Our Team

Clinical Staff

  • Post-Doctoral Psychological Assistant | Clinical Director

    Morrice B. Apprey is the Clinical Director, Psychological Assistant, and Applied Psychological Consultant who joined the clinic in January 2016. He has obtained education and professional experience from a diverse range of institutions, supporting his ability to be congruent with patients and organizations that he supports. As a scholar and former athlete, his undergraduate study of the mind and body at the University of Nebraska and Liberty University has enabled him to assess behavior and motivation for individuals. Upon receiving his M.A. from Liberty in Counseling, he served as a District Administrator and Nonviolent Practitioner for one of the largest school systems in the country, co-facilitating behavioral analysis and support for more than 117k students and staff. This dynamic teamwork led to the receipt of national recognition and a multi-million dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for decreasing violence and improving school climates.  On a brief contract as a non-violence trainer for The Foundation For Ethnic Harmony In Nigeria (FEHN), a multi-national, multi-disciplinary team, Morrice provided conflict reconciliation on behalf of the Nigerian government. While working to receive his M.A. in Psychology from Saybrook University, Morrice began to voluntarily serve as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training instructor, teaching disaster psychology and terrorism for the city of Memphis’ Emergency Management Agency/ Homeland Security office.

    With a passion to continuously serve others, Morrice has continued his pursuit to understand people with doctoral training in clinical psychology from Saybrook University. As a registered Psychological Assistant, he currently supports the neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, therapeutic support, and performance enhancement of people ranging from schools and corporate America to professional athletes. Many of those tested and supported individuals have endured TBI, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties, stroke, addiction, anxiety, depression, and other complicating illnesses. Morrice has a passion for developing people by helping to increase their intrinsic motivation to regenerate from the inside out. In his spare time, he works to develop products that reinforce this process.

  • Graduate Clinical Trainee | Assistant Director of Programming

    Gabriela Herrera is a third-year doctoral student pursuing a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She joins the SoCal team in a training capacity as a doctoral practicum student under the direct supervision of Dr. Conover. She brings experience as a trained educator and disability advocate with extensive experience supporting individuals with diverse learning and developmental needs. Gabriela’s approach is rooted in a deep commitment to inclusive and whole-person care.

    Her academic background reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation. She earned a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Instructional Design, focusing on the application of learning theories, systemic analysis, and technology to create engaging, research-based educational experiences. She also completed advanced study in Educational Therapy, combining educational strategies with therapeutically informed approaches to support individuals with learning challenges. In addition, she holds a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on family dynamics and conflict, early childhood development, and special education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and foundational coursework in social and behavioral sciences.

    Gabriela has worked extensively in one-on-one and group settings, providing academic interventions, study skills support, executive function coaching, and managing accommodations to ensure equitable support for individuals with learning differences. She has facilitated school-based social-emotional learning programs focused on helping adolescents navigate complex issues such as identity, mental health, stress, and interpersonal relationships. Her early work in early childhood education included conducting on-site evaluations, leading professional development workshops for educators, and guiding program improvement through detailed observation and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

    Beyond her academic and educational work, Gabriela is actively involved in advocacy, leadership, and community engagement efforts that promote equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and learning differences. She has held leadership roles with various organizations focused on improving access to services, strengthening consumer support systems, and shaping policy to better meet the needs of diverse communities. Her contributions include reviewing and guiding service delivery models, participating in statewide advocacy efforts, and ensuring alignment with legislative protections for individuals with disabilities. She also collaborates with educational institutions to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, particularly through a neurodiverse lens. In addition, Gabriela designs and facilitates workshops for organizations and community programs, offering training on inclusive practices, workplace neurodiversity, and strategies for effective collaboration and communication.

