LIFE Therapists

For an appointment or for more information:
Alan@LudingtonInstitute.com
MFC 31680
805-494-8864

Alan Ludington,
M.S., M.Div., MFT

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In 1981, Alan founded Conejo Counseling Center, a multidisciplinary counseling center, offering psychological services to individuals and families throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As managing partner, he navigated the practice through 15 years of community service. Two years into his counseling practice, he perceived a gap in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse. Alan created Be Free—a revolutionary and comprehensive outpatient program for teens and their families. Under his direction, Be Free grew to 5 offices in 4 cities, and provided services to more than 2,000 people.

To fortify and update his education in psychology, Alan returned to California Lutheran University to earn a master’s degree in Marriage and Family in 1991. His commitment to the efficacy of integrated comprehensive treatment led him to establish the Ludington Institute for Family Enrichment (LIFE). He now specializes in providing services to couples and families.

Alan is a member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, American Psychotherapy Association, as well as several local organizations. He has received honors and awards from California for Drug Free Youth, Rotary International Foundation, Who’s Who Among American Professionals, various school boards, and Ventura County Drug and Alcohol Commission. He has published magazine articles, appeared on local television and radio, and consulted with corporations and major universities in the Los Angeles area. He has also recorded a You Tube series focused on marriage and family management issues.

Alan has been married to Peggy for over four decades. They have two sons, a wonderful daughter in law and an expanding family with grandchildren. He enjoys the outdoors, gardening and fishing in the wilderness.

 

For an appointment or for more information:
Melody@LudingtonInstitute.com
MFC 45646
805-449-4375 ex: 1

Melody Black
M.A., MFT

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Melody’s path to the mental health field began long before she held a clinical title. Born in California and raised in Texas within a large blended family, she learned early how relationships shape us and people adapt, grow, and heal through change. These formative experiences sparked a lifelong curiosity about emotional health and family dynamics.

For more than twenty-five years, Melody has provided therapy services, bringing a steady, grounded presence to her work. While attending Texas A&M University, she began mentoring at-risk adolescents and interning in private therapy practices. She earned her master’s degree in psychology in Santa Barbara.

At the heart of Melody’s work is her passion for helping people create balanced, intentional lives. She is known for creating a therapeutic space that feels both supportive and gently challenging, where clients feel understood, empowered, and capable of lasting growth. In addition to therapy, Melody facilitates support groups and offers workshops and presentations for parents, professionals, and students.

Outside the therapy room, Melody is married to her high school sweetheart and is a devoted mother of two. She is actively involved in school and child-centered activities and values connection, authenticity, and balance in her own life. These values naturally shape her therapeutic approach, helping clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and intention.

For an appointment or for more information:
Trevor@ludingtoninstitute.com
PSY 33494
805-449-4375 ex:11

Trevor Ludington
Psy.D., NRHSP,

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Trevor grew up in Camarillo, CA the youngest of two brothers. His father’s career in mental health imprinted on him the importance of helping others and building relationships. A two-sport high school athlete, Trevor initially pursued a degree in sports medicine and performance at the University of California, Davis. While there, he felt increasingly drawn to the field of psychology.

Trevor went on to complete his Doctorate in Psychology at California Lutheran University. While there, he received intensive family therapy training at LIFE’s Family Lab. He also worked at inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Malibu, CA, helping create and run family programs built on the importance of relational support in recovery. He then completed his pre-doctoral internship at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, specializing in substance abuse treatment and couple’s therapy. Before returning home to California, Trevor moved to Nashville, TN to join the renowned team at Southeast Psych Nashville.

As a member of LIFE, Trevor works with individuals, couples and families. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, and issues that arise in couples and family life. His clinical approach is founded on the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Trevor is certified by National Registry of Health Service Providers.

Trevor and his college sweetheart welcomed their first child to their family in 2021 followed by his brother in 2023. Time with his wife, sons and their dogs is his highest priority. He’s also an avid power lifter and sports fan.

