Stepping Stones Clinical Team
Jasmin Jackson, MS
Clinical Therapist - Sport Consultation/Transition Specialist
Stepping Stones Program Director/Co-Founder
Supervised by Licensed Psychologist Stephanie Abel, PhD (CA PSY28932)
Clinical Therapist - Sport Consultation/Transition Specialist
Stepping Stones Program Director/Co-Founder
Supervised by Licensed Psychologist Stephanie Abel, PhD (CA PSY28932)
Ms. Jackson double majored during her undergraduate studies at the University of North Alabama and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelors of Business Administration and Business Management. She subsequently obtained her Masters of Science in Performance Psychology at Barry University and participated in training with the United States military as well as the university athletics. Ms. Jackson also had the opportunity to work directly with the Miami Dolphins professional football team serving as a sport psychology consultant. She has specialty interest in performance enhancement, motivational techniques, imagery, and life skill enhancement.
Early on, specializing in performance enhancement, Ms. Jackson had the opportunity to consult with a range of groups and individuals, from adolescent to adult including, athletes/exercisers, performers, military, business owners, students, and more. Always taking a more hands on approach, Ms. Jackson became known for providing education and application of psychological skills in simulated settings, that would assist the group/individual to excel in not only their area of expertise but could be generalized to all aspects of life.
Some of the skills she specialized in included self awareness, focus, confidence building, self-talk, pre-performance routines, goal setting, imagery, and relaxation techniques. Ms. Jackson was also given the opportunity to speak about her experiences at the 2013 Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) conference. When relocating to San Diego, she was introduced to the addiction community where she was hired on to help improve the success rate of addicts in treatment. After working in this setting for several years, Ms. Jackson noticed that one of the key components that increased success in recovery was a smooth transition process throughout.
Most recently, Ms. Jackson has been working as a Transition Specialist with Pacific Bay Recovery. Ms. Jackson singlehandedly developed the Transition Support Program for Pacific Bay Recovery in 2017. As a result of her success, and the clear necessity for this service in the recovery and greater community, Dr. MacKinnon and Ms. Jackson came together to form Stepping Stones LTS to offer the services to a broader range of clientele.
Early on, specializing in performance enhancement, Ms. Jackson had the opportunity to consult with a range of groups and individuals, from adolescent to adult including, athletes/exercisers, performers, military, business owners, students, and more. Always taking a more hands on approach, Ms. Jackson became known for providing education and application of psychological skills in simulated settings, that would assist the group/individual to excel in not only their area of expertise but could be generalized to all aspects of life.
Some of the skills she specialized in included self awareness, focus, confidence building, self-talk, pre-performance routines, goal setting, imagery, and relaxation techniques. Ms. Jackson was also given the opportunity to speak about her experiences at the 2013 Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) conference. When relocating to San Diego, she was introduced to the addiction community where she was hired on to help improve the success rate of addicts in treatment. After working in this setting for several years, Ms. Jackson noticed that one of the key components that increased success in recovery was a smooth transition process throughout.
Most recently, Ms. Jackson has been working as a Transition Specialist with Pacific Bay Recovery. Ms. Jackson singlehandedly developed the Transition Support Program for Pacific Bay Recovery in 2017. As a result of her success, and the clear necessity for this service in the recovery and greater community, Dr. MacKinnon and Ms. Jackson came together to form Stepping Stones LTS to offer the services to a broader range of clientele.
Dr. Starr MacKinnon
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27021)
Stepping Stones Clinical Director/Co-Founder
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27021)
Stepping Stones Clinical Director/Co-Founder
Dr. MacKinnon received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University, San Diego. She completed a one-year APA accredited internship at Central Washington University followed by a one-year post-doctoral fellowship at San Diego State University. She completed her predoctoral training at San Diego State University and the Center for Behavioral Sciences, Stress and Anxiety Clinic, which included rotations in pediatrics and sports psychology.