Naeri2026

  • Clinical Neuropsychologist | Clinical Supervisor | Director of Programming

    Dr. Naeri Hakopian is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in Clinical Neuropsychology who joined the team in August 2024. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology from Palo Alto University. Her doctoral research examined the effects of negative repetitive thought processes, depression, and anxiety on resting-state brain networks and working memory functioning, with a focus on the cognitive impact of worry and rumination. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Southern California Neuropsychology Group under the supervision of Dr. Conover.

    Dr. Hakopian specializes in neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan, with clinical interests including neurodevelopmental conditions, brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, psychological conditions, and cognitive rehabilitation. She provides comprehensive evaluations to support diagnostic clarification and individualized treatment planning, integrating cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and functional findings.

    Clinically, Dr. Hakopian utilizes an integrative and person-centered approach grounded in third-wave behavioral therapies, including mindfulness-based interventions, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, process-focused therapy, and evidence-based trauma treatments. She is passionate about helping individuals develop insight, resilience, and value-driven behavioral change through a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Her clinical experience spans diverse settings including VA medical centers, community mental health clinics, and residential substance use treatment programs. During her predoctoral internship at the Alexandria VA Medical Center, she completed specialized training and consultation to become a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD.

    Prior to her doctoral training, Dr. Hakopian earned her M.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University and her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology from California State University, Northridge. She also previously worked in research and nonprofit program development, including roles with the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation and the Peacock Foundation.

    In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hakopian is deeply committed to mentorship, professional development, and training program administration. As Director of Programming, she oversees the development, coordination, and evaluation of clinical and educational programming within the practice, including trainee development initiatives, didactic trainings, organizational projects, and operational support for the training program. She also provides clinical supervision to graduate trainees and psychometrists, supporting the development of assessment, therapeutic, and professional competencies. As a former trainee within Southern California Neuropsychology Group, Dr. Hakopian values the importance of mentorship and is passionate about fostering growth, confidence, and clinical excellence in future neuropsychology professionals.

  • Psychometrist

    Ibrahim Alkhalili is a trained psychometrist at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, where he has worked since December 2023. He administers and scores a wide range of psychological and neuropsychological tests as part of the evaluation process. Working under the supervision of licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists, Ibrahim ensures that each assessment is conducted with precision, consistency, and care.

    With a background in psychology and specialized training in standardized testing procedures, Ibrahim has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of presenting concerns. His work plays a key role in generating accurate, high-quality data that informs diagnosis, treatment planning, and meaningful recommendations for each client.

    His commitment to professional growth and passion for helping others drive his work, as he continues to expand his expertise in neuropsychology. Currently, Ibrahim is pursuing a Master’s degree, further deepening his knowledge and skills in the field of psychology. With a blend of academic rigor and practical experience, Ibrahim is poised to make meaningful contributions to the mental health and well-being of his community.

  • Postdoctoral Neuropsychology Fellow | Training Coordinator

    Dr. Nicholas Hansen is a postdoctoral neuropsychology fellow who joined the team in February 2025. He completed his doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology at Roosevelt University, where his research focused on the intersection of masculinity, self-stigma, self-compassion, and help-seeking behaviors in gay men—a reflection of his ongoing commitment to culturally responsive care.

    Dr. Hansen brings with him specialized experience in the assessment and treatment of adults with complex neurological, medical, and psychiatric conditions. He has completed extensive clinical training at nationally-recognized institutions, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he engaged in post-doctoral training in neuropsychology. There, he conducted comprehensive outpatient and brief inpatient neuropsychological assessments, pre-surgical evaluations for organ transplant and deep brain stimulation, and brief cognitive screenings in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Movement Disorder specialty clinics. 

    He completed his APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the VA Illiana Health Care System, receiving advanced training in neuropsychological evaluation, geropsychology, and home-based primary care with a veteran population. Dr. Hansen has further enriched his experience through clinical externships at institutions such as the University of Illinois at Chicago Neuropsychiatric Institute and Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, where he worked with diverse adult and geriatric populations affected by dementia, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions.