 

For an appointment or for more information:
Ron@LudingtonInstitute.com
MFC 27511
805-449-4375 ex: 4

Ron Sharpshair
M.A., MFT

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Ron Sharpshair learned early the value of family. At age 8, he lost his father to a sudden heart attack. His desire to help his family through the trauma led him to the field of psychology.

From the beginning, Ron worked with families in their most challenging moments. He has managed inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and worked for one of the nation’s largest behavioral health care companies, training and directing thousands of mental health professionals.

Ron left corporate America to return to his passion – helping people heal and improve their lives – and rejoined his dear friend, Alan Ludington.

At LIFE, Ron sees families, couples and individuals. He specializes in trauma, addictions and relationship issues. Drawing upon experience in crisis intervention, critical incident stress debriefing and emergency psychiatric treatment, he helps resolve the most severe issues. His therapeutic tool kit includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), mindfulness, meditation and mind-body integration. Ron also conducts management and employee trainings. He’s sat on advisory boards for mental health wellness resources.

Ron is a father of two adult sons from a previous marriage, the proud grandfather of three granddaughters, and is remarried with two adult stepsons. He and his wife share a deep love of the ocean, often enjoying time on their sailboat. He is an avid scuba diver and past member of the Ventura County Sherriff’s Search and Rescue Team.

For an appointment or for more information:
Julie@LudingtonInstitute.com
MFC 38477
805-449-4375 ex: 5

Julie Tunick-Smith
M.S., MFT

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A 40+ year Conejo Valley resident, Julie Smith always knew she wanted to work with children and teens. She started college as a child development
major, thinking she would teach. However, a class in family relationships changed her course.

A child of divorce herself, she began her own therapy journey and completed a master’s degree in educational psychology and counseling.
Thereafter, she received her early clinical training from Alan Ludington.

Seeking to broaden her knowledge base, Julie became the program manager and administrator for Community Mental Health Services, managing intensive counseling programs for young adults, children and teens with chronic mental illness. Ultimately, Julie found her way back to working with Alan at LIFE.

Julie specializes in treating children and teens facing challenges with school, peer relationships, family dynamics, anxiety and depression, OCD, and spectrum disorders.

As a divorced and re-married parent, Julie understands the struggles facing single parents and blended families while knowing how to tailor parenting techniques to a full spectrum of circumstances while providing parenting therapy where needed.

Julie also has two adult sons. They enjoy baseball, the beach, and spending time outdoors.

For an appointment or for more information:
Jimi@LudingtonInstitute.com
MFC 48271
805-449-4375 ex: 2

Jimi Magner
M.A., MFT

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Born and raised in Southern California, Jimi Magner has dedicated his life to the service of others—as a soldier, a peace officer and now therapist. In these roles, he’s honed his skills helping individuals, couples and families through some of life’s most difficult challenges.

After graduating from the University of Boulder, Jimi returned to California and began his career as a peace officer. During his years in law enforcement, Jimi worked in the violent crimes unit, and as an undercover gang detective in South LA County and as a licensed California Drug Recognition Expert. This experience gives him unique insight into today’s drug and alcohol scene. He offers expert guidance to firefighters, peace officers and trauma workers.

Injured in the line of duty, Jimi retired. He channeled his desire to help into a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Since joining LIFE, Jimi’s clients include individuals, couples and families. He has specialized expertise with couples and mid-life adults. He also is experienced working with combat veterans and with victims and first responders of mass shootings and other traumatic events.

Married over three decades, Jimi and his wife have two very successful adult children. They celebrate in the expansion of their family as it includes grandchildren. The Magner Family enjoys time together camping, mountain biking and surfing.

 

For an appointment or for more information:
Daniel@LudingtonInstitute.com
MFC 94681
805-449-4375 ex: 7

Daniel Veselak
M.A., MFT

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 Daniel Veselak was born and raised in Camarillo and is the eldest of three boys. While studying History and Education at UCLA, Daniel became interested in child and adolescent psychology. He had been working with adolescents throughout high school, as a camp counselor, teaching confidence, organization and leadership. His love for working with young people was further fostered while at UCLA, when he worked in an after-school program for students struggling with behavioral, social and academic issues.

