Meet our Team!
Mika Handelman, Ph.D.
Founder, Supervisor, Clinical Psychologist
At heart, I am an integrative psychologist - I find therapy to be most effective and rewarding when I am able to draw thoughtfully and flexibly from a range of evidence-based practices, and
to creatively adapt, tailor, (or abandon) these in ways that allow me to respond to each person's unique and complex life, strengths, and needs. I use a collaborative and exploratory (rather than
hierarchical/expert) model to help you access/develop the resources to navigate life's difficulties. As clinical psychology is still primarily rooted in a white, western, patriarchal
framework, I strive to be critically conscious of this in myself and my work. I also seek to challenge North American cultural norms and stigmas that impact one's quality of living and
their mental and emotional health.
I feel most engaged and fulfilled when working with individuals across a range of ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and disabilities. I was raised in a home with parents of different socioeconomic, racial and religious
backgrounds. Acknowledging and embracing our differences while remaining connected to our shared humanity is very important
to me and our work together. I identify as a cis, queer, multiracial, neurodivergent, Asian woman/person who is deeply invested
in meaningful and fulfilling therapeutic work while valuing an equally rich personal life - life is for living, not just for healing and work!
AREAS OF INTEREST: family of origin issues, attachment issues, trauma/PTSD, intergenerational trauma, narcissistic abuse, race and/or gender related stress/trauma, graduate school stress, perfectionism, high levels of self-criticism and shame, cancer.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic and Interpersonal Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, Motivational Interviewing, Feminist Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based, Trauma-Informed. Receiving training in Internal Family Systems, Liberation Psychology, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: mikahandelman@sabipsychology.com
Theresa Gattari, M.D.
Medical Director, Psychiatrist
When it comes to our mental wellbeing, meaningful and lasting change is possible when we deeply consider the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit in the context of a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship. In my work as an integrative psychiatrist, my goal is to help clients understand themselves and their mental health holistically. I utilize a wide range of tools including medications, psychotherapy, herbal medicines, lifestyle coaching, and specialty lab testing to help clients reach their goals and thrive in their lives.
I am an adult board certified psychiatrist with specialty training in integrative psychiatry. I attended Wayne State for Medical School and the University of Michigan for psychiatry residency. I am an avid practitioner of yoga and
and meditation and enjoy spending time in nature.
AREAS OF INTEREST: integrative psychiatry, perinatal psychiatry, life transitions, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD.
APPROACHES TO TREATMENT: medication management, psychotherapy (Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy), complementary and alternative therapies (herbs and supplements), lifestyle coaching.
Ana Marisa Hill, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
Therapy works best when the environment and therapeutic relationship feel safe, non-judgmental, and supportive for individuals. I value the importance of how intersecting identities may impact one's mental health and recognize the unique experiences and challenges that come with them. My therapeutic approach is adapted to allow space to balance the exploration of thoughts and feelings (process) and address the specific issues or topics that someone may bring up (content). I value working with each person with an understanding of the importance of both insight and tangible change in clients' lives.
Another value I hold is acknowledging the complexity and richness of each individuals' intersecting identities is a crucial aspect of fostering understanding and connection in therapy, specifically for individuals with minoritized and marginalized intersecting identities. I try to create empathic and culturally sensitive therapeutic spaces for clients.
Therapy can be a valuable resource for those seeking support and understanding, especially when facing the challenges and complexities of daily life. If you have specific questions or concerns about therapy or mental health support, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to provide information and guidance.
AREAS OF INTEREST: racial and ethnic identity development; LGBTQIA+ population, interpersonal relationship difficulties,
student-athletes, international students, family of origin issues, graduate school stress, spiritual/religious exploration.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Emotion Focused Therapy
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: anahill@sabipsychology.com
Jacki Christie, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
You have to start believing you deserve more than just the bare minimum. As a psychotherapist, I believe that every person has the innate right and capacity to feel safe and cultivate a beautiful life for themselves. However, sometimes we need a little help along the way. I firmly believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
I have specialty training in working with young neurodivergent adults, specifically those wondering if they have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD. I am a practical and compassionate therapist who specializes in using a blend of evidence-based approaches to help my clients achieve personal growth and meaningful change.
