Dimitri has been a part of the Windhorse treatment community for nearly a decade, starting as a Clinical Team Leader before transitioning into a leadership role. Dimitri brings a rooted psychological practice and background as well as a contemplative and mindfulness-based practice and way of living. As a Clinical Team Leader and Psychotherapist, Dimitri focused on helping a person to find their sense of balance and health within themselves to draw upon, while living their lives as fully and wholesomely as possible. As a Director, Dimitri is passionate about providing this same type of healthy, fun and peaceful environment for both staff and those that we serve. Additionally, Dimitri is dedicated to continuing to learn and to provide opportunities for others to learn and to contribute to the Windhorse philosophy, vision, and mission.

Dimitri studied psychology in both his undergraduate and graduate endeavors, with a focus on mindfulness, and the value of deep interpersonal connections on a person’s healing journey. Currently, Dimitri is engaged in a number of projects to enhance accessibility of resources, provide educational teachings, and development of alumni support programs.

Dimitri is blessed with three active boys and a wonderful wife who help remind him not to take life so seriously, to show up with his true presence, and to enjoy being in relationship with others.

As a California resident for her entire life, Dana enjoys and appreciates the natural beauty and wonder the intimate central coastal community of San Luis Obispo offers. Dana received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California Davis, conducting research on emotional intelligence and attachment, along with the impact trauma may have on the mind, memory, and perception. Dana later went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo. With the knowledge and wisdom, coupled with her genuine tender heart, Dana went on to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; providing compassionate care and intensive psychotherapy to individuals suffering with and recovering from extreme mind-states and trauma related experiences.

After several years working at non-profit organizations, and opening two private practice offices on the central coast, Dana’s appreciation for the importance of deep connection and community led her to the Windhorse community. It was here, within this therapeutic community, that Dana was able to more fully integrate her academic background, years of clinical and psychotherapy experience, and her personal contemplative study and practice.

Dana has a strong contemplative approach to interpersonal relationships, engages in ongoing personal and professional study in the field of contemplative psychology, and maintains a deep commitment to her own personal self-reflection and growth through her contemplative practice. Dana believes having compassion for self, and being willing to understand one’s own mind, allows for a greater capacity to recognize another’s suffering and therefore provides a deep compassionate presence to others. While immersing herself in her community, both personally and professionally, Dana’s family has grown over the years, as she is a wife and mother of three young men. It is with her innate appreciation and respect for community, intimate connection, and family, that Dana has chosen a lifelong path of personal and professional growth and healing.

Gerry Marr has been immersed in the healing arts since the early seventies. A product of experimental education since high school, he studied Gestalt and Polarity Therapy as well as metaphysics. He was an instructor of various Body Therapy modalities for years. As founder of the Touching Aids Massage Project, Gerry trained Massage Therapists to work with people living with Aids, providing hundreds of individuals with massage at no charge for nearly a decade. Gerry has studied and practiced Tai Chi Chuan for over 40 years, teaching since 1980. He offers a weekly Tai Chi group for the Windhorse community.

Ongoing studies of Polarity Therapy ultimately led to pursuit of a Masters Degree in depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Gerry worked at CALM, Child Abuse Listening and Mediation, for ten years. His traineeship included individual, group and family therapy for survivors of abuse and domestic violence. He provided Intensive In-Home Therapy and worked with the Spirit Wraparound Team in conjunction with Santa Barbara County Children’s Services as a Child and Family Specialist.

The contemplative approach and spiritual environment drew Gerry to Windhorse. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Growing up in Colorado, Marcus developed a strong connection with the Pacific Northwest when he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. Marcus served as a minister for 29 years where he developed a deep compassion for families in need and an ability to help them through times of crisis. This experience served him well when he transitioned to outreach and admissions work for several residential treatment centers. Marcus enjoys helping individuals and families discover resources that make healing possible.

Now living with his family in Oregon, mountains and music continue to inspire and refresh him. Marcus loves to explore the world and to write music about the wonders he discovers on that journey.

Kristin grew up on the Central Coast and recently returned to her roots, landing among the Windhorse community where she feels right at home. A graduate of University of LaVerne, Kristin received a Master’s degree in educational counseling with an emphasis in school and family-based counseling. Her clinical direction is steeped in a deep passion for postmodern psychology. Kristin is naturally compassionate, believes in the resiliency of people and is deeply committed to collaborative counseling practices—this combination helps others safely pursue their preferred ways of living when faced with life’s challenges.