    Prior to his doctoral training, Dr. Hansen completed his M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and his B.A. in Psychology at Pepperdine University.

    In private practice, Dr. Hansen’s focus is on providing comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for adults and older adults, with a variety of presenting concerns ranging from neurodevelopmental difficulties to memory challenges to questions about decisional capacity. Dr. Hansen employs a thorough and compassionate approach to neuropsychological evaluation, integrating detailed clinical interviews, assessment data, and multidisciplinary collaboration to offer individualized diagnostic clarity and treatment recommendations. His work is grounded in scientific rigor, informed by his publications in peer-reviewed journals on topics including cognitive effort testing and ADHD assessment. Dr. Hansen also provides individual psychotherapy to a small caseload of patients. His clinical approach is person-centered and psychoeducational, integrating therapeutic techniques from CBT and ACT. 

    He is committed to delivering high-quality, ethical, culturally-responsive, and person-centered care to support his patients’ cognitive health and overall well-being.

    Dr. Hansen is also passionate about teaching and mentorship as a way to “give back” to the next generation of clinicians. In alignment with this passion, he serves as a Training Coordinator at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, assisting in developing and implementing training programs for psychometrist (non-clinical) interns.

  • Psychometrist Trainee

    Ariel holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis and is currently working as a Psychometrist Trainee under the supervision of licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists. In this role, she assists with the administration and scoring of cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessments for individuals across a range of ages.

    She approaches her work with empathy, curiosity, and a deep interest in understanding each client’s experience. Ariel is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where individuals feel seen, respected, and comfortable during the evaluation process. She values the human side of assessment and is especially interested in how psychological services can support people in navigating life’s challenges.

    Ariel plans to pursue graduate studies in a helping profession, where she can continue providing meaningful support to others. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling, and reading.


Administrative Staff

  • Director of Operations | Quality Assurance Coordinator

    Marlin Sanchez has been a vital member of Southern California Neuropsychology Group since 2015, bringing a wealth of experience in the medical-legal field. As Director of Operations and Quality Assurance Coordinator, she plays a key role in managing the day-to-day functions of the practice while upholding the highest standards of compliance, organization, and service.

    With a strong background in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Qualified Medical Evaluations (QMEs), Ms. Sanchez expertly navigates complex cases, ensuring every detail is handled with precision. She is responsible for overseeing Dr. Conover’s expert medical-legal evaluations, coordinating case timelines, managing communications, and ensuring all reports meet regulatory standards.

    Her duties also include managing contracts and fee schedules, responding to inquiries from attorneys, case managers, and insurance carriers, and maintaining seamless communication among patients, physicians, and legal professionals. Ms. Sanchez ensures all processes align with HIPAA, Board of Psychology regulations, and internal protocols, contributing to the practice’s reputation for excellence and professionalism.

    Her dedication, organizational expertise, and commitment to quality make her an essential leader in the continued growth and success of Southern California Neuropsychology Group.

  • Office Assistant

    Nancy is a skilled Office Assistant with hands-on experience in both office administration and retail environments. She recently earned her Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration, building a strong foundation in organizational management, communication, and problem-solving.

    With a background in retail, Nancy brings excellent customer service skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced settings. Her experience in office work has strengthened her attention to detail, multitasking, and support skills, making her a reliable resource for both colleagues and clients.

    Dedicated, approachable, and motivated, Nancy is committed to ensuring smooth daily operations while contributing to the overall success of the team.

  • Human Resources | Office Manager

    Melissa Zuniga serves as the HR and Office Manager at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, where she brings a dual focus on operational excellence and people-centered leadership. Since joining the practice in 2023, Melissa has played a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the office while fostering a supportive and compliant workplace culture.

    In her administrative role, Melissa oversees employee scheduling, meeting coordination, and appointment management. She maintains organized and accurate records, manages internal and external communications. Her customer service approach is solution-focused and empathetic, ensuring that both clients and staff receive timely support. She also helps implement and enforce internal policies and procedures.