I am committed to providing individualized, multicultural-informed, and evidence-based care to each of my clients. I am part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and am in support of Black Lives Matter and other anti-racism movements. I strive to incorporate anti-racism into all elements of my personal and professional life.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Autism (ASDCS certification), ADHD, gender identity, eating disorders, personality disorders.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic and Interpersonal Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: Jacki@sabipsychology.com
Alex Lawall, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
Many of use experience struggle and hardship in our lives and finding the courage and strength to reach out for help can be difficult, but you have taken the first step! The challenges we experience every day can be overwhelming. I believe that psychotherapy can be a safe environment to foster growth, healing, and support. I strive to provide a safe therapeutic space where we can work collaboratively to allow you to freely explore, question, and process to help you achieve the quality of life that you desire and deserve.
I am an integrative therapist that tailors treatment to meet your unique needs using approaches supported by research. I believe that collaboration, feedback, and open communication is the best way to create a strong therapeutic relationship.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, couples, parenting, ADHD, stress management, life transitions, college and graduate school stress, time management, depression, interpersonal/relationship problems, PTSD/trauma.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: Alexlawall@sabipsychology.com
Dr. Jovany Avendano
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
As a first-generation Colombian and college student, male presenting and gay identified individual, I bring a unique understanding of diverse communities to my work. My personal experiences navigating marginalized identities have fostered a deep commitment to advocating for underrepresented groups and ensuring that their needs are met in a culturally sensitive manner.
With a strong educational, clinical, and intervention background, I have experience addressing a variety of difficulties using various
therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations. I am fluent in English and Spanish.
AREAS OF INTEREST: College students, emerging adults, LGBTQIA+, sexual, and identity concerns, first-generation, Latino/Hispanic backgrounds, students considering, in the process of, or post transition (including letters of support), anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma-informed.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness- and acceptance-based, Person Centered, experiential based-approaches. Training in Hypnosis and EMDR.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: DrJAvendanoPsyD@sabipsychology.com
Dr. Tabitha Mpamira
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a clinician who centers her work around being trauma informed, culturally sensitive, and client centered. I provide individual psychotherapy to adults that have a range of concerns such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, identity, and much more. I work with clients using an intersectional and social justice lens that has been developed over years of working with marginalized communities and survivors of trauma. The strength-based approach I use helps clients look within themselves and/or their community to find the light.
I practice from a multicultural perspective, while meeting all clients where they are. I approach my work as a therapist with the view that my clients are experts of their life, and I can bring my expertise as well as years of experience to help them achieve their goals of living a full and values-aligned life.
AREAS OF INTEREST: Complex trauma/PSTD, intergenerational trauma, race and/or gender related stress/trauma, graduate school stress, anxiety, racial and ethnic identity development, international students, impostor syndrome, multicultural concerns, issues of self-esteem, relationship concerns, boundaries, adjustment/transition issues.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based, Trauma-Informed, Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY: Tabithampamira@sabipsychology.com
Dr. Jonathan Blair
Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapy Supervisor
Dr. Jonathan Blair specializes in couples therapy and has a passion for training and supervising the next generation of couples therapists. Dr. Blair provides couples training and supervision at several universities and mental health clinics.
THERAPY APPROACHES: Emotion Focused Therapy, Gottman-based approaches, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Lisa Young
Administrator, Biller
We are thrilled to have Lisa Young as a part of our team. She keeps our organization
up and running. She is also the founder of Rightintyme Virtual Assistant LLC, a business dedicated to supporting small female-identifying led businesses. If you would like to learn
more about her business, her website is: https://www.rightintymeva.com/about