Inspired by ecological communities like the ocean or a copse of oak trees, in her spare time you can find Kristin taking to the great outdoors and having dignifying conversations with friends and family among all the flora and fauna.

Born and raised in India, Manoj moved to the United States 15 years ago. He received a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara in 2016 and two years later moved to Santa Maria to work as a clinician at the Lompoc ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) program run by Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA).

Manoj’s work with clients is guided by humanistic and existential therapy models and he incorporates mindfulness and eastern philosophies to help people in their recovery journey towards self-development. He believes that through the realization of Self a deeper sense of peace can emerge. Manoj’s deep affinity for his own spiritual growth informs his belief that clients can also benefit immensely by developing a connection to something bigger than themselves. Grounded by his experiences in spirituality and meditation, he was drawn to Windhorse because of the contemplative foundation of the approach.

In his free time, Manoj likes to sing Indian music, play drums and keyboard, and read books related to spirituality.

Coral spent most of her life in Southern California. After earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino, Coral’s adventurous spirit led her to study photography in Santa Barbara where she spent 5 years working as a photographer and traveling as often as she could. Yet, her heart and compassionate nature always called her back to the healing professions. Returning to her educational roots, she earned her master’s degree of Educational Guidance and Counseling, specializing in Clinical Counseling from her alma mater.  

Coral’s love for the ocean and nature eventually led her to the serene landscapes of the Central Coast. Soon after relocating to San Luis Obispo, she joined the Windhorse team where she feels right at home working alongside like-minded people who value the transformative nature of authentic relationships.  

As an animal lover, Coral is looking forward to integrating her love of animals into her future clinical work. During her free time, she explores new nature trails, cherishes time with her family, and trains her dog, Poppy, towards becoming a therapy dog.  

Fangming Liu, born and raised in China, brings a unique multicultural perspective to her work as a compassionate, bilingual mental health counselor. In pursuit of her passion for mental health, she journeyed to the United States in 2017 to earn her Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Oklahoma State University. Anchored in the principles of existential therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Fangming skillfully guides individuals, couples, and groups on their therapeutic journeys, using her refined understanding of mental health cultivated in community settings.

When she steps away from her professional realm, Fangming finds solace among animals, in the silent teachings of astrology, and the timeless wisdom of Chinese metaphysics. Her commitment to her work is beautifully complemented by these personal passions, contributing to the holistic approach she adopts in her counseling practice. With this synthesis, Fangming walks alongside her clients in their quest for mental health and harmony.

Tessa lived and grew up on the central coast until she reached college where she attended University of Colorado, Boulder where she studied Psychology. Her time at Windhorse has inspired her to return to school where she aims to receive a master’s degree in counseling with a depth psychological emphasis from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Tessa enjoys meeting individuals where they are at and providing a spacious environment to explore and connect more deeply with the self. In her free time, Tessa enjoys dancing, practicing yoga and jumping in the ocean.

Bradley is a proud northern Californianer, moving between the Bay Area and the Foothills when he was young.  He attended Sonoma State and graduated with a bachelors in anthropology.  While his German is a bit rusty, he spent a summer in college interning at a refugee camp in Laatzen where he came to truly value the connection and love which is shared in a community.  He has since made it his goal to foster these relationships wherever he goes. 

During the Sonoma fires, Bradley stayed with a family member on the central coast, where he fell in love with this beautiful, beachy town, and made it his goal to live in scenic San Luis Obispo. 

Outside of work, Bradley is most likely burning himself on a pan of hot cookies or telling a silly joke to anyone who will listen.   

Bio forthcoming.

Josh was born and raised on the central coast of California in the town of Lompoc. He’s from a large family and is the baby of the family; the last child of seven.  He moved to San Luis County in 2018 to attend Cal Poly. Passionate about discovering the complexity of the human mind, Josh pursued a degree in psychology and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science in 2020.  His main goal in life is to help other people find inner peace.

In his free time, his hobbies include baking top of the line sourdough, cooking gourmet Italian dishes, weightlifting, playing chess, and completing puzzles with friends.

