About Us
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Healing Hearts,
Restoring Lives,
Reflecting Christ.
Our mission is to walk beside those who are hurting, bringing Christ-centered counseling, prayer, and mentorship to anyone seeking peace and restoration.
We believe healing happens when truth and compassion meet, when professional care is guided by the Holy Spirit.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
From Brokenness to Beauty.
For His Glory.


We envision a world where the love of Christ brings light into every place of pain.
Through counseling, outreach, and community support, we hope to see lives healed, faith renewed, and Christ glorified — one mended heart at a time.
What We Stand For
Mission
Vision
Values
At Mending the Heart, we are guided by values that reflect the heart of Christ and the hope of healing:
Christ-Centered Healing
Compassionate Presence
Dignity & Imago Dei
Trauma-Informed, Biblically Rooted Care
Beauty in Brokenness
Integrity & Stewardship
Servant-Hearted Mission
Equipping the Body of Christ
Hope That Endures
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely essential.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they who are saved unto the resurrection of life and they who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. *
The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe.
Meet Our Counselors
The heart of Mending the Heart is found in its people.
Our team is composed of Licensed Psychotherapists, Registered Associates, and Biblical Counselors — all devoted to integrating professional expertise with Christ-centered compassion.
Each counselor is trained to walk with clients through life’s most painful moments, offering trauma-informed care that honors both emotional and spiritual restoration.
Together, they serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are hurting.
Chrissy Kortenhoeven, M.S.
Founder of Mending the Heart
Executive Clinical Director
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
LMFT 119289, CA / LMFT 204889, TX
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Chrissy Kortenhoeven is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and founder of Mending the Heart.
With over 25 years combined experience as an educator and psychotherapist, she integrates her deep faith and advanced clinical training to help individuals find healing and purpose through Christ.
Her passion is walking alongside clients through grief, trauma, and life transitions, offering both professional insight and spiritual encouragement. Chrissy believes that no situation is beyond hope — that God restores what is broken and brings peace even through life’s most painful seasons.
Her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:2-3, reflects her heart:
“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”


Dr. Carla Santana, EdD, PhD
Psychotherapy Supervisor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT40144, UT LMFT12824381-3902
Read Bio
Dr. Santana is passionate about supporting therapists in developing strong clinical skills while providing compassionate care to individuals, couples, and families. As a CAMFT-certified clinical supervisor with more than 26 years of experience, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), polyvagal theory, existential theory, and solution-focused approaches. Dr. Santana has extensive experience working with trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, including serving first responders and veterans.
With a holistic perspective, she encourages care for the mind, body, and spirit, and she provides faith-integrated guidance for those who desire Christ-centered support in their healing and growth.
Dr. Santana’s favorite verse is: Romans 12:2 — “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Sarah Clark, M.S.
Psychotherapy Supervisor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, CA LPCC920
Read Bio
Sarah is committed to helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges, and women’s issues. With over 20 years in the mental health field, she has worked across inpatient care, substance abuse treatment, research programs, nonprofit organizations, and private practice. Sarah integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused strategies to help clients find peace and resilience.
Grounded in a Christ-centered worldview, Sarah believes that every person can experience hope, joy, and restoration. She provides the option of prayer and Scripture for those wanting faith-based counseling.
Sarah’s favorite verse is: John 16:33 — “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jennifer Page, M.S.
Telehealth Psychotherapist
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC21316
Read Bio
Jennifer specializes in working with women, children, and families navigating grief, trauma, and major life transitions. With a foundation in CBT and narrative therapy, she helps clients process life’s challenges and rediscover strength through faith and resilience.
Jennifer’s favorite verse is: Isaiah 43:1 — “But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’”

Monique Carroll MS., AMFT
Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage Family Therapist, AMFT159399
Read Bio
Monique provides therapy for couples, children, adolescents, and adults, helping them strengthen relationships, process grief, and navigate anxiety, depression, and infertility. She integrates CBT, EFT, and EMDR while adapting treatment uniquely for each person. Monique is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal, grow, and build stronger emotional foundations.
As a Christian therapist, Monique gratefully incorporates prayer and Scripture upon request, guiding clients toward deeper hope and personal restoration.
Monique’s favorite verse is: Psalm 147:3 — “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Casey Buller, M.S.
Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage Family Therapist, AMFT158128
Read Bio
Casey is dedicated to helping clients uncover their strengths and experience freedom from the challenges that hold them back. He has worked with young adults through mid-life, supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and neurodivergence. Casey integrates DBT, psychodynamic work, and EMDR to help clients build confidence, emotional skills, and meaningful change.
Casey considers it a privilege to honor the sacred stories of each client’s life. He offers faith-integrated counseling for those who desire a Christian approach to healing and hope.
Casey’s favorite verse is: Romans 8:37–39 — “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Gabriela Ortuno, ASW
Psychotherapist
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW132600
Read Bio
Gabriela supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and cultural identity challenges. She uses CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, tailoring therapy with warmth and cultural humility. Gabriela believes every person already has the God-given capacity for healing—therapy simply helps that foundation grow stronger.
She welcomes the integration of Scripture and prayer for those seeking a faith-based approach, helping clients feel seen, valued, and supported through life’s hardest moments.
Gabriela’s favorite verse is: Psalm 51:17 — “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

