Who We Are

Heartstrings Counseling, is a distinguished non-profit counseling agency based in Loomis, Ca. Founded in August 2014 as a non-profit public benefit corporation, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch, accessible counseling services at affordable rates. Our mission is to provide support and guidance to individuals on a budget who may otherwise be unable to access regular therapy. At Heartstrings Counseling, we believe in empowering our clients to live fulfilled lives through professional and compassionate counseling.

Our Mission

The purpose of Heartstrings Counseling is to provide high quality, affordable counseling and educational services to all members of the community.

Our Vision

We Strive to encourage positive change and personal growth that will brace and sustain the hearts and lives of individuals, couples, families, teens and children.

Meet Our Therapists

Our counselors are highly trained and supervised, with compassionate hearts, whose desire is to walk alongside you in your life-journey on a path to more peace, love, joy and hope. Our counselors either have their Masters degree in psychology or are in their last year of their Masters program. In order to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, therapists are required to gain 3,000 hours of training and experience. Here at Heartstrings Counseling we value their journey and provide them with a wonderful atmosphere to gain the experience needed to become licensed. Each therapist is under the direct supervision of a Licensed and Marriage Family Therapist and they meet weekly for group and individual supervision. All of our therapists have been trained to treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems. Click Here to meet our counselors.

offering healing and positive change to those in need. With a deep desire to provide resources and insight, she aims to create a brighter tomorrow for her clients. Darla holds a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brandman University. In addition, she has completed the "First Responder Counselor Training" and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Training with a specialized focus on trauma.

With her expertise, she assists individuals dealing with various challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and more. Further, Darla provides counseling for couples facing difficulties in conflict resolution, communication, and healthy relational patterns. Adopting a creative and engaging approach, she combines spiritual, mindful, cognitive, and behavioral principles in her therapeutic process.

Darla values the client-therapist relationship and strives to guide individuals on a personal journey of awareness, offering hope, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. She holds to the belief that you cannot change the past, but you can be strengthened by it. One of her favorite quotes is 'It's okay to look back into the past, just don't stare." Outside of work, Darla enjoys reading, writing books, swimming, and embarking on road trips with her husband and their two dogs.

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Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT

LMFT #92413

CEO/Founder, Author
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Therapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Imago Trained Couples Therapist
Certified First Responder Counselor

Dixie possesses exceptional qualities such as empathy, respect, active listening, and nonjudgmental demeanor. With prior experience working with youth and adolescents at a local high school, she is particularly passionate about helping those struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress management. In her therapeutic sessions, Dixie creates a safe and trusting environment for clients to express themselves and embark on their healing journey.

When she's not supporting clients, Dixie enjoys traveling, reading books by the beach, hiking, and cherishing quality time with family, friends, and her adorable dog, Mushu.

If you're seeking guidance on your personal journey, Dixie looks forward to providing you with the support you need. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and strives to empower her clients by helping them cultivate self-awareness, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build stronger relationships with themselves and others. With Dixie's assistance, you can work towards achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life.

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Dixie Fields, MA, AMFT

AMFT #144715

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

Melanie brings a bright and compassionate energy to all that she does. Her hope is to guide individuals in believing in their capability to create the change they wish to see for themselves and the world they live in.

Melanie strives for the therapeutic space to be one that is collaborative and flexible. Melanie is excited to work with a wide and diverse range of individuals, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community and those seeking support with their interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. Melanie works from a Relational framework and loves to bring in interventions that focus on mindfulness and creativity as ways of connecting back to ourselves.

In her free time, you can find Melanie getting lost in the perils of reality tv, spending time with her dog Pearl, and singing her heart out every chance she gets.

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Melanie Ayala

Marriage Family Therapist TraineeSupervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California, where she minored in Social Work and Religion. After graduating college, she worked at an acute psychiatric facility where she encountered a variety of severe mental health crises. Damaris also has experience working with unhoused young adults and single-parent families. Growing up in California and traveling to different countries, she has become accustomed to working with a diverse and multicultural population. Additionally, she is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Damaris is passionate about working through trauma, life transitions, and grief and loss with clients. She is also passionate about guiding individuals, families, and couples through conflict and relationship issues. She will help clients cultivate resilience by empowering individuals through hardships and developing coping skills that will strengthen them.

Damaris is a learner and is committed to staying open and curious. Most importantly, she is devoted to anchoring herself in the belief that there is hope for every individual.
In her spare time, Damaris likes to go on runs with her dogs and travel to new places with her family,. She also likes to host gatherings with her friends.

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Damaris Manquero

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

She holds a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with high honors from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento.

Elizabeth has a passion for learning and understanding the complex dynamics of family households and how they shape a person’s identity and daily life. She is also deeply interested in helping clients navigate grief, loss, life transitions, and trauma. Elizabeth strives to create a safe and empathetic space where individuals can heal and grow. She is committed to a collaborative process that empowers her clients to find resilience and strength within themselves while honoring their unique experiences and stories.

In her free time, Elizabeth loves exploring old antique shops with her family, always on the hunt for treasures. Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, reading novels, watercolor painting, and learning to play her harp, which she has named Aura. She is a huge foodie but never turns down the opportunity to enjoy a big bowl of pho. Additionally, Elizabeth has two beautiful children and a loving, devoted husband, with whom she has been happily married for 13 years and counting.

