staff - victims of crime counseling services

Melissa Thompson-Jinariu, LMFT
Victims of Crime Program Coordinator
Melissa earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Before coming to Inner Circle, she worked both as a Social Worker and Social Work Supervisor at a foster family agency in northern California. Melissa has clinical experience working as a therapist in both residential and outpatient settings. She specializes in the area of attachment and has worked with several children and adults diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Melissa dedicates her free time to working overseas with orphaned children in state institutions. It was her work with these children that inspired her to pursue a career in the pediatric mental health and social work field.

Brooke Butler-Angaga , M.A., MFT Intern
Victims of Crime Counselor
Brooke received her B.A. in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, and is currently working on her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. Prior to joining Inner Circle, she worked as a Residential Counselor at a residential treatment facility for troubled adolescent girls, and taught Public Health Education to families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. In addition to Inner Circle, Brooke works as an interning therapist at an outpatient community mental health facility.

staff - victims of crime counseling services

Jenna Gold, M.S.W.
Victims of Crime Program Coordinator
Bio coming soon.

Kathy Ballman, M.A., MFT Intern
Victims of Crime Counselor
Kathy earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Chapman University. Kathy's prior work experience includes working as a teacher's aide, a high school vocational counselor, and 14 years with the Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council as both a Group Counselor and Hotline Intake Coordinator. Kathy has been part of the Inner Circle team for nearly six years.

Sheila Herskowitz, M.A., MFT Intern
Victims of Crime Counselor
Sheila has a Bachelor's degree in Human Behavior and a Master's degree in counseling psychology. Sheila has worked as a therapist in residential and outpatient clinics, and is experienced in individual and family therapy. In addition, her personal passion to aid the victims of child and spousal abuse, motivated her to obtain certification in this specialized field. As a single parent of five children, she chose to enter this field, "So I can make a difference in the lives of other children, as well." She is thrilled to have the opportunity to assist and inspire the children and families she works with through Inner Circle Foster Care and Victims of Crime programs.

Melissa Thompson-Jinariu, LMFT
Victims of Crime Counselor
Melissa earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Before coming to Inner Circle, she worked both as a Social Worker and Social Work Supervisor at a foster family agency in northern California. Melissa has clinical experience working as a therapist in both residential and outpatient settings. She specializes in the area of attachment and has worked with several children and adults diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Melissa dedicates her free time to working overseas with orphaned children in state institutions. It was her work with these children that inspired her to pursue a career in the pediatric mental health and social work field.