CEO & Lead Clinician

EBONY WILSON, MSW, LCSW, PPSC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Meet The Team

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Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Clinical Supervisor

Cynthia Gonzalez, LPCC16094

Hi! My name is Cynthia and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I hold a BA in Psychology and Chicano/a Studies from Cal State University Northridge and an MA in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne. For the past five years, I have served as an Outpatient Therapist with experience providing case management, individual therapy and group therapy.

I specialize in crisis intervention, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss and interpersonal conflict/relationship issues. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Seeking Safety, and PEARLS Coaching. I have over 10 years of experience working with at-risk populations such as youth and adults experiencing homelessness, foster youth, LGBTQ and victims of human trafficking. Having had my own lived experience with trauma I take a here-and-now person-centered approach and I am passionate in supporting my clients to find their voice and tell their stories allowing themselves to process and heal.

Community-Based Mental Health Therapist

Ebonie Martinez, AMFT160378

My name is Ebonie Martinez, and I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with adults, children, families, and couples by providing an honest, supportive, and safe space to navigate life’s challenges related to anxiety, depression, relationships, communication, self-esteem, identity, and emotional well-being.

As a therapist, I believe my clients are not the problem, the problem is the problem. My approach is rooted in a Narrative Cognitive Behavioral perspective, meaning I encourage clients to share their stories while collaboratively identifying and challenging negative beliefs about themselves. Together, we work to separate the person from the problem, viewing the issue as something external rather than an identity they must carry.

While Narrative CBT is often my foundation, I also understand that every client is unique and may require different interventions to best support their individual needs. I remain flexible and intentional in my approach, meeting each person where they are while creating a therapeutic experience that feels authentic, collaborative, and meaningful.

I am deeply passionate about acknowledging the cultural differences, personal values, and lived experiences that shape each person’s worldview and sense of self. I believe therapy should feel human first, and I strive to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, empowered, and free from judgment.

My goal is to help clients build healthier relationships with themselves and others, increase emotional awareness, and develop the confidence and tools needed to navigate life with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.

I am currently supervised by Ebony Wilson, LCSW120554

Mental Health Support Intern

Joanna Leon-Avila

Hello, my name is Joanna Leon-Avila, I am currently a Mental Health Support Intern with Ebony’s Safe Space and a Graduate student with the Masters of Social Work program at California State University Northridge. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from California State University Northridge. Following graduation, I gained valuable hands-on experience working in the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando Valley. I was able to experience working one-on-one with children, teens, and adults facing challenges related to homelessness, physical health conditions, behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorders.

During this time, I was actively involved in the development of care coordination plans. Thus meaning, collaborating with various healthcare provider teams to support treatment plans to help the clients smoothly transition into other levels of care. As well as, connecting clients to essential resources and support within the community. These experiences provided me with an introductory understanding of what it is like to advocate for others and fueled me to further develop my skills.

I am passionate about creating strong, client-centered relationships and believe in the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals feel empowered to share their lived experiences. As a proud first-generation Latina, I personally understand the pressures of navigating cultural expectations, societal pressures and unfamiliar systems. My lived experiences have shaped my values and passion for social work. These experiences have inspired me to prioritize creating an environment grounded in empathy, understanding, and trust while advocating for others.

I am truly excited to continue to grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to expanding my knowledge, skills, and making a meaningful impact. I am eager to learn from my colleagues, supervisors, and the clients we serve, as I continue my journey in the field of social work.

I am currently supervised by Cynthia Gonzalez, LPCC16094

Administrative Assistant

Lakia Goodrich

Hello, my name is Kia,

I am here to be a warm and helpful point of contact at our practice. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing that I received from Cal Poly Pomona in 2018. I have built a diverse professional background over the last decade that centers on client support and efficient operations.

I bring over 10 years of expertise in customer service and have developed strong organizational and communication skills through various roles. My experience includes four years as a Property Manager, 6 years as a Marketing Manager as well as working as a High School Secretary and an HR Representative for a charter school network. These roles have given me extensive experience in managing sensitive information, streamlining complex tasks, and providing a discreet, reliable point of contact.

