Meet The Team

Our Founder & CEO

Anna Mogilevski

Anna Mogilevski’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion and transformation. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Psychology, Anna embarked on a remarkable path that seamlessly blended her passion for justice with her innate empathy for others.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to advocate for those in need, Anna transitioned into the legal field, where she specialized in defending clients in criminal cases. Her commitment to justice led her to an unexpected yet profoundly impactful role: representing foster children in Dependency Court. It was during this time that Anna’s perspective shifted, as she bore witness to the profound impact of childhood traumas on individuals and families.
Inspired by her experiences and fueled by a newfound sense of compassion, Anna resolved to pursue a different path—one centered around healing and empowerment. Recognizing the transformative power of therapy, she embarked on a mission to help people overcome their childhood traumas and reclaim their lives.
In pursuit of this vision, Anna founded Kesem Therapy—a sanctuary for healing and personal growth. At Kesem, Anna’s holistic approach aims not only to heal wounds but also to inspire individuals to become the best versions of themselves. With a firm belief in the inherent potential within each person, Anna strives to foster a sense of motivation and resilience, empowering her clients to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and fulfillment.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Anna is a passionate advocate for animals and plant-based living. Her love for animals extends beyond mere advocacy, as she actively supports local shelters and promotes adoption initiatives. For Anna, helping others is not just a profession—it’s a way of life. Through Kesem Therapy, she channels her boundless compassion and unwavering dedication into a vehicle for positive change, touching the lives of countless individuals and their loved ones. Anna does personal coaching, holds journaling group sessions and is a Neurographica Specialist, working with your subconscious mind through drawings to create new neural pathways.
Anna Mogilevski’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of empathy, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the human spirit. Through her work and advocacy, she continues to inspire others to embrace healing, growth, and the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
I believe you can discover the root of your struggles and be able to lead a life you deserve. Life could be challenging and my goal is to help you manage these challenges and emotions, to create healthy changes in your life. Although looking for help could feel embarrassing or intimidating, it is the best step you could take today. You will feel much better after our session, you will feel understood and hopeful to say the least. I am here to help you begin to finding your true self, and helping you see and decide what needs to be appreciated and what needs to be changed in your life, to make your life more enjoyable and healthy.
I am passionate about working with adults, couples and families who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or any challenges or transitional periods. I have personally witnessed many people, who have been affected by trauma, work through their experiences to create meaning and hope for their futures. Adults who work through trauma are better equipped for success.
I enjoy daily exercise even if it means to take a 20 minute walk and breathe fresh air. I spend quality time with my family, dogs, and close friends to decompress and prioritize various types of self-care. I love to travel, explore different towns and cities of our world, and continue to try to fill my brain with new sites and information. I believe in constantly refreshing our energy; traveling and exercising allow me to not only re-energize but also help break my daily routine and take time for myself so that I could be the best version of myself for others.

Education

As an ex-competitive athlete, my life has always revolved around sports and physical wellness. I received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Sports Studies from California State University, Northridge. I continued my education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Exercise Science at California State University, Los Angeles.
I went on to attain a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology: with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Currently, as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, I value my work as a mental health professional and a professor because I get to live my purpose each day; teach and hold space for others.

Our Director

Loree Cohen, LCSW

Loree Cohen, a licensed clinical social worker, brings over 25 years of invaluable experience in the mental health field. Her journey is characterized by a deep understanding of human struggles and a commitment to transformative healing.
Graduating with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the esteemed University of Southern California, Loree went on to further her expertise by completing a rigorous certification program in human sexuality at UCLA. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for her multifaceted career.
Throughout her professional journey, Loree has held diverse roles, showcasing her versatility and dedication. From serving as a Clinical Director at a prominent psychiatric facility to pioneering outpatient drug and alcohol programs, she has demonstrated a knack for innovation and compassionate care.
Loree’s approach is characterized by a blend of knowledge, experience, humor, and creativity. She is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of addiction, abuse, depression, and anxiety, fostering a safe and empowering environment for healing.
Driven by her passion for education and transformation, Loree is thrilled to collaborate with her esteemed colleagues at Kesem Therapy in their shared mission to facilitate positive life changes in people’s lives and underscores her invaluable contributions to the field of mental health.

Our Therapists

Carolena Sarkisian

You’re probably feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from the world around you. You might be tired of waking up and doing the same exact routine every single day. It could be that you are burned out from working long hours or having a very stressful job. Maybe your partner is not being supportive of how you feel, and maybe he or she is not even noticing your struggles, or simply is not interested in hearing you “complain again.” You might be feeling like giving up, because you are dealing with depression that leaves you running on empty.
I believe you can discover the root of your struggles and be able to lead a life you deserve. Life could be challenging and my goal is to help you manage these challenges and emotions, to create healthy changes in your life. Although looking for help could feel embarrassing or intimidating, it is the best step you could take today. You will feel much better after our session, you will feel understood and hopeful to say the least. I am here to help you begin to finding your true self, and helping you see and decide what needs to be appreciated and what needs to be changed in your life, to make your life more enjoyable and healthy.
I am passionate about working with adults, couples and families who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or any challenges or transitional periods. I have personally witnessed many people, who have been affected by trauma, work through their experiences to create meaning and hope for their futures. Adults who work through trauma are better equipped for success.
I enjoy daily exercise even if it means to take a 20 minute walk and breathe fresh air. I spend quality time with my family, dogs, and close friends to decompress and prioritize various types of self-care. I love to travel, explore different towns and cities of our world, and continue to try to fill my brain with new sites and information. I believe in constantly refreshing our energy; traveling and exercising allow me to not only re-energize but also help break my daily routine and take time for myself so that I could be the best version of myself for others.