Nikki was born and raised outside London, England and moved the US at the age of 10.  Growing up in Huntington Beach, Nikki had a passion for anything ocean related and also found her passion for riding horses.  In 2004 she moved to San Luis Obispo to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science with the intention of continuing on to Vet School.  

After graduation, Nikki decided to stay on the Central Coast and accepted a position at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office as a 911 Dispatcher.  After 18 years, she resigned to go back to Graduate school at Antioch University in Santa Barbara to embark on the journey to a Masters in Clinical Psychology.  Nikki completed her 200 YTT with Janet Stone in the Bay Area in 2018 and finds her yoga practice a place to reconnect.

In her free time, you will find her teaching yoga in town, riding horses, hiking, mountain biking, or any other outdoors activity.  Nikki believes in the power of movement as medicine, deeply values human connection, and cherishes cultivating safe space for growth.

Cristy was born and raised on the Central Coast and recently found her way back to her hometown. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Cal Poly and decided to return to school for a MA degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara.

Deeply empathetic and curious, Cristy found a passion for therapy and believes in the power of healing through relationship. Some of her areas of clinical interest and focus have included attachment, trauma, somatic therapy, and helping individuals find more alignment between their authentic self and the various aspects of their life.

Outside of work, Cristy enjoys being active-including hiking, resistance training, and yoga. She values spending quality time with others, learning new things, and appreciates a hot cup of coffee pretty much any time of the day.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California, Coulter began his journey with Windhorse as a client and after some time in the program was presented with the opportunity to become a Peer Counselor.  After undergoing the Peer Counseling training program, Coulter joined his first team and has been actively involved in the community ever since.  During his time at Windhorse, he earned an associates degree in history from Cuesta College and looks to continue his studies in the future.  As a client himself, Coulter strives to relate his own experiences with others while keeping an open mind and continuing to learn more.  He hopes that by remaining humble that he might safely guide people along a similar path as his own.

In his free time, you can find him exploring the various hiking trails in San Luis Obispo County, at the local movie theater, or at home playing the latest video game.

Kimberly grew up in San Francisco and studied art and Spanish at the University of Oregon in Eugene. She loved painting so much that she studied it in grad school and received her Masters in Fine Arts. Her desire to come to San Luis Obispo came from her hopes for greater health through being a client at Windhorse. As she healed, she took the Peer Counselor Training Program and eventually became a Peer Counselor. With a variety of coping tools she accumulated over the years, she is able to bring what she has learned though her own suffering and bring it full circle back to clients. She is caring, genuine, honest and compassionate, all skills obtained through dedication to self-work.

In her free time, Kimberly can be found at the beach in the icy waters, combing the beach for seaglass, or out to tea with a friend. She likes to knit beanies, journal, stretch and make art while listening to ethereal beats.

Growing up in the beach cities of Los Angeles, Ashley had the opportunity to move to the beautiful Central Coast of San Luis Obispo. It is there her passion for the Mental Health field awakened, and it is where her professional journey began. With a genuine heart for people and a strong sense of empathy, she has dedicated herself to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. Her journey has been shaped by both professional and personal experiences coupled with a deep desire to help others. She believes everyone deserves compassion, understanding, and the tools to lead a fulfilling life. Her commitment to learning and growing alongside the community she serves drives her to nurture connection and kindness, knowing they can make a profound difference.

With her active lifestyle, being a mother of four and a grandmother to one, she strives to carve time for self-care. She finds nourishment in spending time in the outdoors, sitting with the sun and the ocean, walking barefoot in the sand, finding new trails to hike and long drives to spend time with her loved ones.

Susannah Fletcher grew up on the Central Coast. She has been working in the healthcare field for the last ten years. She often can be heard singing in the office. She loves life, people, music, and her goose. Yes, she has a pet goose named Jemmima. Many Windhorse details go through her loving hands.

Colorful  ‡  Fun-loving  ‡  Swimmer and Bird Watcher

Annie lives in Northampton, MA but her role as fiscal manager supports the entire nonprofit. Annie brings with her over 30 years of fiscal experience gained from working in a variety of for-profit and nonprofit settings. She has served on the board of directors of her church. You might also see her contra dancing, selling her own unique line of handmade skirts, or singing for peace and freedom in the Amandla Community Chorus.