Stepping Stones Clinical Team
Dr. Starr MacKinnon
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27021)
Stepping Stones Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27021)
Stepping Stones Clinical Director
Dr. MacKinnon works with individuals across the lifespan who are open, curious, and ready to engage in meaningful inner work. Her therapeutic style is intuitive, compassionate, grounded, and collaborative. Dr. MacKinnon blends evidence-based approaches with creativity, deep inquiry, and a root-centered focus on lasting transformation. She is passionate about helping clients align more fully with their authentic selves to become the healthiest, most empowered versions of who they are.
Dr. MacKinnon earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego, California. She completed an APA-accredited internship at Central Washington University followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at San Diego State University. Her predoctoral training included work at San Diego State University and the Center for Behavioral Sciences, Stress and Anxiety Clinic, with specialized rotations in pediatrics and health psychology.
During her doctoral training, Dr. MacKinnon developed expertise in heart rate variability (HRV) data collection, analysis, and psychophysiological research, with a focus on integrative therapies, health and wellness, and mechanisms of mind-body healing. In collaboration with the HeartMath Research Institute, she published research examining the heart–brain connection and the role of emotion and diaphragmatic breathing practices, such as yoga and meditation, in cardiac regulation.
Early in her career, Dr. MacKinnon focused on integrative medicine, alternative therapies, research, and program development. As a clinical psychologist with Kaiser Permanente, she developed the Mind Over Cancer mindfulness-based recovery program for the oncology department and revised the preventive medicine curriculum for weight and wellness. In addition to her clinical work, she has served as an adjunct professor at Alliant International University and contributed to research collaborations with Kaiser Permanente, Scripps Health, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, University of California San Diego, and San Diego State University.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. MacKinnon finds joy in nature, laughter, adventure, and meaningful time with the people she loves. A partner and mom to three spirited boys growing up in San Diego, she deeply values the balance of family, curiosity, play, and ongoing personal evolution.
Dr. MacKinnon earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego, California. She completed an APA-accredited internship at Central Washington University followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at San Diego State University. Her predoctoral training included work at San Diego State University and the Center for Behavioral Sciences, Stress and Anxiety Clinic, with specialized rotations in pediatrics and health psychology.
During her doctoral training, Dr. MacKinnon developed expertise in heart rate variability (HRV) data collection, analysis, and psychophysiological research, with a focus on integrative therapies, health and wellness, and mechanisms of mind-body healing. In collaboration with the HeartMath Research Institute, she published research examining the heart–brain connection and the role of emotion and diaphragmatic breathing practices, such as yoga and meditation, in cardiac regulation.
Early in her career, Dr. MacKinnon focused on integrative medicine, alternative therapies, research, and program development. As a clinical psychologist with Kaiser Permanente, she developed the Mind Over Cancer mindfulness-based recovery program for the oncology department and revised the preventive medicine curriculum for weight and wellness. In addition to her clinical work, she has served as an adjunct professor at Alliant International University and contributed to research collaborations with Kaiser Permanente, Scripps Health, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, University of California San Diego, and San Diego State University.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. MacKinnon finds joy in nature, laughter, adventure, and meaningful time with the people she loves. A partner and mom to three spirited boys growing up in San Diego, she deeply values the balance of family, curiosity, play, and ongoing personal evolution.
Michelle Castro, MA
Registered Psychological Associate (PSB94027641) Supervised by Dr. Starr MacKinnon (PSY27021) |
Mx. Castro has a Bachelors degree in Anthropology from SUNY Oneonta, a Masters degree in Applied Social Research from CUNY Queens College, and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from The California School of Professional Psychology. Mx. Castro is currently completing a PhD in International Psychology at The Chicago School.
Mx. Castro currently conducts forensic assessments in the local prison system for the San Diego Public Defender's office and the San Diego District Attorney’s office. Zi also conducts clinical psychotherapy, and will be partaking in psychological research in Germany and Serbia. Zi is an experienced therapist with a history of providing multiculturally competent mental health services in schools and private practice settings for diverse populations including those with neurocognitive disorders, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and behavioral disorders.
Mx. Castro has worked at an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy clinic providing long-term care within San Diego County for three years utilizing acceptance and commitment theoretical orientations integrated with behavioral and affirmative therapy techniques and interventions. Additionally, Mx. Castro conceptualizes clients utilizing anti-racist, trauma-informed, and decolonized lenses in conjunction with biopsychosocial theory to empower clients while identifying effective resources and recommendations.
Zi is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher, has been teaching classes privately for six years. Michelle is an avid practitioner of yoga and zen meditation, hiking, and painting. Mx. Castro’s background includes being an adjunct lecturer in the New York City University System creating original curriculum and lecturing courses in Psychology, Sociology, English, and Statistics. Zi has also been an international academic specialist for ten years and aids families from across the globe and domestically, and has trained educational therapists from some of the most reputable agencies in NY and LA.
Mx. Castro currently conducts forensic assessments in the local prison system for the San Diego Public Defender's office and the San Diego District Attorney’s office. Zi also conducts clinical psychotherapy, and will be partaking in psychological research in Germany and Serbia. Zi is an experienced therapist with a history of providing multiculturally competent mental health services in schools and private practice settings for diverse populations including those with neurocognitive disorders, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and behavioral disorders.
