Meet Our Team
Our Director
Cristy Pareti, LMFT, PsyD, Clinical Director
DrPareti@insightpg.orgDr. Pareti earned both her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited program. In her doctoral program, she completed a specialty track in Child and Adolescent Psychology. This specialty track included advanced education and training in play therapy for children, therapy for adolescents, and young adults. Some of her pre- and post-doctoral training included working with out-patient populations in a drug and alcohol abuse treatment center, a domestic violence shelter, as well as community mental health agencies that help individuals struggling with severe and chronic mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, severe Bipolar Disorder and other psychoses. Dr. Pareti has over 15 years experience in the mental health field and private practice, working with a wide variety of individuals, including children, teens, couples and families struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, divorce, and parenting issues. Dr. Pareti has experience in conducting psychological evaluations and testing and also regularly writes for ParentingOC Magazine.
Our Clinical Supervisors
Albert Knapp, PsyD, BCBA-D, RPT-S
drknapp@insightpg.orgDr. Albert Knapp is a Clinical Psychologist (PSY 25873) in California, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (1-08-4806), and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (S2412). Dr. Knapp completed his doctoral research on studying the effect of autism spectrum disorders on parental stress, anxiety, and coping and also wrote a book Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder Practical Strategies to Strengthen Understanding, Communication and Connection. In addition to working as a Clinical Supervisor for Insight Psychotherapy Group, he is also the Executive Director of Albert Knapp & Associates, a group practice that also functions as a high quality training site for pre-licensed/credentialed mental health and ABA professionals. Dr. Knapp enjoys giving back to the community through charity and non-profit work. Dr. Knapp has served Our Village, a Social Learning Community for 6 years in various capacities such as Founding Board Member/Treasurer, and Clinical Director. Dr. Knapp is also an ongoing participant in the Beach Cities Mental Health Task Force.
Janet Bayramyan, LCSW
janetbtherapy@gmail.comJanet Bayramyan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the states of California (LCSW# 88575) and Florida (SW# 16210). Janet is an EMDR certified psychotherapist. She is also trained in Attachment Focused EMDR, the Havening Techniques, Internal Family Systems, and other trauma modalities. Using the lens of EMDR, she helps clients understand and process the impact of trauma and move through states of protection and connection in their nervous system to establish an embodied sense of safety. She has worked with a variety of clients of different ages and backgrounds—those struggling with severe psychiatric mental illnesses, substance and process addictions, couples dealing with a wide range of relational problems, and individuals working through past trauma. Janet is also a clinical supervisor for therapists who are working towards their licensure. As a clinical supervisor, Janet supports the clinicians of IPG in developing their clinical strengths and working with clients through a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective.
Our Therapists
David Andreone, AMFT
David Andreone is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (144763) working under the supervision of Albert Knapp, PsyD. David earned his Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology for Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling from California Southern University. David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pepperdine University, Malibu.
David leans into therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that are proactive, positive and solution-oriented approaches. He believes these approaches lend themselves particularly well to managing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, creative blocks, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and inter-personal relationship issues.
Having been in the entertainment industry for twenty years, David worked closely with artists, writers and producers of all ages, helping them deal with the highs and lows common with being an artist. David strives to lend his wisdom, experience and support to people from all walks of life, careers, cultures and identities striving to elegantly navigate life's ups, downs and middles.
Michelle Dolinsky, ACSW
Michelle Dolinsky is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (#90659) under the supervision of Janet Bayramyan, LCSW. Michelle earned her MSW from UCLA. She has experience providing therapy to individuals and families facing a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and destabilizing life transitions. Michelle also has advanced training in perinatal mental health and can help clients navigate pregnancy and postpartum challenges. Her therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral modalities. Michelle helps clients develop the psychological tools and self-knowledge for them to gain greater control of their internal and external lives.
Before becoming a therapist, Michelle worked for many years in a clinical research lab that studied human emotions. She holds an integrative perspective on mental health that combines an understanding of the biological basis of emotions with a recognition of the immense amount that we do not yet understand about the human mind. Michelle believes that effective therapy involves respect for and exploration of the whole mind and body system, as well as the larger context of relationships and culture from which individuals take shape. Within the therapeutic relationship, Michelle honors who you are — our unique and vast life experiences, your struggles, your strengths, and your hopes for the future.
Sara Gilbert, LMFT
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #32590), Sara uses her strengths of compassion, empathy and warmth to provide a safe space in the healing process for adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. She earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Sara guides her clients in the process of eliminating internal blocks, memories and beliefs that cause distress. This approach ultimately supports the individual's ability to grow, change, and thrive.
Sara has a full background in using Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness approaches with her clients as well as other techniques, depending on each individual's specific needs. She has experience that includes; play therapy, crisis intervention, leading parenting and adolescent groups in both private practice and school settings. Additionally, Sara incorporates trauma work with EMDR therapy as she develops this methodology further. She feels honored and privileged to be on this path of expansion and resolution with her clients. Since Sara was young, her passion and life purpose is to help as many individuals heal and experience a greater sense of freedom and joy in the present.
Julie Hurd, LPCC Trainee
Julie Hurd is an LPCC trainee working under the supervision of Janet Bayramyan, LCSW. She is currently earning a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She holds a BA from Duke University.
After years in corporate sales and marketing management, Julie's interests evolved toward the education space where she has worked as an elementary school classroom instructor and an academic support coach at the high school level. As a mom and spouse herself, Julie has facilitated groups that support parents as they navigate the struggles and joys involved in being a family.
