Serifatu is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She joined Onsite’s team as a Clinical Specialist, bringing with her over 10 years in the mental health field. She received a Bachelor’s of Health Sciences and Community Health Education from California State University of Long Beach, and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary.
Prior to working in mental health, Serifatu spent 20 years within the public health sector. She held various roles aimed at educating and empowering children, teens, and families. Previously, she led a coalition focused on child and teen injury prevention, and assisted the Center for Disease Control in studying the impact of a teen mother’s support network on her decisions around infant safety. As a Technical Trainer and Health Educator, she was regularly featured on television, radio, and at conferences. She also worked as a Foster Parent Trainer, supporting prospective adoptive and foster parents in developing the skills necessary to care for children who have experienced trauma.
Throughout her time in public health, she noticed the profound impact of trauma, mental health, and addiction on community members, and felt called to bring her skills into clinical work. For the past 10 years, Serifatu has held therapeutic roles supporting individuals and families. Her previous experience continues to inform her clinical practice through her consideration of the physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being and her ability to help instill and affirm skills necessary to create sustainable change. She also continues to carry with her the understanding of how trauma can influence health and behavior, and the importance of a supportive community.
Serifatu leans on experiential modalities and a client-centered, holistic, and compassionate approach to healing. She brings her wealth of training and creativity to help individuals challenge old stories, amplify moments of resilience, and reimagine their future.