Providers - Learn More About Our Team

Dr. Michelle Molina - Pathways to Potential

Michelle Molina, Ph.D., ABSNP

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Owner of Pathways To Potential

Dr. Molina is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. With advanced training from the KIDS, Inc. post-graduate program in school neuropsychology, she holds Diplomate status with the American Board of School Neuropsychology. Dr. Molina founded Pathways to Potential to empower each client to achieve their full potential in learning, emotional well-being, and behavior, fostering successful relationships with loved ones. With over 20 years of experience, she has provided psycho-educational and neuropsychological assessment services in Orange County, demonstrating extensive expertise and dedication to her field.

Kristi Adams, B.S.

Kristi Adams, B.A.

Psychometrist

Kristi is a valued team member at Pathways to Potential, serving as a psychometrist with a strong dedication to accurately administering and scoring psychological tests tailored to each individual’s needs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Soka University of America, where she graduated with honors and focused her senior capstone project on trauma and dissociation.

Driven by a passion for mental health and helping others, Kristi prioritizes building trust and rapport with clients during testing to ensure their comfort and confidence. Her previous experience includes coaching neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults in gymnastics, as well as serving as a care coordinator at a mental health residential treatment center. In these roles, she gained invaluable insight into working with diverse populations, including individuals with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and various mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder.

Detail-oriented and people-focused, Kristi thrives in environments that demand precision, validity, and significant interpersonal interaction. Outside of work, she enjoys socializing with friends, exploring her creativity through art and poetry, and engaging in friendly Scrabble matches with her roommate.

VESAL VAKILI PSY.D., LMFT

Vesal Vakili PsyD., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Dr. Vakili approaches therapy as a collaborative journey, viewing it as a privilege to accompany clients on their path towards positive change. She deeply respects the courage it takes to engage in therapy and considers it her utmost responsibility to deliver exceptional care to every client.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Vakili also specializes in Parent Management Training and supports families with children having special needs like ADHD and Autism.

With a focus on individuals experiencing overwhelm, stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, Dr. Vakili is committed to alleviating suffering and guiding clients towards self-discovery and fulfillment. Her dedication to fostering resilience and well-being underscores her professional ethos.

Jerry Vu, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Jerry Vu is a licensed psychologist in California who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments. He provides support to adults, adolescents, and families dealing with a variety of emotional, behavioral, and adjustment issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Dr. Vu’s therapeutic approach is characterized by a warm and supportive environment, aiming to help individuals and families overcome challenges and live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Originally from southern California, Dr. Vu currently resides in southern Orange County with his wife and two children. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys spending time with family and friends through cooking and sharing meals. Dr. Vu maintains an active lifestyle that includes working out, hiking, practicing yoga, and during winter, snowboarding and exploring different mountains.

His practice emphasizes identifying and overcoming obstacles that prevent personal growth and well-being, making him a valuable resource in the community for those seeking mental health support.

Ashley Davenport, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Ashley Davenport is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and young adults overcome various challenges such as trauma, anxiety, low self-worth, and perfectionism. She employs a blend of therapeutic techniques including traditional talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy methods, along with evidence-based interventions. Her goal is to empower clients by fostering resilience, teaching positive coping skills, enhancing communication abilities, and promoting a healthy self-image.

Ashley is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), a specialized therapy effective for individuals who have experienced distressing life events that impact their daily lives and well-being. Her therapeutic style is characterized by warmth and directness. She values honest communication and maintains appropriate boundaries to foster trusting relationships and achieve positive therapeutic outcomes.

Creating a non-judgmental and inclusive environment is central to Ashley’s practice. She ensures clients feel safe to explore their vulnerabilities, share their stories, and embrace their strengths. Whether clients are navigating relationship complexities, coping with trauma, or managing academic pressures, Ashley offers personalized support tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

Overall, Ashley Davenport is deeply committed to helping her clients achieve emotional well-being, develop healthier relationships, and live fulfilling lives through compassionate and effective therapy.

Deanna R Watkins Bio Photo

Deanna R Watkins, M.A.

Educational Psychologist

DeAnna is a dedicated and experienced educational psychologist specializing in unlocking the potential of individuals with unique learning and social-emotional needs. Her extensive expertise lies in psychoeducational assessments, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves. DeAnna holds education specialist credentials in multiple subjects and special education, demonstrating her comprehensive knowledge and dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments.

DeAnna has conducted numerous trainings on crucial topics such as ADHD, ASD, and learning disabilities. Her previous role as an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University underscores her commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise in the field.

In her leisure time, DeAnna enjoys the simple pleasures of life. Whether she’s spending quality time with her family and pets, engaging in pilates sessions, or immersing herself in different cultures through travel, she embraces a diverse and fulfilling lifestyle.

Lana MacKenzie, M.A.E

Lana MacKenzie, M.A.E

Educational Psychologist

Lana is a seasoned educational psychologist with over a decade of experience specializing in psycho-educational assessments for both children and adults. Her passion lies in uncovering and nurturing the potential of every individual she works with. Throughout her career, Lana has navigated diverse educational settings, from K-12 schools to post-secondary institutions, where she has had the privilege of profoundly impacting numerous lives.

Her expertise centers on conducting thorough psycho-educational assessments that offer critical insights into learning profiles and developmental needs. Lana has a particular focus on working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD and autism, employing evidence-based strategies tailored to their unique learning styles to foster academic achievement.

Central to Lana’s approach are empathy, collaboration, and a holistic commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of her clients. Beyond her professional endeavors, she values quality time with loved ones, recognizing the significance of connection and community in her life. As a dedicated dog parent to two beloved pups, Lana also finds immense joy and companionship in their presence.

Lana’s multifaceted background and genuine dedication to her clients underscore her role as a compassionate advocate and facilitator of positive change within the field of educational psychology.

Jillian Tague M.A., Ed.S.

Educational Psychologist and Executive Functioning Coach

Jillian is an educational psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in public schools at every age/grade level. She currently works as a student support school psychologist at the high school level. Jillian is passionate about making sure every student gets the support they need to succeed, both in school and in life. As a parent herself, Jillian recognizes that success in school goes beyond just academic knowledge. She works hard to create personalized learning strategies that focus on the individual needs of each student in all areas. Jillian has a particular expertise in working with students with executive functioning challenges, providing strategies and tools to improve organization, time management, and self-regulation skills. She also is a strong advocate for mental health support and its importance as a part of overall student success.