During his Master’s Degree program, Daniel continued working with high school students as a counselor. Later, he also became the Junior Varsity water polo coach at his old high school.

As a member of the LIFE team, Daniel offers therapy to adolescents, young adults, couples and families. He helps young clients struggling with depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, life stresses, and irritability, at home, at school or in social settings. Daniel also runs support groups for teenagers and young adults, as well as presentations and workshops throughout the community.

Daniel is married and the proud father of two school-aged children. He values being an involved and present dad and enjoys spending meaningful time with his family and friends. Outside of his professional work, Daniel enjoys traveling, staying active through sports, and spending time at the beach.

 

For an appointment or for more information:
Sam@LudingtonInstitute.com
LMFT 123012
805-449-4375 ex: 3

Samantha Mavis
M.A., MFT

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By the age of ten, Sam Mavis had been “the new kid” in too many neighborhoods, and was the first person she knew with divorced parents. These dynamics spawned Sam’s interest in storytelling and she began writing about growing up in a chaotic family and performing in plays to entertain others. She landed at TISCH School for the Arts at New York University and for twenty years, she worked as a writer, performer and director on stage and in film. Her intense interest in the human condition ultimately led her to a Master’s Degree in psychology.

Since joining The Ludington Institute in 2018, Sam has worked with adults and couples navigating midlife transitions, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and healing from childhood attachment trauma. She brings a compassionate, body-mind approach to therapy and is an EMDR Trained Therapist. 

Sam lives with her husband and three children in Westlake Village. LIFE is never dull in the Mavis Home.

For an appointment or for more information:
Michelle@LudingtonInstitute.com
LMFT 119787
805-449-4375 ex: 8

Michelle Kelly
M.A., MFT

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Michelle Kelly grew up in the San Fernando Valley. As the youngest of four in a blended family, she learned early on how family dynamics could shape perspective, communication, and connection, a lens that continues to inform her work today.

After graduating college, she explored different paths: working in digital advertising in San Francisco and Boston, and teaching English in Spain. Ultimately, her calling drew her back to psychology. She began by supporting foster families and later worked as a Registered Behavior Technician with children and teens on the autism spectrum. These experiences led her to
pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology, where her research focused on the psychosocial impact on families raising a child with special needs.

Before joining LIFE, Michelle gained additional experience in substance abuse residential treatment and eating disorder outpatient care, working with both adolescents and adults. At LIFE, she supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.

Michelle has a particular passion for supporting women through identity shifts, career and life transitions, new motherhood, burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and relationship struggles.

Outside of her work, Michelle is a mother, wife, avid reader, and craft enthusiast. She recharges through meaningful connection with people, nature, and herself, and has a soft spot for sunrises, the ocean, and towering trees.

For an appointment or for more information:
Annabelle@ludingtoninstitute.com
LMFT 123998
805-449-4375 ex:10

Annabelle Wiviott
M.A., MFT

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Annabelle Wiviott was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Like many, Annabelle grew up in a blended family. Her definition of childhood normalcy consisted of splitting her time equally between her two homes, four parents and five siblings. While at a young age, in therapy, Annabelle became keen at adapting to the distinct norms in each of her homes.

Annabelle’s understanding of the intricate dynamics associated with a blended family system sparked her desire to study Psychology, and support others who have had similar experiences.

While in her Masters program and since graduating, Annabelle worked as a School Counselor in the Las Virgenes Unified School District. She has cultivated a unique understanding of the relationship between social-emotional wellbeing and academics, and the importance of unconditional positive regard.

As a part of the LIFE Team, under Alan Ludington’s supervision, Annabelle offers support to adolescents and adults.

Annabelle’s personal story coupled with her professional experiences have helped shape her. She has the background and passion to help her clients work through challenging moments, in order to identify opportunities for growth and balance.

When not at work, Annabelle enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.