Therapy Team
Nicole Dhamnaskar
Owner and Clinical Supervisor
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a relationship-centered and strength-based approach to Empower Youth Therapy. I create a non-judgmental space where young people can work through resistance, reactivity, and emotional challenges. I believe parents know their children best, and I partner closely with families and schools to develop individualized, developmentally appropriate plans that support both emotional and academic well-being.
My passion for this work began with my own struggles as a teen, which inspired me to pursue the education and training needed to support youth facing similar challenges. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in social work from San Jose State University, along with a PPSC school counseling credential. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2012 and have worked in both community and K–12 school settings. Today, as the owner and clinical supervisor of Empower Youth Therapy, I guide our team of clinicians and ensure that every family receives compassionate, evidence-informed care.
Sonia Muniz
Associate Clinician
As an associate clinician at Empower Youth Therapy, Sonia brings a strong foundation in youth and family mental health along with a warm, strengths-based approach. She creates a safe and welcoming environment where children and teens feel supported as they work through emotional, behavioral, and school-related challenges. Her background also includes experience in ABA therapy, which enhances her ability to understand behavior patterns and support families with practical, effective strategies. She is dedicated to partnering with families to help young people feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Before joining our team, Sonia gained valuable experience across several respected community and clinical settings. Her past roles include providing counseling and behavioral support at Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, Aspiranet, and AEGIS Pinnacle Treatment Center, where she offered individual counseling, crisis intervention, and collaborative care for youth and their caregivers. She has also facilitated group services through her work at Victor, further strengthening her skills in connection-building and therapeutic support.
Today, Sonia brings all of this experience to Empower Youth Therapy, where she is committed to helping young people grow, heal, and thrive.