Meet Our San Diego Team
Shuna Ball, MA, LMFT
As Regional Clinic Director, Shuna Ball provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of all clinical operations across the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at VVSD in San Diego, Oceanside, and Los Angeles. In this role, she ensures the delivery of high-quality care to active-duty service members, Post-9/11 veterans, and military families. Shuna brings over two decades of experience supporting the military community through a range of clinical, operational, leadership, and volunteer roles across diverse settings.
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Shuna holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern California Seminary’s School of Behavioral Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Averett University. She also holds a professional teaching certification from the University of West Florida, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Shuna began her counseling and leadership journey by facilitating support groups for military spouses in San Diego, where her passion for service and advocacy took root. Clinically, she specializes in working with individuals, couples, families, military populations, and older adults. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management, marital conflict, career transition and development, and severe and persistent mental illness. She is trained in evidence-based practices and is dedicated to delivering high-impact, person-centered care.
Her leadership portfolio includes utilization management, clinical consultation, professional development, and systems-level consultation. She is skilled in building and sustaining collaborative community partnerships and cultivating clinical teams through mentorship, training, and operational excellence.
A proud Navy veteran, Shuna served honorably as a Hospital Corpsman at both Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Base Quantico. She is also the spouse of a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who served honorably for 23 years. Her deep, personal connection to military service is grounded in a family legacy of proud and honorable military tradition.
Outside of her professional role, Shuna enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations, and appreciating good food. She is also committed to lifelong learning and continuously seeks opportunities to strengthen her leadership and clinical expertise.
Giselle Vallejo, MA, LPCC
Giselle is a bilingual clinician at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD and leads the clinical team in San Diego. Born and raised in Chula Vista, Ca, she received her bachelor’s in religious studies at San Diego State University and received her master’s in clinical mental health counseling at the University of San Diego. During her graduate studies, Giselle completed her practicum at the residential program at VVSD providing services to homeless veterans with co-morbid diagnoses. Prior to becoming a part of the Cohen team, Giselle worked with non-profit organizations providing Flexible Integrated Treatment (FIT) to underserved communities specifically to children between the ages of 2-21 and their families. She has also gained experience working with active duty and veteran clients and their families through federal organizations. Giselle has been trained in utilizing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Treatment, PC-CARE, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, and Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Suicide Prevention.
Giselle likes to take on a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally inclusive approach when working with individuals. She has a strong passion for working with people who have generational and complex trauma and believes every person should have their individual space to feel heard. Giselle’s passion in working with the military population stems from having veteran family members and being a military spouse. Her husband is a retired Air Force veteran. In her spare time, Giselle enjoys playing the violin, exploring new places, trying new foods, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Kelly Grace Finney, LMFT
Kelly is a clinician at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego, working with individuals, couples, and families. She utilizes evidence-based practices to help clients reach their goals. An Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and a double alumnus from San Diego State University, Kelly moved to San Diego to pursue her degree in Psychology with a minor in Counseling & Social Change and graduated after three years before earning a degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Kelly has spent her career in both academic and community mental health settings, primarily working with queer and trans youth and adults, victims of abuse & trauma, and folks navigating major life transitions. She started practicing at the Center for Community Counseling & Engagement in City Heights, then spent her traineeship working with students and families at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley. Once she graduated, she worked as a full-time therapist at SDSU’s counseling center seeing individuals and couples. From there, she served as a Transitional Aged Youth Specialist (ages 18-25) at Union of Pan Asian Communities, working primarily with young adults struggling with complex trauma and psychosis.
She has worked with many veterans in previous settings and knew she wanted to continue working with this underserved community. “I love the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego because it not only gives me the opportunity to work with veterans and active-duty service members, but their families and partners as well. Additionally, our team here is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to client wellbeing – it’s an honor to work with folks who share the same goals of serving the community,” she said.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, making jewelry, spending time with her dog, Juno, and being in the ocean — ideally, doing those activities side by side with loved ones!