    As Office Manager, Melissa ensures efficient supply and equipment management, oversees facility maintenance, and directs staff management efforts including recruiting and training. Her ability to coordinate multiple operational areas helps maintain a productive and responsive work environment.

    In her HR capacity, Melissa leads recruitment and onboarding processes, guiding new employees through a smooth integration into the team. She addresses employee concerns with discretion and professionalism, manages performance and disciplinary procedures, and works to maintain positive employee relations. She develops training programs that support staff development, ensures compliance with employment laws and regulations, and oversees compensation and benefits programs. Her work also includes developing and refining HR policies to promote consistency and clarity across the organization.

    Melissa’s leadership style is proactive and people-focused, helping to align organizational goals with employee engagement and operational efficiency. Her contributions continue to support the mission and growth of Southern California Neuropsychology Group.

  • Office and Front Desk Assistant 

    Stephany has been a valued team member at Southern California Neuropsychology since October 2023. Stephany is the friendly face and organized mind behind our front desk. As our office assistant, she plays a vital role in making sure our office runs smoothly and patients feel welcomed from the moment they walk in. With a strong background in customer service and administrative support, Stephany is responsible for scheduling appointments, managing communications, submitting insurance authorizations for treatment and assessment, and ensuring that each patient receives prompt and courteous assistance. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and warm demeanor help create a calm and supportive environment for both patients and staff.

    She is always happy to greet and assist patients and is one of the first faces you will see when visiting our office. When not greeting and helping patients, Stephany takes wonderful care of all of the office plants. 

Trainees

  • Clinical Practicum Trainee

    Natalie is a Clinical Psychology PhD student (Health Track) at the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, with extensive training in clinical neuropsychology and psychological assessment. She is currently completing her practicum at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, where she administers comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adults, and older adults presenting with concerns such as traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, mild cognitive impairment, and psychiatric/neurological disorders. She also previously completed a practicum at the California Counseling Clinics (CCC), where she provided individual therapy, group therapy, and feedback sessions. She drew from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness interventions to help clients address anxiety, mood concerns, and interpersonal difficulties, while fostering self-awareness and resilience.

    In addition to her clinical training, Natalie has conducted research across multiple labs and medical centers, including UCLA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UC San Diego, and CSU Northridge. Her projects have examined topics such as memory mechanisms using intracranial EEG, cultural and linguistic influences on neuropsychological testing, recovery after TBI, and cognitive functioning in Alzheimer’s disease and HIV populations. She has presented findings at national conferences and contributed to advancing knowledge in neuropsychological assessment across diverse populations.

    Her professional interests include clinical neuropsychology, health disparities in cognitive assessment, bilingualism, and the intersection of neurological illness and psychological functioning. She is dedicated to advancing equitable, evidence-based neuropsychological services and contributing to the scientific understanding of brain-behavior relationships.

  • Clinical Practicum Student

    Ziba Enayati is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology. She provides therapy and assessment across the lifespan under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. Her primary clinical and assessment interests include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disorders, memory and cognitive concerns, and emotional and behavioral conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. She takes an integrative approach, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies, and provides care that is culturally responsive and identity-affirming.

  • Psychometrist Trainee

    Giselle is a Psychometrist Trainee and undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Under the supervision of licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists, she assists in the administration and scoring of cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

    She strives to create a respectful and supportive testing environment, helping clients feel at ease and understood throughout the process. Her professional interests include neurodevelopmental disorders, child and adolescent assessment, and exploring how early identification and intervention can improve long-term outcomes.

    In addition to her clinical training at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, Giselle has been actively involved in multiple UCLA research labs, including projects examining ADHD, developmental psychology, and the dynamics of care in patient–provider relationships. She has also contributed to community-based mental health outreach efforts. Giselle plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in child development and assessment.

    Outside of her academic and clinical work, Giselle enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and traveling.


