Licensed Psychologist/Owner (Not Currently Accepting New Patients)

Dr. Maricela Smith is a bilingual (English and Spanish) licensed psychologist in Arizona and Utah. She earned both her Psy.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus. Dr. Smith completed her pre-doctoral internship at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services – Metro Clinic and her post-doctoral training in outpatient psychotherapy and clinical services at COPA Health – Gateway Clinic.

Dr. Smith specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, as well as those from the general mental health population. She is a strong advocate for a strengths-based approach to therapy, emphasizing resilience, empowerment, and holistic well-being.

Dr. Smith currently serves on the board of the Arizona Psychological Foundation and is an active member of the Arizona Psychological Association (AzPA). Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts.

Practicum Student (Not Currently Accepting New Patients)

Beza Bekele is a Psy.D. student in Clinical Psychology and an aspiring clinical psychologist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Humanities in Medicine and Sociology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and completed her prior education both in the US and abroad.

Her prior clinical training has included conducting neuropsychological evaluations for adult and geriatric populations as well as co-facilitating outpatient group therapy addressing intergenerational trauma, climate-related distress, and global violence. She has also provided psychotherapy in a private practice setting, supporting clients with depression, anxiety, substance use, and identity-related concerns. She is currently providing therapy under the training of Dr. Smith at Twin Hills Psychological Services. Her clinical work draws on integrative approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the biopsychosocial model, integrating physical, mental, and environmental factors to support overall well-being. She believes in the importance of multicultural competence and cultural humility while honoring each client’s identity and lived experience as essential to effective treatment. Her areas of clinical interest include supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, grief, trauma, family-of-origin concerns, identity development, sexuality (LGBTQ+ affirming), and life transitions. She also has a special focus on working with multicultural individuals and families addressing culture clashes and intergenerational trauma, within BIPOC populations including as immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking people.

Outside of her clinical work, Beza enjoys staying active through yoga and pickleball, cooking, and spending time with loved ones and dogs.

Practicum Student (Currently Accepting New Patients)

Parmis is currently pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Northern Arizona University’s North Valley Campus. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and is bilingual in English and Farsi..

Parmis is currently training under Dr. Smith at Twin Hills Psychological Services, where she provides therapy. She has previous experience working in the emergency department alongside physicians in crisis situations, working with children in a residential facility, and working in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry.

Parmis applies Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) in her work with patients. Her clinical interests include working with children and young adults, neuropsychological cases, general mental health, and the medical aspects of psychology. 

Outside of her professional life, Parmis enjoys cuddling with her cat, spending time with loved ones, painting, and exercising.

Practicum Student (Currently Accepting New Patients)

Leah Kahldon is a Psy.D. student in Clinical Psychology and an emerging clinical psychologist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University.

Leah’s prior clinical training has included administering cognitive and academic assessments for children and adolescents in school settings, as well as providing psychotherapy in an integrated healthcare setting for adults with chronic medical conditions experiencing homelessness. She has experience supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorder (SLD), autism, and stress-related difficulties. She is currently providing therapy under the training of Dr. Smith at Twin Hills Psychological Services.

Leah’s clinical work is informed by an integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the biopsychosocial model, recognizing the interconnected roles of physical, emotional, and environmental factors in overall well-being. She values working with diverse populations and strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel respected and understood. Her areas of clinical interest include anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, self-esteem concerns, medical conditions, ADHD, interpersonal challenges, and life transitions.

Outside of her clinical work, Leah enjoys cycling, hiking, baking, and spending time with her cat.