Maegen DeGroff, LPCC
Maegen is a licensed clinician with experience working primarily with adults struggling with mood dysregulation, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, and severe anxiety. She utilizes evidenced-based practices including CBT, DBT, and EMDR to assist clients in their treatment goals.
She says she truly respects and admires veterans, service members and their families. “I really appreciate the holistic and evidenced-based treatment approach that the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego and Cohen Veterans Network offers to veterans, service members and their families. I also really appreciate the amount of consideration and care that goes into offering culturally appropriate services for the military family community,” she said.
In her leisure, Maegen enjoys spending time with her two dogs, getting outside, listening to music or podcasts, and reading.
Celeste Gomez-Lozoya
As the Senior Business Office Manager, Celeste Gomez-Lozoya is responsible for all office administration at the three Cohen Clinics at VVSD across Southern California, overseeing clinical and financial operations. She also supports clinical, outreach, and case management staff, and supervises the administrative staff. Celeste has been with the team since the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego was still under construction and is honored to see the Cohen Clinics expand to Oceanside and Los Angeles!
Prior to her current role, Celeste was the Office Coordinator for the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego where she provided administrative support to the office by organizing daily client schedules, triaging incoming client reports to appropriate locations, preparing billing information, and documenting insurance pre-authorizations and pre-certifications, among other office responsibilities.
Celeste is bilingual and is tremendously proud she can help eliminate language barriers. Having Airmen and Marines in her family is what initiated her passion to help give back to the military community. Although born in Los Angeles, Celeste considers herself a San Diegan since she has spent most of her life in San Diego. In her free time, Celeste loves to spend time with her husband and toddler. She also enjoys road trips, decluttering, and reading as mental self-care exercises!
Ashley Tatum, MHA
After serving in the Navy for nine years, Ashley obtained her Bachelor and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from National University. During this time, she also worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs office at National University in the Benefits and Enrollments Department.
While on active duty, Ashley was able to work alongside great people and see many amazing places. Her passion for wanting to help veterans with their mental health started after going through the transition from the military to civilian sector herself and realizing the importance of having a strong support system. As a Case Manager at the Cohen Clinic, she helps other veterans with their needs by connecting them to resources in the community that will ensure their success. And as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, she provides addiction severity assessments, treatment goals and relapse prevention plans for clients, followed by tools to obtain and maintain sobriety.
Ashley is originally from Findlay, Ohio but thanks to the Navy, she has lived in Southern California for 20 years and is currently living in San Diego, California. She loves to spend her spare time with her family and reading.
Leslie Ann Amaya, LMFT
Leslie works with individuals, couples, and families, utilizing mindfulness-based approaches and focuses on client collaboration to offer person-centered treatment to clients.
Prior to joining the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Leslie worked with a range of clients from adolescents to adults, including military and civilian populations. During her time as a clinician, she has worked in outpatient, residential and hospital settings. Leslie has worked as a clinician at the VVSD Veterans Rehabilitation Program residential treatment program for substance use and co-occurring disorders, treating veterans and civilians. Additionally, Leslie has experience working with those who have an eating disorder diagnosis and co-occurring mental health diagnosis. Leslie began her career through utilizing equine-assisted therapy in her home state of Texas with veteran populations. Leslie enjoys helping military families in an environment that was created just for them and is honored to continue to serve clients who have served their country, and their family members.
Leslie received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University in Community, Family and Addiction Sciences with focuses on psychology and human development and family studies. Subsequently, she graduated from the University of San Diego with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Leslie resides full time in San Diego. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outside at the beach and utilizing weightlifting and mindfulness approaches in her day-to-day life.
Shawn Grant
As a Clinical Fellow at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego, Shawn helps the clinical team to assess and provide therapy to veterans, active duty service members and military family members. He is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, having earned a master’s degree in counseling from National University (2023), as well as a master’s degree in psychology research from Ashford University (2020).