  • Clinical Trainee


    Esther is a Psy.D. student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Originally from Belgium, she trained and became licensed as a neuropsychologist there, with experience conducting assessments for adults with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, and traumatic brain injuries. Her international background and multilingual skills allow her to bring a culturally sensitive perspective to her clinical work.

    Pursuing doctoral studies in clinical psychology was a natural step in Esther’s career. While neuropsychological assessments and diagnoses provide essential answers, she believes patients also need ongoing psychological care and support to cope with the emotional impact of their conditions. This perspective inspired her to expand her training beyond assessment into therapy and clinical practice.

    Esther’s goal is to integrate neuropsychology and therapy to provide holistic care, offering both diagnostic clarity and meaningful support. Outside of her clinical work, she is passionate about pottery and hopes to one day combine art and therapy as part of her practice.

  • Psychometrist Trainee

    Christina is a Psychometrist Trainee currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Under the supervision of licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists, Christina assists in the administration and scoring of cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

    As an emerging professional in the field of psychology, Christina brings enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in learning to each client interaction. She is passionate about supporting individuals through the evaluation process and is dedicated to creating a respectful and comfortable testing environment.

    Christina is especially interested in neurodevelopmental disorders and clinical assessment and plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology or Applied Behavior Analysis.

    Outside of her academic and clinical work, Christina enjoys running, playing basketball, traveling, going to the beach, and watching shows or movies. 

    Christina graduated from Burbank High School in May 2022. Following graduation, she completed undergraduate coursework at Glendale Community College before transferring to UCLA in 2024 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Christina started here in May 2025 and is eager to gain further experience in the field to be well prepared for graduate studies in psychology. 

  • Psychometrist Trainee

    Ana is a senior at UCLA majoring in Psychology and currently training as a Psychometrist. She graduated from San Juan Hills High School and later attended Orange Coast College. Her interest in Psychology began early in life and has only deepened over the years through personal experiences and academic exploration. Today, she is especially passionate about Clinical Psychology and committed to making care more inclusive and culturally responsive.


    Ana has hands-on experience working with children in clinical settings and has contributed to research projects that helped build a strong academic foundation. She is currently training at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, where she is learning the foundations of various psychological and neuropsychological testing procedures.

     
    Ana plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology in the near future. Outside of school and work, she loves trying new restaurants, exploring record stores, and going to the movies with friends.

  • Clinical Practicum Student

    Melanie is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student (PsyD) at Alliant University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and is currently completing her clinical training at Child and Family Center, where she provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and their parents. In this role, she utilizes CBT, DBT, and play therapy interventions to support clients in addressing emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns. In addition to her therapy practicum, Melanie is also training at Southern California Neuropsychology Group, where she administers comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessments with the help of supervisors. 

    Melanie’s long-term clinical interests include becoming a neuropsychologist and working with both pediatric and adult populations, integrating assessment and intervention across the lifespan. She is also interested in pursuing forensic and med-legal work, with the goal of contributing to court-involved neuropsychological evaluations. In her free time, Melanie enjoys Pilates, cooking, and reading thriller novels.


  • Psychometrist Trainee

    Nicole is a Psychometrist Trainee and undergraduate student at UCLA, pursuing a B.A. psychology with a minor in public health. Under the supervision of licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists, Nicole assists in the administration and scoring of cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

    Her research interests center on well-being and the ways various environmental stressors shape individual and community mental health. In addition to her current role, Nicole is actively involved in research and student support positions at UCLA. Through these experiences, she has found that she enjoys supporting students while gaining insight into the world of research and applied practice. 

    In the future, Nicole plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology to provide individuals with excellent support and reassurance as they move through their lives. She hopes to combine research and clinical practice with education to bridge scientific knowledge and compassionate care.

    Outside of academic and clinical work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and dog, reading all sorts of books, and crocheting.

  • Marketing Intern