Our Team

Hannah Jason

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hannah Jason is the Managing Director and co-founder at Trauma Therapy CA. Hannah not only believes in, but truly embodies, the power of the creative mind. She is dually trained in counseling and design with certifications from the William Glasser Reality Therapy Institute and Parsons School of Design. Hannah’s passion is in using her exquisite sensitivity and creative application of advanced therapy techniques to support your individual strengths.

Before Trauma Therapy CA, Hannah worked at Didi Hirsch’s Crisis Residential Treatment Program for adults in acute psychiatric crisis. The diagnoses of the residents Hannah served ranged from mild anxiety and depression to severe psychosis and Bipolar Disorder. She used her knowledge of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills when counseling and leading groups for this population. Hannah has also worked as a counselor for at-risk teenagers and young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Hannah is extraordinarily tenacious and believes in her client’s resilience, especially after her experiences in homeless shelters and on suicide hotlines. If you are looking for counseling that is sensitive, individualized and fearless, Hannah is the coach for you.

Kelly Sorace, LCSW

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Kelly Sorace, LCSW is not only knowledgeable about treating trauma, but also has a sincere capacity for empathy and caring. She understands the challenge that therapy brings and has a unique ability to create the safety necessary for this journey. Kelly works with individuals to create goals and treatment plans that lead to healing and growth through built insight and compassion. Kelly is well versed in working with children and families who have been impacted by complex trauma, including abuse, neglect, grief and loss. Kelly has worked with individuals with an array of diagnoses including PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, substance use disorders and is also skilled in working with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. Kelly is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by Behavioral Tech and currently co-leads the DBT group at Trauma Therapy CA.

Kelly received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California with a focus in Children, Youth, and Families. Kelly started her career at a foster care and adoption agency providing support to children and families. She continued into a day treatment center where she empowered individuals to form community connections while also ensuring that their physical, emotional, and physiological needs were being met. She is truly a therapist who thinks widely and supports each client’s specific needs and strengths.

Being vulnerable is hard. Change is hard. Kelly’s sessions examine the entire person, past and present, to assist clients in creating a brighter present and future. Kelly uses a partnership approach where clients will feel heard and validated.

Kelly is trained in specialized evidence-based techniques including Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), DBT and Motivational Interviewing (MI) for substance use and other addiction-related disorders, EMDR and CBT which provides a framework to nurture resilience in clients. If you are looking to improve your relationships, challenge thinking that is no longer working and move forward in your life with a non-judgmental and creative therapist, reach out to Kelly today.

Neda Vakili, PsyD

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATE

Dr. Neda Vakili has over five years of professional therapy experience with clients. She joined Trauma Therapy CA due to her passion for supporting those healing from the impacts of trauma and stress. Dr. Vakili believes in enhancing lives through simplifying stressors while increasing understanding and consistency. The goal is to help you see things in a new way, have fulfilling relationships with others and yourself, and find relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. Dr. Vakili is an integrative therapist, meaning she will match her vast therapeutic knowledge to your unique goals. The gold-standard therapies she is trained in include cognitive processing therapy (CPT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness based-approaches, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as formal training in aromatherapy.

Dr. Vakili’s experience includes working with individuals who have difficulty coping with life transitions as well as feelings of anxiety, irritability or sadness resulting in regulation and relationship challenges. Therapy with Dr. Vakili promotes self-awareness, more adaptive coping skills, and improved insight as you work through current and past challenges. Dr. Vakili is intentional in applying cultural sensitivity to her work to accommodate and respect your unique opinions, values, and experiences.

Dr. Vakili considers your pace and comfort her top priority whether it’s your first day in therapy or your 10th year. Her expertise begins with a strong, clinical understanding of your comprehensive history, goals and challenges to develop precise therapy goals. This leads to effective work with each client as they overcome challenges and improve their lives through successful behavioral improvements and self-exploration. Dr. Vakili’s ultimate goal is for you to break the bondage of unhelpful patterns, realize the power of your strengths, and capture fulfillment and meaning in your life. Reach out to meet with Dr. Vakili today for a unique therapy experience that is truly tailored to you.

Tracy Lane, PsyD

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATE

Dr. Lane is very committed to the growth and well-being of her clients and firmly believes that self—awareness and learning is a life-long journey. She has 14 years of experience in mental health. After earning her MSW from Touro College, she returned to California to complete her PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is certified in EMDR. Tracy’s energy is matched only by her enthusiasm for treating trauma. She places a high emphasis on her own personal growth, both professionally and within her own life experiences, to best serve her clients. Tracy’s love and empathy for those affected by trauma can be seen in the populations she has worked with, from at-risk teenagers to veteran populations in both New York City and California. She also has psychological testing experience and an extensive background working with substance use in both residential and outpatient settings. 