Education

As an ex-competitive athlete, my life has always revolved around sports and physical wellness. I received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Sports Studies from California State University, Northridge. I continued my education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Exercise Science at California State University, Los Angeles.
I went on to attain a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology: with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Currently, as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, I value my work as a mental health professional and a professor because I get to live my purpose each day; teach and hold space for others.

Michael Pitts

You are feeling a lot of pressure in your daily life, from your career, your family or yourself. You are a high achiever, and always trying to please people. You push yourself to be the best to the point of mental exhaustion. At the end of the day, you have no energy for anything but Netflix until you go to sleep and wake up to the same regiment all over again. On the weekends, you don’t want to see anyone, but yet you feel lonely. Michael helps you unfold all of these scenarios and more.
The decision to go to therapy is a huge step towards giving yourself the tools that will make your life more valuable, more pleasing and purposeful. At your therapy session, you could explore what your needs are in your job, relationships or your life.
Michael Pitts’ dedication to the field of mental health stems from personal experience which allows him to naturally connect with clients in a meaningful way. His ambition to consistently increase knowledge of mental health has led him to marriage family therapy. Michael also specializes in addiction and trauma.
In addition to therapy, Mr. Pitts enjoys his time with wife and dog on the weekends. He finds joy in hiking and cooking.
Michael obtained his Master’s in Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy at Brandman University.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Codependency, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Expats, Military and Veterans Issues, Sex Addiction

Our Therapist

Michael Pitts

You are feeling a lot of pressure in your daily life, from your career, your family or yourself. You are a high achiever, and always trying to please people. You push yourself to be the best to the point of mental exhaustion. At the end of the day, you have no energy for anything but Netflix until you go to sleep and wake up to the same regiment all over again. On the weekends, you don’t want to see anyone, but yet you feel lonely. Michael helps you unfold all of these scenarios and more.
The decision to go to therapy is a huge step towards giving yourself the tools that will make your life more valuable, more pleasing and purposeful. At your therapy session, you could explore what your needs are in your job, relationships or your life.
Michael Pitts’ dedication to the field of mental health stems from personal experience which allows him to naturally connect with clients in a meaningful way. His ambition to consistently increase knowledge of mental health has led him to marriage family therapy. Michael also specializes in addiction and trauma.
In addition to therapy, Mr. Pitts enjoys his time with wife and dog on the weekends. He finds joy in hiking and cooking.
Michael obtained his Master’s in Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy at Brandman University.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Codependency, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Expats, Military and Veterans Issues, Sex Addiction

Anna Mogilevski

The word Kesem [Kéh-sem] comes from Hebrew, and it means “magic.” Magic that we used to believe in, and it would bring a lot of joy and excitement into our lives, when we were kids!

At Kesem, we help people uncover their own magic in their day to day life. In other words, the mission of Kesem is to help people unlock their full potential.

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re feeling somewhat lost, stressed, overwhelmed, sad, confused, anxious or just tired…

…you feel disconnected from yourself and your relationships…
…unsure about your career and your future…
…wondering if you’re a good partner, friend, parent…
…running out of ideas about how to help yourself…
…tired of waiting for something to happen to change your life…
…but deep inside you know you were meant to do great things…
…you want to fill in some type of void, and find out why you even feel this way…

Then, you are ready to take this small step that will transform your life.

Loree Cohen, LCSW

Loree Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker that has extensive experience in the field of mental health and an innate understanding of addiction as well as individuals with co-occurring disorders. With over 25 years in the field she utilizes her knowledge, experience, humor, and creativity to help those suffering from addiction, abuse, depression, and anxiety.

Loree received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the prestigious University of Southern California and subsequently completed a rigorous certification program in human sexuality at UCLA. She has worked in a variety of capacities ranging from Clinical Director for a large psychiatric facility, to the development of out patient drug and alcohol programs as well as adult day health care programs for the geriatric population.

Loree’s passion to educate and assist with life change remains strong and she is excited about joining her two respected colleagues in their endeavor to provide a comprehensive out patient program for adults struggling with addiction.

Take the first step, and contact us. Become part of the Kesem family.

Therapies We Offer: Trauma, Anxiety, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic Therapy.  

Issues We Treat: Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Panic Disorder, Mood disorders and Addictions. 

How to Get Started: Email us or call us directly.