Dr. Colleen Daniel is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise and specialization in the neuropsychological assessment of children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Dr. Daniel conducts child and adult neuropsychological evaluations. She is a preferred provider for Newport Academy and Autism Learning Partners. She offers TOVA testing for ADHD (www.tovatest.com), as comprehensive evaluations for learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, psychological disorders, and neurocognitive disorders.
Dr. Daniel is available for consultation regarding IEP/Plan 504 accommodations, high stakes testing accommodations, and Social Security Disability Insurance evaluations.
Prior to becoming a psychologist Dr. Daniel attended Northern Arizona University, majoring in psychology and earning an accelerated three-year bachelor’s degree. After graduating, Dr. Daniel worked as a clinical case manager for the seriously mentally ill population within the greater Phoenix area, gaining valuable experience working with a challenging population and better understanding the needs of those with mental illness. Her clinical experience helped to prepare her for her graduate studies at Pepperdine University, where she earned a masters degree in clinical psychology, with emphasis in marriage and family therapy, followed by a doctorate in clinical psychology. She recently completed a Post-Doctoral Masters of Clinical Psychopharmacology degree through New Mexico State University.
Dr. Daniel completed her pre-doctoral internship through the County of San Bernardino’s Department of Behavioral Health, an APA-accredited training program with emphasis on multiculturalism, severe and chronic mental illness, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy. Following completion of her doctorate, Dr. Daniel completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship through St. Jude Medical Center/Fullerton Neuropsychological Services, gaining specialized training in neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation psychology.
With a broad range of clinical experiences, including assessment and psychotherapist positions at St. Jude Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Little Company of Mary Hospital-San Pedro, County of San Bernardino, Pepperdine University, Union Rescue Mission, ValueOptions, Placentia-Yorba Linda School District, and private practice, Dr. Daniel has experience working with a wide range of disorders and populations, allowing for her to individualize and tailor assessments and treatments based upon the needs of each patient. Academically, she has also served as Director of Clinical Training, Assistant Professor, and interim Department Chair for a Graduate School of Counseling Psychology. Her research has been presented at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention, California Psychological Association conferences, and published in several text books related to clinical supervision.
Dr. Daniel, her husband, daughter, and their two dogs reside in south Orange County and are active within the Capistrano Unified School District. Dr. Daniel is known for her friendly and light-hearted approach with children and adolescents, preferring to have an easy-going, gentle manner to make the assessment process less intimidating and frightening.
Dr. Veronica Nakla Ph.D.
Registered Psychological Associate
Dr. Nakla is a compassionate and skilled clinican dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. She holds a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University, as well as two Masters in Clinical Psychology. Currently based in Irvine, Dr. Nakla offers psychotherapy and assessments for children, teens, and adults, bringing a wealth of experience from various clinical settings, including inpatient units, counseling centers, and health systems.
Dr. Nakla employs a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy methods (DBT), often taking an eclectic approach to meet each client’s unique needs. With a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, Dr. Nakla helps clients manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and life transitions.. Dr. Nakla, who is fluent in Arabic, recognizes the importance of cultural factors and will work with you based on your values and needs.
Vivienne Varga, MA
Registered Psychological Associate
Vivienne Varga
Pre-doctoral Psychological Associate
Vivienne specializes in trauma recovery and nervous system regulation using a body-based approach integrating Somatic Experiencing (SE) and parts work. She works with adults 18 and older, helping them release stored trauma, rediscover inner wisdom, and achieve emotional balance.
Vivienne is a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at Meridian University in Petaluma, CA, and holds advanced training as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology, graduating summa cum laude in the accelerated program at Southern New Hampshire University. Her academic research, “Healing and Vitality: How Overcoming Complex Trauma Restores Life Energy in Adults,” explores the transformative power of somatic and imaginal healing techniques. This work emphasizes restoring vitality and a sense of aliveness, going beyond simply symptom relief.
In addition, Vivienne has a rich background in master life coaching, integrative trauma therapy, and movement-based modalities, including comprehensive certifications in Pilates and CoreAlign. As a former owner of two Pilates studios, she brings a deep understanding of the mind-body connection to her work. Vivienne’s compassionate, collaborative approach empowers patients to access their body’s innate capacity for healing and transformation.
Tina Garcia, MA
Registered Psychological Associate
Tina Garcia is currently a doctoral candidate finishing her PsyD in clinical psychology at Cal Southern University. She has a M.A. in Education from National University and a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. Ms. Garcia comes from a professional background in education where she has worked as a teacher, administrator, and education advocate for foster youth. She has extensive experience assessing students for Kindergarten readiness and advocating for students with diverse needs during IEP, SST, and Section 504 meetings. Ms. Garcia’s area of specialization is in psychological, behavioral, and cognitive assessments.
Abby Griggs
Office Manager
Abby grew up in Newport Beach, CA and joined the United States Coast Guard where she spent eight years working on search and rescue and law enforcement missions. Abby then went on to pursue a career working at the University of California, Irvine specifically working in finance, supporting the Psychology and Law funding and projects with faculty. Abby’s last project at UCI was working with mental health issues with troubled youth and young adults. After twenty-two years at UCI she was ready to retire and pursue her passions. Abby volunteers her time with animal shelters, assisting with animals in need. Abby is a mother of five boys and active in her community. She thrives in areas that put people first, in a caring and compassionate environment. Abby is a certified mediator in the California court system. Abby has a big, beautiful German Shepard and one amazing Maine Coon cat that she loves and treats as family.