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Unwavering curiosity and a dedication to service drive my passion for being a therapist & educator.
Working in Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties, I specialize in supporting a variety of issues including grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I use somatic, cognitive, and depth-oriented techniques that form a holistic approach to mental health and well-being.
I believe that healing and growth happens in layers, and that all people possess intrinsic sanity, strength, and resilience. Part of my job as a clinician is to help you discover various obstacles you face in your life and relationships, while exploring and enhancing your inherent strengths. This requires an individualized approach to maximize the effectiveness of our work together.
In addition to my clinical training I have extensive experience as an educator, working with hundreds of children and families over the course of my career. This has given me a deep appreciation for education, social services, and the essential need for community and connection.
I find a lot of meaning and purpose in providing classes, workshops, and presentations that address various needs of both public & private organizations and schools. The audiences I have presented to have ranged from children/teens, parents, college faculty, and students of all ages. Please reach out if you think I’d be a good fit for your group, either as a one-time presentation or series.
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT #132992
MA, AMFT
leanna immel
Supervised by Jeni Woodfin, LMFT #10744
"Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach."
-Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés
From 2014 - 2019 I gained various certifications and attended multiple trainings & master classes for teaching yoga and mindfulness to adults and youth (many of which are unlisted above). With a focus on inquiry and body-based tools, I have brought my yoga & mindfulness experience to a variety of settings. I taught yoga at Luma Yoga & Family Center in Santa Cruz for several years to students from ages 3 - 83! This included more vigorous classes, meditation & restorative yoga, kids classes, and classes specially designed for folks living with a cancer diagnosis. I have had the pleasure of teaching yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork for 1440 Multiversity, Title IVE Collaborative, West Valley College, Santa Cruz Warriors, and at various elementary schools.
Other teachers I have studied with include: Valerie Moselle (of Luma Yoga), Jules Mitchell, Matthew Remski, Don & Amba Stapleton, and Max Strom.
YOGAKIDS, INC.
30-HOUR KIDS YOGA TRAINING
MINDFUL SCHOOLS
MINDFUL EDUCATOR ESSENTIALS
COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE
YOGA
COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE YOGA
20-HOUR TRAUMA
TRAINING
20-HOUR TRAUMA TRAINING
luma yoga
200-hour yoga teacher training
I have completed both comprehensive trainings offered by the Hakomi Institute of California. I maintain relationships with Hakomi mentors & colleagues for continued professional development.
Additionally, the Hakomi Institute of California & Embodywise provide further trainings specifically on trauma. Led by Manuela Mischke-Reeds, and other acclaimed faculty, this training addresses different types of trauma, including relational and developmental trauma, physical trauma, and collective and systemic trauma.
Hakomi institute
of california & EMBODYWISE
Hakomi institute of california & EMBODYWISE
ISITTA TRAUMA TRAINING, LEVELS 1-3
COMPREHENSIVE
TRAINING, LEVELS 1 & 2
COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING, LEVELS 1 & 2
professional training
Contemplating a career change led me to the field of counseling & therapy. I earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy from Pacifica Graduate Institute. During my studies I interned with Hospice of Santa Cruz County, providing individual grief support to adults and youth. My thesis explored depth-oriented studies and somatic techniques to enhance one’s work with the bereaved. I found the experience to be equally meaningful and challenging.
Pacifica Graduate Institute
MA in Counseling Psychology
Graduate
I knew from early on that I wanted to be an educator. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies (Education) with a minor in Spanish from California Lutheran University. While an undergrad, I spent a summer studying abroad in Taxco de Alarcón, Mexico. During my gap year I volunteered with AmeriCorps teaching preschool in rural Kentucky. I received my California Teaching Credential and went to work as a teacher for the Cupertino Union School District for 11 years.
I hope to brush up on my Spanish!