Dimitri Egan, LMFT
Executive Director
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.
Dana Egan, LMFT
Clinical Director
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.
Freddy Perryman, MBA
National Director of Admissions and Outreach
A native Oregonian, Freddy came to Windhorse with over a decade of experience in mental health outreach. As a consumer of mental health services himself, his passion and genuineness for this work is palpable from your first interaction with him.
Freddy earned his MBA with a focus on marketing and management from Willamette University, complemented by a B.A. in History and Religious Studies from the same institution.
Outside of work, Freddy enjoys skiing, backpacking, and Premier League soccer, passions that reflect his love of the outdoors and sports. He cherishes time with his wife Julia, their two dogs, Winston and Bruno, and their one year old son, Henry, who inspires, delights, and challenges them daily.
Marcus Robinson
National Director of Admissions and Outreach
Marcus came to Windhorse by a winding road with many surprising turns. Growing up in Colorado, he fell in love with the Pacific Northwest while earning his undergraduate in Behavioral Science. He then served as a minister for 29 years, developing a deep compassion for families in crisis. His interest in contemplative practices eventually led him to become an ordained Anglican priest. This background opened doors for a new career in mental health where Marcus helped families navigate the system as an Outreach Representative. He felt a deep affinity for Windhorse when he connected with them in 2023 and was hired as the National Director of Outreach and Admissions in 2024.
Marcus enjoys exploring Oregon with his wife and gatherings with his children who are scattered in the Western United States. Marcus seeks opportunities to be immersed in ocean, forest and mountains. He loves to write and perform songs about the questions and delights he encounters on his way.
Gerry Marr, LMFT
Senior Clinician and Intensive Psychotherapist
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.
Alana Smith-Grove, LMFT
Senior Clinician and Intensive Psychotherapist
Alana grew up on the central coast of California and has settled back near the ocean, where she feels most at home.
Alana’s formal education includes a BA in English and Art from UC Santa Barbara, an MA in Special Education from Cal Poly, and an MA in Counseling Psychology with emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. Alana is also a registered yoga teacher and teaches weekly public classes in Pismo Beach, CA.
Much of Alana’s formal training as a therapist took place at Hospice of SLO County (short term, grief-focused therapy), private practice therapy in the Bay Area and SLO county (supporting individuals and families), and Windhorse SLO, where she has worked in a few different roles, since 2018.
Alana’s clinical work has been influenced informally through story, poetry, the process of art-making, beach walks, messy moments in relationship, teaching, and recent endeavors in chaos gardening.
Kristin Blecha, LPCC
Senior Team Leader, Intensive Psychotherapist and Clinical Housemate Coordinator
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.
Sara Burt, LMFT
Clinical Team Leader and Intensive Psychotherapist
Originally from the serene landscapes of Lake Tahoe, Sara loves the laid-back lifestyle San Luis Obispo has to offer. Sara received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a focus on Addiction Studies from Walden University, then received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University. Recently becoming Licensed, Sara helps guide individuals and families toward deeper self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful connections.
Her clinical approach is rooted in collaboration, the power of shared moments, family systems work, and a steadfast dedication to positivity. She believes that healing occurs in connection—with ourselves and with others—and fosters a therapeutic space where clients feel supported in their growth and transformation. Integrating mindfulness and contemplative practices into every day life is one of her favorite ways to work with clients.
Outside of her work, Sara cherishes time with her loving husband and two amazing children, embracing mindfulness and gratitude in both her professional and personal life.
Fangming Liu, LPCC
Team Leader
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.
She was drawn to Windhorse by the harmonious blend of mindfulness, community concepts, and the serene beauty of the Central Coast. This fusion of professional depth and natural tranquility enriches her therapeutic work, fostering an inner peace that she translates into her practice.
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.
Coral Johnson, LPCC
Clinical Team Leader
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.