I am passionate about ensuring every client and colleague feels supported, heard, and valued from the moment they reach out. I look forward to assisting you and making sure your time with us is seamless!

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Eboni Williams, MFT Trainee

Master of Social Work Intern

Antonisha Neal, MSW Student Intern

Hello, my name is Antonisha Neal,

I am currently a Master of Social Work Student Intern at Ebony’s Safe Space. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work from Grand Canyon University and am continuing my graduate studies in the Master of Social Work program at GCU as well. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in social work practice and has strengthened my commitment to supporting individuals through real-life challenges with compassion, respect, and dignity.

Alongside my internship, I work as an Accredited Case Manager Social Worker, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate mental health challenges, substance use concerns, and everyday life stressors. A significant part of my role involves assisting clients in accessing essential resources, including housing support, food assistance, transportation, and other community-based services. Through this experience, I have learned the importance of consistency, patience, and being fully present while helping individuals work toward stability and improved well-being.

What I value most in this field is connection. I believe every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. I strive to meet individuals where they are, recognize their strengths, and walk alongside them as they work toward their goals. I am grateful to be part of the small but meaningful steps that lead to lasting change in people’s lives.

At Ebony’s Safe Space, I provide support through a client-centered and strengths-based approach, helping to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences. In my role as a student intern, I assist with resource navigation, care coordination, and connecting individuals to appropriate community-based services that support their overall well-being and long-term stability.

Being part of Ebony’s Safe Space is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects my core values of empathy, dignity, and empowerment. I am excited for the opportunity to continue growing as a professional while contributing to a space dedicated to healing, support, and community care.

I am currently supervised by Ebony Wilson, LCSW 120554

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Christina Garcia, MFT Trainee

Hello, my name is Christina Garcia, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist intern at Ebony’s Safe Space. In my role, I have the privilege of working with and supporting adolescents, young adults, and families, providing a supportive and compassionate environment where clients can navigate a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional stress, family conflict, and more. I strive to create a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

My therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centered, meaning I draw from multiple evidence-based practices and adapt each session to meet the unique needs of the individual or unit I am working with. I believe therapy should be tailored to each individual, recognizing that every person’s experiences and needs are different. And since therapy is a highly individualized process, I also believe each individual’s experiences, strengths, and goals should guide the work that we do together. I incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy; while also utilizing mindfulness, psychoeducation, emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, and family collaboration when appropriate to support long-term growth and healing.

I am passionate about working with individuals and families from all walks of life and diverse cultural backgrounds. I value the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive space where clients can explore their identity, cultural experiences, family dynamics, personal challenges, and self-development without judgment. I truly believe every client brings their own story, resilience, and strengths into therapy, and I make it a priority to honor those experiences throughout the therapeutic process.

At Ebony’s Safe Space, my goal is to walk alongside clients with empathy, compassion, and respect as they work toward healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. I am committed to helping clients feel supported as they build confidence, develop healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move toward becoming the best version of themselves.

I am currently supervised by Cynthia Gonzalez, LPCC16094

Hello, my name is Eboni Williams.

I am currently working as a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Trainee with Ebony's Safe Space and pursuing my second master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I earned my first master’s degree in psychology, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, relationships, and mental health.

In my work and training, I have engaged with individuals from various backgrounds who are navigating personal, relational, and emotional difficulties. I have gained experience helping clients identify their strengths, process life challenges, and access supportive services when needed. Working alongside other professionals has also allowed me to better understand the importance of a collaborative and well-rounded approach to care. These experiences have deepened my commitment to helping individuals and families feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their healing process.

I focus on creating a space where clients can show up authentically and feel supported as they work through life’s challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I aim to help clients build greater self-awareness, improve communication, and develop tools that support lasting change. I approach each session with openness, respect, and a genuine desire to understand each client’s perspective.

As I continue developing as a clinician, I remain committed to learning, self-reflection, and providing thoughtful, culturally responsive care. I value the opportunity to support individuals, couples, and families as they move toward growth, healing, and stronger connections in their lives.

I am currently supervised by Ebony Wilson, LCSW 120554