Ana Yesenia Lainez, LCSW, is a board-certified psychotherapist and clinical social worker based in Palmdale, California. Fluent in English and Spanish, she supports individuals and families navigating emotional, relational, and medical challenges. With over nine years of experience, Ana works with children, adolescents, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and major life transitions. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based, helping clients build practical tools for healing and growth.

Ana earned her Master’s degree from UCLA and integrates evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and solution-focused strategies. As someone with diastrophic dysplasia, Ana brings personal insight to her work and is passionate about supporting individuals and families affected by skeletal dysplasia. She has been involved with Little People of America for over 18 years, providing mentorship, education, and community support.

Anthony Stevens, LLMSW, is a licensed clinical therapist with advanced training in perinatal mental health, based in Southeast Michigan. He received his Master's in social work from Eastern Michigan University and has worked as a mental health therapist for the last 4 years. Anthony has also served for 25 years in the bleeding disorder community and served as the social worker for Camp Ellellbee in 2025.

As a therapist, Anthony works with adults, teens, children, and couples, with a focus on grief, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and relationships. Anthony looks forward to working with parents and families in navigating life as average height parents raising children with skeletal dysplasia, as well as those living with skeletal dysplasia themselves. With a focus on identifying cognitive distortions and the initial thoughts that arise from them, Anthony will provide a non-judgmental space for folks to explore their thoughts and feelings.

Bri Beck, LCPC, ATR-BC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified art therapist based in Chicago, Illinois. In her private practice, she works with teens and adults navigating disability, chronic illness, and rare conditions, with a focus on grief, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and relationships. Bri is especially passionate about supporting emerging adults with disabilities as they navigate life transitions, social stressors, career development, and dating. 

As someone living with pseudoachondroplasia, she brings both personal and professional insight into the experiences of skeletal dysplasia. Her approach is person-centered, relational, and grounded in warmth and compassion, helping clients process complex challenges in a supportive environment. Bri serves on the Board of Directors for the Little Legs Big Heart foundation and is a staff member at Camp Ellellbee. She is also an active disability advocate, providing education and consultation to better support individuals living with lifelong conditions.

If you’d like to learn even more about Bri and her work, you can visit www.bribeckcounseling.com

Pamela Matzner, M.Ed, is a counselor, higher education leader, and coach supporting individuals and families navigating life with skeletal dysplasia. Living with pseudoachondroplasia herself and as a mother of two sons with the same condition, Pam brings both personal and professional insight into the medical, educational, and emotional challenges families face.

She specializes in coaching families through high-stress moments, including medical decision-making, surgical planning, school advocacy, and transitions to college. Her approach is grounded in empathy, lived experience, and practical strategies that help families feel informed and empowered.

Pam has nearly 30 years of experience in counseling, advising, and student development. She serves as Director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Stony Brook University, leading initiatives focused on student success, access, and retention. She holds a Master’s in Counseling from Long Island University and is a recognized speaker on student advocacy, educational transitions, and supporting families navigating skeletal dysplasia.