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Meet Our Dedicated Team

Get to know the dedicated and compassionate clinical professionals at Arise Hillside.

Our experienced team brings expertise, empathy, and a deep commitment to individualized care. Together, they create a supportive environment focused on healing, growth, and lasting change.

Syuzanna Shirinyan, LCSW

Founder and Clinical Director

Syuzanna is the Founder and Clinical Director of Arise Hillside Treatment Center. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#110363) with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work—specializing in cognition and innovation—from the University of Southern California.

With extensive clinical expertise and a diverse background across multiple treatment settings, Syuzanna brings a deep understanding of the resources and support available to individuals facing mental health challenges. Her work is grounded in both direct care and systemic advocacy, allowing her to make meaningful, lasting impacts at both the individual and community levels.

Syuzanna is widely recognized for her empathetic and individualized approach, offering compassionate guidance through life’s most complex challenges. A forward-thinking leader and dedicated advocate for primary mental health care, she remains committed to promoting healing, resilience, and long-term well-being for every person she serves.

Dr. Meher Irani, MD

Psychiatrist

Dr. Meher Irani was born in Buffalo, NY, and raised in Mumbai, India. She returned to the U.S. for her education, earning her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University in Massachusetts before attending St. George's University for medical school. Dr. Irani completed her general psychiatry residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York and is currently pursuing a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Loma Linda University.

Passionate about treating mental illness across the lifespan, Dr. Irani's areas of interest within psychiatry include early intervention, ADHD, severe mental illness, first-episode psychosis, and acute crisis stabilization. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys health and wellness activities, spending quality time with family, traveling, and nurturing her plants.

David Schwartz, MS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

David Schwartz, MS, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#87261) with extensive experience leading hundreds of group therapy sessions across various modalities. He is dedicated to helping individuals understand their motivations and triggers, empowering them to become less reactive in their daily lives. David believes that by identifying the root causes of adverse reactions, individuals can make informed choices that lead to more positive outcomes.

With a strong background as a Clinical Director for two Residential Treatment Centers, David combines his clinical expertise with a passion for writing. He has contributed to the anthology Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs and maintains a blog on the Psychology Today website. Additionally, he is the author of two books: Relationship Held Captive: Free Yourself for True Intimacy and Your Career, Your Rules. David's multifaceted approach reflects his commitment to fostering personal growth and healthier relationships.

Maria Guerrero, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker

Maria Guerrero is a bilingual Associate Clinical Social Worker (#133330) who provides evidence-based, trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and a collaborative, strengths-based approach.

Maria supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, and life transitions. She tailors treatment to each individual’s developmental, cultural, and emotional needs, creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space. Her goal is to help clients build practical coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Joelle Lienart, BA

Outreach Coordinator

Joelle Lienart holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Justice Studies with a minor in Sociology. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she brings compassion, empathy, and a strong commitment to supporting individuals through life’s challenges.

With hands-on experience in residential treatment, Joelle has developed a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and the importance of building trusting relationships to foster personal growth. This work has inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on forensic psychology, where she aims to bridge the gap between the criminal justice system and mental health services.

Joelle is driven by a belief in her clients’ potential to thrive. She empowers those she serves to explore their futures, set meaningful goals, and achieve long-term well-being.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Joelle enjoys reading, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Jenna Rose, MPNLP

Sound Bath Healer & Yoga Instructor

Jenna Rose is a certified Master NLP and Hypnotherapy practitioner, yoga teacher, and intuitive trauma healing guide dedicated to helping individuals uncover their authentic selves and experience genuine joy. With a deep commitment to parts work, inner child healing, and intuitive movement, Jenna fosters harmony between the heart and mind.

Through parts work, subconscious reprogramming, and intuitive movement, Jenna offers a holistic approach to personal growth and spiritual alignment, empowering individuals to embrace their true essence and thrive.