Julie believes that so much of life is about navigating transitions—in phases of life, in relationships, and in personal development. And yet sometimes we just find ourselves stuck, overwhelmed, and weighted down. With warmth and without judgment, Julie assists clients to gain clarity about what is holding them back. Whether it is releasing old burdens from the past, finding new tools to stay grounded in the present, or dreaming a new dream for the future, Julie helps clients tap into the best parts of themselves so that they can move forward with renewed hope and resolve.
Angela Jones, AMFT
Angela Jones is an Associate Marriage Family Therapist (#141855) working under the supervision of Janet Bayramyan, LCSW. Angela earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology on a dual track for Marriage and Family Therapy, and Clinical Counseling from Pepperdine University.
Angela began her career grounded in psychology following her undergraduate studies. Utilizing therapeutic practices, she built a successful career consulting on people development and organizational design. In her role, she witnessed the effects of emotional distress and mental health concerns that expanded beyond the office. As a wellness advocate, she continued to partner with mental health practitioners to further enhance the quality of life for her clients. In seeing the continued positive impact, Angela found herself returning to her passion of also practicing in the field of psychology.
Angela brings a holistic approach grounded in mindfulness tailoring interventions to the individual needs of her clients. Angela values the perspectives of her clients and partners closely to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Emily Pelky, AMFT
Emily Pelky is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#139180) working under the supervision of Janet Bayramyan, LCSW. Emily earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and an MBA from Bentley University. She is a RYT200 Yoga Instructor, and is trained in Gottman Level 1 and 2 couples therapy modalities. Emily works with teens, adults, and couples struggling with many different mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression, to stress and relationship issues, and more.
Emily first began her professional life working in big tech, and for many years witnessed the impacts of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the effects of poor work-life balance on relationships. Now, Emily is eager to support others on their journey towards self-discovery by holding space for clients to navigate any of life's concerns.
Emily brings an empathetic approach to therapy that is personalized to fit the unique needs of each individual. With an emphasis on mindfulness and evidence-based interventions, she provides clients with encouragement, reflection, and guidance to support them in their growth and healing.
Grant Robinson, AMFT
Grant Robinson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#128088), working under the supervision of Janet Bayramyan, LCSW. He earned his Master's degree in Counseling with a Marriage, Family and Child Emphasis at Palo Alto University.
In San Jose,CA, he used his B.A in Psychology to start working in community mental health including a crisis management team for homeless and at-risk youth, as well as working with those on the Autism spectrum. This work created a love for working with people on their mental and physical health. As a direct reaction to wanting to help as much as possible, he enrolled in a Master's Program at Palo Alto University seeking a higher level of education and understanding of the community around him. The clinical training included both individual and family mental health counseling with teens and their families. He has experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, relational conflict, and addiction. Grant also has experience in sports and performance psychology.
Grant offers a soothing and healing experience, utilizing empathy, reflection, and guidance with changes in thought and behaviors around the issues. There is an opportunity to provide some relief from the pressures of life weighing you down. Grant wants to help you find a sense of safety and the calm that you have been searching for. It can be difficult to open up to someone new, especially a stranger, but Grant provides assurance without judgment and safety without criticism.
Amanda Silvers, ACSW
Amanda is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (#100948), working under the supervision of Janet Bayramyan, LCSW.
Native to Los Angeles, Amanda was captivated from a young age by the stark discrepancies in mental health services available to marginalized communities compared to the surrounding populations living only just next door.
Upon being awarded her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California in San Diego, Amanda spent several years working as a behavioral therapist. Her experience with the diverse span of her clientele ultimately inspired her to enroll in the Masters of Social Work program at University of Southern California, through which she sought to elevate her reach by learning from the preeminent minds in her field.
Amanda has developed a hands-on approach towards facilitating individual and group therapy while working directly with individuals, teens, and families. Her time in service to these communities of need would build a significant and impactful platform of expertise in supporting her clients with their repeated exposure to historical trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, and implementing appropriate treatment plans for the unique demands of each.
When tailoring her therapeutic style, Amanda does so with an eclectic approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy practices with overtones of psychodynamic influences. Most recently, she has become increasingly invested in modalities such as ACT and EFT. Of note, Amanda knows that environment significantly influences the way individuals feel, which drives her to provide an open and encouraging space where her clients can be empowered to grow and heal, and to be guided safely in the resolutions they seek.
Leada Taghipour, MFT Trainee
Leada Taghipour is an MFT Trainee under the supervision of Dr. Albert Knapp, PsyD. She is earning her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.
After graduating with her Bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020, Leada went on to work in the aesthetics industry in Denver, Colorado. She saw clients from various backgrounds, all equally seeking an improvement in their lives. The positive changes Leada witnessed in her clients' mental health, and overall quality of life — as a result of feeling more comfortable in their own bodies, inspired Leada to pursue her passion of helping others in a more clinical space.
Leada works with youth in a school-based setting, as well as adults who experience anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflict, and various types of trauma. She is passionate about providing her clients with a safe space for them to be authentic, expressive, and feel supported in their journey.
Leada uses a customized approach to therapy and utilizes aspects of humanistic, existential, and narrative therapy, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy in practice. She believes every person's story is significant and valuable and deserves empathy and compassion — serving as a gateway to healing.
Included below are the professional psychology organizations where our therapists and directors are active members:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Association for Play Therapy (APT)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
California Psychological Association (CPA)
California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
California Association for Play Therapy (CalAPT)
Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPLA)
Los Angeles California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (LA-CAMFT)
Orange County California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (OC-CAMFT)