A young woman with long blonde hair and glasses smiling at the camera.

Emily Waitt

Clinical Director | LMFT #142568

Emily’s path to becoming a therapist started with a surprising turn—from studying business at Brown University to discovering a deep passion for mental health. It was her own experiences in therapy as a teen (the good and the not-so-good) that sparked a commitment to making support more accessible, relatable, and healing for young people and their families.
She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and went on to complete advanced training in adolescent therapy, including two years in the Adolescent Counseling Program at Maple Counseling. Over the years, she’s worked with teens and young adults in a range of settings—from school-based programs to intensive treatment centers—helping clients navigate anxiety, identity, relationships, and the challenges that come with growing up.
Emily takes an integrative approach to therapy, combining evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each client’s inner world and developmental journey. She’s especially interested in how early relationships shape the way we relate to ourselves and others, and how therapy can help shift those patterns with care and curiosity.
She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Psychodynamic Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, further deepening her understanding of youth development and the mind-body connection.

Nick Johnson

Director of Development | AMFT #153311

Before becoming a therapist, Nick worked in both the arts and psychological research—two fields that, in different ways, explore how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. In film and television, he collaborated with writers and directors to develop character-driven stories. At Harvard’s Department of Psychology, he worked with Dr. Daniel Gilbert and Dr. Bethany Burum on studies exploring how we anticipate emotions, make decisions, and imagine the future.
To Nick, therapy is the meeting point of science and storytelling. His research background gave him a strong foundation in understanding behavior, while his creative work deepened his awareness of the narratives people carry—both chosen and inherited. He sees therapy as a space to step back from those stories and ask: Is this really mine? And is it helping me grow?
Nick trained at The Maple Counseling Center, where he supported teens navigating anxiety, identity, family dynamics, and self-doubt. During this time, he also served as a wellness counselor at Beverly Hills High School. He currently leads process groups in residential treatment settings for adults in recovery, helping clients build emotional regulation, self-trust, and more authentic ways of relating.
His style is relational, collaborative, and insight-driven. Nick works best with people who are curious about themselves—who want to make meaning of their experiences and move forward with intention.
You can learn more at nicholasjtherapy.com.

Close-up of a woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and a friendly smile.

Sophia Waitt

AMFT# 10017845

Sophia is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who brings curiosity, empathy, and a down-to-earth presence to her work with teens and young adults. She’s especially passionate about helping young people feel truly seen and understood—something she craved herself when trying to find the right therapist as a teenager.
Sophia earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Psychology from the University of Southern California (USC) and went on to receive her master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She completed two years of specialized training through Maple Counseling’s Adolescent Therapy Program, where she worked with a wide range of youth navigating depression, anxiety, identity exploration, substance use, and family stressors.
With a style that’s warm, collaborative, and always judgment-free, Sophia helps her clients build insight, emotional resilience, and self-trust. She’s especially attuned to the pressures and inner worlds of adolescents and brings a deep respect for each client’s unique experience.

Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing earrings and a green collared shirt.

Opal Anchel

Opal helps parents build a more connected and harmonious home environment as they navigate the challenges of family life.
With a strong understanding of how words, emotions, and behaviors shape relationships, Opal combines compassion and expertise to improve communication, overcome conflicts, and foster greater understanding and teamwork within the family.
Opal is passionate about giving parents practical tools and guidance to support their children's emotional well-being, set healthy boundaries, and raise confident, well-adjusted kids.
Areas of Support:
- Individual Parent Coaching
- Couples Support
- Co-Parenting Guidance
- Group Coaching
- Virtual Sessions Available
Click to visit Opal’s website.