relationships and daily life. 

I value the importance of early relationships and experiences in creating our coping skills and ways of navigating life. In therapy, we might find it useful to identify your unique experiences and use those places to explore your narrative and seek resolution. 

 

I have worked extensively with college students and adolescents, often related to adjustment and identity, as well as eating disorders and body image. My work has also included an emphasis on women’s issues, cancer, and gerontology.

I am interested in triathlon, cooking, travel, work-life balance, and consider myself a dog-enthusiast and budding yogini.

Dr. Stella Galarza, Psy.D., Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC4690)

Stella Garlarza

Thanks for taking the time of your busy life to learn about me and how I can help you.  I have intensive training in the treatment of behavioral and emotional problems and several years of clinical experience.  I have worked with adults, children, and families helping them to heal different kinds of trauma to foster personal growth. 

My goal is to offer therapeutic interventions to help create healthier lifestyles, comprehending each individual unique strengths and situations, and helping them to connect with their inner resources and with the tools that therapy offers. My interest is in assisting people who struggle with problems related to depression, domestic violence, stress management, social functioning, trauma, cultural diversity, and disability adjustment. Although, I work with all clients to enhance their daily functioning, their family relationships, and their quality of life in general. 

When l am not at work you will find me  reading, watching detective’s  TV shows, knitting, or  traveling.

 

 

Dr. Zheila Ommani, Psy.D., Registered Psychological Associate

I am so glad you’ve taken the first steps towards seeking support to make changes or improvements in your or your family’s life! While I love to assist people of all ages and backgrounds, I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families and helping them develop and implement goals for success to achieve greater internal and life satisfaction.

Oftentimes, when we are seeking help for ourselves or our children, it is because we feel we may have failed in some way.  I approach therapy, not by looking for failures, but by creating strategies and goals focused on you or your child’s strengths, accomplishments, and needs. Together, we will highlight past successes and create strength-based strategies that can help you and/or your family regain confidence in their abilities once again.

I have worked extensively with children, teens, college students and young adults, and families across the country in New York, Washington, D.C., and especially California. I help those who are experiencing issues that impact the entire family, ranging from struggles in academic success, behavioral difficulties at home, substance use, and mental health issues, to name only a few. In all of the families, locales, and settings in which I’ve worked, I have always found one thing: people WANT to do better, and at the same time, are often doing the best they can at that moment. That’s where I come in and help navigate the complex process of achieving their goals of improvement.

I believe that in addition to setting reasonable goals, considering the wide-ranging impact trauma can have is critical to success, as we often don’t realize how even seemingly minor past traumas can influence our day to day decision-making and happiness.  I hope that I can be a part of your or your child’s journey to health, happiness, and success!

In my spare time, I love cooking, hiking, skiing, travel, and spending time with my children, husband, and several pets. 

Skyler Edward Gerard Di Ioli, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #134639)

 

There can be moments in our life when we feel overwhelmed and stuck. We get feeling stuck in negative thoughts,

intense emotions, or behavioral patterns that don’t serve our best interests. In the chaos, we struggle to find a
way out as we continue to use old habits that no longer help us. You may feel hesitant about reaching out for help, especially with pressure from all directions to have it all together. The truth is, everyone needs help from time to time and everyone has the capacity to heal. Beginning therapy takes courage and you’ve
already taken the first step.

My goal is to help you create a more fulfilling life. I believe the most important factor in succeeding in treatment is the therapeutic relationship. I create a non-judgmental safe space for you to share your experiences with me.
We will work together to identify patterns and behaviors that no longer serve a purpose in your life and replace them with new ways of coping. I practice from a strengths-based approach in order to empower you to make the changes necessary to feel more fulfilled and at peace with your life. Through our work together my hope is you will find more joy, purpose, and clarity in your life.

I have experience with an abundance of issues including but not limited to; Trauma, PTSD, Emotional Expression, Identity Exploration, Anxiety, Anger, Depression, Parenting Issues, and Grief and Loss. I utilize several theories when working with clients because not every theory will work for each person. I am sensitive to multicultural issues and welcome working with and learning from people from a variety of background.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, spending time with family, and going to the
gym.