During her doctoral training she specialized in heart rate variability (HRV) data collection, management, and analysis and pursued research involving integrative therapies, health and wellness, and psychophysiological mechanisms of change. In collaboration with HeartMath Research Institute, Dr. MacKinnon published a study on the cardiac regulation of vagal afferents (heart to brain connection) during emotion and diaphragmatic breathing such as that seen in yoga or meditation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23824262
Dr. MacKinnon’s early career focus was integrative medicine, research on alternative therapies, and program development. Working as a clinical psychologist for Kaiser Permanente, Dr. MacKinnon developed the “Mind Over Cancer” mindfulness-based cancer recovery program for the oncology department. She was also responsible for revising the weight and wellness curriculum for Kaiser Permanente Preventive Medicine. In addition to her work as a clinician, Dr. MacKinnon has experience as an adjunct professor at Alliant International University and has been involved in research projects with Kaiser Permanente, Scripps Health, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University. In addition to her work at Stepping Stones LTS, she presently serves as the clinical director for Pacific Bay Recovery, an inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient addiction treatment program.
During her doctoral training she specialized in heart rate variability (HRV) data collection, management, and analysis and pursued research involving integrative therapies, health and wellness, and psychophysiological mechanisms of change. In collaboration with HeartMath Research Institute, Dr. MacKinnon published a study on the cardiac regulation of vagal afferents (heart to brain connection) during emotion and diaphragmatic breathing such as that seen in yoga or meditation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23824262
Dr. MacKinnon’s early career focus was integrative medicine, research on alternative therapies, and program development. Working as a clinical psychologist for Kaiser Permanente, Dr. MacKinnon developed the “Mind Over Cancer” mindfulness-based cancer recovery program for the oncology department. She was also responsible for revising the weight and wellness curriculum for Kaiser Permanente Preventive Medicine. In addition to her work as a clinician, Dr. MacKinnon has experience as an adjunct professor at Alliant International University and has been involved in research projects with Kaiser Permanente, Scripps Health, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University. In addition to her work at Stepping Stones LTS, she presently serves as the clinical director for Pacific Bay Recovery, an inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient addiction treatment program.
Heather Spann, MFTA ATR
Couples & Family Specialist
Hypnotherapist
Couples & Family Specialist
Hypnotherapist
Ms. Spann obtained her Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and in Art Psychotherapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Spann specializes in relationships, trauma, anxiety, addiction, and grief and loss. She has worked with diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals, private practice, residential treatment centers and workshops/retreats. Ms. Spann has extensive experience with chronic and severe mental illness, military, seniors, children, adolescents, and dual-diagnoses. Additionally, Ms. Spann has training in Hypnotherapy, Intuitive Counseling, Yoga Therapy, Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education, which has served her analytical abilities as an instrument in guiding the therapeutic process of inquiry and discovery, in order to reclaim one’s true self.
Ms. Spann is deeply committed to understanding the human spirit, offering opportunities for people to make a deeper connection to what is real, true, and alive within themselves, and to develop the capacity to live from and through the authentic self to and from a more intimate, secure relationship with others and with the world. Her strength as a counselor and art psychotherapist/intern supervisor comes from a blend of academic education, including trauma informed therapies, body based therapies, art psychotherapy and extensive training in intuitive counseling-hypnotherapy as well as her own personal commitment to self-awareness and higher consciousness.
Ms. Spann’s empathic ability enables her to help clients to move toward and through their pain and to release pain on many levels, allowing for a deepened experience of living fully in alignment with their highest self. She integrates her relatability, humor, compassion and intuitive skill in her counseling work and continues to have a passion for transformation, hers and that of others. In addition to her counseling work, she has also gained a deeper understanding and connection to self and others through transformative vision quest, sweat lodge ceremonies, and intensive self-development retreats which she participates and assists biannually. Additionally, Ms. Spann leads weekly yoga and meditation groups and a weekly family support group in San Diego. Ms. Spann has a passion for working with families and couples in order to maximize healing and mutual support through the therapeutic process as well as to establish a safe space for individuals and family members to relate.
Ms. Spann is deeply committed to understanding the human spirit, offering opportunities for people to make a deeper connection to what is real, true, and alive within themselves, and to develop the capacity to live from and through the authentic self to and from a more intimate, secure relationship with others and with the world. Her strength as a counselor and art psychotherapist/intern supervisor comes from a blend of academic education, including trauma informed therapies, body based therapies, art psychotherapy and extensive training in intuitive counseling-hypnotherapy as well as her own personal commitment to self-awareness and higher consciousness.