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Elizabeth Tice

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

A veteran of the United States Army, Scott served in the Signal Corps and deployed overseas during his time in the Armed Forces. His experiences have given him a deep understanding of the challenges involved in finding a therapist, particularly for those dealing with trauma-based mental health issues. Scott is passionate about helping people navigate these challenges and heal from trauma.

In his practice, Scott uses a collaborative therapeutic approach, working closely with clients to tailor the process to their unique needs and goals. This partnership fosters empowerment and supports clients on their journey toward healing and growth. Scott is keenly interested in trauma-focused therapy with a particular focus on veterans and individuals coping with trauma. He values mental health awareness and is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for his clients.

In his free time, Scott enjoys traveling with his family, experiencing new foods, and exploring the diverse cultures the world has to offer. He also enjoys watching movies, particularly those that offer unique perspectives on human experiences.

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Scott Tice

Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

With five years of experience in mental health, Michelle excels in guiding parents and caregivers to foster effective coping skills in children, aiming to minimize the need for more intensive interventions.

In her therapeutic practice, Michelle centers her work on attachment theory and existential therapy. She applies her understanding of child development and the dynamics of attachment to support individuals, couples, families, and children in building healthier relationships.

Additionally, Michelle integrates existential therapy into her approach, focusing on exploring fundamental questions about meaning, freedom, and responsibility. This therapy helps clients confront existential concerns such as mortality, isolation, and the quest for purpose, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with greater insight and resilience.

Michelle believes that recognizing and interpreting our emotions as vital data points is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding feelings of confusion and uncertainty. She views the therapeutic relationship as a unique opportunity for clients to experience a safe, authentic connection, serving as a model for the standards of connection they can apply in their relationships with others. Michelle approaches each client relationship with heartfelt
understanding and an open mind, deeply committed to helping people understand their stories and achieve lasting change in their relationships with themselves and their loved ones.

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Michelle Salem

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

She previously earned her Associate’s Degree in Psychology at Sierra College and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of California, Davis.

With a deep interest in the human mind and behavior, Liz developed a passion for therapy and a strong desire to help others. Her empathetic nature drives her to guide individuals through life’s challenges and assist them in reaching their fullest potential. She strives to ensure that all clients feel heard, supported, safe, and understood.

Liz is passionate about working with a diverse range of populations, including couples,
individuals, children, and families, using her skills and knowledge to make meaningful impacts
in their lives.

In her free time, Liz enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and puppy. She loves
going on walks, binge-watching TV shows, and trying new recipes.

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Liz Kukuryak

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

He attended school at Saint Mary’s College of California, graduating with a dual master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, and School Psychology. He is currently working towards hours to become an LMFT.

Kraig has worked extensively with children and families in the school setting. He has provided both counseling support and tools to students to promote growth and success both on campus and at home. He also has worked to provide families with resources and coaching, including leading a monthly fathers group at a school he worked at previously.

Kraig is excited to work with both couples and adults, and is passionate about creating a setting in which clients are comfortable to explore any topic they need while feeling safe and supported. Kraig enjoys supporting clients in trauma processing, creating healthy relationships and establishing boundaries, building the capacity to be resilient, and guiding them through life’s many transitions. Kraig has an eclectic view of what therapy looks like and adjusts to the needs of his clients.

In his free time, Kraig enjoys time with his wife and close friends, camping, traveling, sports, cooking, and overall staying busy.

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Kraig Roscoe

AMFT #129250

Associate Marriage Family Therapist
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

Desiree holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and is dedicated to helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve personal growth and emotional well-being.

As a therapist-in-training, Desiree offers a compassionate, empathetic space for clients to explore their challenges and develop practical strategies for coping. Her approach is inclusive and culturally sensitive, ensuring each client’s unique experience is honored. She helps clients build resilience, gain insight into their emotional patterns, and work toward healing.

Outside of therapy, Desiree enjoys hiking and snowboarding with her two dogs, and she values
the importance of self-care for emotional well-being.

Desiree is committed to walking alongside clients as they navigate their journey to healing and
growth.

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Desiree Hindman

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413

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We prioritize your mental health by offering in-person sessions and telehealth services to individuals residing in California.

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All proceeds from the sale of "Sifting Through the Ashes: Finding Beauty, Peace, Love, and Strength Through Trauma" will provide therapy for survivors and first responders of California wildfires. Heartstrings Counseling of California specializes in Wildfire Survivors & First Responders.

Who We Are

Our Mission

Our Vision

Meet Our Therapists

Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT

Dixie Fields, MA, AMFT

Melanie Ayala

Damaris Manquero

Elizabeth Tice

Scott Tice

Michelle Salem

Liz Kukuryak

Kraig Roscoe

Desiree Hindman

We prioritize your mental health by offering in-person sessions and telehealth services to individuals residing in California.

Make a Difference
Make a Donation

Let's Connect

Get Our Monthly Wellness Newsletter

Join our mailing list

Who We Are

Our Mission

Our Vision

Meet Our Therapists

Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT

Dixie Fields, MA, AMFT

Melanie Ayala

Damaris Manquero

Elizabeth Tice

Scott Tice

Michelle Salem

Liz Kukuryak

Kraig Roscoe

Desiree Hindman

We prioritize your mental health by offering in-person sessions and telehealth services to individuals residing in California.

Make a Difference Make a Donation

Let's Connect

Get Our Monthly Wellness Newsletter

Join our mailing list

Make a Difference
Make a Donation