Skyler Ferguson, M.S.
Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT 151349
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC 17848
Read Bio
Skyler works with children, teens, and adults, combining CBT, mindfulness, and creative therapies to encourage healing and growth. Her humanistic approach is rooted in empathy and guided by Proverbs 3:5-6 — trusting God to make paths straight.
Skyler’s favorite verse is: Proverbs 3:5–6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

RaeAnna Sang, M.S.
Psychotherapist
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC 20143
Read Bio
RaeAnna offers trauma-informed and faith-integrated counseling focused on holistic healing — mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. She creates space for reflection and renewal, guiding clients toward peace and purpose in Christ.
Speaks Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
RaeAnna’s favorite verse is: Isaiah 40:31 — “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Mimi Almero, M.S.
Telehealth Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT 150862
Read Bio
Mimi blends her Christian faith with expressive arts therapy to help clients process emotions creatively and meaningfully. She serves individuals and families through person-centered, trauma-informed care, always reminding clients they are seen, loved, and capable of growth.
Speaks Tagalog.
Mimi’s favorite verse is: Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Mariah Mendoza, M.S.
Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT 156152
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC 19903
Read Bio
Mariah’s counseling is marked by warmth, empathy, and faith. She supports adults and families dealing with trauma, anxiety, and identity challenges, integrating EMDR and mindfulness with biblical principles to help clients heal holistically.
Mariah’s favorite verse is: Isaiah 43:2 — “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Juliet Wiseman, M.A.
Psychotherapist
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC 9738
Read Bio
Juliet brings extensive experience in trauma and addiction counseling. Trained in EMDR, she helps clients process emotional pain and rediscover peace. Her Christian worldview and compassionate heart guide clients toward lasting freedom and growth.
Speaks Armenian and Farsi.
Juliet’s favorite verse is: Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Jonathan Geidel, M.A.
Telehealth Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT 143112
Read Bio
Jonathan provides therapy for individuals, couples, and families, focusing on men’s issues, trauma, and relational struggles. His reflective and faith-integrated style helps clients find renewal and confidence through empathy and biblical truth.
Jonathan’s favorite verse is: Philippians 2:13 — “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

Janice Lee, M.A.
Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT 147192
Read Bio
Janice is passionate about helping adolescents, couples, and families strengthen relationships and find balance. She incorporates CBT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy, and is certified in the Gottman Method for couples. Janice integrates Scripture and prayer for those seeking a faith-based approach to healing.
Speaks Korean.
Janice’s favorite verse is: Romans 8:38–39 — “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Ethan Menard, M.A.
Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT 142247
Read Bio
Ethan provides counseling for individuals and families, blending attachment-based therapy, CBT, and EMDR. He has a heart for helping people walk through grief, loss, and anxiety with faith and courage. His approach is warm, practical, and centered on restoring connection and hope.
Ethan’s favorite verse is: Psalm 18:2–3 — “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.”

Erica Jacobson, M.S.
Telehealth Psychotherapist
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC 16707
Read Bio
Erica is a compassionate counselor specializing in grief, trauma, and child/adolescent development. She uses CBT and solution-focused therapy to help clients find clarity and peace while integrating faith upon request. Her calm, relational approach creates a safe and nurturing space for healing.
Erica’s favorite verse is: Matthew 11:28–30 — “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Paola Conner
Telehealth Psychotherapist
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT159000
Read Bio
As a board-registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Paola has experience supporting children, individuals, adolescents, and couples. Since graduating from Pepperdine University with her master’s degree in clinical psychology, she has specialized in working with clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Board Members

Carol Sullivan
Education & Community Support Leader
Read Bio
Carol has served as a teacher and school administrator, and currently works supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in South Orange County. She enjoys reading, walking, bike riding, and traveling, most recently in Spain and Scotland. Carol has been married to her husband, Michael, for 21 years, and together they enjoy life with their two pampered Burmese cats. They attend Fullerton Free Church.
Carol’s favorite verse is: Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Michael Sullivan
Community Outreach & Administrative Support
Read Bio
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Michael has worked as a sales analyst for the Orange County Rescue Mission and has volunteered with Acts of Kindness and the Good Samaritan Center. He enjoys traveling, photography, hiking, and playing guitar. Michael and his wife, Carol, attend Fullerton Free Church and live in Fullerton with their two cats.
Michael’s favorite verse is: Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

John Kortenhoeven
Finance & Nonprofit Accounting
Read Bio
John is a licensed CPA in the state of California with over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting, including more than 11 years in the nonprofit sector. He enjoys traveling, riding his bike, golfing, and spending time with his family. John has been married to his wife, Chrissy, for 26 years, and together they have four children. John and his family attend Reliance Church.
John’s favorite verse is: Psalm 27:4–5 — “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”
