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.
China LoBue, MS, NCC
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (Registered)
Supervised by Licensed Psychologist Starr MacKinnon, PhD (CA PSY27021)
Shortly after receiving her counseling degree from National Louis University, China worked as an academic advisor and college counselor. In 2018, China began her mental health counseling career as an outpatient therapist for a behavioral health hospital in the greater Chicagoland area. China has experience counseling individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, and previous traumatic experiences. Her compassion for those impacted by abuse led her to receive training in both domestic violence advocacy and sexual assault crisis intervention. China enjoys guiding others into higher levels of peace and clarity, and she often does this through the use of mindfulness-based practices.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (Registered)
Supervised by Licensed Psychologist Starr MacKinnon, PhD (CA PSY27021)
Shortly after receiving her counseling degree from National Louis University, China worked as an academic advisor and college counselor. In 2018, China began her mental health counseling career as an outpatient therapist for a behavioral health hospital in the greater Chicagoland area. China has experience counseling individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, and previous traumatic experiences. Her compassion for those impacted by abuse led her to receive training in both domestic violence advocacy and sexual assault crisis intervention. China enjoys guiding others into higher levels of peace and clarity, and she often does this through the use of mindfulness-based practices.
Janice Domaschenz obtained her Masters of Arts Clinical Psychology, Concentration Somatic Psychology (MFT Licensure Track) Degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, California. She is pursuing her PsyD Clinical Psychology Degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Irvine, California. Her goal and passion is to empower individuals and families to grow in their personal and relational aspects of their lives and/or heal from traumas or other difficult life situations. Janice is committed to help individuals with the healing process and to overcome personal obstacles to improve their relationships.
Janice is an experienced therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking field with various mental health needs. She is a highly qualified individual with an exceptional ability to work with diverse populations, including: adults and families, dually diagnosed individuals, and those in crisis. Her theoretical approach is humanistic and existential philosophies. She provides support, empathy and utilizes client-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, motivational interviewing and mindfulness approach.
Janice’s experience also includes additional training in areas of autism and behavior problems. She is compassionate to walk alongside individuals and help pursue a path of growth and peace.
Janice is an experienced therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking field with various mental health needs. She is a highly qualified individual with an exceptional ability to work with diverse populations, including: adults and families, dually diagnosed individuals, and those in crisis. Her theoretical approach is humanistic and existential philosophies. She provides support, empathy and utilizes client-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, motivational interviewing and mindfulness approach.
Janice’s experience also includes additional training in areas of autism and behavior problems. She is compassionate to walk alongside individuals and help pursue a path of growth and peace.
Dr. Mario Kirk
Registered Psychological Assistant
Supervised by
Dr. Starr MacKinnon
PSY27021
Registered Psychological Assistant
Supervised by
Dr. Starr MacKinnon
PSY27021
Dr. Kirk was first licensed as a School Psychologist in Oklahoma in 2002. In 2008, he became a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma. He then earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the Harold Abel School of Psychology at Capella University in 2011. He completed a one year doctoral internship at Cedar Ridge Psychiatric Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.
As a California Psychological Assistant and Oklahoma Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Kirk has over fifteen years of experience in forensic psychological evaluations, client therapy, organizational crisis management and consultation. As a therapist, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders such as depressive, anxiety disorders as well as overcoming trauma, co-occuring disorders, and anger management.
As a forensic evaluator, Dr. Kirk is experienced in conducting evaluations for ADHD, learning disability, IDEA accommodations, and substance abuse. He enjoys working with families and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Kirk uses a variety of theoretical approaches to help people to find meaning and purpose in their lives, unlock their creative potentials, and strengthen their relationships with themselves and with others. He is a current member of the San Diego Psychological Association where he serves as a member of the Cultural Diversity Committee.
As a California Psychological Assistant and Oklahoma Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Kirk has over fifteen years of experience in forensic psychological evaluations, client therapy, organizational crisis management and consultation. As a therapist, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders such as depressive, anxiety disorders as well as overcoming trauma, co-occuring disorders, and anger management.
As a forensic evaluator, Dr. Kirk is experienced in conducting evaluations for ADHD, learning disability, IDEA accommodations, and substance abuse. He enjoys working with families and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Kirk uses a variety of theoretical approaches to help people to find meaning and purpose in their lives, unlock their creative potentials, and strengthen their relationships with themselves and with others. He is a current member of the San Diego Psychological Association where he serves as a member of the Cultural Diversity Committee.
Mariana Tapia
Billing and Insurance Administrator
Billing and Insurance Administrator
Mariana is a successful and multi-skilled individual who started her career after receiving her medical assistant certificate from a vocational school. She has experience throughout the medical field having worked within the mental health, reproductive and primary care field. Her career began in customer service and flourished within insurance and administration. Mariana spent some time working for government funded mental health clinics where she learned auditing and billing, it was then she discovered her passion for educating not only providers but also patients on the intricacies of insurance and benefits.
As a financial counselor for ESRD patients she realized how many members of her community were underserved and uneducated about insurance and since then has made it a personal mission to educate those who need it most. Mariana continued her career in healthcare administration and went on to work for a large healthcare organization in San Diego and while there she helped establish a domestic violence training guide for the urgent care front desk, which she won a service award for. Mariana is currently enrolled at San Diego Mesa College looking to complete her bachelors in the RHIT program, she is also yellow belt certified in Lean Six Sigma. Mariana is a San Diego native who loves to spend time with her two children cooking and exploring the outdoors.
As a financial counselor for ESRD patients she realized how many members of her community were underserved and uneducated about insurance and since then has made it a personal mission to educate those who need it most. Mariana continued her career in healthcare administration and went on to work for a large healthcare organization in San Diego and while there she helped establish a domestic violence training guide for the urgent care front desk, which she won a service award for. Mariana is currently enrolled at San Diego Mesa College looking to complete her bachelors in the RHIT program, she is also yellow belt certified in Lean Six Sigma. Mariana is a San Diego native who loves to spend time with her two children cooking and exploring the outdoors.