A U.S. Marine Corp Veteran, Shawn worked in the field of Aviation Operations for 20 years, serving one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.
Shawn says what resonates with him about the services at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego is that they are necessary services he wishes he was able to receive while on active duty. “ I had the honor and privilege of serving with the Marines, leading, and learning from them. And I know what it’s like to be active duty and all the hardships that go along with it,” he said.
In his leisure, Shawn enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.
Arturo Antonio Garcia
With 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, he is a seasoned logistic expert and a quality assurance team lead, managing administrative processes and providing support to service members. He developed strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills that enables him to excel in challenging and dynamic environments. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt). His career field was 2T2 – Air Transportation. Arturo earned a Transportation Management Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
When asked what resonated him most about the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego, he said, “Transitioning out of the Air Force, there were concerns that I would lose a bit of myself. Looking for a new career, I wanted to ensure I could find a way to continue serving. Being part of this incredible organization gives me a sense of pride and purpose.
Carlos Cantú
As a CVN Fellow, Carlos provides mental health therapy to veterans, service members and their family members among the clinical team at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego. He provides therapy utilizing different theoretical modalities, with an emphasis on a mix between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Reality Therapy.
Born and raised in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Carlos moved to Brownsville, Texas when he was 14 years old and lived there until college. He graduated from American University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and from the University of San Diego with a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health. Then, he was an intern at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego for a year as part of his school requirement before receiving an offer to become a full-time employee for his current fellowship position.
“I really saw the positive impact the work at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD was having on the community and how much they appreciated that,” he said. “Additionally, I was able to adapt to the clinic’s culture and create very strong and meaningful relationships with many of my peers and supervisors, which I believe is a necessity when trying to foster an environment where I can succeed as a professional.”
Furthermore, he said he realizes the important role civilians, like him, play in supporting active-duty service members and veterans during their transition into society, as well as any challenging misconceptions of the civilian experience.
In his leisure, Carlos is a big fan of international football. He also enjoys playing video games, watching anime, playing board games, doing volunteer work, hunting with his father, and spending time with family and friends.
Julia McMullen Kharkar, LCSW
Julia is a clinician at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego, providing clinical services to veterans, active duty service members, and military families. Julia utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach, drawing from modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and attachment-based therapy. Above all, she utilizes a humanistic lens and prioritizes creating a collaborative, inclusive, and client-centered approach, and truly values the opportunity to support clients to feel more empowered.
Julia grew up on the East Coast and completed a BA in Psychology at Boston University, before moving to San Diego to pursue a Masters in Social Work from San Diego State University.
Throughout her career, she has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, including a community mental health clinic serving adults experiencing serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders, a mobile program for parents/families experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and a university counseling center providing therapy and case management services to undergraduate and graduate students at UCSD. Although she has worked with a wide range clients with diverse needs, she specializes in the treatment of transitional-age youth/young adults, PTSD and trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, perinatal mental health challenges, and adjustment/life transitions.
Julia is excited to contribute to the mission of the Cohen Clinic to serve military families and deeply appreciates the focus on culturally inclusive care and the considerations of the unique clinical needs and strengths of the military community.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, pickleball, traveling, trying new foods, beach bonfires, and spending time with friends and family.
Paola Ramos
As the Billing Coordinator, Paola supports in the managed care billing process for the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego. She also aids in eliminating barriers to care by answering insurance and billing questions before initiating services. Paola is skilled in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling correspondences, and ensuring efficient workflow. She is also proficient in office management tools and committed to maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. Adept at multitasking, problem-solving, and fostering positive workplace relationships to support organizational goals, Paola supports the Senior Office Manager and the entire team to achieve day-to-day operations.
“I am thrilled to be part of an organization that dedicates time and energy into giving back to military communities and their families,” she said. “Being able to see the difference organizations like this one makes proves to me that my heart is with the military community and there is no going back. I thrive on seeing others genuinely prioritizing their mental health and what better way than to be part of the team who is dedicated in providing that high-level therapy everyone deserves.”