Ms. Spann’s empathic ability enables her to help clients to move toward and through their pain and to release pain on many levels, allowing for a deepened experience of living fully in alignment with their highest self. She integrates her relatability, humor, compassion and intuitive skill in her counseling work and continues to have a passion for transformation, hers and that of others. In addition to her counseling work, she has also gained a deeper understanding and connection to self and others through transformative vision quest, sweat lodge ceremonies, and intensive self-development retreats which she participates and assists biannually. Additionally, Ms. Spann leads weekly yoga and meditation groups and a weekly family support group in San Diego. Ms. Spann has a passion for working with families and couples in order to maximize healing and mutual support through the therapeutic process as well as to establish a safe space for individuals and family members to relate.
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China LoBue, MS, NCC
Therapist Intern
Supervised by Licensed Psychologist Starr MacKinnon, PhD (CA PSY27021)
China possesses a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services and is a National Certified Counselor. China has experience working with individuals with trauma. Her compassion for counseling those impacted by abuse led her to receive training in domestic violence and sexual assault. China has also assisted those dealing with previous or current addictions, and has helped individuals transition into sober living.
In addition to her mental health background, China is also a Professional School Counselor with extensive experience in K-12 and higher education settings. She is well-informed of what it takes to best navigate educational and career transitions and has helped students of all ages set, monitor, and achieve academic, career, and personal goals.
China enjoys guiding others to into higher levels peace and clarity, and she not only brings this love into her work as a therapist, but also into her roles as a granddaughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Therapist Intern
Supervised by Licensed Psychologist Starr MacKinnon, PhD (CA PSY27021)
China possesses a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services and is a National Certified Counselor. China has experience working with individuals with trauma. Her compassion for counseling those impacted by abuse led her to receive training in domestic violence and sexual assault. China has also assisted those dealing with previous or current addictions, and has helped individuals transition into sober living.
In addition to her mental health background, China is also a Professional School Counselor with extensive experience in K-12 and higher education settings. She is well-informed of what it takes to best navigate educational and career transitions and has helped students of all ages set, monitor, and achieve academic, career, and personal goals.
China enjoys guiding others to into higher levels peace and clarity, and she not only brings this love into her work as a therapist, but also into her roles as a granddaughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Melinda Liburd, EdD
Psychologist Intern Supervised by Dr Starr MacKinnon PSY27021 |
Tania Frost
Billing Specialist
Billing Specialist
Tania Frost has demonstrated success in the health care field as both an administrator and consultant. During that time, she has worked in single and multi-specialty practices, primary care, behavior health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, physical therapy, optometry and ophthalmology. She has led with a very hands-on approach to the daily operations of these organizations and has developed proven strategies in the management of billing, supervision, contracting, accounts receivable, and strategic planning. While completing her Registered Health Information Technoology AS/Certification.
Her initial introduction to health care began after receiving her certificate in Medical Billing and Administration and began her career as a medical administrator in a small neurology practice. She later moved into the medical management spectrum as a Business Service Representative for Tricare and Healthnet. She revisited medical administration as Billing Specialist and Billing Supervisor for a Multi-Specialty Pain Management Clinic. Where she developed and used strategies that are key to the billing and accounts receivable operations. This opened the doors to start her own Medical Billing and A/R Recovery small business and Consulting Services, which you can learn more about at https://www.frostmedicalbillingandrevenue.com.
Tania is a native to the Great San Diego Area and a proud parent of 2 beautiful children. She enjoys participating in self-help and self-care. Her main goal is to be able to contribute to the mental health field and wellbeing of her community.
Her initial introduction to health care began after receiving her certificate in Medical Billing and Administration and began her career as a medical administrator in a small neurology practice. She later moved into the medical management spectrum as a Business Service Representative for Tricare and Healthnet. She revisited medical administration as Billing Specialist and Billing Supervisor for a Multi-Specialty Pain Management Clinic. Where she developed and used strategies that are key to the billing and accounts receivable operations. This opened the doors to start her own Medical Billing and A/R Recovery small business and Consulting Services, which you can learn more about at https://www.frostmedicalbillingandrevenue.com.
Tania is a native to the Great San Diego Area and a proud parent of 2 beautiful children. She enjoys participating in self-help and self-care. Her main goal is to be able to contribute to the mental health field and wellbeing of her community.
