Meet the Counselors

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Austin Bowman, M.A., AMFT

Austin is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about being present for individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. With a background in ministry, he has learned that the most fulfilling part of helping others is not just offering guidance, but walking alongside them in their journeys—whether in times of struggle or success. His relational, trauma-informed approach helps clients feel seen, understood, and supported as they process past hurts and work toward healing.

Austin tailors his therapeutic approach to each client’s unique needs, drawing on a variety of methods, including CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, and EMDR. While he works with a diverse range of clients, he has particular experience helping men navigate their unique challenges, creating a space where they can explore their struggles openly and without judgment. His collaborative style encourages clients to break free from limiting thought patterns, fostering lasting change, greater self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

Rooted in faith, Austin believes transformation is possible through both spiritual guidance and practical tools. He trusts that the Holy Spirit helps guide clients to take control of their lives, empowering them to make meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of therapy, Austin enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife—whether surfing, hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the sun. He is also an avid coffee lover, finding peace in the simple joy of making pour-over coffee and connecting with nature.

Laurie Allen, M.A. LMFT

Laurie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her M.A. at the University of San Diego. She is sensitive to the fact that seeking help requires a great amount of courage and faith, and Laurie meets her clients with unconditional positive regard and by showing up as her authentic self. Laurie is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families attain a sense of peace and meaning through their connection with God, each other, and within themselves by living in a manner that aligns with their values, beliefs and goals. Laurie has experience working with those from all walks of life and with a variety of issues, including adults suffering from Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Bipolar and depressive disorders, addiction and homelessness, to children, teens and families dealing with issues including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD, autism, behavioral and relational issues. As a young mom herself, Laurie enjoys walking alongside young couples navigating the road to parenthood with all of the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual transitions that take place for hopeful, soon-to-be, and new moms and dads. Laurie also has a heart for working with older adults dealing with end of life issues as well as the caregivers and family members who love and support them.

When she is not at work, Laurie enjoys going out to eat, spending quality time with her husband and baby boy, and walking her pug Quasi.

Becky French Apana, Psy.D.

Becky is a Licensed Psychologist who has served as the Director of the Counseling Center at North Coast Church for over two decades. She brings a wealth of knowledge forged from over 30 years of experience in the field of psychology with an emphasis on integrating Biblical principles and wisdom. Earning her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University, helped her learn to integrate theology and psychology and hone her skills in blending her faith with sound clinical practice.
After graduate school, Dr. Apana joined a Christian group private practice, and assisted in developing seminars and retreats, as well as, providing direct care for clients. She has had the pleasure of teaching psychology classes at the college level, and particularly enjoyed teaching through the Psychology BOLD Program at Biola University, San Diego Campus. She enjoys teaching and facilitating classes here and there on mental health and faith topics and supervising therapists who are working on their licensing hours at NCC.
Dr. Apana’s favorite part of working with clients is to come along side those who struggle with navigating their emotional and spiritual journeys…and watching God show up! She has been trained in a variety of mental health treatment modalities and tailors her work to each individual client. She is particularly drawn to the Restoration Therapy model, developed by Christian therapists.

Out of the office, Becky enjoys being outdoors, especially near a beach, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation! She is moved by music, loves spending time with family and friends and loves a good laugh!

Nicole Zaragoza, M.A., APCC

Nicole is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. Nicole’s most recent experience includes counseling individuals at a local hospice, helping people navigate the deaths of parents, children, spouses, and friends from expected and sudden losses.

Nicole is passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate loss, grief, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal relationship challenges, parenting after loss, and life-stage transitions. She believes in helping clients unpack their thoughts and beliefs, collaboratively setting growth goals, and equipping them with knowledge and practical skills. With a holistic approach to mind, body, and spiritual wellness, Nicole utilizes various evidenced-based therapeutic techniques like CBT, ACT, mindfulness, narrative, and art therapies based on clients’ unique strengths and challenges.

When not working, Nicole enjoys long walks with her dog, hiking, paddle boarding, gardening, writing, home renovations, and traveling with her family.

David Antonetti, M.S., LMFT

David is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree in counseling psychology from California Baptist University as well as a retired veteran of the Armed Forces. His therapeutic approach emphasizes the harmony between faith and reason. According to David, the same loving God who spoke creation into existence and called us to faith, also gave us the natural sciences – like medicine and psychology – as gifts that help us to understand how and why our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors go astray in some very predictable ways. Starting from this perspective, and with a focus on psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral interventions, David has successfully treated addictions, traumatic stress, chronic and explosive anger, psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, panic, and adjustment problems. Additionally, from his time as coordinator for the premarital counseling program at a large, faith-based community mental health center, he has a breadth of experience teaching workshops on biblical foundations for marriage; marital roles and responsibilities; communication; marital finances; intimacy; passions and motivations; and the covenant relationship. When he’s not counseling, David enjoys spending time with his family, photography, traveling, and writing.