Melanie Davenport, AMFT
Associate Team Leader
Melanie Davenport has lived on the Central Coast for more than a decade and has extensive knowledge about the many resources available in the area. She recently graduated with an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, adding to her long list of credentials in the mental health field. Before coming to Windhorse, Melanie worked as a psychotherapist providing individual therapy to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. Melanie is a true lover of the outdoors and believer of the healing power of nature. With a certification in Ecopsychology, Melanie integrates her love of nature into her psychotherapeutic approach. In her free time, she loves spending time hiking with her dogs and tending to her garden.
Tessa Andreini, AMFT
Associate Team Leader
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.
Haley HaynesCarstens, AMFT
Associate Team Leader
Haley HaynesCarstens, originally from the Central Coast, recently returned home to the beautiful nature San Luis Obispo has to offer.
For formal education, she first attended college in San Luis Obispo, where she explored a variety of art, education, and psychology classes. She then went to UC Santa Cruz, where she obtained a BA in Psychology and a minor in Education. She later attended California Institute of Integral Studies, where she earned a MA in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy.
Prior to Windhorse, Haley received clinical training in Art Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. In her clinical practice, Haley has learned to work with individuals experiencing acute medical and interpersonal trauma through the use of various art modalities. When working with individuals, Haley grounds her practice in the principles of healing-centered engagement and existential therapy, seeking to authentically meet the client where they are at. She was drawn to work at Windhorse because of its focus on healing through relationships, a belief that Haley holds close in her clinical work.
Outside of her professional life, Haley is fueled by nature and creative endeavors. Spending most of her free time engaged in outdoor activities or absorbed in an art project, Haley seeks to create a balanced life full of meaning and connection to both herself and others.
Daniel Lem, AMFT
Associate Team Leader
Daniel spent much of his life in Malaysia and because of that, brings a multicultural lens to his clinical work, and is passionate about addressing the mental health needs of different communities. His clinical work emphasizes empowerment, cultural sensitivity, and the belief that healing begins in safe connection.
Daniel’s academic background includes BS in Communication and Psychology from Iowa and MS in Counseling Psychology focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy in Southern California. He is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. His interest in the mental health field began with a personal journey of curiosity and concern for his own wellbeing, which deepened into a lifelong commitment to supporting others on their paths toward healing and growth. He believes in tailoring different approaches in therapy to meet the unique needs of his clients.
Outside of therapy, Daniel values mindfulness, community, and creativity—qualities he brings into his work to help clients cultivate balance and resilience in their daily lives.
Lucas Prater
Associate Team Leader
Lucas often wonders and ponders about the many meanings of being a human being. This curiosity has led him to live and serve in Zambia, Africa as peace corps volunteer, work as a field guide in the wilderness therapy industry in Utah and Oregon, and work as a mental health crisis responder in San Luis Obispo County prior to joining the Windhorse community. He is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program for clinical psychology with emphasis in depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. These experiences enabled him to discover the potency of humility, gentleness, and open curiosity in the relationship with himself and with others. He feels these dispositions generate an atmosphere conducive for our authentic selves to emerge, be witnessed, and feel a sense of belonging.
In the attempt to cultivate a calm nervous system and sustainable pace to life, Lucas finds it invaluable to engage in embodied activities of ecstatic dance, yoga, walking barefoot, listening to worldly music and attuning to the non-human world around us. A random fun fact about Lucas is he keeps worms to vermicompost his kitchen scraps, which yields castings that he uses to create vermicompost extract to nourish his houseplants. He feels the symbolism of transforming “waste” into growth quite valuable in the process of improving our mental health. Cheers to being.
Serhino Espinosa
Team Counselor
Serhiño grew up in Southern California and was fascinated by art and creative expression at an early age. He moved to San Luis Obispo to complete his bachelor’s degree in architecture at Cal Poly. Since then, he has worked in a variety of disciplines in the area including architecture, international humanitarian work, special needs, and somatic therapy.
