Meet our Staff
Linda S. Maul; LMFT 46981. Linda, a former MBCC intern is currently the director and co-supervisor at the Center. She has a private practice in Redondo Beach specializing in helping you work through all of the various difficulties that can jeopardize the important relationships in our life. In addition, she is also working on her Doctorate of Psychology at the Reiss Davis Child Development Center. MBCC has always offered opportunities to not only the interns working toward their license, but to individuals who may be unable to obtain the needed counseling services because of financial constraints. We are here for you! Please check my website at lindamaulcounseling.com
Kathy Blenko, MFTI 88305 Kathy received her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She also has an MBA from the University of Chicago and worked several years in corporate marketing. Kathy brings the life experiences of a 30+ year marriage, raising children who are now adults and supporting aging parents. Using a warm and collaborative style, Kathy tailors her approach to each child, adult, couple or family. Her experience includes working with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, parenting, major illness, grief and loss, infertility, adoption and substance abuse. Kathy and her husband are peer counselors for other families in their congregation. She also works at the Cancer Support Community in Redondo Beach.
Pat Petersen; MFTI 81011. Pat received an M. A., Marriage and Family Therapy, from Philips Graduate Institute in 2014. Her previous two master’s degrees are in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. She enjoys drawing on her extensive background in education—as well as her personal experience raising two children—to help parents find positive paths through difficult parenting issues. Having been a teacher for many years, she understands how children and teens learn and develop emotionally. Her special interest with individuals of all ages is treating anxiety and depression.
Alanna Turner; MFTI 88476. Alanna earned her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2015 at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She completed her training hours at South Bay Center for Counseling in El Segundo and at 186th Street School in Gardena. In 2016, she started her internship at a private practice in Redondo Beach and at MBCC. Utilizing a positive, motivational approach to therapy, Alanna listens empathically and provides a safe, comforting therapeutic environment for her clients. She enjoys working with children and individuals with challenges including: marital and parenting difficulties, divorce, grief and loss, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Richard Schmalzried, MFTI 85837 Richard received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science at Michigan State University and his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Psychology at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI). He has successfully practiced in Michigan for five plus years as a master’s level psychologist, treating individuals, couples and families, as well as facilitating substance abuse groups.
Richard utilizes an empathetic approach to therapy and strives to create a warm, supportive, safe therapeutic environment, treating clients experiencing: marital and parenting challenges, bereavement, low self-esteem, substance abuse, divorce, trauma, as well as depression and anxiety disorders. Additionally, he has received training in the techniques of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Richard utilizes an empathetic approach to therapy and strives to create a warm, supportive, safe therapeutic environment, treating clients experiencing: marital and parenting challenges, bereavement, low self-esteem, substance abuse, divorce, trauma, as well as depression and anxiety disorders. Additionally, he has received training in the techniques of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Rebecca Stewart; MFTI 95224, PCCI# 3234. First and foremost, Rebecca is known for being kind and compassionate, but honest and direct. With 2 Masters Degrees (Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling) in the field of Clinical Psychology from Chapman University, and her Doctorate in the works, Rebecca understands how the demands of life can become overwhelming. She has extensive experience working within the fields of domestic violence, school-based services for truant and behaviorally challenged kids including the assessment and treatment of ADHD, creative individuals in the entertainment industry, and self-empowerment and support for those struggling with depression and anxiety. Rebecca maintains a Private Practice in Hermosa Beach, a family of 5 with 4 pets, and considers it an honor to serve the community through the Manhattan Beach Community Counseling Center.