Christine Castro Murphy, LMFT

Christine (Chris) Castro Murphy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2016. As a counselor practicing at the intersection of faith and mental health, Chris seeks to integrate healing beyond just the emotional and psychological needs of her clients. Helping clients explore and process their spiritual well-being, she finds great joy in supporting people as they cultivate a deeper connection with Christ in the midst of their healing journey.

Viewing her role as an active collaborator and facilitator of change, Chris loves to deep dive with her clients into root issues of current life struggles and difficulties. It is her great privilege to help guide clients as they navigate challenges such as relationships, parenting, life transitions, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, anger management and spiritual growth and development. She enjoys working with teens and adults of all stages of life!

Rather than adhering to one school of thought, Chris utilizes an integrative approach to therapy which includes; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (for practical skills in helping clients find solutions by changing the way they think and behave), Experiential Therapy (for helping clients emote more freely and comfortably) and Systems Theories (to gain insight into connection of clients’ current relationships, belief systems and family history).

Outside of work, Chris enjoys cozy days at home with her husband and daughter working on DIY projects, cooking and reading. As an avid vintage homewares’ collector, she loves going on thrifting adventures with her best friend B!

Dennis Estill, M.A., LMFT

Dennis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in 2011 and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University in 2004. He recently retired after 40 years of pastoral leadership. Dennis works with individuals in the areas of depression, anxiety, grief, and career challenges. His specialty is working with couples in healing relationships after betrayal and addiction and to help couples improve their relationships through better communication and resolving intimacy issues. Dennis is especially able to integrate research proven theoretical practices with an individual’s own faith journey. Dennis particularly enjoys working with those in ministry leadership and their families.

Helen Garrett, M.A. LMFT

Helen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently a PhD student at the California Institute of Integral Studies studying Integral and Transpersonal Psychology with a Somatic Emphasis. She has a passion for working with teens and young adults struggling with life transitions, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, suicidality, OCD, and trauma. She has training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Integral Somatic and Spiritual healing systems, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Rachael Ramirez, MSW

Rachael is an associate social worker who received her MSW from Boston University. Prior to graduate school, Rachael spent 6 years volunteering as a high school small group leader at North Coast. Since then, she has continued to work with adolescents and their families in a school setting. Additionally, Rachael has worked at an in-patient psychiatric hospital with both adults and older adults. Rachael’s has experience working with teens, adults, couples, and families on issues including self-esteem, attachment styles, friendships, difficulties in school, life stage transitions, intergenerational trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, traumatic events, romantic relationship issues, communication breakdowns, infidelity, women’s issues, miscarriages, parenting, and navigating marriage and sex after kids. Whatever your story, she is excited to meet you!

Jodi LaDue, LCSW

Jodi received her MSW at California State University, San Marcos and a obtained a BA at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She has years of experience working with adults, couples and families, and adolescents. Jodi integrates a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Emotion- Focused Therapy (EFT). She currently provides services to adult individuals and adolescents and has a passion for working with couples, including premarital counseling.

Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Jodi spent over a decade working in a corporate business setting which has served to deepen her appreciation of the challenges individuals face in balancing the demands of work and life. Jodi believes that each person has a story to share that is unique to their own life experience and strives to provide skillful, purposeful, and individualized therapy to each of her clients. She feels that it is an immense honor to work in this field and loves serving others in this capacity.

Outside of being a therapist, Jodi is married with three children. She loves nature, being outdoors and traveling and exploring new places and adventures with her family.

Jodi provides services at the Carlsbad campus and offers telehealth options.

Shell Cole, M.A., LPCC

Shell is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with an M.A. from Liberty University. She comes to North Coast from a local hospice where she worked with those actively dying and their families. Shell helped young children, teens, and adults navigate their own unique path through the depth of grief. She found the complexity that surrounds grief is often related to unresolved issues, relationship tension, anxiety, depression and trauma.

Shell is trained in EMDR and often integrates it into her sessions. She understands the unique experiences that we all have and tends to her clients as such. She has a passion for providing therapy in which her clients feel seen and heard. Shell is experienced in supporting depression, anxiety, complex trauma, ADHD, children/teens, military, life changes, relationship problems, parenting challenges, relational trauma, and low self-worth. She truly dedicated to what she does and is continually seeking ways to grow as a therapist through experience and training.

Shell is married with three young children and a black lab. She loves “dad jokes,” reading, escape rooms, and spending time in the mountains with her family.

Debbie Hamilton RN, MFT

Debbie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an RN. She received her BSN from Biola University and her MS in Counseling from Cal Baptist University. Debbie spent 6 years working in an inpatient facility where she gained experience working with all kinds of women’s issues, including depression, codependency, abuse, grief and loss and anxiety. Her specialties include pre-marital and marital counseling, divorce recovery, parenting issues and group therapy.

