• Clinicians

     

    Steve Khachi, M.D.

    Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist
    Founder, Mind Study Center


    Dr. Khachi is a Stanford-trained physician, who specializes in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He is the founding president of Mind Study Center providing world-class evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and integrated care. Dr. Khachi is known for his expertise in psychopharmacology and various types of individual and family psychotherapy. He has a broad range of experiences in treating psychiatric disorders. He has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, eating disorder programs, and drug and alcohol treatment facilities. Dr. Khachi has also worked as a consulting physician to schools, hospitals, and other referring physicians and psychologists.

    Dr. Khachi attended University of California Santa Barbara, where he obtained his bachelor of science in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology. He received his medical degree (M.D.) from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

    During medical school, he developed a strong interest in neurosciences and neuropsychiatric disorders. He was selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Scholar, a prestigious research fellowship which funded his neuroscience research at the National Institutes of Health. His research has culminated in multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications, book chapters, and presentations at national and international conferences.

    Dr. Khachi pursued his general psychiatry residency at the University of California San Diego and sub-specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry at Stanford University, where he was selected and served as Chief Fellow of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development. He is double board certified in adult as well as child & adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and licensed by the California Medical Board.

    He is currently on faculty at the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences (voluntary) at the University of Southern California providing clinical supervision to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in-training physicians. He has previously served as a Councillor for the Southern California Psychiatry Society. He is an active member of many professional medical associations including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists.

     

    Jacob Feldman, M.D.

    Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist


    Dr. Feldman specializes in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on evidenced-based holistic mental healthcare. His experiences include depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar spectrum illness, psychosis and schizophrenia, trauma-related disorders, sleeping and eating disorders, substance-use disorders, as well as various developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder.

    Dr. Feldman developed an interest in working with children early in life, starting with his experience working with children with developmental disabilities as an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapist and subsequently as a Research Associate at the Yale University Child Study Center. He obtained a bachelor of science in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego. During his undergraduate studies, he was selected to a highly-prestigious research program as a McNair Research Scholar and graduated with departmental honors. Dr. Feldman obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from New York Medical College before pursuing his Adult Psychiatry Residency at Mount Sinai Morningside and West in New York City. He is board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and licensed by the Medical Board of California. While completing his fellowship at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, Dr. Feldman was elected and served as Chief Fellow of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He spearheaded the development of the clinical toolkit for the effective use of clozapine, a novel psychotropic medication, conducting medical Grand Rounds and a monthly lecture series for the child and adolescent psychiatry physicians-in-training. He is double board certified in adult as well as child & adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and licensed by the California Medical Board.

    Dr. Feldman chose to join Mind Study Center for the opportunity to provide evidence-based and multidisciplinary mental health care that matches each person's individual values and goals. He believes every person has a right to a dignified and meaningful life, and that this can only be achieved through shared decision-making and the incorporation of all aspects of an individual into the treatment plan. Dr. Feldman is excited to serve a guide to his patients and their families on their path to true recovery.

     

    Brianna Marecki, Ph.D.

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 34495)


    Dr. Brianna Marecki is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in evidenced-based psychotherapy and assessment with children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families. She is passionate about creating collaborative and safe relationships with each of her clients to help them achieve their treatment goals and promote thriving throughout the lifespan. She strives to deliver care that is neurodivergent affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and informed by social justice. Her therapy and assessment work are grounded in a strengths-based approach.

    Dr. Marecki is passionate about providing specialized care for each client and family. Her therapy work is integrative, utilizing psychodynamic, relational, cognitive-behavioral, and client-centered modalities. Although her therapy work is grounded in psychodynamic theory, Dr. Marecki also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness, Floortime/play therapy, and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) in her practice. Dr. Marecki views treatment from a holistic perspective and enjoys engaging clients and their communities in creative and thoughtful ways to promote growth and healing. Dr. Marecki conducts psychological testing from a therapeutic assessment model, which is highly collaborative and incorporates the assessment questions of the client, parents, and other providers involved as indicated. She believes that therapy and assessment should be empowering, informative, and useful to everyone involved.

    Dr. Marecki specializes in treating anxiety and mood disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults. She has expertise in treating symptoms and behaviors related to Autism and ADHD. She also provides parent training for behavioral difficulties and strengthening parent-child relationships. Other areas of treatment include PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, issues related to spirituality/religion, and identity formation. Dr. Marecki also provides neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment for children and adolescents.