Tracy uses an integrated theoretical approach to meet each client’s individual needs, including CBT, DBT, and ACT. Her foundational approach is most often rooted in our attachments with those closest to us in life – both in childhood and adulthood. Through tailored interventions, her clients are able to progress in creating a more secure view of themselves, healthier relationships, and an optimistic worldview to succeed.  She is genuine in her desire to help, and by offering tools and skills along the way to offer relief, the therapeutic process that might be daunting can actually be quite enjoyable. If you are looking for an experienced, passionate therapist who is empathic yet honest, Tracy is the right fit for you. 

Alison Ratermann, ACSW

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Alison Ratermann is an Associate Clinical Social Worker at Trauma Therapy CA, dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals facing life’s challenges. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University and is successful in utilizing evidence-based techniques to foster healing and growth in her clients. Alison has specialization in evidence-based techniques including formal training in EMDR. Alison’s professional journey has been characterized by a passion for serving under-served and under-represented populations struggling with mental health issues. Her background includes extensive experience in providing support for adults and college-aged students dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use.

Alison has experience working at the community college level and supporting students with diverse backgrounds and struggles. Alison believes in creating a supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe space. Her eclectic modality allows her to tailor her approach to the diverse needs of each individual she works with. She is warm and dedicated to mental health advocacy and providing unwavering support throughout individuals’ mental health journeys across their lives. If you are looking for a passionate trauma therapist, set up a session with Alison today. 

Katianna Chang, ACSW

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Katianna Chang, ACSW, provides a safe, nurturing space for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, complex trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, difficult life transitions, relationship/family difficulties, and more. She is LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirming.

Through the course of therapy, I support clients in healing past and present wounds, improving their relationships and sense of personal fulfillment, expressing their true selves, and feeling more in control of their lives and emotions.

My collaborative, strengths-based approach centers on healing your inner child, past wounds, and deep-rooted, negative self-beliefs (i.e. I’m not good enough, I’m not worthy, I’m not deserving). I primarily use Internal Family Systems and EMDR for trauma processing and improving self-worth, as well as DBT to build emotion regulation and communication skills. If you are ready to begin your path towards healing, I would be honored to be a part of your journey.

Katianna received her B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior from UC Davis and her Master’s in Social Work and Public Health from UCLA. She has over 5 years of experience in residential, case management, school-based and outpatient mental health settings. In her free time, Katianna enjoys hiking, being a foodie, and spending time with friends and family.

Laura Tostanoski

EXECUTIVE ASSISSTANT

Laura is the Executive Assistant at Trauma Therapy CA where her role is to provide administrative assistance to our staff and clients. She graduated from Fordham University in New York with a BA in both Sociology and English, with a minor in Italian. Her study of diverse groups of people prepared her for a career in customer service and administration, which she uses to support your therapy journey. Being able to assist individuals and their families has allowed her to wear many hats over the course of her career. Prior to working as an administrator for Trauma Therapy, Laura worked at settings varying from personal assistance for celebrities to administrative support at a non-profit organization that provides special schooling and counseling to troubled adolescents. She has a passion for helping other people and finds value in making their lives as seamless as possible so they are able to focus more on their healing. As an advocate, Laura started several support groups in her area for recovering addicts that still continue today. She also travels the state speaking to school boards, high school audiences and parent support groups advocating to end the opioid epidemic in our nation and providing families the help and guidance they need if faced with this problem. When not working, Laura loves spending time with her husband and baby daughter, cooking and reading or catching up on the newest TV series.

Skylar Sexton

CLINICAL PROJECTS INTERN

Skylar Sexton is our Clinical Projects Intern at Trauma Therapy CA, where she plays a vital role in supporting therapists and patients, creating a smooth and welcoming experience. With a passion for mental health and a deep commitment to helping others, Skylar collaborates closely with the clinical team to streamline patient intake and appointment flow. She acts as a bridge between patients and doctors, effectively communicating patient concerns to help develop tailored treatment plans that meet individual needs.

Skylar graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz in 2023 and brings extensive experience in patient care coordination and leadership from her previous roles in holistic wellness clinics. She has supported doctors in treatment settings, assisting with patient care and wellness procedures, while also managing clinic operations.

Driven by her passion for mental health, Skylar is currently applying to graduate programs in Social Work, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, yoga, live music, and spending time at the beach. Originally from Laguna Beach, she loves connecting with others and creating welcoming spaces for all..