Joseph Jones, MFT

Joseph received an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and fulfilled the California Credentialing requirements in School Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Joseph is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Credentialed School Psychologist. Since 1998 he has worked in several school districts providing: psycho-educational evaluations, intervention plans, counseling, trainings and assisting teams with implementing plans that promote student success. Prior to working in school districts, from 1991 – 1998, Joseph facilitated Children and Family therapy in a variety of settings (group home, residential facility and an outpatient clinic). Joseph combines experience, skill and a Christ centered approach to assist folks who are facing a variety of life’s challenges.

Karen Keith, M.A. LMFT

Karen is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and received her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Bethel Seminary. She has over 20 years of experience working with families and children with special needs, learning disabilities, autism and ADHD. Karen is trained in EMDR (www.emdr.com) and has experience working with clients with trauma and PTSD. She is also a certified trainer in the Myers Briggs Temperament Indicator for adults and children. Karen enjoys helping couples, young adults, teens and children as they navigate life’s transitions. Karen works with a variety of issues; including, but not limited to, marital issues, communication, depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse and mental illness. Karen is zealous about empowering individuals to be healthy in all areas: biologically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

Lindsay Maisey, M.A., LMFT

Lindsay has a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She enjoys working with children, teens, and young adults, incorporating the love of God and the hope that He brings into her work. Lindsay believes that God can be the ultimate healer of our lives, and that He wants us, no matter how broken we are. Lindsay has over six years of experience working with adolescents and their parents in a variety of settings. She spent 4 years as a youth leader with the Christian non-profit organization YoungLife, in an urban community. She also worked for 3 1/2 years at an adolescent residential rehab in Malibu, California, where she worked with teens with depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, OCD, self-harm addiction, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, autism, family-related issues, substance abuse and addictions. Lindsay enjoys integrating creative outlets into her therapy sessions, if a client wishes to do so. Her favorite activities include spending time outdoors with her husband, nutrition, and art.

Greg McCord, MFT

Greg McCord is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He also served as a pastor for 18 years. He received his Masters of Divinity degree in Bible Exposition from Talbot Theological Seminary, the graduate school of Biola University. He received his Masters degree in counseling from the University of San Diego. He is a graduate of San Diego State University.  Greg has done extensive work in the area of spiritual formation and establishing emotional maturity. He has created seminars for students, parents, couples seeking marriage help, and those seeking to get married. He is the founder of Legacy Counseling Network, a network of helping professionals committed to Biblical principles and family systems integration.  Greg is passionate about helping men and women establish their sense of purpose and discovering their strengths. Greg is an outdoor enthusiast and loves being active. He is married with three children.

Connor McFadden, MFT

Connor is a licensed marriage family therapist who has attended North Coast Church for the past five years. Connor has an eclectic approach that uses several different styles of counseling focusing on hope and change. Connor has worked in multiple areas of mental health for the past six years, most recently acting as the program manager for a human service agency in Oceanside. His experience includes working with Domestic Violence, Anxiety, Depression, and Bi-polar Disorders. Connor has a heart for working with couples and enjoys helping them have the type of marriage that God intended. Connor has extensive experience working with teens in various settings including: group homes, serving as youth director and working with high school youth ministry for over six years. Connor also serves on staff in the role of Growth Group and Community Service Pastor.

Vicki Switzer, MFT

Vicki has been working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years in private practice. Her primary specialty is marital work, particularly coming alongside those couples whose marriages and immediate family members have been negatively impacted by extra-marital relationships, addictions, family violence, substance abuse or childhood trauma. Her ongoing training and experience includes treating individuals for post-traumatic stress disorders.

Debbie Timm, LMFT

Debbie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received her MA from National University. Her education in clinical psychology, commitment to following Christ and studying his word, along with her life experience, has orchestrated a unique learning and compassion for other’s circumstances. Working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families, Debbie enjoys assisting individuals who are experiencing emotionally destructive relationships, power struggles and relational imbalances, low self-esteem, addiction, internal conflict (implementing Christian principles), life transitions, loss, stress, anxiousness, depression, and more. In addition, Debbie has experience with mental illness (supports NAMI), dual diagnosis, learning disabilities, IEPs, high competitive athleticism, and is educated in nutritional supportive methods to assist with mood disorders.

Debbie counsels at our Fallbrook Campus.

Susan Trueblood, Psy. D. MFT

Susan received her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist. She heads our Life Skills and Support Ministry. She works with individuals, couples, and families experiencing symptoms of addiction, mood disorders, life transitions stages, or relational impasses. Her clinical specialties are working through the process of forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and reconciling relationships for couples in recovery from a substance addiction, a process or behavioral addiction, or after an affair.
Susan incorporates faith, authenticity, and congruent communication to help clients realize their uniqueness in becoming the person that God destines each to be. Her underlying emphasis is that through our commitment and love for God, our pain can be resolved with hope and confidence that through God all things are possible.

Tony Vitrano, MFT

Tony is a Marriage and Family Therapist who has been with North Coast Church since 2005. He counsels couples, families, and individuals in order to promote healthy relationships and spiritual growth. Tony works from a biblical orientation and has experience helping people with marital issues, communication skills, boundaries, anger management, depression, mental illness, personality disorders, and addiction.