Mx. Castro has worked at an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy clinic providing long-term care within San Diego County for three years utilizing acceptance and commitment theoretical orientations integrated with behavioral and affirmative therapy techniques and interventions. Additionally, Mx. Castro conceptualizes clients utilizing anti-racist, trauma-informed, and decolonized lenses in conjunction with biopsychosocial theory to empower clients while identifying effective resources and recommendations.
Zi is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher, has been teaching classes privately for six years. Michelle is an avid practitioner of yoga and zen meditation, hiking, and painting. Mx. Castro’s background includes being an adjunct lecturer in the New York City University System creating original curriculum and lecturing courses in Psychology, Sociology, English, and Statistics. Zi has also been an international academic specialist for ten years and aids families from across the globe and domestically, and has trained educational therapists from some of the most reputable agencies in NY and LA.
Mystiika Jae Carter, MA
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 145943) Dr. Starr MacKinnon (PSY27021) |
Mystiika Jae Carter obtained their Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Spiritual and Depth Psychology. With a passion for guiding individuals through their subconscious material, Mystiika integrates metaphysics, spirituality, and ancestral exploration to illuminate the interconnected layers of one’s healing journey.
Their work centers on attachment trauma, intergenerational healing, and ancestral connections, believing that the lived experiences of our ancestors influence us at a cellular level. Mystiika creates space for courageous conversations around race, gender, sexuality, and religion, exploring how belief systems shape our relationships, identities, and capacity to experience liberation and joy in our bodies.
Mystiika is also deeply passionate about guiding folx through healing gender-based violencesomatically, emotionally, mentally, and physically. They explore the origins of habits and behaviors—particularly in relationships to self, money, family, and romantic connections—helping clients understand where these patterns come from and creating room for compassion and forgiveness in their bodies.
Through somatic awareness, emotional attunement, and lineage healing, Mystiika helps individuals reclaim their sense of self, move through pain as an essential teacher, and foster deeper emotional freedom and transformation. They honor their gender and queer-expansive background while providing an inclusive, non-judgmental environment for healing and growth.
Their work centers on attachment trauma, intergenerational healing, and ancestral connections, believing that the lived experiences of our ancestors influence us at a cellular level. Mystiika creates space for courageous conversations around race, gender, sexuality, and religion, exploring how belief systems shape our relationships, identities, and capacity to experience liberation and joy in our bodies.
Mystiika is also deeply passionate about guiding folx through healing gender-based violencesomatically, emotionally, mentally, and physically. They explore the origins of habits and behaviors—particularly in relationships to self, money, family, and romantic connections—helping clients understand where these patterns come from and creating room for compassion and forgiveness in their bodies.
Through somatic awareness, emotional attunement, and lineage healing, Mystiika helps individuals reclaim their sense of self, move through pain as an essential teacher, and foster deeper emotional freedom and transformation. They honor their gender and queer-expansive background while providing an inclusive, non-judgmental environment for healing and growth.
Melissa Thornbloom, M.A.
Registered Psychological Associate (PSB94029597) Supervised by Dr. Starr MacKinnon (PSY27021) |
Melissa Thornbloom received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University. Prior to her clinical work in the field of psychology, Melissa obtained both her D.A.C.M. and M.S. degrees in the field of traditional Chinese medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science. She also holds a B.A. in Anthropology from San Diego State University, and an A.O.S. in Holistic Healthcare with a concentration in mind-body transformational psychology from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University, and has a declared specialization in consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health.
Melissa’s M.A. research focused on the use of psychotherapeutic interventions for clients living with dermatological conditions that express multifactorial etiologies, as can be seen in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Her current dissertation research is centered on the exploration of transformative experiences and dreams as aspects of grief-work. She has completed clinical training in a wide variety of health spaces, including previous placement with The Elizabeth Hospice where she acted as a grief counselor, providing support for the bereaved as they navigated life adjustments after deep loss.
Melissa believes that there are many paths towards authentic self-acceptance, healing, and growth. She aims to support clients as they engage in exploring meaning and meaning-making through an integrative clinical approach that is deeply rooted in humanistic therapeutic principles and somatic awareness. She also appreciates the powerful impact of expressive arts and ecopsychological connection as avenues for cultivating personal transformation.
Melissa’s M.A. research focused on the use of psychotherapeutic interventions for clients living with dermatological conditions that express multifactorial etiologies, as can be seen in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Her current dissertation research is centered on the exploration of transformative experiences and dreams as aspects of grief-work. She has completed clinical training in a wide variety of health spaces, including previous placement with The Elizabeth Hospice where she acted as a grief counselor, providing support for the bereaved as they navigated life adjustments after deep loss.
Melissa believes that there are many paths towards authentic self-acceptance, healing, and growth. She aims to support clients as they engage in exploring meaning and meaning-making through an integrative clinical approach that is deeply rooted in humanistic therapeutic principles and somatic awareness. She also appreciates the powerful impact of expressive arts and ecopsychological connection as avenues for cultivating personal transformation.
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Christina Gonzalez
Billing and Insurance Administrator
Billing and Insurance Administrator
Christina is an honors graduate from Mesa College. She began her career as a Registered Dental Assistant and then advanced to Billing and Administration for multiple dental and medical offices. Over her 34 year work history, she has become well versed in many specialties of health care including dental, medical, ambulance, lab, and mental health.
