Team
The Treehouse Team
"Dr. Mona"
Mona Smith
DMFT, LMFT & RPT
Blossom
Therapy Dog
(in training)
As a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I specialize in helping children and teens navigate the emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges that can make growing up feel overwhelming — for kids and parents alike.
Children don’t always have the words for what they’re experiencing. That’s where play therapy comes in. Through sand play, art projects, role play, and games, I meet children in their natural language — one that bypasses the pressure to “talk about it” and instead creates space for genuine healing. This approach allows children and teens to process trauma, anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, social struggles, and the effects of abuse in a way that feels safe and developmentally appropriate.
Having raised my own children, I know firsthand that parenting is one of the most rewarding — and most demanding — roles there is. I also know that asking for support takes courage. My goal is to make that step feel worthwhile for your whole family.
I offer a warm, comfortable, and confidential environment where your child can begin to heal, grow, and rediscover their sense of joy and possibility. I work with survivors of childhood abuse and trauma, children and teens experiencing anxiety or depression, and young people struggling with attention deficits or social connection.
I would be honored to support your child on their journey.
Evelyn
Rivera-Luna
LMFT
Children and teens carry more than most adults realize — and helping them find their way through is work I am deeply committed to.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Trauma Professional with nearly 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. My background spans multiple roles — therapist, in-home outreach counselor, and clinical associate — giving me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges families face across a range of settings and circumstances.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico — Río Piedras, and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University.
My work is grounded in a family-centered and trauma-informed perspective. I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Behavioral Modification, and Mindfulness-Based CBT to help children and teens work through anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD — building the coping skills and confidence they need to thrive.
If your child or teen is struggling, I would be honored to support them — and your family — on the path forward. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.
Eric Rivas
AMFT
Supervised by:
Mona Smith, DMFT, LMFT 115163, RPT
I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and I truly believe that being a therapist is more than a profession—it is part of my purpose. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with children, teens, individuals, and families, and I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and accepted for who they are.
I have a genuine passion for working with children and adolescents and recognizing how valuable they are to their families and the world around them. Growing up can be challenging, and I believe children and teens need someone who will meet them where they are, listen without judgment, and help them feel safe enough to be themselves. My goal is to help young people find their voice, build confidence, understand their emotions, and develop healthy ways to navigate life’s challenges.
As a father myself, I understand that parenting can be incredibly rewarding while also being challenging and, at times, overwhelming. I believe one of the most powerful things we can give our children is connection. When children feel understood, emotionally safe, and connected to the adults in their lives, they are better able to communicate, build trust, and navigate difficult emotions. I enjoy working alongside parents and caregivers to strengthen those connections and support the family as a whole.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual, so I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. I enjoy finding creative ways to connect with each person and make therapy meaningful, comfortable, and relevant to their unique needs and goals.
Whether I’m working with a child, teenager, individual, or family, my goal is to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment where people feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.
Therapy doesn’t require having everything figured out. Sometimes, it simply starts with having someone in your corner.
I would be honored to be that person.
Ashley Mitchell
AMFT
Supervised by:
Mona Smith, DMFT, LMFT 115163, RPT
Ashley is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping children, teens, couples, and families build healthier relationships, improve communication, and navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness and confidence. She has experience working with clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, severe mental illness, addiction, and relationship difficulties within both residential and community mental health settings.
Ashley values creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. Her approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration, with a strong focus on emotional growth, self-awareness, and developing healthier coping skills. She incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Ashley is especially passionate about helping clients strengthen their relationships with themselves and others while fostering resilience, healing, and meaningful change.