    Dr. Marecki completed her undergraduate studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida where she participated in the Supper Honors Program and received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She completed her Master's and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena. Dr. Marecki completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Child and Family Guidance Center in Northridge, CA. Subsequently, she completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Southern California University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (APA-accredited).

     

    Mandy Pettit, Ph.D.

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 34732)


    Dr. Mandy Pettit is a highly skilled and compassionate clinical psychologist specializing in comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments. Her expertise extends to children, adolescents, and adults, helping them navigate and overcome difficulties in various settings, including home, school, and work.

    Beginning her career as a psychotherapist, Dr. Pettit developed a foundational approach centered on empathy and warmth, which she seamlessly integrates into her current practice. Her diverse experience spans hospitals, outpatient clinics, and college counseling centers, culminating in her current role in a multidisciplinary practice at Mind Study Center.

    Dr. Pettit is dedicated to focusing on individuals' strengths while identifying areas for growth. Her natural affinity for psychological assessment allows her to provide insightful and rewarding evaluations. She excels in discussing assessment results and crafting personalized treatment recommendations, empowering clients to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life. Many clients find their personalized assessment reports to be both helpful and validating, offering new insights and direction.

    Her professional interests include working with specific populations such as those with learning disorders, attentional difficulties, neurodiversity, developmental delays, adoptive families, adoptees, and veterans. This commitment reflects her dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these individuals and families.

    Dr. Pettit is a proud alumna of the Fuller Graduate School of Clinical Psychology in Pasadena. She completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, where she provided psychological assessments and both individual and group therapy. During her tenure at the VA, she received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She further honed her skills during her postdoctoral training at the Greenhouse Therapy Center, specializing in psychological assessment.

    Dr. Pettit's comprehensive and empathetic approach to psychological assessment makes her an invaluable asset to the Mind Study Center. Her assessments are designed not only to address immediate concerns but also to foster long-term growth and well-being. Furthermore, her evaluations are seamlessly integrated into each person's treatment plans and goals, ensuring cohesive collaboration with the clinicians at the Mind Study Center. Through her work, clients can expect to gain clarity, insight, and a clear path toward achieving their personal and professional goals.

     

    Erika L. Poladian, MA, LMFT

    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#100831)


    Erika is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in evidenced-based psychotherapies for children, teens, adults, and families. She invests her skills in helping clients attain a better quality of life that is characterized by peace of mind and the ability to manage difficult thoughts and feelings through self-compassion and knowledge of the inner workings of the mind.

    She is extremely passionate about her work and takes into account each of her client’s individual differences and needs. She formulates creative and detailed treatment plans which include having a complete understanding of her client's daily lives. She is a firm believer that the combination of a trusting therapeutic rapport and carefully executed evidenced-based interventions can break the bondage of mental anguish and sustain long-lasting healing.

    Erika specializes in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, autism, eating disorders, behavioral problems, and somatic disorders. She cares deeply for her clients and maintains patience and perseverance in her work no matter what the presenting issues may be. Erika is also well-versed with implementing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, FloortimeTM Therapy, Behavioral Intervention, and Play Therapy.

    Erika completed her undergraduate education at the University of Southern California where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minored in Musical Studies. She continued her education at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology where she received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Furthermore, she obtained extensive clinical training at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

     

    Abigail F. Schoenberg, MA, LMFT

    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#132783)


    Abby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting her clients on their journeys toward growth and healing. She enjoys creating collaborative therapeutic relationships with each of her clients, acknowledging that they are the experts on their own experiences. She cultivates an environment of safety and open communication, in order for clients to feel comfortable and empowered in their treatment. She prioritizes principles of antiracism and equitability in her practice.

    Abby utilizes an integrative approach that combines elements of psychodynamic, narrative, relational, and client-centered modalities. She is intentional about understanding her clients within the full context of their lives, including biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. Her treatment is always individualized; while operating from a primarily psychodynamic framework, she also enjoys using EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and play therapy when indicated.

    Abby is a trauma specialist who helps both children and adults work toward reclaiming their lives in the aftermath of difficult experiences. She is also confident in treating anxiety and depressive disorders at all ages, as well as working with couples on improving connection and communication. Subspecialties include grief and loss (with expertise in child loss), recovery from abuse, family conflict, working with parents on strengthening parent-child relationships, and issues of self-esteem and identity formation.

    Abby completed her undergraduate education at Harvard University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Art, Film, and Visual Studies, with a minor in English and American Literature. She then received her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, with a specialization in Psychological Trauma Studies. She has multiple years of experience working in community mental health and with children and young adults in foster care.