Serhiño began working in the field of mental health by supporting children on the autism spectrum. After years of working with a young teenager and his family, he decided to go back to school to pursue holistic approaches to health. He first completed his certification in massage and is currently attending school for his master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
As a bodywork practitioner, Serhiño learned how to create a therapeutic space for people to be present, authentic, and comfortable by offering sensitive, responsive, and kind care.
Finding connection with nature, like minds, and shared values, the central coast is where his passion for community, physical, mental, and spiritual health has flourished. Together with his wife and son, he enjoys traveling to experience different cultures, people, and environments. Serhiño is dedicated to giving genuine care back to the community where his family continues to grow.
Josh Morales
Senior Team Counselor, Peer Coordinator and Group Coordinator
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.
Brad LaRue
Senior Team Counselor
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.
Nikki Sisley, AMFT
Team Counselor
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.
Alyssa Knight
Team Counselor
Alyssa was born and raised in a small town in Indiana, where the value of community, connection, and showing up for others was something deeply instilled. She earned her degree from Hanover College, where she studied psychology, philosophy, and theology—three areas that embody her interest in understanding people and the intricacies of the human experience.
In her work, she strives to bring warmth, curiosity, and openness to all her relationships. She is also an avid gardener and antiquing enthusiast outside of work. She loves getting into crafts, hanging out with cats, and indulging in anything involving movies.
Morgan Dehmohseni
Team Counselor
Morgan has lived on the Central Coast for over a decade, teaching yoga and engaging in mindful practices that nurture wellbeing. She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Cal Poly and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, with a concentration in Somatic Psychology. Morgan brings a welcoming, curious, and nonjudgmental presence, supporting others in cultivating an inner sanctuary through reflection, movement, and self-care. She loves living in close connection with nature and its rhythms, spending time on the beach, marveling at the beauty of steady rivers, climbing mountains, enjoying acupuncture, walking with her dogs, dancing, and exploring practices that foster a holistic sense of ease.
Coulter Johnson
Peer Counselor
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.
Rusty Watts
Still Point Manager
Rusty delivers person-centered therapeutic support that is both grounded and creative. Growing up on an orchard on his family’s farm in his youth enriched him with a perspective on how to nurture walnut trees. He utilizes these age-old nurturing principles in his mindfulness-based practice as an individual and with guests. Rusty’s spiritual nature and healthy lifestyle help him to see guests’ full potential while offering compassion, grace, and motivation. During his contemplative practice, he often processes a combination of intuitive and scientific inspirations to best serve the Windhorse guests.
Rusty studied psychology and early childhood education in his undergraduate ventures. His experience as a Therapeutic Housemate, Peer Support Specialist, Case Manager, Supervisor, and Still Point Manager within the field of Psychology have been beneficial to developing a gentle and compassionate presence. Long-term personal and professional growth are key to his continual progression, which elevates and broadens his ability to serve others. His passion is supporting each guest in their unique recovery.
Rusty is a painter, gardener, chef of delicious foods, organizer, outdoor sports person, and a proud father of four wonderful adult sons and daughters.
Susannah Fletcher
Operations Manager
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.
Ashley Hopkins
Office Manager
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.
Tonya Aurioles
Bookkeeper
Tonya was born and raised on a ranch in San Luis Obispo and lived over a decade in other states before returning home to the coast of California. She brings over 25 years experience in accounting as well as a passion for psychology and overall health and wellness. Although a math major at Biola University right out of high school, she has recently returned to obtain her Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology from the same school and is always looking for other sources to learn and grow. Windhorse’s holistic and relational approach to mental health is what drew her to work with us and she is enjoying learning more of contemplative practices and the team environment the organization encourages.
When she is not at work, you will find Tonya leading Bible Study, writing, hiking or hanging by the beach. She enjoys finding ways to encourage family and friends and continue to grow and lean into her passion to help others. She is married with three grown children and one at home and treasures time with family.