Staff

Thuy Bui, PhD
Executive Director

Dr. Bui is a licensed mental health professional specializing in the early child development, developmental psychology, trauma and addictions, and sexuality of children, adolescents and adults. She has had over 20 years of experience working as the executive and creative director of several preschool and school-aged child care centers and enrichment programs. Her clinical experience includes working as a mental health professional at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Women’s and Children’s hospital at LAC/USC Hospital,  The Department of Children and Family Services Child Sexual Abuse Program, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica emergency room and Del Amo Hospital’s inpatient psychiatric child/adolescent/adult  programs. She was a supervising trainer at the Child Protection Hotline and a consultant within the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Dr. Bui received her research training at the UCLA Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology. She conducts research in the area of understanding the trajectory of long term mental health issues in children and adolescents. She is a co-author in the APA publication, Culturally Informed Stress Assessments for Hispanics. In K. Guisinger (Ed.), Psychological Testing of Hispanics: Clinical and Intellectual Issues. Dr. Bui has studied Interpersonal Neurobiology for many years with Dr. Dan Siegel and integrates The Whole Brain Child and Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain into her parenting classes and work with children and adolescents.  Her clinical practice focuses on the treatment of early developmental attachment trauma and addiction issues in children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Bui was trained at the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center (MARC) in mindfulness practices. She integrates mindfulness cognitive behavioral therapy, Jungian depth psychology, somatic experiencing and animal assisted therapy in her private practice. Dr. Bui has a passion for creating strong communities, empowering individuals, and strengthening families. Mindful Heart Kids was created to help foster mindful awareness through the life span and promote a more loving and compassionate society. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Mindful Heart Kids.

Casey Strenski, MA
Clinical Program Director & Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Casey holds a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She received her practicum at Exodus Psychiatric Hospital and internship training at Well Baby Center. Casey has worked extensively with infant, children and adolescents ages 0-17 struggling with a variety of mental health issues. She specializes in childhood depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, anger management, behavioral issues, and low self-esteem. Casey is passionate about collaborating with parents, teachers, school administrators, and psychologists in order to provide comprehensive care to the children under her care. Casey enjoys developing fun and creative therapeutic interventions using her clinical skills and background in art. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theater from Loyola Chicago. At Mindful Heart Kids, she works to empower children, adolescents, and young adults to build emotional resilience and discover their own voice. Her love of children and her commitment to their holistic well-being is what inspires her current work. Casey is the Clinical Program Director and Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist at Mindful Heart Kids.

Giselle Enriquez, BA
Lead Enrichment Teacher

Giselle has experience with children for the past 8 years in a variety of settings–from providing counseling at summer camps, private certified preschool programs, assisting children with intellectual disabilities, and working as a nanny. In years past, Giselle worked to help  promote positive life skills and emotional development in young children while pursuing her certification as an early childhood education specialist. With her enthusiastic, calm and compassionate spirit, she hopes to educate and influence “the whole child” as they enter their school-age years and beyond. Children love her warmth and ability to connect with them on their level. Giselle is the Lead Enrichment Teacher at Mindful Heart Kids.

Keiki the Canine

Keiki, our canine clinician is a purebred golden retriever therapy dog. She received her basic and intermediate obedience training from Sirius Academy where she graduated with honors. She is the recipient of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program award for having good manners and a wonderful temperament. Her theoretical orientation is “pawsitive psychology” and she works well with children of all ages.

Kaira the Horse

Kaira is our purebred Irish Connemara horse. Standing at 15 hands, she is the perfect companion. Her calm nature and warm disposition promotes trust and safety. She received her “premium mare” status from the American Connemara Pony Society and has a very good temperament and conformation. She utilizes EAGALA methods to support the mental health and personal development of young children and adolescents.

Pepper the Guinea Pig

Pepper is our Abyssinian guinea pig with an exceptionally gentle and friendly nature. She enjoys teaching empathy towards living things, how to read body language, and self-control. She is excellent at offering calming tactile therapy with children of all ages.