Paola was born in San Diego but was also partially raised in Tijuana, Mexico. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her fur-child (Sparky), her family, and friends. Paola’s hobbies include reading, trying new coffee shops, journaling, going to the beach, road trips, and Disneyland visits!
Kimberly Bradshaw
Kimberly serves as a Front Office Billing Coordinator at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Diego, and joins the administrative team who works together to ensure every client feels welcomed and supported from their very first interaction. As the main point of contact for clients, she manages scheduling, check-ins, reschedules, and follow-ups, helping to create a positive and seamless experience throughout each client’s care journey.
Before joining the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Kimberly gained valuable experience serving her community in a variety of roles. She worked with the Chula Vista Police Department as a drone first responder, as well as in several supportive positions with the San Diego Unified School District—roles that underscored the importance of confidentiality, prioritizing people, and ensuring safety. She also brings expertise in medical billing, scheduling, and office operations, focusing on building efficient systems that support both clients and staff.
A U.S. Army veteran, Kimberly draws on her firsthand understanding of the challenges faced when transitioning to civilian life. She said, “As a veteran, I understand better than most that the transition into civilian life can be incredibly challenging, and having access to these resources can be life-changing for many veterans. I’m honored to be part of an organization that serves veterans and their families, regardless of discharge status, giving them access to care and support that might not otherwise be available.”
In her free time, Kimberly enjoys camping with her partner and their fur child, finding relaxation and joy in the outdoors.
Kirsten Alfaro White, M.A., NCC, APCC
An Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Kirsten serves as the Intake Coordinate for the Cohen Clinic at VVSD. In her role, she welcomes each prospective client with a clinically informed background to complete the initial referral screener as their first step toward receiving services.
Born and raised in San Diego, Kirsten received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University San Marcos. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. She completed her practicum experience for her graduate program in a residential treatment center for homeless veterans with substance use disorder and other co-morbid disorders. Having a passion for the veteran population, Kirsten continued her clinical experience at the residential treatment center as she accrued hours towards licensure.
Prior to joining the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Kirsten worked as the Clinical Manager for PsychArmor Institute. At PAI, she managed their national Support Center and worked to help disseminate educational courses and resources to those who work with, live with, and care for military members, veterans, and their families.
Kirsten first started her clinical work as a behavior technician for children with autism in the field of applied behavior analysis, working mostly with military families.
As the daughter of a retired Navy veteran, Kirsten is excited and honored to continue her work to with veterans and their families.
Alyssa Retuya, MPH
As the Business Office Manager at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Alyssa oversees financial operations and general office administration. She is responsible for billing/insurance verifications, providing administrative support and assisting front desk duties as needed.
As she was completing her Bachelor of Science degree at University of California, Riverside in Sociology/Administrative Studies, Alyssa decided she wanted to pursue a career in Healthcare Administration. After graduating, she pursued her Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Healthcare Administration at National University. Alyssa previously worked as a Complaint Management Specialist for Tandem Diabetes Care, a Community Medical Liaison for AccentCare Home Health, and most recently, was the Clinical Compliance Specialist at Veterans Village of San Diego for the Drug Medi-Cal Program.
Alyssa is a very proud daughter of a U.S. Navy Veteran and also has several uncles who served in the Navy. “No words can ever describe the amount of gratitude I feel for the life my dad and the U.S. Navy has provided to me,” she said. “I find it extremely rewarding to be part of an entity that serves those who have served, as well as those who continue to serve us. The older I get, the more I understand the value of mental health and how important it is to prioritize it. Our team is such an amazing support system, and I am grateful to be working with them.”
In her leisure time, Alyssa enjoys taking care of her houseplants, cooking and baking, traveling, attending concerts and music festivals, as well as hanging out with her dog and spending time with family and friends.